If there’s one thing New Jersey knows how to do right, it’s amusement parks. Seriously, this state is chock-full of oceanside amusement parks, as well as several elaborate theme parks and some awesome waterparks. Yes, New Jersey amusement parks are definitely something you will want to weave into your trip to the Garden State.
Of course, you will want to do some planning before you visit amusement parks in New Jersey. That’s where this article comes into play. We’ve chosen our favorite New Jersey amusement parks and given you everything you need to know to plan the ultimate theme park getaway in the state.
Let’s get started!
New Jersey Amusement Parks
Before we dive too deep, let’s take just a minute to give you a list of our top amusement parks in New Jersey. This will help you narrow down your options, which is the first step in planning your amusement park vacation:
- Nickelodeon Universe
- DreamWorks Water Park
- Diggerland USA
- Six Flags Great Adventure
- Hurricane Harbor New Jersey
- iPlay America
- Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove
- Storybook Land
- Steel Pier
- Morey’s Piers
Now that you know which New Jersey amusement parks are the best of the best, the next step is to start planning your trip to the park (or parks) of your choice. Read on to learn the details you’ll need for the planning process.
Nickelodeon Universe
Have a Nickelodeon fanatic in your travel party? Like the colorful characters yourself? If so, Nickelodeon Universe in East Rutherford is a must-see while in New Jersey.
Not only will you get to ride some awesome Nickelodeon-themed rides, you’ll also get a chance to meet some of your favorite Nickelodeon friends! Best of all, this park is entirely indoors—in fact, it’s one of the largest indoor theme parks out there—meaning bad weather is no problem at all.
Some of the most popular attractions at Nickelodeon Universe include Aang’s Air Gliders and Jimmy Neutron’s Atom Smasher. Little ones appreciate the “Pup Pup and Away” Paw Patrol-themed Ferris wheel and the Boots’ Banana Swing ride, as well as the Paw Patrol Adventure Bay play area. Of course, the whole family will have to catch a ride on the Rugrats Reptar Go-Round for a little taste of nostalgia.
Other fun things to do in this park include the aforementioned character meet-and-greets, as well as the Slime Zone playground and performances on the Slime Stage.
RV Camping Near Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon Universe is a big park, meaning you’re likely to be pretty worn out after spending a day there. Not only that, you might even find yourself wanting to spend a second day in the New Jersey amusement park. Fortunately, there are plenty of lodging options around. Our favorite? The local RV parks, of course!
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation — Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of RV parks near Nickelodeon Universe. In our opinion, the closest one that’s worth staying at is the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, located about 50 minutes away from the theme park. This campground is absolutely beautiful and offers electric hookups, clean bathrooms, and more.
Rent an RV near Nickelodeon Universe!
Planning Your Trip to Nickelodeon Universe
Tickets to Nickelodeon Universe come in two forms: the All Access Pass, which gives visitors unlimited ride access throughout the day, and the Points Pass, which allows guests to pay for rides individually. All Access Passes cost between $49 and $89, depending on the day. The cost of Points Passes varies based on how many points you buy.
There are also Twilight Passes for those visiting late in the day and looking to save a few bucks, and season passes for those who plan to visit regularly.
Outside food is not allowed in the park, but onsite restaurants are available. Rental lockers are available, and bags are permitted but will be searched.
DreamWorks Water Park
Located right by Nickelodeon Universe, the DreamWorks Water Park is another excellent stop for families with kids. This is the largest indoor waterpark in North America and plays host to some record-breaking slides. Additionally, it is chock-full of DreamWorks characters for an added layer of fun.
At 14 stories high, Thrillagascar and Jungle Jammer are the world’s tallest trapdoor capsule slides. Meanwhile, DreamWorks Dream Runner is the world’s longest hydromagnetic rocket coaster. Other slides include bowl slides, body slides, multi-person tube slides, race slides, and more. The best part is, each and every slide is well-themed, making them extra fun to experience!
