Things to Do in New Jersey

Visit Cape May Historic District, a seaside treasure offering beautiful views and classic Victorian architecture. The historic streets host hotels, bed and breakfasts, and churches. For stunning ocean views, take a trip to historic 1858 Cape May lighthouse or World War II Lookout Tower.

Other must-see sites in the district include Emlen Physick Estate, the pedestrian-friendly Washington Street Mall, Cape May Winery, Cape May Stage, and the East Lynne Theater Company. To get an overall view of Victorian equipment and items, visit Mac’s Museum Shops and Caroll Gallery Exhibits. Boat rides, trolley tours, and Cape May Ghost tours are some of the best activities in the district.

Address: 401 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204-1737, Phone: 609-884-5484

Head to Liberty Science Center which exposes guests to the process and ways of communication, from totem poles and body language to sound waves. Guests have the chance to watch how animals catch their food without becoming preyed upon themselves in the exhibit called Eat and Be Eaten. The Energy Quest exhibition allows guest to explore energy choices and learn ways to utilize the earth’s diverse resources. You can get a close-up view of honey bees and hear how they are a vital part of the ecosystem in Honey Bees: Home Is Where the Hive Is. Experience the Infinity Climber, a thrilling, 35-foot-high, multi-story play place that dares you to climb, crawl and balance through the suspended pathway. Be sure to check out the center's most popular experience in the Touch Tunnel, where guests use their sense of touch to navigate through a twisting dark tunnel.

Address: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 201-200-1000, Instagram

The Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial was designed to keep the memories alive of those 749 New Jersey natives who died in the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. The goal of the memorial is to console the families of the victims, helping them feel that the memories of their loved ones weren’t lost on that fateful day.

The memorial has twin walls, in the design of the former World Trade Center Towers that were destroyed during the attack, on which the names of the deceased are written in a parallel design. The memorial attracts visitors from all over the world who come to pay their respects to the lives lost. The cherry trees surrounding the memorial give it a serene feeling, but nothing can offset the tragedy that took place that day.

Address: 1 Audreyzapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Phone: 201-915-3403

Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a laboratory complex of the past, when machines were run using belts and pulleys, and music played on phonographs. It displays a collection of items used by one of the greatest inventors, Thomas Edison. One of the most outstanding items is Edison’s talking doll recordings of 1888, which guests can see photos of and read about.

The collection displays the lab furnishings and equipment used by Edison and his colleagues in the West Orange Laboratory starting in 1881. Guests can also view manufactured goods and materials associated with the research and the development of manufactured goods by Edison and his colleagues.

Address: Thomas Edison National Historical Park, 211 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, Phone: 973-736-0550

Stroll around the Grounds for Sculpture, a facility where effective and sensitive techniques are used to serve people with disabilities. The facility hosts artist events, group activities, and team-building to entertain their guests. Guests with limited mobility have an opportunity to tour the park with a docent-trained Accessibility Assistant on an ADA rated vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair. The visually impaired can enjoy touch tours, while others get free tours with the purchase of park admission. Guests can also visit the fully accessible Domestic Art Building that has a museum and exhibition space. There are programs such as hands-on workshops for adults and children, lectures, sculpture hunts, as well as Wellness Walks, Wellness Talks which is a program for adults who want to get fit while learning about leading a healthy lifestyle.

Address: Grounds for Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619, Phone: 609-586-0616

Trailside Nature and Science Center is Union County’s Environmental Educational Center. It is built on a preserve of woodlands, fields, lakes, streams and hiking trails, making it a wonderful tourist destination. Guests get an opportunity to see the famous 34 foot American beech tree, which fills the whole building’s atrium.

Walking, biking and hiking on the center’s natural surroundings allows for the most memorable moments.

The arboretum has classrooms, a library, a children’s discovery room, and a large 250-seat auditorium. These facilities give it the advantage of hosting large groups. It even allows for hosting of birthday parties and other celebrations.

Address: Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092, Phone: 908-787-3670

Cape May County Park and Zoo provides fun moments for both kids and adults, hosting a wide range of wild animals. Some of the must-see animals in the zoo include the rare Golden-Headed Lion, the Dromedary Camel, Ankole Watusi, American Bison, the Australian Black Swan, the interesting black howler monkey, alpaca, and the African lion, just to name a few.

There are scavenger hunts for both the younger and the older kids, and sleepover and adventure camping can be arranged in the zoo as well. There is a ‘Zoo to You’ program in which some animals are taken to surrounding schools and estates, and lessons on the animals are provided.

Address: 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210, Phone: 609-465-5271

Lakota Wolf Preserve offers an intimate view of wolves in their natural habitat through their Wolf Watch Tours. Once you are in the preserve, you are surrounded by four packs of wolves. You will learn about the social structure of wolf packs, their eating habits and interaction with man, as you watch the wolves playing, interacting, and even howling. The preserve also keeps foxes and bobcats. Tours are offered during the week with a reservation, and on weekends drop-ins are welcome. Guests are allowed to take photos on the preserve and of the animals. Two tours are offered daily except on Mondays.

Address: Lakota Wolf Preserve, 89 Mt Pleasant Road, Columbia, NJ 07832, Phone: 908-496-9224