There’s no need to travel outside of New Jersey for an amazing spring break! Make amazing memories with these NJ family spring break ideas, for kids, teens, and young adults.
With gas prices still fluctuating you may be asking yourself what New Jersey spring break activities are there? Can a spring break in New Jersey still be as fun as leaving the state?
It absolutely can!
The kids might be off from school but that doesn’t mean spring break has to be boring or full of costly activities. Our guide to New Jersey family spring break ideas includes free activities, cheap activities, and attractions where we can save you money.
Or perhaps you’re saying Jenn, my kids aren’t babies anymore. They’re not even teens. How do I make the most of their college spring breaks? What can our family do together on spring break?
I got you! I can completely relate. I’ve got one young adult at college and another going off to college next year. My ‘baby’ has a few more years. So as I put together this year’s family spring break ideas, I’m including additional notes about the best ages for each spring break activity and why your kid, teen, or young adult might love it.
Want to head across a bridge for a day trip as part of your family spring break ideas? We’ve got ideas for that too.
2024 Spring Break in New Jersey
When is Spring Break 2024 in New Jersey?
Most of the time spring break in New Jersey is based on when Easter falls on the calendar. Easter this year is Sunday, March 31, 2024, meaning that spring break in New Jersey will likely fall sometime between Friday, March 22, 2024 and Sunday, April 7, 2024, for most kids and teens. Some NJ school districts will take the week before Easter for spring break. Some will take the week after Easter for spring break.
Still, other school districts will take a spring break in April with a long weekend on Easter weekend. One thing is true, NJ school districts are not state mandated for spring break dates. The school board can choose whatever dates they choose. If your children are in different districts or systems (high school versus middle school and elementary schools) or you teach in a different district than your kids, you could all end up on a different spring break schedule.
A quick look at college academic calendars in our area also reveals that local college spring break schedules vary greatly as well.
How Long is Spring Break?
Spring break is usually 7-9 days, five weekdays and the weekend before and after that week. Some school districts do make it shorter, especially if a school had to close for snow days. With no or very few snow days this winter, many students will enjoy a longer spring break.
Tips for Families with Different Spring Break Schedules
What’s a family to do if everyone is on a different spring break schedule? First, don’t give up on thinking about family spring break ideas. You can do this. You just have to be creative.
- Look for the overlap in dates and try to plan something for those overlapping dates.
- Consider shorter day trips or a short staycation versus a longer spring break getaway. Can you go away during a spring weekend?
- Plan individual one-on-one time with the kids. If your kids are on different schedules do something individually with each kid and do family activities together when the schedule allows.
- Don’t rule out a mental health day or playing hooky. If you just can’t get everyone’s schedule to mesh then consider finding a time to take off that is not too disruptive to the school schedule. Hooky days, mental health days, are good. Family time together is always worth it.
My kids are all different ages. What can we do together this spring break?
Again, it is possible to find family spring break activities everyone will enjoy: kids, teens, young adults, and parents. As we update each spring break activity for 2024 we’ll include our ideas for what activities are best for kids, teens, and young adults and where there’s overlap.
The Best NJ Family Spring Break Destinations
Our favorite family spring break ideas are also the best New Jersey destinations for spring break. Bonus we can also help you save money on some of these NJ spring break activities with discount codes and promos.
Considering spring break includes Easter Weekend, if you plan to visit one of these attractions on either Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or Easter Monday please confirm with the location their schedule for that day.
BUILD a Fun memory at Legoland Discovery Center in East Rutherford NJ
Kids love to build with Legos. Why not take them somewhere they can build big and see replicas of big buildings made out of Legos? Legoland Discovery Center NJ even offers an indoor playground, 4D movies, and Lego building workshops.
There’s a special area with Duplo blocks for little kids and your big kids and teens may enjoy learning to build slightly difficult structures in a Lego master builder class.
Save money with discount tickets to these Legoland attractions.
- Discount tickets to Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey
- Discount tickets to Legoland Discovery Center Philadelphia
- Discount tickets to Legoland New York (the amusement park will be open select days in March and April.)
Dive Deep to Discover Sea Life Aquarium in East Rutherford NJ.
Next door to the Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey is Seal Life Aquarium NJ. Dive deep into an underwater adventure. Disco with Jellyfish. Bubble up in a tank. Touch a starfish. Learn about discount tickets to Sealife Aquarium and its attractions.
Any child or teen who loves sea life will love the aquarium. Get some fabulous photos of them against one of the tanks or full wall murals.
