As a New Jersey family photographer, I know all about the area’s most fun spots to take little ones. If you’re planning a day out with your toddler in New Jersey, be sure to check out these local destinations. From animal encounters to garden strolls to historic theme parks, to interactive museums, there are plenty of fun things to do in NJ with toddlers!
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052
If your toddler loves animals, be sure to visit the fun Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ. This spectacular zoo features a zoo train, a cafe, mini golf, boating, pony rides, a carousel, a playground, face painting, a butterfly exhibit, and much more. Toddlers will love getting up close and personal with animals like monkeys, sea turtles, penguins, goats, lizards, alligators, bears, otters, prairie dogs, and many more. Toddlers can hop, skip, jump, or skate on over to the Berson Family Center for themed storytimes, animal presentations, snacks, and more. This family-friendly event is geared toward families of young children.
353 East Hanover Ave, Morris Township, NJ 07962
For toddlers who have fun exploring nature, Frelinghuysen Arboretum is the perfect NJ place to visit! This is a regional center for horticultural activities, including education programs for little ones. There are many gardens, open fields, woodland areas, and groves of flowering trees that make the perfect setting for a toddler to roam and explore. There is also a garden across from the education center where toddlers can rub and smell the leaves of fragrant plants, such as safe and geranium. The Great Lawn is perfect for picnics. All year round, the grounds are breathtaking!
50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 07874
Wild West City is a fun NJ place to let your toddler’s inner cowboy or cowgirl come to life! Kids of all ages can enjoy a fun outdoor adventure at this Western-themed amusement park. Saddle up for a Western adventure at this theme park that feels like the late 1800s, with shops, museums, rides, and attractions galore. This theme park includes train rides, pony rides, stagecoach rides, mini golf, panning for gold, barnyard animals, and history demonstrations. Throughout the day, toddlers can enjoy Wild West shows that include dramas, comedies, live music, and historical reenactments.
4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Imagine That is a fun interactive learning experience for NJ children and toddlers of all ages. This is a safe, fun, engaging learning environment where kids can play and learn at their own pace. Imagine That is an open play space where kids can use their imagination as they explore the 16,000-square-foot hands-on facility. If your toddler likes art, they can create a wonderful masterpiece. If they prefer running, jumping, and sliding the 3-story playscape is a great place for them to burn off some energy. Toddlers can also explore a pretend grocery store, play with instruments in a music room, or explore over 20 unique areas of play at Imagine That. This museum also specializes in birthday parties, with a skilled team of coordinators ready to plan the perfect party. You can rent the entire space for your guests.
New Jersey is full of family-friendly adventures. Whether your toddler likes running and sliding, getting up close and personal with animals, pretending they’re a cowboy or cowgirl, or strolling through gardens, the whole family will enjoy these fun things to do in New Jersey with toddlers.
While you’re out and about enjoying family fun in New Jersey, consider booking a family photography session with me. I enjoy capturing life’s greatest moments and memories, and family photoshoots are a great way to hold onto those special times when your kids are little.