Have younger kids in tow? Not to worry, there is plenty for them as well. The Penguins Frozen Fun Zone features six kid-friendly slides, and the Kungfu Panda Temple of Awesomeness is a multi-level play structure with interactive water features, slides, and more.
RV Camping Near DreamWorks Water Park
Obviously, you will want to rest up after a day at this amazing waterpark. Our recommendation? Bring an RV. You’ll be comfortable in your own space and better able to get a good night’s rest for another day of vacation fun.
Croton Point Park Campground — Wondering where to park your rig? We mentioned our favorite campground in the area above. That said, Croton Point Park Campground is another great pick. This park is well-shaded with green grass and some lovely views. Full-hookup sites are available, and the location is decent.
Rent an RV near DreamWorks Water Park!
Planning Your Trip to DreamWorks Water Park
Visitors should expect to pay between $64 and $88 to enter DreamWorks Water Park. The price is dependent on which day the guest in question plans to visit, and how old they are at the time of their visit. There are discounts for seniors, and those under 3 years old enter for free. There are also season passes available for those who plan to visit regularly.
Babies and toddlers are required to wear a swim diaper and everyone must shower before entering the pool. Outside food is not permitted, and swimwear is a must.
Diggerland USA
Perhaps one of the most unique theme parks out there, Diggerland USA in West Berlin is a toddler’s dream come true. This park is all about construction trucks and allows truck-obsessed little ones to live out all of their construction truck wishes.
Some of the most popular attractions at Diggerland USA include the Spin Dizzy (which lets you ride in the bucket of a digger) and the Big Diggers (which give guests a chance to operate a real digger all on their own). There are many other fantastic attractions that put guests into construction trucks, both as operators and as passengers.
In addition to the adventure park, Diggerland USA is also home to a waterpark. This park plays host to a lazy river, water slides, a construction-themed water playground, and a variety of water obstacle courses.
RV Camping Near Diggerland USA
Wondering where you’re going to rest after a day of exploring the amazing Diggerland USA? Be sure to take your RV along and you won’t have anything to worry about. There are a few great campgrounds around, so finding a place to park should be a cinch.
South Jersey Jellystone Park — One of our favorite places to park an RV in the area is South Jersey Jellystone Park. The sites here feature full hookups and are just fine for big rigs, and the amenities are outstanding. Kids will appreciate the water obstacle course, the jumping pillow, and the super fun swimming pools, and their parents will love to see them having an awesome time!
Another option is to plan to visit during the Diggerland USA Family Camp Out!
Rent an RV near Diggerland USA!
Planning Your Trip to Diggerland USA
Tickets to Diggerland USA are $49.95. That said, there are often discounts when you buy online, so be sure to check before you visit. It’s also good to know that guests under 36 inches tall enter for free.
This park offers free parking. Outside food is not allowed, but there are four dining locations in the park so finding food shouldn’t be a problem. There are lockers available for rent at the water park.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags parks are always a good bet when looking for amusement parks to visit, and Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is no exception. This park has all the thrills one would expect from a Six Flags park, as well as plenty of family rides and some rides for the kiddos. Pretty much anyone who visits is sure to have a good time here.
Some of the most popular rides in this Six Flags park include BATMAN the Ride, the Green Lantern coaster, and Kingda Ka, which just happens to be the world’s tallest coaster. Families will appreciate the Big Wheel Ferris wheel as well as the Buccaneer pirate ship ride, and little ones will love the carousel and Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots.
In addition to rides, this park also plays host to a variety of other types of entertainment. There are a few animals on display in a miniature zoo area, and live entertainment is often on the schedule as well. Be sure to leave time for these things!
RV Camping Near Six Flags Great Adventure
Of course, you will need a place to call home during your visit. Bringing your RV takes care of this, and finding a place to park it near Six Flags is not a problem. In fact, there are a few great RV parks around.
Tip Tam Camping Resort — Tip Tam Camping Resort is probably our favorite campground in Jackson. This is a lovely campground with plenty of shade, large sites, and full hookups. The staff is helpful and the location is fantastic. Best of all, amenities such as swimming pools, bocce ball, basketball, and mini golf will keep everyone busy.
