Last month we posted about some of our favorite things to do with kids in Hudson County during the hot summer months. But sometimes you just need to get away {did someone say road trip?!} Here are some ideas for places to go within a two hour{~ish} radius that are guaranteed to entertain your children {and make you mom/dad/aunt/uncle of the year}:
1. Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA.
This Children’s Museum encourages kids to learn through play through a series of interactive exhibits including a garden, a space station and an “Imagination Playground.” The Museum is great for kids six months – 7 years old and has a Toddler zone for little ones. Check out the Curious George exhibit on display now through September. Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm; Adults and children 1 and older: $17.
2. Sesame Street Place, Langhorne, PA.
Meet Elmo, play in the water, or watch a parade. Many attractions at Sesame Street Place are meant for the entire family to enjoy but the park is best suited to children 2 and up. Make sure to bring your swim gear! Please visit website for hours of operation. Adults and children 2 and older: $65.
3. World of Wings Butterfly Museum, Teaneck, NJ.
This eclectic – and somewhat odd – museum provides children with the opportunity to see butterflies, birds and reptiles up close. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm; Adults: $16; Children 2-11: $11
4. Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
This storybook themed amusement park has rides geared towards younger children. Please visit website for hours of operation; Adults and children 2 and over: $22.50 online
5. Land of Make Believe, Hope, NJ.
What it lacks in “thrill rides”, the Land of Make Believe makes up for in water features and basic amusement park rides that are perfect for children ages 2-8.Open daily in the summer from 10:00am-6:00pm; Adults: $27; Children 2-8: $29.
6. Wild West City, Stanhope, NJ.
A western themed amusement park where children can pan for gold, ride a train and play miniature golf. Other activities including a petting zoo and pony rides. Please visit website for hours of operation. Adults: $17.25; Children 2-11: $15.25. Rides {stagecoach, pony, train, miniature golf}: $4.
7. Turtleback Zoo, West Orange, NJ.
This zoo is not only super easy to get to, but also offers great activities like a zip line, touch tank, carousal, pony rides, a train and a dinosaur-themed playground. The zoo is situated next to a lake which offers paddle boating, benches for picnicking and a large, boat themed playground. Open Monday-Sunday 10am-4:30pm; Adults: $14; Children 2-12: $11
8. Van Saun Park, Paramus, NJ.
This park is close enough for a half day trip and features a playground, train rides, a carousel, pony rides, tennis courts and a small zoo. Open daily 10 am-4:00pm; Prices vary per activity.
9. Alstede Farms, Chester, NJ.
This farm is not only great for picking up fresh fruits and vegetables, but has a variety of activities for kids including pony rides, a bounce house, and wagon train rides. Open Monday-Friday 12 noon – 4:00pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm Prices vary per activity.
10. Little City Treehouse; 129 W20th St., New York, NY.
We’d be remiss not to mention some of the great things to do with kids in Manhattan – which is an easy ferry, bus or PATH train ride from Hoboken and Jersey City. Little City Treehouse, a play and learning center in Chelsea, features a large indoor treehouse and extensive water tables. They request that you call ahead to make a reservation. Please visit website for hours of operation; Families: $20 per visit ($10 for your first visit).
11. Seaglass Carousel; State Street at Pearl Street; Battery Park, New York, NY.
This aquatic-themed carousel features 30 massive fiberglass fish and LED lights which create an underwater effect. Open daily 10:00am-10:00pm weather permitting; Cost: $5.
12. Children’s Museum of the Arts; 103 Charlton Street, New York, NY.
This downtown museum provides contemporary art exhibits as well as hands-on art studios for children from 10 months to 15 years. For families with kids under five, check out the Wee Arts Studio which has drop-in classes on weekdays. Please visit website for hours of operation; Cost: $12
13. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY.
With over 250 acres of gardens and collections, the New York Botanical Garden is a great place to let little ones run around and experience nature. Check out some of the seasonal exhibits, like the Holiday Train Show that runs December-January. Open Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm; Cost: Adults: $20; Children 2-12: $8
So there you have it — a plethora of fun, just a hop, skip, and jump from Hoboken. Any you’d add to the list?
