As the weather warms and flowers begin to bloom, families across the region are gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year—spring openings at theme parks, zoos, and other family-favorite destinations! Whether you’re chasing thrills, animal adventures, or a splash of water fun, there’s something for everyone this season.

Bucks County River Country
Opening May 23, 2026. Looking for a way to beat the heat and bond with the kids? Pack the sunscreen and experience the ultimate family weekend at Bucks County River Country in Point Pleasant, PA! They specialize in safe, scenic, and stress-free river adventures that kids and parents love. Offering canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals for trips on the Delaware River. Includes free shuttle service, free life jackets, free paddles for boats, rest-rooms and food truck. Point Pleasant, PA.

TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
High Ropes course with over 100 obstacles, including bridges, nets, ladders, and zip lines, set in trees of the Great Gorge. 10 unique ropes courses for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park is located in the beautiful forested setting of the Great Gorge in Vernon, NJ.

Mountain Creek Waterpark
Opening Day June 6, 2026. Two dozen rides, including the Alpine Mountain Coaster, slides, pool fun, lazy river and splash zones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Vernon, NJ. MountainCreek.com

Island Aqua Park
Biggest floating inflatable water park featuring giant obstacles. Fun for all ages. Check website for opening day. Located at the Beach on the Bay in Margate, NJ.

Fairy Tale Forest
Opening Day May 23, 2026 with weekend only hours thru June 21, after which it will open Thursday thru Sunday until Labor Day. A nostalgic theme park featuring walk-through scenes from classic fairy tales with animatronics and interactive elements. Offering a simple, magical experience with attractions like Storyland, Christmas Village and seasonal events. Oak Ridge, NJ. FairyTaleForest.com

Six Flags Great Adventure
Open on weekend-only schedule at Six Flags Great Adventure — until summer kicks into high gear, starting May 29th, opened daily. Featuring the return of THE FLASH, Vertical Velocity and the Wild Safari. Jackson, NJ.

The Land Of Make Believe
Opens May 23, coinciding with memorial day weekend, weekends only through mid-June, then open daily starting June 13 through Labor Day. Enjoy Family rides, water park, and a new “Pirate Fury” at The Land of Make Believe. Hope, NJ.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Beachside rides, arcades, and a new roller coaster, “Patriot’s Run”. Point Pleasant, NJ. Jenkinsons.com

Storybook Land
A classic family park geared toward young children, themed around fairy tales and nursery rhymes over 20 acres. At Storybrook Land, enjoy a variety of rides, such as the J&J railroad train, bubbles the coaster, and the turtle twirl, all set amidst beautifully maintained grounds. Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Big Snow
Open year round for “winter” fun. Indoor real snow ski and snowboard resort makes every day is a snow day. Big Snow is located inside the American Dream Mall, E. Rutherford, NJ.

Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterpark
Opens May 1st. On the Wildwood boardwalk, this classic Jersey Shore boardwalk offers three piers of rides and water parks. Wildwood, NJ. MoreysPiers.com

Runaway Rapids Waterpark
Opens weekends starting Memorial Day weekend and opens daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Waterpark with over 18 water slides, Toddler’s Reef, lazy river, and two spa pools. Keansburg, NJ.

Clementon Park & Splashworld
Opens May 2026. A historic amusement and water park featuring rides and a large wave pool. Clementon, NJ

Sesame Place
Select water attractions will open on Memorial Day through September. A friendly theme park and water park including rides, shows, and water features, all themed around the show’s characters. First theme park in the world to be designated as a certified autism center, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests. SesamePlace.com

WheatonArts
Open April–December! Explore the Museum of American Glass, Jersey Folklife Center, and the Artist Studios (glass, pottery, flamework). Or explore their scenic grounds and museum stores—the general store, paperweight shop, and gallery of fine craft. Millville, NJ. WheatonArts.org

Doyle’s Farm
6th generation family farm focused on agricultural education and providing farm fresh products. Offers guided tours, school trips and private events, with hands-on activities like bottle feeding baby animals, milking goats, shearing sheep, visiting a chick incubator and learning about farming practices. Readington, NJ. DoylesFarm.com

Grounds for Sculpture - Arboretum and Nature Gardens
Discover beautiful landscape and gardens on over 42 acres at Grounds for Sculpture. Wildflowers, butterflies, ponds, flowers, and nature paths. Go on a self-guided tree tour and see 78 different types of trees. Also take the time to explore all the art and sculptures on the museum grounds. Family and kid friendly. Hamilton NJ.

NJ State Parks
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2026, go hiking at New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas. There are many parks to visit, ranging from Liberty State Park, High Point State Park to Paterson Great Falls. Take the kids and head outdoors! 

Rutgers Gardens
Open year round, FREE admission to Rutgers Gardens. Explore 180 acres of gardens and natural habitats. Kids can make their own nature discoveries. Plenty of gardens to see including vegetable, flower, rain, tree collection, bamboo grove, woodland, frog pond, and pollinator garden. Brunswick, NJ. 

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
FREE admission to grounds. Take a stroll through gardens, open fields, woodland, and groves of flowering trees. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a center for horticultural activities, educational programs, garden and flower shows. Various children’s activities are held throughout the year. Morris Township, NJ.

Laurelwood Arboretum
Open year round from 8am to dusk, Laurelwood Arboretum spans 30 acres and features woodland trails, Wetland Garden, The Pollinator Garden, Lilac Walk, Sculpture trail, ponds, streams, plants, trees and more! Wayne, NJ.

The Willowwood Arboretum
Open daily from 8am to dusk, FREE. Enjoy various gardens in the park: Bee Meadow, Conservatory, Cottage Garden, Cypress Lawn, Hacklebarney Field, Hillside Pasture. Chester Twnshp, NJ.

Read more at NJ Kids