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.

WheatonArts is Open April–December!
Plan your visit to WheatonArts this season! General admission is required to explore the Museum of American Glass, Down Jersey Folklife Center, and the Artist Studios (Glass, Pottery, Flamework). Prefer to browse or enjoy a peaceful walk? Our scenic grounds and Museum Stores—the General Store, Paperweight Shop, and Gallery of Fine Craft—remain open to all without a ticket.

Mountain Creek Waterpark – Where Snow Turns to Splash!
When the snow melts, the fun heats up at Mountain Creek Waterpark—the region’s largest waterpark, just under 50 miles from NYC! With over two dozen rides, slides, and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Open June-Sept 5th.

Six Flags Great Adventure
Craving some adrenaline? Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey’s legendary amusement park, is back in action Saturday, March 29, after its winter break. Located in Jackson Township, the park will welcome thrill-seekers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday for opening weekend. Following this kickoff, the park will remain closed on weekdays until “Spring Break Days,” when it reopens daily from April 12 to April 21. After that, it returns to a weekend-only schedule—until summer kicks into high gear.

Turtle Back Zoo
Dedicated to delivering an engaging and educational experience that promotes excellence in wildlife education and conservation. Our mission is to inspire both current and future generations to understand, value, and protect the delicate balance of all living things.

Bergen County Zoo
Nestled in Van Saun County Park in Paramus, New Jersey, is open and ready to welcome visitors! Home to a fascinating and diverse collection of wildlife, the zoo offers an experience designed to inspire appreciation and understanding of animals and the natural world they call home. Starting April 1, the zoo will reopen.

Cape May Zoo
The Cape May County Park & Zoo, located in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, is a family-friendly destination.  Established in 1978, the zoo spans 85 acres and houses over 550 animals representing more than 250 species, including giraffes, zebras, snow leopards, and primates.

Popcorn Park Refuge Zoo
Over 200 animals and birds roam freely and in good care.  Located in Forked River, which, as its name suggests, is a sanctuary for animals in need. Popcorn Park is different from most zoos in New Jersey— the Associated Humane Societies oversees the zoo, and it’s a haven for rescued animals from desperate circumstances or death. Kids learn about these abandoned animals, help out around the zoo, and even adopt the animals.

Bronx Zoo
One of the largest metropolitan zoos in the United States, spanning 265 acres of parklands and naturalistic habitats. Established in 1899, it houses over 11,000 animals representing more than 700 species from around the globe.

Space Farms Zoo & Museum
Discover over 500 incredible animals—including lions, tigers, bears, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, kangaroos, monkeys, hyenas, snakes, and classic farm animals like goats, pigs, and sheep. Every visit offers a new opportunity for fun and learning.  Explore 9 large museum buildings filled with fascinating treasures. It’s where family fun meets American history—all in one unforgettable destination. Located in Sussex, NJ. Perfect for all ages!

The Land of Make Believe
Season opening is Saturday, May 24, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend. The park operates on weekends only through mid-June and transitions to daily operations starting June 14 . Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the park offers a variety of attractions, including the award-winning water park, family-friendly rides, and thrilling experiences like the Scream Machine 360 and Tumblin’ Timbers roller coaster.

Storybook Land
This charming, family-owned amusement park located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Established in 1955, the park spans 20 acres and brings classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales to life through themed attractions and gentle rides designed for young children. Visitors can 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.

Morey’s Pier
located on the Wildwood, NJ boardwalk, is a family-owned amusement destination with over 100 rides and attractions. Spread across three piers and two water parks, it offers everything from roller coasters to lazy rivers, all with ocean views. Opens May 2nd!

Runaway Rapids Waterpark in Keansburg
Offers a fun-filled aquatic experience for families and visitors of all ages. The park features over 18 water slides, a kiddie lagoon, a separate toddler play area, a lazy river, and two spa pools. Amenities include Ellis-trained lifeguards, locker rentals, showers, and changing facilities. Runaway Rapids operates on weekends starting Memorial Day weekend and opens daily from mid-June through Labor Day, weather permitting.

Clementon Park & Splashworld
This historic amusement and water park that has been entertaining families since 1907. The park features a variety of attractions, including the wooden roller coaster Hell Cat, the Ring of Fire looping coaster, and family-friendly rides like the Grand Carousel and C.P. Huntington Railway. Splash World offers water attractions such as the Torpedo Rush trap-door slide, the Big Wave Bay wave pool, and Laguna Kahuna—a Polynesian-themed water playground with slides and interactive features. The park operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Sesame Place
A friendly theme park and water park located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia. The park is based entirely on the beloved children’s television show, Sesame Street, and offers a variety of attractions, including rides, shows, and water features, all themed around the show’s characters. Notably, Sesame Place Philadelphia is the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests.  Select water attractions will open on May 24 through September 1 and September 6 and 7.

Read more at NJ Kids