It’s fair to say New Jersey has quite the abundance of theme or amusement parks. Ranging from ultra kid-friendly to super terrifying, an array of experiences await. But those classic seaside, year-round carnival piers are what many fall in love with—kids that once traversed the boardwalks with popcorn in hand and a mission to conquer the scariest ride are now bringing their kids, and even grandkids. No matter what, New Jersey has an amusement park for you, and these are the very best.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, Ocean City
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City is the classic seaside park we see in our heads when we think of New Jersey amusement parks. Simple rides like the carousel give a fair-like feel, then you have the log flume and haunted house. But the towering Ferris wheel which lights up into a rainbow of colors at night creates an iconic silhouette against the ocean.
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Six Flags is known around the United States for consistently delivering a thrilling amusement park experience. Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is no exception. Steel mammoths invoke fear yet excitement, wooden classics graze over surrounding ponds, and there’s a lot of cool themes going on in various areas.
Playland’s Castaway Cove, Ocean City
Playland’s Castaway Cove also resides in Ocean City, featuring similar classics, like a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. But Playland also has a pretty impressive blue coaster that swirls, twirls, flips and flies, so it’s a solid option if you have both teens and little ones.
Clementon Park, Clementon
Clementon Park is a fusion of both a water park and fair, with some sweet slides and pools, along with a Ferris wheel, ring of fire and fairly new coaster. But Clementon is best known for its steady existence since the early 1900s.
Steel Pier, Atlantic City
Steel Pier is an iconic Atlantic City attraction, extending over the ocean on the traditional wood structure. It’s like a carnival that never ends—games, funnel cakes, a scene-setting Ferris wheel and complimenting rides such as the Wild Mouse make Steel Pier a laid back place to enjoy the ocean breezes and a bit of entertainment. We don’t need it to be any more than what it already is.
Fantasy Island Park, Beach Haven
Fantasy Island Park is situated in Long Beach Island, within Beach Haven. Many games are available for all ages, and the rides aren’t too scary, but definitely fun even for older ones. Bumper cars, and tried and true faves like the tilt-o-whirl and scrambler take grown-ups back to childhood. Have a bundle of cotton candy and try to catch the sunset from the Ferris wheel.
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township
Storybook Land embodies a certain something many amusement parks lack—the tiny details have remained intact, from whimsical structures to hand-painted decor. While you won’t find hellacious hills or verticals drops, thrill-seekers of any age will find this gem quite endearing.
iPlay America, Freehold
iPlay America in Freehold is the ultimate rainy day activity because it’s within a 115,000 square foot indoor space. Laser tag, go-carts, bumper cars and even some small rides reside within the mammoth-sized space. Young ones can play the carnival games and adults can get in on a round of laser tag. But the coolest aspect may be the boardwalk theme that takes us back to yesteryear.
Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach might be smaller than most, but it’s seriously adorable. You can get some pretty tasty treats as well, from ice cream to gourmet candy apples, and the aerial swings and carousel add classic appeal. Smaller rides dot the walkway, and it’s just another defining Jersey Shore hang out.
Diggerland USA, West Berlin
Diggerland USA nabs the title of “Most Unique”, no doubt. Kids can live out their dream of being a construction worker, by operating vehicles and equipment. But what really takes it over the edge are rides like the Spin Dizzy that totes passengers around in the bucket of a torque JCB JS220, or the Greased Beast, which simulates dumping its riders out of the back of a demolition trailer.
Land of Make Believe, Hope
Land of Make Believe is perfect for wee ones—they can have fun for hours versus becoming cantankerous in a tiny “kiddie” area at bigger parks. A water park with a pirate ship playground and lazy river helps keep everyone cool between traversing dry rides, and while food is available, families can bring a picnic. That alone saves a pretty penny.
Wild West City, Stanhope
Wild West City was designed to capture the essence of an 1800s Kansas destination, Dodge City. While there aren’t any thrill rides, guests can immerse into the western way while panning for gold, rumbling around in a stagecoach, or chugging along in a train.
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Casino Pier in Seaside Heights is yet another lovable boardwalk, with fair rides, iconic foods like some seriously good pizza and more surprisingly, a modern water park complete with lazy river and a wave pool.
Morey’s Pier, Wildwood
Morey’s Pier in Wildwood is an excellently well run, family-owned park with both dry and wet fun. Several water slides and over 100 rides have made Morey’s an absolute classic experience, which generations to come will likely enjoy. Guests can also choose to board a controversially terrifying ghost ship experience—you’ve been warned.
