As the mercury rises, our resolve to do much more than stay inside and watch television dwindles. But beating the summer heat doesn’t have to mean locking yourself and the kids up in an air-conditioned house. New Jersey is home to many fabulous destinations that offer respite from the scorching temperatures, along with plenty of fun. We’ve rounded up a list of five great places to check out this summer–these awesome spots are guaranteed to keep you cool as a cucumber.
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Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Address: 600 Hadley Road, South Plainfield
Details: If more relaxing is the last thing your kids need, Sky Zone is the ultimate place to get rid of excess energy. The indoor trampoline park offers Open Jump hours every day of the week during the summer. On Wednesday and Friday nights, Glow Zone brings the party to all new heights, with a DJ playing today’s hottest music as patrons dance or jump on the sea of trampolines under the laser lights and black lighting. The little ones aren’t left out of the party either–Saturday mornings feature Toddler Time where kids under 5 have the whole place to themselves. Marketing Manager Tina De Angelis notes that Sky Zone is a great way to spend a hot summer day. “It is just awesome, healthy fun. The kids and adults can jump and burn energy,” she adds. Patrons are encouraged to book time online in advance.
More info: www.skyzone.com/southplainfield or call 908-731-0127
Battleship New Jersey
Address: 62 Battleship Place, Camden
Details: Inspire their scope of imagination and love of history at the Battleship New Jersey. Opened to the public for tours in October 2001, The USS New Jersey served in WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanon Crisis and the Persian Gulf War. It’s the most decorated battleship in our nation’s history. The self-guided Fire Power Tour is available daily (no reservations necessary). The guided Turret II Tour departs Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and advance reservations are recommended. Guests who reserve an overnight experience sleep in the same bunk as the crew of the USS New Jersey once did, tour the Battleship and ride the flight simulator. Dinner and breakfast are served authentically from the chow line.
More info: www.battleshipnewjersey.org or call 856-966-1652
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Address: 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Details: Celebrating a quarter century on the boardwalk, Jenkinson’s Aquarium gives patrons an entertaining and educational break from the summer heat. The aquarium introduces enthusiasts big and small to harbor seals, penguins, sharks and other sea creatures. Get up close and personal with sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, whelk and sting rays at the Touch Tank. The best time to visit with little ones is at 10:00 am–it’s less crowded and you’ll get to see the Harbor Seal feeding, which happens right as the aquarium is opening. Jenkinson’s also hosts free evening events on the beach–join them on Mondays for beachcombing walks in the high tide line and get first-hand experience with shore critters. Tuesdays get the kids out for dinner and dancing with Perky the Penguin at the Oceanside Pavilion and there’s more fun with Beach Blanket Bingo on Wednesdays.
More info: www.jenkinsons.com/aquarium or call 732-892-0600
Sahara Sam’s Oasis
Address: 160 Cooper Road, West Berlin
Details: Looking to get wet? Sahara Sam’s Oasis, a free-standing, indoor water park with 58,000 square feet of aquatic and arcade attractions is a great way to refresh all the members of your family. Little ones can embrace their inner fish in the indoor/outdoor Kiddie Splash area and play around in Tim-Buk-Tu, an awesome adventure playland. Tweens and teens can hang ten on the Flowrider surf simulator (the only indoor surf simulator in NJ) and the Outdoor Wave Pool, and embrace their competitive side at the head-first mat racing slides and beach volleyball. Private cabanas are available for rent at the Outdoor Beach Club and stay & play packages are offered at nearby hotels for overnight visits.
More info: www.saharasams.com or call 856-767-7580
Aspen Ice
Address: 16 Aspen Drive, Randolph
Details: Cool off (literally) when you hit the ice during Public Skating times at Aspen Ice. The skating arena is open to the public from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm during the week, in addition to Night Skating sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Classes and summer camps are available for kids too–camp options include Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, Figure Skating and Hockey Boss. Both full and half day sessions are offered. In addition to skating, campers will enjoy crafts, games and outdoor play.
More info: www.aspenicearena.com or call 973-927-9122
Hero (Top) Feature Image: Dasha Petrenko/Adobe Stock
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Battleship New Jersey
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor and Outdoor Water Park
Lorraine Swanson/Adobe Stock