Other New Jersey Aquariums Open During Spring Break:
- Adventure Aquarium in Camden NJ
- Discount Tickets to SeaQuest Woodbridge
- Jenkinson Aquarium in Point Pleasant NJ
Get Soaked at the Big Kahuna in West Berlin NJ
It’s too cold for an outdoor waterpark at the Jersey Shore, but you can still enjoy indoor waterpark fun at the Big Kahuna (formerly Sahara Sams). Waterslides, wave pool, and a lazy river all make this one of our great family spring break ideas in New Jersey.
While little ones can enjoy the toddler play area, big kids can enjoy the pool, water basketball, and crossing the pads. Kids of all ages will enjoy the water slides, lazy river, and water playground. Teens looking for a thrill can even try out surfing.
- Other Nearby Indoor Water Parks Open During Spring Break:
- DreamWorks in American Dream Mall
- Kalahari Indoor Water Park
- Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park
- Great Wolf Lodge
Dine with the Queen in Lyndhurst, NJ
A meal you don’t have to cook and a knightly battle the whole family will enjoy. Yes, your teens will even get into this. Mine keep asking to go back. All of these reasons make for why a trip to the Medieval Times New Jersey makes our list of family spring break ideas.
During March, the queen will be hosting nightly dinners (and some lunches) and jousts from Thursdays through Sundays. Most of April follows the same schedule, but between April 1 and April 7, 2024, there are daily dinners (or lunches) and tournaments.
Our discount tickets to Medieval Times New Jersey are popular year-round but especially when the kids are off from school.
Spend a Day at a Family Fun Center in New Jersey
Know how you take your kids someplace and find there’s so much to do you can’t fit it all into your visit? Take a NJ spring break day to visit one of these NJ family fun centers.
- iPlay America in Freehold NJ offers boardwalk games, Ballocity, an arcade, rides, laser tag, Top Golf and more.
- Urban Air locations offer more than an indoor trampoline park. They offer trampolines, dodgeball courts, a battle beam, ninja zone, laser tag, bumper cars, climbing walls, bowling, go-carts, and more.
- The Funplexes in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel offer an arcade, bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, and more.
These family fun centers are perfect for families with kids of different ages as everyone can do their own thing AND come back to do activities together.
Check Out These Night Lights Before They Go Out
If your spring break is in March make time to visit Night Forms at Grounds for Sculpture. It’s only there until April 7, 2024. It’s something the whole family will be in awe of. Kids will think the flowing colors are neat and teens will think the images are worthy for their social media pictures and videos. Who can blame them when what you’ll see will be so captivating?
Night Forms, created by Klip Collective, is a multi-sensory light and sound experience that takes place throughout the Grounds For Sculpture art and horticulture collection.
We had the opportunity to visit at the beginning of its run and it was truly incredible and special. At every turn, there was something to see and watch. Often we found ourselves frozen in place mesmerized by the changing lights and images projected on the sculptures and trees.
Special Family Spring Break Ideas Available in New Jersey for a Limited Time
These family-friendly activities in New Jersey are only available during spring break.
NJ State Museum Spring Break Activities
The NJ State Museum will have planetarium shows and special spring break activities between March 26 – 28, 2024.
- Create your own spring flowers, based on the art of Arthur B. Carles Jr., featured in the American Perspectives gallery.
- Planetarium shows include Áróra, Magic Treehouse: Space Mission, and Dinosaurs of Antarctica, a new planetarium show.
Free New Jersey Family Spring Break Ideas
Sometimes you don’t want to spend a lot of money during spring break. Sometimes you need cheap spring break ideas. All of these free places to visit would make great activities while your kids are off from school. Do call ahead or visit their website for hours as not all are open every day.
Visit with Animals
Kids love animals! Spring break can be the perfect time to visit with animals at farms and zoos across New Jersey.
Funny Farm Animal Rescue in Mays Landing
Funny Farm Rescue, 6908 Railroad Blvd, Mays Landing, 609-742-9410. Southern New Jersey’s largest animal rescue. For more information visit their website. Teens looking for service hours or a chance to volunteer over spring break can do so at the Funny Farm.
Cape May County Park and Zoo in Cape May Court House
Cape May County Park and Zoo, 707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, 609-465-5271. More than 25 animals to observe at this popular free zoo. For more information visit their website.
Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton
Cohanzick Zoo, 45 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton, 856-453-1658. New Jersey’s first zoo, located on 15 acres featuring over 100 animals. For more information visit their website.
