Despite its small size, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of things to do in North Jersey, Central Jersey (assuming you believe it’s a place), and South Jersey throughout the year – all within a short drive of each other.

For sports teams and young people, there is almost no limit to the way to stay entertained. From historic landmarks to incredible education centers, and its world-famous boardwalks, New Jersey has a lot to offer everyone. People looking to have fun or maybe even learn something can all find something in the Garden State. You’ll have your pick of the litter of hotels because New Jersey is full of them.

Even though the state is small, not everything is so easy to find, which is why we’ve done the legwork of finding some of the best team-friendly things to do when in New Jersey – organized by region.

North Jersey

Liberty Science Center – Jersey City, NJ

One of New Jersey’s most celebrated interactive learning centers, the Liberty Science Center encourages bringing the fun of science and technology to people of all ages.

Located at Liberty State Park on the outskirts of Jersey City across the water from the Statue of Liberty, the 300,000 square-foot Liberty Science Center (“LSC”) is a favorite for people of all ages and interests.

Extensive exhibits on everything from animals to electricity to anatomy to outer space are located at the LSC.

Among the many tools for fun at the LSC’s disposal are 12 exhibition halls, a live animal collection of over 100 species, massive aquariums, a 3D theater, the world’s largest IMAX Dome theater, a tornado simulator, and even simulcast surgeries.

Over 650,000 people visit the LSC every year, with many more using the Center’s off-site and online programs to supplement their learning.

The LSC has also served as one of the recent homes of the critically claimed Bodies Revealed exhibit – one of the most stunning displays of the human body through actual cadavers that were pulled apart.

For kids not afraid of the dark, the Touch Tunnel is a popular attraction that lets visitors try to navigate their way through a pitch-black tunnel using nothing but the walls to guide them through.

The Liberty Science Center ultimately serves as one of the best options for young people hoping to experience fun activities in an educational setting. 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305

 

NY Red Bulls soccer – Harrison, NJ

Formerly known as the NY/NJ Metrostars, the New York Red Bulls were acquired by energy drink manufacturer Red Bull GmbH in 2005, and have since risen from below-average to one of the most exciting soccer teams in North America.

Since the team moved into the state of the art Red Bull Arena in Harrison back in 2010, the Red Bulls have had a constant presence in the Major League Soccer title picture. They have made the playoffs in seven straight seasons and have four regular season conference titles during that span.

And for fans who find soccer boring because of the lack of scoring, they will be happy to hear that the Red Bulls have led MLS in goals scored in two of the last four seasons, while hosting the leading individual goal-scorer in two of the last three.

Many of the most iconic figures to ever play for the U.S. men’s national soccer team have played for the Red Bulls at one point or another: Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Tim Howard, Claudio Reyna, Alexi Lalas, and Sacha Kljestan – as well as some international legends like Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez.

Like all sporting events, the New York Red Bulls offer that thrilling, competitive atmosphere – and at a very reasonable price compared to most other sports in New Jersey. 600 Cape May St, Harrison, NJ 07029

 

Delaware River Tubing – Milford, NJ

Since 2002, Delaware River Tubing Inc. has been the marquee company for hosting inflatable tubing trips down the Delaware River during the summer.

Once a small business with just black inner tubes and vans to lead the trips, Delaware River Tubing now holds nearly 2,000 tubes of all shapes and sizes, about 100 rafts along with canoes and kayaks for people to make a fun little trip down the river, from the Frenchtown Roller Rink to the exit several miles downstream.

Food won’t cost extra as the price of admission includes a free BBQ meal down the river that guests can simply float to and grab some food from the vendor.

Other free services provided with the cost of admission include a shuttle service to and from the river, a key check for protecting car and house keys, paddles, life jackets, knee pads, and facilities.

For fun on the water,  few things combine the relaxing effect tubing down the Delaware has over the span of just a few hours. 778 Frenchtown Rd, Milford, NJ 08848

 

Alstede Farms – Chester, NJ

New Jersey is called the Garden State for a reason. Despite its small size, the state has an impressive number of considerably-sized farms spread across the state. Among the many farms that also serve as attractions for visitors are the Alstede Farms in Chester.

