15 places in New Jersey to take the grandkids

A day out with the grandkids works best when it works for everyone. Little legs need a playground and a snack. Older knees need a bench, a level path and a restroom that is not a half mile away. New Jersey has plenty of places that manage both.

We checked the places below on their official websites in October 2026. We list prices only where the site posts them, and we say so when it does not. Hours shift a lot between fall and winter, and some spots close for the season, so call before you load the car.

How do I plan a day that works for both of us?

North Jersey: where should we go?

1. Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange

Essex County's zoo is compact and busy, with a train, a carousel and a touch tank. The zoo says plainly that it is built on a mountain and has steep paths, with benches throughout for breaks. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers can be rented at Guest Relations, first come, first served, and the train is wheelchair accessible. Stroller rentals close for winter. Parking in the South Mountain Recreation Complex is free. The zoo sells a senior ticket for visitors 62 and older. Call 973-731-5800 ext. 0 for current rates.

2. Bergen County Zoo, Paramus

This small zoo inside Van Saun County Park is easy to cover in a morning, which makes it a good first zoo. Standard hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., last entry at 4. Bergen County residents 62 and older pay $2 and out-of-county seniors pay $4. Children 3 to 14 pay $4 (residents) or $7, and children under 3 are free. The train and carousel cost $3 per person, per ride, sold only at the zoo booth. Questions: 201-634-3100.

3. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City

Four floors of hands-on science, plus a planetarium, all indoors. That makes it a strong pick for a cold or rainy day. Each floor has two large elevators, and a third serves the planetarium. Wheelchairs can be requested at the Welcome Desk. There is a drop-off area near the entrance for guests with special needs, reached from Phillip Street. Parking costs $7 for cars. The center is closed some weekdays, so check the schedule. Prices are posted only through the online ticket system, and buying a day ahead gets the best price. Call 201-200-1000.

4. Paterson Great Falls, Paterson

Kids love the roar. The Passaic River drops about 77 feet between dark cliffs, and the view from the overlook railing is free. It is a short visit, which suits a child with a short attention span. Overlook Park has accessible parking, but paths mix paved and unpaved sections. There are no restrooms in the park. Accessible restrooms are at the Paterson Museum, 2 Market Street. Park office: 973-523-0370.

5. Silas Condict County Park, Kinnelon

A quiet nature outing for grandkids who like to throw sticks in water and look for ducks. The park covers 1,513 acres with more than 10 miles of trails. The easy part is the seven-acre lake, which has benches and is partly lined with weeping cherry trees. There are picnic sites with tables and grills. It is open sunrise to sunset. The county page does not describe accessibility, so call 973-326-7600 before bringing a wheelchair.

6. Space Farms Zoo & Museum, Wantage

Part zoo, part old-time museum. More than 500 animals share the grounds with nine museum buildings holding over 50 antique cars, carriages, dolls and farm machines. Grandparents often enjoy the museum as much as the kids enjoy the bears. There is a picnic area, a playground and a pizza restaurant. The 2026 season ends Sunday, November 1, so go soon or plan for spring. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., last entrance 4 p.m. Daily tickets start at $26. The site does not post a senior rate or accessibility details. Call 973-875-3223.

Central Jersey: what is worth the drive?

7. Duke Farms, Hillsborough

Doris Duke's former estate is now 2,700 acres of meadows, woods and ponds, and entry is always free. More than 15 miles of trails are mostly flat, paved and wider than 36 inches, which is great for strollers and wheelchairs. The Orchid Range is a mile from the Farm Barn and cannot be reached by car. Duke Farms offers a free round-trip accessibility transport there for people with limited mobility, by reservation. There are benches along the path to the Farm Barn. The campus is closed every Sunday and Monday. Saturdays from April through October need a free parking pass.

8. Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton

Giant outdoor sculptures hide around every bend, which turns a walk into a treasure hunt. The main path is paved, though side paths can be gravel, sand or steep. Wheelchairs rent for $15 a day and scooters for $29 for the first four hours. Seniors 65 and older pay $18 (adults $25). Timed tickets must be booked online in advance. Closed Tuesdays.