Rent an RV near Six Flags Great Adventure!
Planning Your Trip to Six Flags Great Adventure
Admission to Six Flags Great Adventure is $99.99 at the gate, but online prices will save you a lot. Right now, online tickets are going for $64.99 a day. Want to visit more than once? The season pass is definitely the way to go!
There is a fee for parking at this theme park, so be prepared to pay. Additionally, you’ll have the option of getting a Flash Pass, which will allow you to skip many lines. Outside food is not allowed, so plan to eat in one of the park’s eateries.
Hurricane Harbor New Jersey
Looking for outdoor water park fun? Hurricane Harbor New Jersey can offer just that. Like all other Hurricane Harbor locations, this park has a wide variety of slides and water attractions. This is great because it means the whole family can have an awesome time together, no matter their ages.
Some of the best thrill rides in this park include the Big Wave Racer mat slides, body slides like Cannonball, Wahini, and Jurahnimo Falls, and the Hurricane Mountain tube slides. Additionally, Tornado is a multi-person tube slide that is fun with a group of friends, and the Big Bambu and Reef Runner raft rides are ideal for family groups.
Younger visitors will also have plenty to do. Discovery Bay and Caribbean Cove feature slides just for little ones, and the wave pool and lazy river are fun for everyone.
RV Camping Near Hurricane Harbor New Jersey
Hurricane Harbor is located very Near Six Flags Great Adventure. Therefore, you could totally stay in the RV park we listed above. That said, that campground is not the only option. If you’d prefer to look elsewhere, you might consider the park below.
Butterfly Camping Resort — Another excellent pick near Jackson, Butterfly Camping Resort is a lovely park with full-hookup sites and a great location. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and amenities include a pool, playground, and super clean bathhouses. This is pretty much the perfect home away from home while in New Jersey!
Rent an RV near Hurricane Harbor New Jersey!
Planning Your Trip to Hurricane Harbor New Jersey
The gate price for Hurricane Harbor tickets is $69.99. That said, the online price is only $49.99, making buying online a no-brainer. Season passes are also an option.
Outside food is not allowed in this park, but food and drinks are available for purchase. There is a fee for parking and rental lockers are available, so be sure to budget for those things.
iPlay America
Like Nickelodeon Universe, iPlay America in Freehold is an amusement park that is entirely indoors. We really like this because it means it’s possible to have theme park fun all year round, and you’re sure to have fun while visiting this fantastic amusement center.
Let’s start by talking about the rides at iPlay America. These include thrill rides such as the Freedom Rider roller coaster and Reverse Time spinning ride, as well as kiddie rides like Dizzy Dragons and a carousel. In all, the park is home to more than ten fantastic rides, and one could easily spend an entire visit just enjoying these.
Don’t spend your whole visit at the rides though. Why? Because there is so much more to do! Other attractions in this park include a Topgolf Swing Suite, a large arcade, a two-level laser tag game, an XD Dark Ride, and Ballocity, an amazing four-level play structure with all kinds of interactive fun.
RV Camping Near iPlay America
Wondering where to stay while you play? Bringing your RV is the obvious solution, as it ensures you’ll have a clean and comfortable place to stay. Of course, you will need to find a place to park the rig. This is where the campground below comes into play.
Turkey Swamp Park — Turkey Swamp Park is a favorite area campground for a reason. This clean, well-kept park features electric hookups at each site, and has potable water available. It is shaded and a lovely place to spend your evenings, and the location is wonderful!
Rent an RV near iPlay America!
Planning Your Trip to iPlay America
The cost of visiting iPlay America depends on what you plan to do while there. Those visiting primarily for the rides should probably purchase an unlimited ride band for $37.99. Meanwhile, people hoping to play in the arcade should look at buying a pack of game credits. All other attractions are priced individually, so you can pick and choose what fits your budget.