The family-owned farm, run by the Alstede Family for over 30 years, is one of the state’s most popular attractions for picking fruits and vegetables – which have all been grown organically as certified by the USDA.

Guests are invited to enjoy the fresh produce, visit the farm animals and otherwise enjoy a relaxing time in an all-natural environment.

Teams looking for another way to relax in nature will find Alstede Farms to be just what the doctor ordered. 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester Township, NJ 07930

 

Splashplex – East Hanover, NJ

People looking for a fun water park in North Jersey will find Splashplex at The Funplex in East Hanover to be right up their alley.

The Splashplex Waterpark features two “Speed Slides,” a Constrictor Tube Slide, an Inner Flume Tube Slide, two large body slides, a lazy river the length of two football fields, a waterfall pool, splash pad, and an interactive pool.

In between rides, guests can enjoy the many dry attractions such as the Boardwalk Games with Balloon Busts, Hot Shot basketball, and water gun games.

Between August and September, nearly every weekend is a themed day with music, new interactive activities, and giveaways.

At the Splashplex Café, guests can get a wide variety of food, drink and dessert options – and for a reasonable price compared to major theme parks that charge in the double-digits for a single food item.

For a more relaxing experience, guests are invited to check out The Cabanas for a resort-like experience with seating, roof shade, and food & beverages served at the tent. The Cabanas also include a TV, lounge chairs, WiFi, and a refrigerator among other services.

Water parks are always an appealing destination during the summer and Splashplex offers just about everything a young person would want. 182 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936

 

Central Jersey

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari – Jackson, NJ

The premier amusement park in New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari is one of the biggest parks in the entire country, and has built itself into one of the best in the world to boot.

The park hosts dozens of Warner Bros., Looney Tunes, and DC Comics themed attractions, as well as a safari adventure, Houdini-themed funhouse, imitation boardwalk, and many other kid-friendly themes.

Since 2005, Six Flags Great Adventure has also written itself into the record books with the completion and opening of Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster, and then with Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, the world’s tallest drop ride. Those two along with such popular rides as Superman: Ultimate Flight, Nitro, Bizarro, and El Toro have made Six Flags a must-visit not only for local residents, but for adrenaline seekers across the world.

When the weather gets warm enough, a trip to the nearby water park – Hurricane Harbor – can replace or even supplement a trip to Six Flags with a short drive down the block from the park entrance.

In 2012, Six Flags Great Adventure combined its amusement park with the adjacent Wild Safari animal park to form the “Great Adventure and Safari” park – making it the second-largest theme park in the world after Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

As one of the world’s premier amusement parks, Six Flags is almost a must-see for any young person who loves a good thrill. 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ 08527

 

Washington Crossing State Park – Titusville, NJ

Washington Crossing State Park is the location of one of the first major turning points in the Revolutionary War: The landing site of Continental Army General George Washington’s famous Delaware River crossing on December 25, 1776.

Supplies and morale in the Continental Army were low following a bitter retreat from New York into Pennsylvania, forcing Washington to lead the army in a daring crossing of the Delaware River to the spot commonly known as Johnson’s Ferry in preparation for an assault on Trenton, where a contingent of mercenary Hessian troops was holed up for Christmas.

After a rough crossing of an icy Delaware River on the morning of December 26, 1776, Washington led a march towards Trenton where his troops quickly overwhelmed the forces there – providing Washington with one of the first major victories of the war, and one that would precede several more big victories and avert a major desertion crisis.

The park features several significant locations, including the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum – a gallery of the “Ten Crucial Days” of the Revolutionary War from December 25, 1776 through January 3, 1777 which included the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton several days later.

