Are you in need of ideas for a fun and thrilling day trip this summer?
Lucky for you, there are a ton of theme parks in and around New Jersey that include a variety of attractions from thrilling rollercoasters to children’s rides to water slides.
Here is your guide to some of the many theme parks that are within driving distance of North Jersey.
Six Flags Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor, Jackson
When you think about New Jersey theme parks, Six Flags is likely the first place that comes to mind. A day at Six Flags can include anything from kids rides to thrill rides, a safari adventure, the Hurricane Harbor water park, entertainment, and more. Located in Jackson, it is a great option for adventures all summer long.
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TICKET PRICES: Day passes for Great Adventure can be purchased online starting at $39 or at the gate for $99.99; Day passes for Hurricane Harbor can be purchased online starting at $29 or at the gate for $70.
HOURS: Hours vary, check website for specific dates
WEBSITE: sixflags.com/greatadventure.
Nickelodeon Universe and DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream, East Rutherford
The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford is home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest indoor theme park as well as the largest indoor waterpark in North America. There are a ton of Nickelodeon and DreamWorks-themed rides and slides to choose from at these two indoor parks.
TICKET PRICES: Day passes for Nickelodeon Universe range from $45 to $79 depending on the day and time; Day passes for the DreamWorks Water Park range from $49 to $99 depending on the day and time.
HOURS: Hours vary, check website for specific dates
WEBSITE: americandream.com
Land of Make Believe, Hope
Land of Make Believe is an amusement park and water park located in Hope. Once a dairy farm, it has been transformed into a “charming, magical location” with a goal of providing “affordable family fun.”
Not only can you ride and slide, but you can also visit Santa Claus in his barn, take a walk through a candy cane forest, participate in an interactive play, go mining, visit farm animals, and so much more.
Land of Make Believe is open on weekends only until June 15. From June 15 to Sept. 2 the park will be open every day.
TICKET PRICES: $45 (adult and children), $42 (seniors 62+)
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WEBSITE: lomb.com
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Mountain Creek Water Park, Vernon
Even though ski season is long over, you can still take a trip up to Mountain Creek in Vernon to visit the resort’s water park, described on their website as “NJ’s most unique water park.”
TICKET PRICES: $49.99 plus fees
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
WEBSITE: mountaincreek.com/waterpark/overview/
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Diggerland USA, West Berlin
Diggerland USA is a construction-themed water and amusement park in West Berlin. According to the website, at Diggerland families can “drive, ride, and operate specially engineered real machines for a safe, clean and fun time.”
TICKET PRICES: $47.99
HOURS: The water park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the rides are open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
WEBSITE: diggerlandusa.com
Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Tannersville, PA
A short drive from North Jersey into the Pocono Mountains will bring you to the Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, the largest water park in the Pocono Mountains.
The park will be open for the season on June 16.
TICKET PRICES: From $30
HOURS: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WEBSITE: camelbackresort.com
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown, PA
Another great option for a day trip is Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Dorney park has a variety of rides from thrilling coasters to little thrills in Planet Snoopy. If you want to cool down, you can visit the Wildwater Kingdom water park.
TICKET PRICES: $44.99 online, $74.99 at the gate
HOURS: Hours vary, check website for specific dates
WEBSITE: dorneypark.com
Jersey Shore theme parks and water parks
In addition to the many large theme park destinations in and around our state, there are plenty of amusement piers and water parks littered up and down the Jersey Shore from Seaside to Cape May.
Whether you are a day tripper or have a beach rental booked, there is no shortage of thrills to choose from this summer down the shore.
Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights
- TICKET PRICES: $74.95 for admission into water park and wristband for unlimited pier rides
- HOURS: Hours vary, check website for specific dates
- WEBSITE: casinopiernj.com
Thundering Surf Waterpark, Beach Haven
- TICKET PRICES: 42 inches and up, $37.99 for two-hour admission, $41.99 for three-hour admission, $46.99 for all day admission; Under 42 inches, $32.99 for two-hour admission, $36.99 for three-hour admission, $46.99 for all day admission
- HOURS: Opening in June, call the park at 609-492-0869 for updates
- WEBSITE: thunderingsurfwaterpark.com
Island Waterpark at Showboat, Atlantic City
- TICKET PRICES: $59.99 general admission
- HOURS: Hours vary, check website for specific dates
- WEBSITE: islandwaterparkac.com
OC Waterpark, Ocean City
- TICKET PRICES: $48 adult and $43 child online, $51 adult and $46 child at the gate
- HOURS: Hours vary, check website for specific dates
- WEBSITE: ocwaterpark.com
Morey’s Piers and Waterparks, Wildwood
- TICKET PRICES: Amusement ride wristband and water park admission combo $115.00; Raging Waters general admission from $34.99; Ocean Oasis general admission from $43.99; Ride cards vary by ticket amount
- HOURS: Hours vary, check website for specific dates
- WEBSITE: moreyspiers.com