Hawk Rise Sanctuary in Linden
Hawk Rise Sanctuary, 1811 Lower Road, Linden, 908-396-6386. Hawk Rise was opened in 2012 and is maintained by the NJ Audubon. The flat trails inside are about 1.5 miles long, and the sanctuary spans 95 acres. For more information visit their website.
Visit our guide to see the Best Places to See Animals for Free in New Jersey for more New Jersey spring break activities involving animals.
Take a Trip to a NEW NJ Museum
These museums aren’t new but they might be NEW to you. Check out these local New Jersey museums with free admission.
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey – 661 Jackson Rd, Newtonville, 609-704-5495, and at 6500 Fairmont Avenue in Atlantic City. Atlantic County. For more information please visit their website. Read our African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey museum review in this article, Eye Opening Exhibits at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.
National Guard Militia Museum in Sea Girt
National Guard Militia Museum, 66 Camp Drive, Sea Girt, 732-974-5966. colonization through the War for Independence to the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and up to the present day. For more information visit their website.
New Jersey State Police Museum in Ewing Township
New Jersey State Police Museum, 1040 River Road, Ewing Township, 609-882-2000. Museum and learning center open daily. For more information visit their website.
Get Inspired by Art
Noyes Museum of Art
Noyes Museum of Art – 4 locations in Southern New Jersey, 609-626-3420: Atlantic County~ See their list of locations here. Read our Noyes Museum of Art museum review in Noyes Museum of Art – Explore Art with Your Kids.
Heritage Glass Museum in Glassboro
Heritage Glass Museum, 25 High Street E, Glassboro, 856-881-7468. Featuring exhibits of historic glass, bottles, and animal glass art figurines. For more information visit their website.
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton University Campus, 609-258-3788. More than 110,000 works of art of universal scope. One quick note, the main museum building is closed for construction of a new Museum, designed by architect Sir David Adjaye and anticipated to open in spring 2025. For more information visit their website.
Zimmerli Art Museum in New Brunswick
Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, 848-932-7237. A teaching museum with over 60,000 works of art on the Rutgers New Brunswick campus. For more information visit their website.
Explore a New Jersey State Park
We have so many wonderful state parks throughout New Jersey. Here are some of our favorites. Enjoy one during your spring break in New Jersey.
Cape May Point State Park in Cape May Point
Cape May Point State Park nature trails & buildings, Light House Avenue, Cape May Point, 609-884-2159. The environmental center houses a museum and classrooms for programming. For more information visit their website.
Historic Batsto Village at Wharton State Forest
Batsto Village, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, 609-561-0024. Historic site in the South Central Pinelands of New Jersey. Focusing on 18th and 19th century life, with tours and demonstrations available for visitors. For more information visit their website or see our schedule of tours for Historic Batsto Village.
Fort Mott State Park in Pennsville
If your kids like to have make-believe battles with forts and lookout towers, Fort Mott State Park is definitely a place you have to explore with them. It was a really neat location. The fort, the gun emplacements, the lookout towers … it reminded me of playtime with my boys and their army men. Read our Visit Fort Mott State Park with Kids guide to learn how to make this part of your New Jersey spring break activities.
Liberty State Park in Jersey City
Liberty State Park in Jersey City is another one of my favorite New Jersey state parks. While Liberty State Park’s most majestic attraction may be the Statue of Liberty that sits in the New York Harbor, you would be doing yourself and your kids a disservice to overlook what else this North Jersey New Jersey State Park offers. Admission is free so there’s no reason not to check out as much as you can.
Within this 1212-acre park are magnificent views of the New York City Manhattan skyline, wide open trails, trains, amazing playgrounds, and a new nature and science center. Learn more and plan your trip with our guide, Visit Liberty State Park NJ with Kids.
For more state parks to visit check out our guide to the Best New Jersey State Parks.
Tour a National Park
Sandy Hook
Fort Hancock Historic District, Sandy Hook, 732-872-5970. Military fort active until 1974 with historic buildings and lighthouse open for visitors. For more information visit their website or read about things to do at Sandy Hook.
Click over to our guide to National Parks in New Jersey for more great National Parks to visit this spring break.
Hike to a Waterfall
Paterson Great Falls
Our first waterfall, our favorite, Paterson Great Falls doesn’t require hiking at all. It’s a short paved path for breathtaking views. Paterson Great Falls, 72 McBride Avenue, Paterson, 973-523-2210. The park offers tours of the Falls and the history of the surrounding area. For more information visit their website.
Springtime is one of the best times to visit waterfalls. The falls aren’t frozen from the winter cold and the water level isn’t low due to evaporation from summer heat. We can help you find all the waterfalls in New Jersey with our guide to New Jersey hiking trails with waterfalls.