Also at the site is the Johnson Ferry House, an 18^th-century farmhouse which is believed to be Washington’s temporary lodgings leading up to the fateful Delaware crossing, and the Swan Historical Foundation Collection – a “living military history laboratory” of the Revolutionary War, featuring hundreds of artifacts from the 18^th century conflict.

History buffs will enjoy the peaceful, yet significant location that is so important and so well-preserved. 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560

 

Trenton Thunder minor league baseball – Trenton, NJ

The Double-A minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees, the Trenton Thunder are one of the best attended minor league baseball teams in the country.

With its close proximity to the Philadelphia metro area and its short distance from nearly every major city in New Jersey, Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton has no difficulty finding fans to fill the 6,440 seats.

In 2006, the Trenton Thunder became the first Double-A team in minor league baseball to draw over 400,000 fans per year in 12 consecutive seasons.

A number of top-level MLB talents have gotten their big break with the Thunder, most notably Kevin Youkilis, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, and Joba Chamberlain. Perhaps the next great major league player will be wearing playing for the Thunder this season.

Trenton has also served as a rehab venue for some of the Yankees star players trying to get back into form. Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Bernie Williams, and Alex Rodriguez have all made cameos for the Thunder ball club in the twilight of their careers.

The Trenton Thunder can offer your team an inexpensive experience with a chance at seeing what it is like to develop in the lower leagues. 1 Thunder Rd, Trenton, NJ 08611

 

Somerset Patriots minor league baseball – Bridgewater, NJ

Unlike the Trenton Thunder, the Somerset Patriots are not affiliated with any Major League Baseball teams and instead play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball – an independent league.

The Patriots have been very successful since their founding in 1997, winning 11 division championships and six league titles. In that time, they have also had 14 winning seasons while compiling nearly 1,300 wins.

TD Bank Ballpark, the home of the Patriots, can seat 6,100 fans and up to 8,500 people with standing room. They annually average over 5,200 fans per game and 360,000 fans per season.

Much like the Thunder, the Somerset Patriots give young fans a chance to see what sports are like outside of the major leagues. 860 E Main St, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

 

Laser Tag at Branchburg Sports Complex – Branchburg, NJ

Looking to challenge your friends in a friendly game of indoor laser tag? Located at the Branchburg Sports Complex is the state of the art Laser Tag arena. The 9,000 square foot arena has four floors and can host as many as 80 competitors at a single time, making it ideal for parties, private events, rentals, or even drop-in events.

And, in the event you are waiting a long time before your laser tag event starts, the Sports Complex hosts an extensive arcade with over a dozen games for winning tickets and claiming prizes.

Younger kids can enjoy the BSC Playmaze – a multi-level playpen with a combination of over 80 slides, tunnels, bridges, and other play areas.

Teams can enjoy a fun day of laser tag for a very affordable price at Branchburg Sports Complex. 47 Readington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876

 

South Jersey

Cape May County Zoo – Cape May, NJ

Though known more for its beaches than its wildlife, the Cape May County Park & Zoo offers a chance to view over 30 different animal species. Yes, that’s right, an awesome zoo in New Jersey of all places!

From lions to bison to camels to owls, there are plenty of animals to see at the 200 acre park, which is equipped with naturally forested areas, walking paths, fishing ponds, picnic areas, and even bike paths.

The park also includes several additional locations: County Park East, Park North, and Park South.

Park East is a small, 16-acre park with tennis courts, a baseball field, and basketball courts, as well as a boardwalk which travels over the nearby fishing ponds.

In the Park North resides the Richard M. Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary, a small collection of different habitats for wildlife to come and go as they please throughout the year.

At the Park South is the Fishing Creek Wildlife Preserve, the largest of the parks with 1,700 acres of mostly wetlands that provide a habitat for plant and animal life. The developed portion of the park includes a soccer field, basketball courts, BBQ grills, picnic area, and a playground for kids.

Parking and admission to the park are free, but many of the activities require paid tokens. Buses and vans require paid parking too.

