Small museum offers peaceful atmosphere with a courtyard filled with planes and an open cockpit experience for hands-on exploration. Exhibits highlight New Jersey's aviation history with diverse artifacts and interactive displays suitable for children and adults alike.
Small but packed with unique and diverse exhibits focused on New Jersey aviation history. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, highlighting achievements like the Tuskegee Airmen and accomplished women in aviation.
Lots of interactive exhibits make it a fun spot for kids. The experience combines education and entertainment well.
"The museum staff are so friendly and knowledgeable about aviation history."
"The staff is so patient and kind with the little ones."
"It's so fun for the kids."
Good to know
Open cockpit days allow kids to explore inside planes and helicopters.
Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Reservations are recommended for busy event days.
Rooms change dramatically, each crafted with unique emotional themes and vibrant colors that create immersive, calming atmospheres. Visitors find creative photo opportunities with professional lighting setups, making it popular for families and photographers alike. The space balances fun, lively energy with a serene escape from busy surroundings.
Rooms filled with photo opportunities create a fun and engaging visit for both kids and adults. The museum offers a sensory experience that feels refreshing and calming, evoking positive emotions and leaving visitors rejuvenated.
Each room offers a unique theme that makes exploring very fun. The design sparks creativity and provides cool spots for photos, making it a great activity for kids and adults alike.
Good to know
Admission is free for children up to 4 years old.
The museum offers a unique experience suitable for all ages.
Expect a fun experience with various interactive rooms.
Museum showcases interactive exhibits and live insect presentations where visitors can touch bugs. Design features include a larger-than-life mantis sculpture and beautifully curated displays. Atmosphere is educational and engaging, with a focus on hands-on learning suitable for kids and families.
Interactive exhibits and a live presentation bring the museum to life. Knowledgeable staff guide visitors through hands-on experiences with insects, including touching some of the dwellers.
Interactive insect demonstrations and a bug show make learning fun for all ages. Kids can touch some of the museum dwellers while staff share quick, engaging facts.
Good to know
Animal demo sessions occur every hour, allowing kids to touch the animals.
The bug show is both informational and fun for all ages.
The facility is very clean and well-maintained for a pleasant visit.
Spacious museum with eerie artifacts and a paranormal bookstore creates an immersive, authentic haunted atmosphere. Visitors experience engaging tours filled with spooky stories and local history. Busy streets outside contrast with the museum's captivating, respectful vibe.
Ghost tours and museum tours offer deep dives into paranormal stories and artifacts. The collection includes a small but impressive set of authentic US presidential items that add a surprising historical layer.
Ghost tours offer a spooky and fun experience with entertaining guides. The Paranormal Museum tour serves as a unique activity for groups and special occasions.
Good to know
Reservations are required for museum tours at least one week in advance.
Expect to pay $120 for a private tour at the Paranormal Museum.
The ghost tours feature lantern-led walks through historic downtown areas.
Museum showcases Yogi Berra's life and career with extensive memorabilia and family-focused exhibits. Atmosphere feels warm and heartfelt, reflecting his character and legacy. Visitors include baseball fans and families, with educational elements about his Navy service and personal life.
Displays include Yankee baseball memorabilia and a notable Billie Jean King exhibit. The museum covers all aspects of Yogi Berra's life, including his Navy service and family, in a small but comprehensive space that is handicap accessible.
Fun comes from interacting with baseball memorabilia and throwing balls at a pitching screen. The layout invites solo visits or group afternoons with family.
Good to know
There was free parking available at the museum.
The museum was handicap accessible.
Admission was free for Montclair alumni.
Multiple buildings on a decommissioned army base house separate mini-museums staffed by volunteers, creating a setting rich in military history and old technology. The atmosphere is informative and engaging, with hands-on activities and nostalgic exhibits like old phones and vintage computers. Visitors encounter detailed setups and a variety of exhibits covering everything from radar research to shipwrecks, offering a unique, hidden gem experience.
Each room acts as a separate mini-museum with its own volunteer, offering a wide range of exhibits like radio history, vintage computer technology, and shipwreck and dive history. Detailed setups of soldiers and war times add to the educational value, making it engaging for all ages.
A great train show offers a fun and engaging experience. Activities are informative and enjoyable for kids.
Good to know
Admission is $12 for ages 13 and up, $8 for ages 4-12, and free for children under 4.
The museum is open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The museum features exhibits on computers, military vehicles, and local history.
Art museum offers free admission and a diverse collection with a strong focus on Russian dissident art and contemporary works including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ narratives. The space is peaceful and well divided into sections, creating a calm atmosphere for exploration. Exhibitions change regularly, providing fresh perspectives and educational experiences.
Free entry allows exploring a diverse collection of contemporary and Soviet nonconformist art at your own pace. Exhibits include Russian dissident art and memorable special shows like Komar and Melamid.
