8 NEW JERSEY DAY TRIPS THAT ARE EVEN COOLER DURING THE WINTER

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Winter is settling into New Jersey and bringing a blast of cold weather. Many attractions will be getting ready to hibernate until the weather turns warm – and in the true New Jersey spirit, some will just be getting started! For those who want to make the most of winter as the new year dawns, these winter day trips in New Jersey will keep you busy until the weather turns warm. From an epic ski resort to a beachside beer hall with an unexpected feature to a taste of the tropics in frozen New Jersey, you won’t want to spend another minute hunkering down at home. Not when winter in New Jersey is a whole new world begging to be explored… provided, of course, you arm yourself with your warmest winter essentials! Let’s take a look at some magnificent New Jersey day trips for winter.

1. KITTATINNY VALLEY STATE PARK (NEWTON)

Kittatinny Valley State Park, 199 Goodale Rd, Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Richard Zielinski/Google

New Jersey’s parks are beautiful in the winter, and the trails at this lovely state park are ideal for snowshoeing through chilly landscapes.

Get a closer look at this beautiful state park:

2. WINTERFEST ICE SKATING RINK (CHERRY HILL)

Winterfest Ice Skating Rink At Cooper River Park, Cuthbert Blvd and, Park Blvd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, USA
Winterfest Ice Skating Rink – Cooper River/Facebook
One of many pop-up winter events in New Jersey, this massive ice-skating rink is one of the most festive spots in South Jersey.

3. CAMPGAW SKI AREA (MAHWAH)

Campgaw Mountain Ski Area, 200 Campgaw Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA
Campgaw Ski Area/Facebook

New Jersey’s premiere ski resort, this mountain comes alive in the wintertime – and the slopes are waiting!

See what it’s like to go snow tubing at Campgaw Ski Area:

4. PATERSON GREAT FALLS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (PATERSON)

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
William/TripAdvisor

The most beautiful waterfall in New Jersey is even more stunning in the winter when large parts of the landscape are snow-capped.

Take a closer look at these beautiful falls:

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5. IPLAY AMERICA (FREEHOLD)

iPlay America, 110 Schanck Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728, USA
iPlay America/Facebook
The largest indoor arcade in New Jersey, complete with a golf course and several amusement rides, this is the perfect place to spend a day when it’s just too cold outside.

6. BIG KAHUNA’S (WEST BERLIN)

Big Kahuna’s Water Park, 535 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ 08091, USA
Justin M/Google
Feeling like a taste of the tropics in the middle of winter? This massive indoor water thrill park is the best themed water park in the northeast.

7. ASBURY FESTHALLE & BIERGARTEN (ASBURY PARK)

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, 527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten/Facebook
This popular German restaurant and music hall is known for its rooftop beer garden – which, during the winter, holds heated igloos where you can eat and drink in comfort.

8. JENKINSON’S AQUARIUM (POINT PLEASANT BEACH)

Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave N, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, USA
Jenkinson’s Aquarium/Google
The Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is largely dormant during the winter – but not this sea life center, which gets a charming winter makeover and still hosts its daily seal-feeding shows.

Have you taken any of these winter day trips in New Jersey in past years? Tell us about your favorite winter day trips in the comments section. All of these attractions are open full-time in the winter, but you can learn more about features and pricing for Big Kahuna’s, iPlay America, Festhalle & Biergarten, and Jenkinson’s Aquarium on the official websites. For another memorable winter adventure, take a road trip to the snowiest town in New Jersey.

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MORE TO EXPLORE

INTRIGUING ATTRACTIONS IN NEW JERSEY

Will Suphan | December 09, 2023

What are some hidden gem attractions in New Jersey?

Some of the hidden gem attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Cape May Whale Watcher. Take a boat ride out to see wild dolphins and whales while having a lovely dinner and a cruise.
  • Sterling Hill Mining Museum. This museum takes you on a tour where there are several glowing phosphorescent minerals.
  • Turtle Back Zoo. This is the best zoo in the state and includes a petting zoo and treetop adventures.
  • Battleship New Jersey. This ship served for 50 years from 1942 to 1999 and has interactive turrets and a 4-D flight simulator.

Learn more about these and other hidden gem attractions in New Jersey.

What are the most amazing day trips in New Jersey?

The most amazing day trips in New Jersey include:

  • The Tuckerton Seaport. This is a museum where you can take part in hands-on exhibits to learn all about maritime history.
  • Wharton State Forest. This is a gorgeous natural area with hiking trails, kayaking, ghost town ruins, and a historic village.
  • Cape May. This is a wonderful family day trip with Sunset Beach and tons of amazing restaurants and shops.
  • Wildwood. This is a beachfront amusement park with rollercoasters, arcade games, waterparks, and more.

Learn more about the most amazing day trips in New Jersey.

What are the most beautiful natural attractions in New Jersey?

The most beautiful natural attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Buttermilk Falls. These falls are 200 feet high and are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
  • Mount Tammany. At 1,527 feet in elevation, this is one of the tallest mountains in New Jersey.
  • Island Beach State Park. This beautiful white sand beach is part of an undeveloped barrier island and it is full of wildlife.
  • Tripod Rock. Located in Kinnelon, this is a large boulder that was moved by glaciers and placed atop three smaller stones.