Outside food is not allowed in iPlay America, but food is available for purchase in case you get hungry. Rental lockers are also an option.
Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove
Rated one of the top amusement parks in New Jersey by a variety of publications, Land of Make Believe and their Pirate’s Cove waterpark are wonderful places to enjoy a day or two with the family. The focus of these parks is giving parents wonderful places to play with their kids, and the folks that run the place have done an incredible job.
One of the newest rides at this park is the super fun spinning coaster called Tumbling Timbers. Other great attractions include the Off Road Safari Adventure, the Scream Machine 360, the Rockin’ Tug, and of course, the train ride. Young children will appreciate the carousel, the Red Baron plane ride, the Dixie Car ride, and the Jump Around Frog.
Headed to the waterpark as well? Pirate’s Cove plays host to a whole lot of splashing fun. Little ones will love playing in Blackbeard’s Pirate Ship where they can slide and climb to their heart’s content. The Pirate’s Cove Wading Pool is also good for young swimmers, and Blackbeard’s Pirate Fort is fun for slightly older kids.
Thrill seekers will love the variety of slides found in this water park, and the whole family will appreciate the lazy river that runs through it.
RV Camping Near Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove
RV camping is the way to go when visiting this theme park. By doing so, you can add a good dose of camping fun into your already amazing getaway and make it an absolutely epic vacation that will be remembered for years to come. On top of that, you can rest assured you’ll be 100% comfortable the entire time.
TripleBrook Family Campground — When it comes to places to park your RV, TripleBrook Family Campground is our top pick. For starters, this RV park is absolutely lovely. Additionally, full-hookup sites are available and the staff will welcome you with open arms. Amenities at this park include pools, mini golf, and a whole lot more!
Rent an RV near Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove!
Planning Your Trip to Land of Make Believe and Pirates Cove
One of the best things about Land of Make Believe is the fact that it is affordable. The regular admission price is just $45, but online tickets are often discounted even more. On top of that, seniors receive a ticket discount and kids under 3 years old enter for free.
Guests are permitted to bring outside food into this park, and a picnic area is provided for eating it. There is also food available for purchase in case you forget to pack a lunch.
Rental strollers and wheelchairs are not available, so be sure to bring your own. Lockers are available for rent though, making it easy to store your things.
Storybook Land
This is an absolutely adorable theme park that is perfect for families with young children. After all, what little kids wouldn’t want to step into their favorite storybook? That’s exactly what Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township allows you to do!
All of the rides in this park are geared toward kids, so you won’t find any thrill rides or large coasters. What you will find are some adorably themed family rides that toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary aged kids will adore.
The J&J Railroad train ride is a favorite with train lovers, and kids love to drive the Old Tymers vehicles. Jumping Jumbos allows little ones to ride on the back of an elephant and Tea Time sends them spinning in a teacup. Of course, you won’t want to miss Bubbles the Coaster for a super fun ride on a dragon!
Kids love walking around the park and visiting scenes from various storybooks. There is a water play area available during the summer months and special events occur throughout the year.
RV Camping Near Storybook Land
Planning to camp while visiting Storybook Land? Excellent choice! Staying in an RV will help you feel completely comfortable even while away from home. Besides, who wouldn’t welcome some camping fun into their vacation?
Holly Acres RV Park — One of the best places to park your RV near Storybook Land is Holly Acres RV Park. This campground is close to tons of attractions and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Organized activities happen nearly every weekend over the summer, and a camp store is available should you need to buy something.
Rent an RV near Storybook Land!
Planning Your Trip to Storybook Land
Admission to Storybook Land is just $30.95 at the gate, and if you buy online you save a few dollars, making this an even more affordable outing. Kids under 2 years of age enter this park for free, and seniors and military members receive a discount.
Guests are welcome to bring a picnic into the park and a picnic area is provided. There is also food available onsite. Parking is free at this park.
Steel Pier
No trip to New Jersey is complete without visiting at least one of the many pier amusement parks there, and this is where Steel Pier comes into play. Located in Atlantic City, this iconic amusement park is 1,000 feet long and chock-full of fun and excitement.