Walking around offers a chance to see various paintings and statues. Learning about the stories behind them adds to the fun.
Good to know
Admission to the museum is free to the public.
The museum hosts special events like SparkNight celebrating Black History Month.
Live entertainment and complimentary food are often included at special events.
Small museum offers interactive exhibits and screen-free kids' room with books, toys, and puzzles. Calm atmosphere includes views of Manhattan and Statue of Liberty and access to nearby walking paths. Free entry and hands-on activities make it a kid-friendly spot for learning about local wildlife.
Exhibits focus on hands-on learning and provide informative content. The Nature Center features interesting displays that engage visitors.
Morning park cleanups offer a smooth and fun way to engage with nature. Friendly hosts provide mini tours with interesting facts, making it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Good to know
Entry to The Nature Center is free for all visitors.
The Nature Center offers hands-on exhibits that are great for kids.
Restrooms at The Nature Center are clean and well-maintained.
Elephant-shaped historical landmark offers narrow wooden spiral stairs leading to a 360° panoramic view including the beach and cityscape. Interior houses a small museum and a gift shop with collectible items. The atmosphere blends nostalgic roadside Americana with lively echoes from visiting families.
A unique historical museum exists inside a large elephant structure. Tours include a brief video and small exhibits that provide a clear history, supported by friendly staff.
America's first roadside attraction offers a unique and fun experience with a lot of history. The site feels magical for younger kids and provides a family-friendly stop with a fun drive and nice surroundings.
Good to know
Visitors on July 20th can witness her yearly manicure.
Tours are scheduled at specific times, every 45 minutes.
Parking is limited; expect only a few spaces available.
Museum space offers three floors packed with detailed maritime history and curated exhibits. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, encouraging slow exploration and learning. Visitors find comprehensive collections that appeal to all ages and interests.
Exhibits show a wonderfully curated collection of maritime history with clean, detailed rooms. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making it easy to learn about shipwrecks and local history.
Engaging exhibits create a fun and interactive experience. Group visits add to the enjoyable atmosphere.
Good to know
Parking and entrance to the museum are free.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
The museum has three floors of exhibits and videos.
Historic lighthouse site offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, New York Harbor, and city skyline. Grounds feel tranquil and well-maintained, with picnic areas and a relaxed atmosphere. Small museum and gift shop provide insightful exhibits on maritime navigation and local history.
Free admission welcomes visitors to explore comprehensive history exhibits filled with artifacts. The spectacular lenses and detailed displays offer a rich experience for lighthouse enthusiasts.
Climbing both towers offers a fun and affordable way to explore. Walking up to the lighthouse top provides an educational and enjoyable experience.
Good to know
The museum has free admission for all visitors.
Access to the viewing tower costs $5.
The site closes at 4:30 PM daily.
Replica lighthouse anchors a quaint museum complex with hands-on displays and historical buildings. Free porch music and boat tours add lively, interactive elements. The setting offers picturesque views and a family-friendly atmosphere with craft stations and a playground.
Exhibits focus on New Jersey shore life with displays about fishing, boat building, and lighthouse heritage. Hands-on activities like typewriters and sandboxes engage kids while adults explore detailed historical artifacts and stories.
Hands-on exhibits offer a mix of fun and learning. The boat ride adds an informative twist, and guides share interesting facts throughout.
Good to know
The museum is free to enter, making it accessible for all visitors.
There are craft classes available, such as decoy carving, for hands-on learning.
Kids can enjoy activities like coloring pages and trying a typewriter.
Collection of restored 18th and 19th century buildings creates an authentic village setting rich in history. Docents in period costumes demonstrate colonial crafts and share engaging stories, while hands-on activities offer educational fun for all ages. Surrounding scenic natural areas provide space for walks and picnics, enhancing the quiet, immersive atmosphere.
Exhibits feature routine exhibitions with nice buildings. Many displays lack staff, so questions often go unanswered. Allocate at least three hours to explore fully.
Hands-on activities offer educational fun for all ages. The village features interactive experiences and hosts events with engaging activities.
Good to know
The village hosts living history demonstrations with costumed interpreters showcasing traditional crafts.
Special events throughout the year include festivals, reenactments, and seasonal celebrations.
The 4th of July celebration features historic reenactments and speeches by costumed interpreters.
Rooms feature unique themes like glowing tunnels, ball pits, and interactive light displays. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful to lively, offering both relaxation and energetic fun. Families enjoy sensory activities and photo opportunities that engage all ages.
Exhibits feature interactive elements with vibrant colors and engaging lights. The balloon display stands out, creating a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere.
The experience offers multisensory fun that appeals to all ages. Kids and adults enjoy a big kid vibe with activities designed for pure enjoyment.
Good to know
Adult-only nights are available, providing a unique experience.
Expect a short wait due to meditation sessions before events.
Events typically last a couple of hours, so plan accordingly.
