Guide to Family Getaways and Day Trip Attractions with Kids...

Looking to spend some quality family time with the kids? Perhaps a day trip, weekend getaway, or a week long vacation. Here are some top ideas for a fun time at nearby destinations just a short drive away from New Jersey.

PINE RIDGE DUDE RANCH

All inclusive family vacation destination at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. Enjoy beautiful trails and horseback riding! Ride over miles of wooded trails overlooking the scenic Shawangunk Ridge with views of the Mohonk Mountain. There’s never a dull moment. Choose from a vast array of outdoor fun & activities, including paddle boats, bounce pillow, fishing, tractor rides, archery, sports and games. Plus kids will love the indoor heated pool with double flume waterslides and the outdoor Olympic size pool with waterslides. Overnight, groups and day trips. 30 Cherrytown Rd, Kerhonkson, NY, 866-600-0859.

STORYBOOK LAND

Storybook Land is a special place that keeps the spirit of childhood alive in an entertaining and educational atmosphere. Relive your childhood while introducing innocent themes of wonderment to your children. Literally walk through all-time favorite stories and nursery rhymes. Children’s classics are interspersed with exciting new family rides and attractions in a clean and enjoyable park setting. Book your birthday parties too. 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 609.646.0103.

WOODLOCH RESORT

What will you find at Woodloch Resort? 30+ scheduled activities daily, resort amenities including (indoor and outdoor pool, sandy beach area with water slide, row boats, paddle boats, canoes, paintball, race cars, bumper cars, skating rink, bicycling, wooded trails, golf course), nightly entertainment, 2-3 meals daily. Woodloch is a 4 season Poconos family resort nestled in a pristine mountain lake vacation setting. Rated in the top 1% on Trip Advisor. Hawley, PA, 800.Woodloch

SAHARA SAMS OASIS INDOOR & OUTDOOR WATERPARK

Sahara Sams is a family waterpark attraction with both indoor and outdoor water fun. Plenty of cool water slides, toddler & kiddie pools, arcades, outdoor beach club, wave pool, outdoor Splish Splash area just for small children and much more! Float downstream and meander down the Congo Bongo Adventure River. Try the Flow Rider, NJ's only indoor surfing simulator. Sit tight on a family water raft as you breeze through Mount Kilimanjaro. 535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ, 856.767.7580.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO

Children of all ages can experience some smart fun at Lehigh Valley Zoo and learn about animals. This zoo is all about wildlife conservation. Lehigh Valley is home to more than 325 animal ambassadors representing over 125 species, from alpacas, bisons, elks, owls, penguins, porcupines to zebras. 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA, 610.799.4171.

DIGGERLAND USA

For Kids: rides & attractions in this Construction Adventure Park. For 18+ and adults, climb aboard a digger machine at Diggerland. Operate heavy machinery, drive skid-steers and climb the ropes courses. 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ, 856.768.1110.

LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE

Plan a day of fun with your kids at Land of Make Believe. Great amusement park for young children. Come check us out!! This theme park has rides the whole family can enjoy, with roller coasters, ferris wheel, a civil war train, flying dragon, carousel, boardwalk games and more! It also features an outdoor water park with slides, rides, and an awesome lazy river. 354 Great Meadows Road - Rt. 611, Hope, NJ, 908.459.9000.

SPLASHDOWN BEACH WATER PARK

Known as America's Biggest Little Water Park, SplashDown Beach is a family friendly outdoor water park. Non stop fun with water slides, water rides, family pools, lazy river, spinning buckets of water, monster wave pool, little kids lagoon area, cabanas, and a beach called Rock Beach. 16 Old Route 9 West, Fishkill, NY, 845.897.9600.

DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Nature is waiting for you at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: take a walk along Dingmans Falls Boardwalk (about 1.5 mile) to view Dingmans Falls. The back trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips and bird watching. Best time to go is from March to November. You’ll find sports activities such as boating, white water rafting, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Also nearby is the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm. Head out to visit Bushkill Falls, the Niagara of Pennsylvania. Many waterparks are nearby including Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark.

BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY

Right across Penn's Landing in Philadelphia is the Battleship New Jersey. Learn all about the fascination history of the USS New Jersey and her veterans. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the deck of the battleship, going up and down ladders and learning how the sailors once lived. Take a self-guided Fire Power tour or a Turret II Tour. Group overnight trips also available. 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ, 856.966.1652.