Try on Farm Life
While some New Jersey farms do have an admission price there are some that offer a day of fun at absolutely no cost.
Historic Longstreet Farm
Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, 732-946-3758. Nine-acre farm recreating life in the 1890s. For more information visit their website.
Howell Living History Farm
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville 609-737-3299. Discover rural living circa 1900 at this county-owned farm. For more information visit their website.
Get in Touch With Nature
Jakes Branch Nature Center in Beachwood
Jakes Branch Nature Center, 1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood, 732-281-2750. Highlighting the beauty of the Pine Barrens and featuring live animal programming. For more information visit their website.
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center in Howell
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, 732-751-9453. Featuring interactive exhibits and programming related to wetlands ecology. For more information visit their website.
Palmyra Nature Cove
Palmyra Nature Cove, 1335 NJ-73, Palmyra, 856-829-1900 ext. 1264. The park is a 250-acre urban oasis along a highly developed area on the Delaware River. Habitats include wetlands, woodlands, meadows, wild creek and river shoreline, and a freshwater Tidal Cove after which the park is named. For more information visit their website.
Somerset County Environmental Center in Basking Ridge
Somerset County Environmental Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, 908-722-1200 ext. 5002. The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park has 450+ acres with 8 miles of hiking trails. They offer year round Naturalist-led programs, special events, volunteer opportunities, and exhibits. For more information visit their website.
Trailside Nature Center in Mountainside
Trailside Nature Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, 908-789-3670. Trailside Nature & Science Center is Union County’s Environmental Education Center, located in the Watchung Reservation, a 2,065-acre preserve containing woodlands, fields, lakes, streams and more than 13 miles of hiking trails. For more information visit their website.
Nature Center of Cape May
Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, 609-427-3045. The Nature Center of Cape May offers marine science, natural history and environmental programs. For more information visit their website.
Hike a Trail
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve, 317 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township. The Environmental Learning Center features a nature trail to enhance the study of trees, gardens, and meadows. For more information visit their website.
Hike the Stairway to Heaven Trail in Wawayanda State Park
The ascent to the Pinwheel Vista on the Stairway to Heaven trail in Wawayanda State Park is an extremely rewarding and enjoyable hike that leads to one of the most stunning views in the state. Have you tried hiking it with kids? Perhaps give it a try over spring break. We’ve got tips and information in our Hike the Stairway to Heaven Trail in Wawayanda State Park article.
Here are a few more ideas for hiking trails:
- Hike Pyramid Mountain with Kids
- Hike NJ Hacklebarney State Park Hiking Trails with your Kids
- Hike Mount Tammany of the Kittatinny Mountains in NJ With your Kids
- Hunterdon County Hiking for Kids at the Hunterdon County Arboretum
- Hawk Rise Sanctuary ~ Linden’s Nature & Wildlife Trail
- 70+ Places to Hike in New Jersey With Kids or Without
Climb a Lighthouse
Barnegat Lighthouse
While there’s a charge to visit Barnegat Lighthouse during the summer months, it’s free to visit until Memorial Day. Originally lit in 1859 this lighthouse offers a panoramic view of LBI and Island Beach at the top of its 217 steps. For more information visit their website.
Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands
Twin Lights Historic Site, 2 Light House Road, Highlands, 732-872 1814. Climb 250 feet above sea level and view the Shrewsbury from the Twin Lights, built in 1828. For more information visit their website.
Learn more about New Jersey lighthouses.
Spring Through the Garden
New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood
New Jersey Botanical Garden (parking is free until Memorial Day) is located on a former college campus and operated by the state to preserve and restore the gardens and Manor House on the property. For more information visit their website.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a historic estate and garden that offers public programming and trails. For more information visit their website.
Find more gardens to explore in our guide to New Jersey Botanical Gardens and Arboretums.
More Free Things to do During Spring Break
Tour the New Jersey State House in Trenton
New Jersey State House, 145 West State Street, Trenton, 609-847-3150. The State House offers tours and programs to highlight the history of New Jersey and the legislative process. For more information visit their website.
Walk Through the Kuser Farm Mansion in Hamilton Township
Kuser Farm Mansion, 390 Newkirk Avenue, Hamilton Township, 609-890-3630. Queen Anne country home built in 1892 open for programming and tours. For more information visit their website.
Pay Tribute to Fallen Soldiers at the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City
The Korean War Memorial, 124 Park Place, Atlantic City, 609-345-2500. Memorial on the Atlantic City Boardwalk honoring Korean War soldiers. For more information visit their website.
