Northern New Jersey
When it's hot and humid, do you dream of winter sports and sweater weather? Grab a cardigan and head over to Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, where you can glide around the indoor ice rink year-round – advance reservations are required and can be made here. If the weather is keeping you from going to the boardwalk, check out The Funplex in East Hanover, an indoor boardwalk with bumper cars, amusement rides, an arcade and a futuristic Laser Tag arena. Be sure to purchase advance tickets here. And when the kids are complaining that there's nothing new under the sun, show them something old on a rainy day. At Madison's Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, you'll experience what life was like for New Jerseyans 200 years ago. Part of the museum's allure is its location in the James Library, a stunning Richardsonian Romanesque building.
Whatever the weather, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City makes for a great family outing – advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended. Explore the universe at the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the biggest planetarium in America. Take a trip to the stars and beyond with the planetarium’s dazzling shows. You can also brighten your day with a visit to American Dream in East Rutherford. This three-million-square-foot entertainment, dining and retail complex is home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest indoor theme park. For more hands-on inside action with an artistic slant, sign up for a class or workshop at Newark's GlassRoots Studio. Or head over to Hawthorne to take part in a unique interactive group experience with your friends and family. Use your collective knowledge to find clues, decipher codes and solve the puzzles that will ultimately lead you to the key to escape at The Other Tales, Escape Rooms.
Central New Jersey
Forget windmills and wishing wells. Monster Mini Golf in Eatontown reimagines the popular summer attraction with an indoor glow-in-the-dark course featuring a cool soundtrack and animated monsters at every twist and turn. For more rainy-day fun, check out iPlay America in Freehold, which has everything from Whac-a-Mole and go-karts to virtual bowling and live concerts. And if your family's Jersey Shore vacation is near Lavallette, plan a visit to The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe. Enjoy a vaudeville-style Broadway revue with your Stars & Stripes Sundae for a night out that's indoors.
History buffs and culture connoisseurs alike will be thrilled to visit the Morven Museum in Princeton, the former home to Declaration of Independence signer Richard Stockton as well as a roster of previous New Jersey governors. The museum’s collection of fine folk and decorative arts will bring a little sunshine to your day. If military history is more your style, be sure to experience The Old Barracks Museum, a State and National Landmark in Trenton.
Southern New Jersey
Can’t wait for Discovery Channel's "Shark Week"? See the real deal at Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront, which boasts the largest shark collection in the Northeast, not to mention a great hammerhead shark – advance tickets or reservations are highly recommended. Don't let the weather ditch your plans for the water park, either. Make your online reservations for the indoor Big Kahuna's Water Park in West Berlin, and challenge your companions to a race on Raging Rivers, dual headfirst mat racing slides.
When raindrops start falling on your head, you can gain a whole new point of view in Atlantic City when you climb the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest. In addition to its sweeping city skyline views, you can enjoy touring its tower, museum, gift shop and replica Lightkeeper’s dwelling. You can also dodge a downpour on the Ocean City Boardwalk at Haunted Golf, which combines indoor mini golf with spooky "PG-rated" surprises.
It's not technically "indoors," but you'll be sheltered from the elements in your own vehicle at Vineland's Delsea Drive-In Theatre. The Delsea combines a 1950s vibe with modern tech, first-run films, convenient online ticket sales and healthier food choices like edamame with sea salt. (Don't worry: you can still get chili & cheese fries, too!) For another dose of nostalgia, visit the National Marbles Hall of Fame in Wildwood to see memorabilia that honors the victors of the annual tournament.
Discover more rainy day – and everyday fun – when you download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism. And be sure to call ahead or check out your preferred attractions’ official websites or social media pages before visiting, so you don’t get left out in the rain.