Don’t miss your chance to see some cool animals at Cape May County Zoo. 707 U.S. 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

 

Sahara Sam’s Oasis – West Berlin, NJ

A temperature-controlled indoor water park in South Jersey, Sahara Sam’s Oasis offers all of the comforts of a water park with none of the thermostat checking – the desire to go is all one needs to make an afternoon of fun in the water.

The indoor park has plenty of attractions and things to do, including mat racing, swimming pools, a lazy river, tube slides, water playground, body slide, obstacle course, water basketball court, and a kiddy pool. The park also features an Indoor Surfing Simulator, the first one in the state of New Jersey.

When the weather gets hot, the park opens up its outdoor attractions: a wave pool, traditional Olympic swimming pool, and splash playground.

For people who want to relax, a selection of cabanas, hot tubs, and poolside dining areas are all available, including a Tiki Bar for guests 21 and over.

Sahara Sam’s is open year-round though the days and hours vary from week to week.

A chance to go to enjoy the beach when the weather outside may not be good enough, Sahara Sam’s Oasis is a great backup plan for teams that wanted to go to the beach or a water park. 535 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ 08091

 

Batsto Village – Hammonton, NJ

For 250 years, the Batsto Village has served as one of the oldest and most scenic locations in New Jersey. A nationally recognized historic site, The Village hasn’t changed throughout American history, leaving it as a monument to the times.

Among the many landmarks in the village are the famous Batsto Mansion – a 32-room mansion that served as the residence of the village’s iron masters for many years, the 19^th-century general store, post office, and farms among other well-preserved and restored buildings.

Guests with an inclination for great outdoors will find the Nature Center and Batsto Lake to be ideal locations for learning about the local and historic wildlife.

Tours of the village include a self-guided tour following a simple brochure through the numbered sections of the village, guided village tours that can be arranged a week in advance, as well as regularly guided tours of the Batsto Mansion.

Sports teams looking for a change of scenery and a chance to explore an old city will find Batsto Village delightful. 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037

 

Historic Smithville – Smithville, NJ

With over 40 different shops and boutiques alongside beautiful cobblestone walkways, Historic Smithville is an ideal place for checking out a wide variety of unique crafts.

In addition to the many places to buy trinkets and home necessities, Historic Smithville also offers a wide range of fun family activities like arcades, remote control boats, paddle boats, and a carousel. For dining, there are nearly a dozen inns and restaurants to enjoy a quiet place to eat.

A quick stop in between events or traveling, Smithville offers a good way to cut loose for a bit and find some interesting things to see and do. 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ 08205

 

Battleship New Jersey – Camden, NJ

One of the most famous ships in the history of the American Navy, the Battleship New Jersey now sits as a museum in Camden. It has been restored to its former glory and shows off the many features that made it symbolic of America’s naval prowess for half a century.

The flagship of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, the Battleship New Jersey was a big component in the military campaign in the 1940s. In the decades that followed, the New Jersey would continue to be a consistent presence in U.S. naval campaigns across the world, participating in almost every major seaworthy conflict from the mid-1940s through the 1980s.

The Battleship New Jersey will serve as a nice side trip when in the Camden or eastern Pennsylvania area. 100 Clinton St, Camden, NJ 08103

 

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – Point Pleasant, NJ

New Jersey is famous for its boardwalks, and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at Point Pleasant is perhaps the most kid-friendly of them all.

While the beach itself is fun for all in the summer, the mile-long boardwalk is home to many beachside shops, arcades, candy stores, games of chance, and even mini-golf and batting cages. One could make an entire day out of simply walking up and down the strip.

If you’re interested in seeing some aquatic life, you’re in luck! The Jenkinson’s Aquarium also sits along the boardwalk – a collection of the many incredible underwater creatures including Atlantic & Pacific sharks, penguins, seals, and even coral reefs. The aquarium is open year-round and is available for a wide variety of functions, from educational tours to the backdrop for wedding receptions, parties and business meetings.

Hours of fun in the sun with the smell of the ocean are available for any teams that want to enjoy an afternoon on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742