Bowl a Strike
Visit our guide to New Jersey Bowling Alleys to see if your local bowling alley will be participating in Kids Bowl Free. There are a few that will start their programs in April allowing you to take the kids bowling for free during spring break.
Plan a Beach Day
You might not be able to swim at New Jersey beaches, but you can still have fun building sandcastles and walking the boardwalk. Take a look at our guide to New Jersey Beaches for more information on our fabulous beaches.
Take the Playground Challenge
Challenge yourself to visit as many New Jersey Parks and Playgrounds as you can over spring break. Last summer we visited 100 NJ playgrounds and wrote about them. Find one you haven’t visited.
For more ideas for free spring break activities in New Jersey visit our guide to Free Places to Visit in New Jersey or free places to visit in your community.
Several free events and free places to visit during spring break are listed on our Calendar of Events, take a look.
Cheap New Jersey Family Spring Break Ideas for Kids and Teens
Take on Tuckerton
A lighthouse to climb, a pirate ship playground for pretending, a boardwalk to walk, a nature trail to explore, surfboards to ride, a Jersey Devil to avoid, there’s so much to do at the Tuckerton Seaport. With a $5 admission price you can’t beat the Seaport for a spring break in New Jersey destination. Get more ideas for things to do in our 27 Things to Try on Tuckerton Staycations or visit their website for their current activities and events.
Ride a Train
Are your kids into trains? Did your big kids like them when they were younger? New Jersey offers several places for your family to see and ride trains in New Jersey. Many offer train rides for less than $10 a person. Visit our guide to New Jersey Train Rides Near Me: A Guide to NJ Train Rides for Kids for more information.
Challenge the Kids to Retro Video Games
A visit to the Silver Ball Museum is another fun NJ spring break idea. We were all so excited to make our first visit to this New Jersey pinball museum a few years ago. The Silver Ball Museum is in Asbury Park, right on the boardwalk. Open year round, you don’t need to wait until summer to enjoy some old fashioned gaming. Click over to watch our video tour of New Jersey’s pinball museum in this Facebook Live video. Not local to Asbury Park, visit our guide to New Jersey arcades to find nearby arcades.
Seek Out Animals
Lakota Wolf Preserve
Located in Columbia, NJ, the Lakota Wolf Preserve offers a unique experience for kids and parents. Families will have the opportunity to explore and learn about wolves. Wolf Watch Tours are offered twice a day. During the tours, participants will learn about the eating habits of wolves, the social structure of a wolf pack and other interesting and educational facts. You may even get to see a fox or a bobcat too! Book a tour through their website.
See a 1932 Fire Truck at the Hoboken Historical Museum
For the low admission cost of $5/per adult the Hoboken Fire Department Museum is open for exploring! Ring a bell, dress up like a fireman and see pictures of Hoboken’s fire department history. Keep your eyes open for a picture of Hoboken’s most famous resident too!
Save Money on These Additional Family Spring Break Activities for Kids and Teens
More Ideas to Save Money on New Jersey Spring Break Activities
These blog posts can also help you save money on spring break activities in New Jersey.
More New Jersey Spring Break Activities to Consider
Search for Dinosaurs
Have a dinosaur-loving kid? Why not spend part of your spring break searching for dinosaurs? We can help with our listing of where to find dinosaurs in New Jersey.
Stroll Through the Tulips
Spring is a perfect time to see tulips. There are a few places to stroll or pick tulips in New Jersey. We tell you where and offer tips in our 12 Tips for Visiting Tulip Festivals in New Jersey.
A Few More Ideas
We’ve got a few more articles that can help you fill your spring break with things to do in New Jersey.
Other Spring Break Activities Near New Jersey
New Jersey families may also enjoy traveling across the bridge into New York or Philadelphia to enjoy their spring break. Bonus, New York and Philly schools may be in session so you may enjoy small crowds.
Family Friendly Spring Break Activities in New York City
- New York City Museums with FREE Admission and Pay What You Wish Days
- The Ultimate List of Cheap and Fun Things to do in New York City With Kids
- Discount tickets to Legoland New York
- Discount stays at Legoland Hotel New York
Family Friendly Spring Break Activities in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Museums with FREE Admission And Pay What You Wish Days
- Plan a Philadelphia Staycation with Kids
- Discount tickets to Legoland Discovery Center Philadelphia
- Discount tickets to Sesame Place Philadelphia – Langhorne
Family Spring Break Activities Across the Country
We’re working with our hyperlocal friends across the country to share some spring break ideas in case you just need to get out of Jersey. ;-)