Art center showcases local artists and regional exhibits with a focus on Black culture history and unique design items. Atmosphere is educational and inspiring, offering plenty to see and learn. Visitors often come for family-friendly activities and can purchase artworks on site.
Galleries showcase unique local art and design items, highlighting regional artists. Exhibits include educational African American heritage displays with knowledgeable staff and guided tours.
Free interactive kids workshops provide hands-on fun. Activities keep things engaging and enjoyable for all ages.
Good to know
Free kids workshops are available regularly at the arts garage.
Parking is easy and available right next to the museum.
Visitors can purchase many of the artworks displayed at the garage.
Movie theater combines classic elegance with modern comfort featuring red velvet carpet and historic player piano. Atmosphere feels intimate and upscale, enhanced by live organ music and candlelight. Audience enjoys diverse film selection and special events like guest speakers and Q&A sessions.
The museum offers a personal tour that dives into cinema history with artifacts and insights. The exterior features stars on the sidewalk, adding a fun touch to the visit.
Stars on the sidewalk add a fun exterior touch. Candlelight performances offer an intimate concert experience. Tours upstairs are informative and engaging with lively guides.
Good to know
Parking is available, but most street spots are limited to one hour.
A yearly membership offers discounted tickets and other benefits.
The center hosts guest speakers with film industry backgrounds regularly.
Village recreates colonial 1900s with period-costumed interpreters and historic buildings. Grounds are peaceful and well kept, offering walking trails and a quiet atmosphere. Train rides and live demonstrations add to the immersive experience.
Living history exhibits bring the past to life with interactive displays and detailed settings. Family yearly memberships cost $120, offering ongoing access to the museum's historical collections.
Train rides offer a fun, educational blast from the past. The village features a flea market full of nostalgic finds and ghost stories that add a spooky twist to the historic setting.
Good to know
Admission fee is $5 per person most weekends.
Porta-potties are available as the main restrooms are out of service.
Dogs are welcome in the park.
Tall lighthouse offers 360-degree panoramic views of the sea and surrounding beach. The area maintains a peaceful, quiet atmosphere with fresh air and beautiful natural scenery. Facilities include birdwatching platforms, picnic tables, and a visitor center with a museum and gift shop.
A small, free museum sits at the base of the lighthouse with exhibits on maritime history. Staff engage visitors by showing animals, and nearby boardwalk trails offer birdwatching opportunities.
Climbing the lighthouse tower offers a fun and engaging activity. The visit feels more enjoyable than expected and serves as a classic touristy experience.
Good to know
Admission to the lighthouse is $12 for adults.
The lighthouse hosts special events like night climbs and interpretive programs.
Expect a unique view of the ocean and coastline from the top.
Outdoor grounds showcase beautifully restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars that immerse visitors in railway history. The atmosphere is family-friendly and educational, with interactive exhibits and a hands-on experience for kids. Train rides offer a 45-minute journey that highlights the scale and charm of historic rail travel.
Offers a fascinating journey into rail history with well-preserved trains and interactive exhibits. Features tons of memorabilia, photos, and model trains all carefully maintained and organized.
Riding the polar train offers an exciting experience. Exploring the Whippany Railway Museum provides a lot of fun, especially with family.
Good to know
Tickets for the Polar Express event should be purchased in advance as they often sell out.
The museum is open on Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm, but hours may change.
Visitors should avoid bringing large bags on the train ride due to limited space.
Tallest lighthouse in New Jersey offers spiral staircase climb leading to amazing panoramic views of city, ocean, and casinos. Surrounding gardens provide a quiet, charming atmosphere with benches for relaxation. On-site museum and gift shop add historical context and browsing opportunities.
A small museum sits next to the lighthouse, packed with detailed history and interesting facts. Friendly staff help explain exhibits, and a garden area adds to the visit.
Climbing the lighthouse involves a 228-step challenge that many find fun and rewarding. The site also hosts year-round events that add to the engaging experience.
Good to know
Free parking is available at Absecon Lighthouse.
Admission to climb the lighthouse is $10 per person.
There are 228 steps and 6 landings to reach the top.
Small space filled with 3D art installations designed for interactive photos and marked spots guide visitors for the best angles. Atmosphere feels playful and imaginative, suitable for all ages with a casual pace and few visitors. The setup emphasizes visual creativity over traditional museum flow.
Small museum with about 10 different displays that takes around 45 minutes to explore. Exhibits lack clear flow or ambiance, and visitor numbers can be low even on weekends.
Visitors enjoy a creative experience filled with opportunities for fun pictures and playful posing. The atmosphere encourages an open mind to fully enjoy the unique and engaging activities.
Good to know
Tickets are $15, down from $20, and can be purchased online.
Expect to spend 30-60 minutes exploring the museum, depending on photo opportunities.
Weekdays are the best time to visit to avoid crowds.