HomeFeaturesFamilyFamily-Friendly Summer Exhibits at NJ Museums

Family-Friendly Summer Exhibits at NJ Museums

Summer is a wonderful time in New Jersey, filled with backyard barbecues, dips in the pool and building sandcastles. During a rainy or hot day, sometimes NJ kids and their parents need a little break from the great outdoors. Check out these interactive summer exhibits at New Jersey museums for an educational and engaging indoor outing that’s fun for the whole family.


More From Best of NJ

[bibblio style=”bib–row-3 bib–hover bib–white-label bib–font-arial bib–default bib–size-16 bib–shine” query_string_params=”eyJ1dG1fc291cmNlIjoiQmliYmxpbyIsInV0bV9tZWRpdW0iOiJNb2R1bGUiLCJ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24iOiJSZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMifQ==” recommendation_type=”optimised”]


Ancients to Astronauts: How We Communicate

Monmouth MuseumWhere: Monmouth Museum, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft
When: Now through November 2017
Price: Admission is $8 per person, free for kids under 2
Details: Kids ages 6-12 can explore this awesome exhibit located in the Becker Children’s Wing. Travel to Ancient Egypt in a time machine, learn all about broadcast weather reports, blast off in a space capsule and spend time crafting in the Green Arts Studio.
More info: Visit the website or call 732-747-2266.


Look/Touch/Learn: Tibet

Summer Exhibits, NJ MuseumsWhere: Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark
When: Ongoing
Price: $15 per adult, $8 per child, free for kids 2 & under
Details: Newark Museum has one of the most detailed collections of Tibetan art in the country. Families can learn about Tibetan culture (both past and present) through interactive exploration of sculptures, textiles and an impressive Buddhist Altar.
More info: Visit the website or call 973-596-6550


Dinosaur Den

summer exhibits, nj museumsWhere: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
When: Ongoing
Price: $10 per adult, $7 per child (3-18), free for kids under 3
Details: One of Morris Museum’s mainstay exhibits, Dinosaur Den is a great indoor activity for a rainy or hot day. Explore the kinds of dinosaurs that roamed New Jersey millions of years ago, touch a real dinosaur egg, make a dino track rubbing and examine fossils in the laboratory area.
More info: Visit the website or call 973-971-3700.


Small Explorers Series

Where: New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton
When: 3rd Saturday of each month (beginning in July)
summer exhibits, nj museumsPrice: Free
Details: Something just for the little guys! Head to the NJ State Museum for a special program that allows tots 5 & under to explore a theme through stories and crafts. July’s theme is the Jersey Shore and August is all about transportation. Pre-registration is encouraged.
More info: Visit the website or call 609-292-6464.


Block Party

summer exhibits. nj museums

Where: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
When: Through Summer 2017
Price: $21.75 per adult, $17.75 per child 2-12, free for kids under 2
Details: It doesn’t get more hands-on than LSC’s Block Party Exhibition! Kiddos can create, design and climb using giant foam and wooden shapes. Little ones can head to the Tot Lot section and build with classic wooden blocks.
More info: Visit the website or call 201-200-1000.


Grounds For Sculpture: 25 Years

summer exhibits, nj museumsWhere: Grounds for Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
When: Through September 17
Price: $18 adults, $10 kids 6-17, free for kids 5 & under
Details: The beautiful Grounds for Sculpture is celebrating their 25th anniversary this summer with unique exhibits featuring their collections and history. A sunny summer day is the perfect time to discover the outdoor gardens and artwork.
More info: Visit the website or call 609-586-0616.


Family-Friendly Summer Exhibit Picks from Previous Years

Modern Heroics: 75 Years of African American Expressionism

Summer ExhibitsWhere: Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark
When: Now through January 2017
Price: Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children, free for kids 2 & under
Details: For a colorful history lesson, bring the whole family to see selected works of African American art from the museum’s permanent collection. The 34 featured paintings and sculptures focus on storytelling, vivid imagery and bold use of color.
More info: Visit the website or call 973-596-6550.


Planet Ocean

Summer Exhibits

Where: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
When: Now through August 28th
Price: Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children 3-12, free for kids under 3
Details: Discover the wonderful science of the ocean as you check out the Morris Museum’s 2000 sand samples, local marine birds and more–all with a focus on the Jersey Shore environment. Kids can read a story in the ocean book nook, check out seashells and learn all about the world’s largest habitat.
More info: Visit the website or call 973-971-3700.


Summer Maker Space

Summer Exhibits

Where: New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton
When: Wednesdays through August 17th
Price: Admission is $5 for adults, free for children 12 & under
Details: Take part in some hands-on fun during the Maker Space program, which encourages kids to get creative and make their own art. Every Wednesday morning this summer will feature a different project for children to create and take home.
More info: Visit the website or call 609-292-6464.


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer

Summer Exhibits

Where: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
When: Now through September 5th
Price: Admission is $21.75 for adults, $17.75 for children 2-12, free for kids under 2
Details: Cowabunga, dude! Visit your favorite ninja crime fighters in their secret underground world at this amazing summer exhibit. Duck through a challenging rope maze, creep through sewer pipes to find hidden artwork and blast pretend pizza at enemies.
More info: Visit the website or call 201-200-1000.


Toothpick World

Summer Exhibits

Where: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
When: Now through August 31st
Price: Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children 3-12, free for kids under 3
Details: Explore the amazing and quirky toothpick masterpieces of Stan Munro. Using just Elmer’s glue and toothpicks, he’s recreated iconic American and international buildings such as the White House, Taj Mahal and even Yankee Stadium. So cool!
More info: www.morrismuseum.org or call 973-971-3700.

Newsletter Signup Prompt