Lucy the Elephant — Margate City
Lucy the Elephant, Margate City
If you’re driving down to southern New Jersey, you simply must stop to marvel at Lucy the Elephant on the way. Lucy was built in 1881 by James V. Lafferty, a real estate developer who aimed to attract visitors and potential buyers to the area. This six-story elephant-shaped building, constructed with a combination of wood and tin, quickly became a beloved landmark.
Lucy has endured over a century due to dedicated preservation efforts. Initially, she served various purposes, including as a tavern, office, and cottage. However, by the 1960s, Lucy faced the threat of demolition. A determined group of Margate citizens rallied to save her, forming the Save Lucy Committee in 1969. Their successful fundraising and restoration campaign ensured that Lucy would continue to grace Josephine Harron Park in Margate City with her spunky presence.
Take a tour, climb up the stairs, and enjoy the view. Or, walk through the grounds for free and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables. Got the whole clan with you? Book a group tour and stay the night—inside of Lucy! That’s right, you can spend the night sleeping in the belly of the beast. Make sure you pack a sleeping bag, toiletries, and some activities to keep the little ones busy. Snag some merch at Lucy’s Gift Shop and take your kids to a Lucy-themed story-time.
Grounds for Sculpture — Hamilton
Ball Scultpure by Martin Alonso licensed under CC by 2.0
Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle of the East Coast. It was founded in 1992 by artist and philanthropist Seward Johnson. Johnson’s vision was to create a space where art and nature could coexist, providing a tranquil retreat for visitors and a platform for contemporary sculpture. As you wander the sprawling 42 acres of lush gardens, you’ll stumble upon nearly 300 whimsical sculptures.
The eclectic nature of the sculptures reflects Johnson’s distinctive approach to art. He was known for his lifelike bronze sculptures, often depicting everyday people engaged in ordinary activities. Johnson wanted to make art accessible and relatable, blending the lines between observer and art. Many sculptures at Grounds for Sculpture are inspired by famous paintings, bringing two-dimensional art to life in three-dimensional space.
After you grab a bite to eat at the Van Gogh Café, explore the Bamboo Observation Tower or stroll through the Red Maple Allee. And trust us, Rat’s Pond is way more beautiful than it sounds. If you visit in the fall, the lake is surrounded by trees of all different colors. Get some art inspiration at The Monet Bridge or enjoy the lavender hues of the Wisteria Pergola. Feeling chilly? Snuggle up in the heated Warming Hut before you head on home.
Adventure Aquarium — Camden
Adventure Aquarium Marine Tropical Fish by Jim, the Photographer licensed under CC by 2.0
Marvel at some of the rarest ocean species at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. The Aquarium is conveniently located just over the border that separates New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is home to over 15,000 marine animals. Adventure Aquarium is home to one of the largest collection of sharks in the northeastern United States. Feeling brave? Venture through the spooky shark tunnel. Feeling extra brave? You can even pet a shark if you so desire.
Next, admire the African penguins, axolotls, and colorful clownfish. Hop on over to the world-renowned hippos exhibit, and take a gander at the green and loggerhead sea turtles. Your kids will run around and have loads of fun at the KidZone play area, and you can give your legs a break at the 3D theater. You can spend the day just getting lost among the wildlife. As your day winds down to a close, relax with a pint of craft beer at the Flying Fish Beer Garden.
The Old Barracks Museum — Trenton
Old Barracks Museum, Trenton, New Jersey by Ken Lund licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Paging all history buffs: The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton is sure to impress. The museum, dating back to 1758, was used as a military barracks for British soldiers during the French and Indian War. The site was also used during the Revolutionary War by both British and American troops. The barracks are best known as being the site of the important Battle of Trenton victory by General George Washington.
The historic site was preserved at the beginning of the 20th century by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Today, the museum has become a symbol for the state as well as the fight for freedom. When you visit, tour their three galleries and various historic rooms to learn more about this pivotal time period. The Museum is open year-round on Wednesdays through Saturdays. Are you a bookworm as well? Visit the gift shop to peruse loads of books on U.S. history.
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum — Ogdensburg
2017-08-27 11.11.05 by Tzuhsun Hsu licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Looking for a bit of adventure — and maybe to strike some gold? At the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, you’ll walk through 1,300 feet of tunnels winding around an historic mine. Guides will take you to a number of different stations that explain the history and geology of the mine. Tour the shaft station and dig for treasures in mine galleries that date back to the 1830s. You never know what you might find!
Next, visit the Warren Museum of Fluorescence to admire the glowing Color Wall. The 16-foot-wide structure holds nearly 100 glowing minerals. For the kids, there’s a sluicing station; the process involves pouring sand into water to search for treasures. Meanwhile, adults will enjoy rock collecting at the Mine Run Dump. If you’re hungry from all that mining, try some Cornish meat pies — a traditional miner’s meal — at the snack bar. As the night winds down, go star-gazing at the Ellis Astronomical Observatory.
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Hoboken Waterfront — Hoboken
View of Manhattan from Hoboken Waterfront
For sweeping views of the New York City skyline, be sure to add a stop to Hoboken Waterfront. Located along the Hudson River, the waterfront offers a winding river walk lined with restaurants, shops, bars, and other fun activities. Treat yourself at The Brass Rail, where locally sourced ingredients transform into upscale American dishes. At Pier 13, feast on tacos and artisanal burgers from lively food trucks with Manhattan as your backdrop. Don’t miss the quirky gifts at Washington General Store or some gourmet sweets of Carlo’s Bakery, from the beloved TV show Cake Boss.
The riverfront walking path is a lovely place to head out for a jog or a walk while taking in the splendorous views of Manhattan in the distance. Don’t worry — it’s a breeze to reach the waterfront via public transportation. You’ll feel miles away from the noise of NYC while still enjoying the gorgeous views. Take your kids to the playground located at Pier C Park, where they can swing, slide, and climb to their heart’s delight. Or, you can catch some game at the Fishing Pier.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best time of year to visit New Jersey?
A: The best time to visit New Jersey depends on your interests. For beach activities, summer (June to August) is ideal. For sightseeing and enjoying outdoor attractions without the summer crowds, consider visiting in the fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful.
Q: Are there any admission fees for these attractions?
A: It depends on the destination and whether you choose to take a guided tour. For example, Lucy the Elephant is free to visit. But a guided tour is $8.50 for visitors ages 13 and up, $4.00 for children ages 3 -12, and free for children ages 2 and younger. Admission to Grounds for Sculpture is $25 for adults 18 and up, $12 for children ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and under. Check the individual websites for the latest pricing and ticket information.
Q: Can I use public transportation to get to these attractions?
A: Yes, many of these attractions are accessible via public transportation. For example, the Hoboken Waterfront is easily reached by train or bus from New York City. And the Adventure Aquarium is just a short distance from Philadelphia, making it accessible via regional transit options.
Q: What should I wear when visiting these attractions?
A: Comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended for most of these attractions. If you plan to visit the beach or waterfront areas, bring sun protection and beachwear. For the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking through tunnels.
Q: Are any of these attractions suitable for a rainy day?
A: Yes, the Adventure Aquarium and The Old Barracks Museum are great indoor options for a rainy day. These attractions offer extensive indoor exhibits and activities, making them perfect for inclement weather.
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