9. New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium, Trenton

Dinosaurs, fossils and Native American history, next to the State House. General admission is free. Planetarium shows cost $10, with $1 off for seniors 65 and older. Use the Planetarium entrance if walking is hard. Every level has two elevators, most galleries have benches, and the front desk lends one free wheelchair. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

10. Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Township

A working farm run as it was around 1900, with horses, plowing and real chores. Kids can often lend a hand. Admission and parking are free (the corn maze has a fee). It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sundays, Mondays and Mercer County holidays. The Visitor Center is fully accessible, and transportation to the barnyard and fields is available on request. Picnicking is not allowed, so plan lunch elsewhere. Call 609-737-3299.

11. Jenkinson's Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach

A manageable, indoor aquarium right on the boardwalk, with penguins, seals and sharks. Seniors 65 and older pay $15, adults $19 and children 3 to 11 pay $13. Children 2 and under are free. Fall and winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. The wheelchair lift is being replaced and is out of service until about October 31, so call 732-892-0600 if anyone in your group needs it.

South Jersey: where can we spend a whole day?

12. Adventure Aquarium, Camden

Big and dramatic, with a shark bridge, hippos and penguins. The average visit runs two to three hours. General admission starts at $32.99 for adults and $27.99 for children, and seniors save $2. Manual wheelchairs rent for $8 (plus a $10 refundable deposit) and electric scooters for $30 (plus $50). Single strollers rent for $8. You may bring outside food. Parking is $10. The aquarium is mostly cashless. It is open 364 days a year, closed Thanksgiving. Call 1-844-474-3474.

13. Battleship New Jersey, Camden

A real Iowa-class battleship, docked across from Philadelphia. School-age kids tend to love it. It is full of steep ladders, but wheelchair users can reach the main deck exterior and the officers' wardroom using elevators, and there is a main deck tour of about 45 minutes that skips the ladders. A senior rate is not posted, so ask. To arrange accessible parking, call 1-866-877-6262 ext. 108.

14. Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township

A gentle amusement park built around nursery rhymes, sized for small children. Seniors pay $39.95 online or at the door. Other visitors 2 to 64 pay $42.95 online or $45.95 at the gate, and children under 2 are free. In mid-October the park runs Friday hours plus special ticketed weekends, then switches to its Christmas Fantasy with Lights season. Holiday tickets go on sale online only starting October 28. An Assisted Access Pass at Guest Services helps guests who struggle with lines. Call 609-646-0103.

15. Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House

One of the best deals in the state. Admission and car parking are free, and the zoo is open every day except Christmas. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in summer and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in winter, and the park opens at 7 a.m. Strollers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available to rent. Two playgrounds sit just outside the zoo entrance. Outside food is allowed in the park but not inside the zoo, so plan a picnic before or after.

What are the common mistakes?

• Trying to see everything. Pick the three animals or exhibits the child cares about most. Anything else is a bonus.
• Skipping the rental. If you get tired after an hour of walking, rent the wheelchair or scooter. The child can ride along for a stretch, and you will both last longer.
• Forgetting seasonal closures. Space Farms closes for the year on November 1, Duke Farms is closed Sundays and Mondays, and Grounds For Sculpture is closed Tuesdays.
• Not bringing paperwork. If a parent is not along, carry a signed note with their phone number, the child's allergies and the pediatrician's name.

For more places to go, see our guides to day trips and free and discounted outings. If you are 62 or older, the free NJ Senior Citizen Pass also gets you into state parks without paying the entrance fee.

Common questions

Which of these places are free?

Cape May County Park & Zoo, Duke Farms, Howell Living History Farm, the New Jersey State Museum (planetarium shows are extra) and the Paterson Great Falls overlook charge no admission. Silas Condict County Park is also free to visit.

Where can I rent a wheelchair or scooter?

Adventure Aquarium, Grounds For Sculpture and Cape May County Park & Zoo rent them. Turtle Back Zoo has a limited number for rent, and Liberty Science Center and the New Jersey State Museum have wheelchairs at the front desk. Supplies are small, so arrive early or call ahead.

What is a good indoor choice for a cold or rainy day?

Liberty Science Center, Adventure Aquarium, Jenkinson's Aquarium and the New Jersey State Museum are mostly or fully indoors. Check hours first, since Liberty Science Center closes on some weekdays.

Do I need a note from the parents to take my grandchild out?

It is smart to carry one. A signed note with the parents' phone numbers, the child's allergies and the pediatrician's name helps if there is an emergency or a medical visit.

This guide is for general information. Program rules and income limits change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.