Rides here are varied and include rides for young children, rides for families to enjoy together, and rides for the thrill seekers in your group. Some favorites are The Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that stands out from the rest of the park’s offerings, and the Freedom Flyer, a swinging ride that is sure to get your heart pumping.
In addition to rides, Steel Pier also features plenty of boardwalk games. Basketball games, shooting games, and more line the walkways and offer lots of ways to win a fun take-home prize to remember your trip by.
RV Camping Near Steel Pier
Wondering where you’ll head after a long day of enjoying the sights and sounds of the boardwalk? Why not return to your very own home-on-wheels? Bringing your RV along means you’ll have a comfortable place to stay as you explore the great state of New Jersey.
Whippoorwill Campground — One of the best campgrounds in the area, Whippoorwill Campground is a great place to park your RV. This lovely campground has shaded full-hookup sites, a pool, clean bathhouses, and more. It is tucked away in the trees, giving the place a nice wilderness feel while still allowing you to stay near all the fun offered by the Jersey shore.
Planning Your Trip to Steel Pier
There is no admission fee at Steel Pier. Instead, guests must purchase tickets that can be exchanged for rides. The smallest rides cost only 4 tickets, while the biggest rides require 8.
The cost for tickets depends on how many you buy. A single ticket is $1.75, but a book of 80 tickets can be bought for only $80.00. Unlimited ride wristbands are also available on certain days and a military discount is available.
Although Steel Pier does not have a parking lot of its own, parking can be found nearby for a small fee. Food and beverages are available in the park.
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks
Last on our list, Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks in Wildwood is a fantastic place to spend a few days soaking up the sun and having a great time. The property has been around since 1969 and includes a total of three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks, which combined play host to over 100 rides and attractions.
Obviously, with over 100 attractions to choose from, you won’t be getting bored while at Morey’s Piers. In fact, you might even find yourself having a hard time deciding what to do while you’re there. From coasters such as The Great Nor’easter at Surfside Pier to the spinning Teacups ride at Mariner’s Pier, there really is something for everyone in these amusement park areas.
Heading to one of the waterparks? You’ll find loads of fun there too. Both Ocean Oasis Water Park + Beach Club and Raging Waters Water Park include water slides, a lazy river, and awesome kids’ water play areas.
RV Camping Near Morey’s Piers
Hoping to take your RV when you visit Morey’s Piers? Excellent choice! Doing this will ensure your comfort during your vacation and make it easy to hop from one spot to the next while exploring New Jersey.
Beachcomber Camping Resort — The best place to park your rig while you check out Wildwood? We recommend Beachcomber Camping Resort. This is a fantastic campground with full hookups, a lake, a pool, a dog park, a playground, and more. There is a camp store with all of the essentials, and even an ice cream hut for buying a mid-day treat!
Rent an RV near Morey’s Piers!
Planning Your Trip to Morey’s Piers
Wondering what you’ll pay to play at Morey’s Piers? This depends on what you plan to do. Rides require tickets, which can be loaded onto a card. Another option is to purchase an unlimited ride wristband. These start at $32.99.
Water park admission depends on the day of the week and time, but ranges in price from $26.99 to $44.99 per park per day. There is also a combo ticket option for those who want to experience both dry fun and water park fun.
Paid parking is available right off the boardwalk and located nearby to all three piers. Rental lockers are available and food is available for purchase in the park.
As you can see, you will not go wanting for amusement park fun while in New Jersey. In fact, the number of awesome New Jersey amusement parks out there is pretty overwhelming. If you are somehow in need of even more theme park fun, you can always try searching for “amusement parks near me” once you get settled into your campgrounds. We’re betting even more great options will pop up.
Want something to do that doesn’t have to do with rollercoasters and boardwalk games? Why not add some different kinds of fun into your trip? There are tons of great things to do in New Jersey and some of the best ideas are found in the articles linked below:
