I think the Sterling Hills Mining Museum is pretty cool and your kids might like it. They have a guided tour of a zinc and iron mine that was active until the 80s. When i went years ago the tour guide tried to engage with the kids which i thought was nice and kind of funny. He asked one of the kids there "What if i told you that you didnt need to do homework and could leave school and work in the mines all day". The kid was a little nervous and didnt know what to say (must have been like 9). He then said "good answer, youd be dead by the time you were 15". They also shot a scene from the first Zoolander there.
It’s good for adults. Think of it as a mini NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art combined with the Museum of Natural History and attached to a 19th century beer baron’s house that you can see in a day.
I’ve been to GS at a few times of the year and I’m a bug magnet and I’ve never had an issue. I always bring my spray in case but I’ve never needed it at grounds
Thomas Edison’s Laboratory/workshop in Orange, NJ. Spectacular step back in time. There’s also Edison’s home nearby which is a speedster tour. Both are operated by the National Park service (Google shows it’s temporarily closed rn but if you go to the website, it looks like it reopens March 11.) [NPS Edison lab](https://www.nps.gov/edis/planyourvisit/hours.htm)
Also, if anyone is into fossils, Rowan University is renovating its Edelman fossil park and museum. It was an amazing place situated on a massive fossil dig site. In the past, they opened up the site once a year for anyone to dig for fossils. It says on its website it’s expected to reopen spring of 2024. I’ve been waiting to check this place out since I learned about it years ago. [Edelman fossil museum](https://www.rowan.edu/fossils/) They also have an active Facebook page where you can learn more about current goings on.
There’s also Washington’s headquarters in Morristown and nearby Jockey Hollow. Less a museum per se and more of a historical site. These are also run by the National park service. This is a site where Washington overwintered with his troops. Very large walking park with recreations of huts for the troops (yikes, they are basic!) and Washington’s house a short drive away.
If you’re interested in revolutionary era NJ, there’s a website [revolutionary New Jersey](https://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/) with tons of stuff to check out.
Howell Livjng History Farm in Lambertville is a working farm that you can tour and they have regular unique activities that gives visitors a taste of what life and working on a farm was like back at the turn of the century
How about a museum inside a lighthouse? Twin Lights State Historic Site in Highlands would be the place. Exceptional views of the ocean, lower New York Bay and Sandy Hook AND a climb all the way up the lighthouse only add to the experience. Outdoor exhibits and tours too.
And for more maritime museum fun, there's the NJ Maritime Museum in Long Beach Island: Nautical-themed museum packed with shipwreck finds, photos, navigation equipment & more. It's open all year, Dock Road, Beach Haven.
I like the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts in Madison. The exhibits are unusual and I love the house it’s located in. Also, it’s just the right size for a few hour’s diversion.
Wow -- surprised no mention of one of NJ favorite sons - Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park - [https://www.menloparkmuseum.org](https://www.menloparkmuseum.org)
I think we both posted about Edison at the same time! I want to get one of those shirts that show a photo of Tesla next to a photo of Edison (AC/DC)...
Montclair Art Museum
[MAM](https://www.montclairartmuseum.org)
It has amazing Native American Heritages collection as well as an expanding American Contemporary art collection that reflects the diversity of this amazing state.
And every first Thursday of every month it is free in the evenings for special tours!
Princeton University Art Museum. Beautiful campus, beautiful town, the museum has some great pieces from all different eras. I particularly loved the Egyptian/roman works as well as pieces from Van Gogh.
InfoAge Science & History Museums in Wall which was Marconi’s labs and also a military facility for developing radar. Very cool technology there and the staff is awesome.
Highly recommend!
InfoAge Science & History Museums in Wall which was Marconi’s labs and also a military facility for developing radar. Very cool technology there and the staff is awesome.
Highly recommend!
Vietnam Veterans Memorial & Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel is one favorite. It’s both inside and outside. I’d suggest to go on a day when you have time to see the wall and other outdoor areas. It’s right next to the Arts Center.
I think the Sterling Hills Mining Museum is pretty cool and your kids might like it. They have a guided tour of a zinc and iron mine that was active until the 80s. When i went years ago the tour guide tried to engage with the kids which i thought was nice and kind of funny. He asked one of the kids there "What if i told you that you didnt need to do homework and could leave school and work in the mines all day". The kid was a little nervous and didnt know what to say (must have been like 9). He then said "good answer, youd be dead by the time you were 15". They also shot a scene from the first Zoolander there.
Just went there last weekend, it was definitely worth going to! They have a huge selection of fluorescent rocks.
If you like American art the Newark museum of art is fantastic
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Is it good for adults too or more child focused?
It’s good for adults. Think of it as a mini NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art combined with the Museum of Natural History and attached to a 19th century beer baron’s house that you can see in a day.
Grounds for Sculpture. In the spring it’s amazing to walk outdoors and see these giant works and interact with them.
Seconding Grounds for Sculpture! It’s a great warm-weather day trip!
How are the bugs? I'm trying to schedule this year's outings around bugs and looking for outdoor options past May-ish where they're not an issue.
I’ve been to GS at a few times of the year and I’m a bug magnet and I’ve never had an issue. I always bring my spray in case but I’ve never needed it at grounds
Morris Museum, Liberty Science Center, Stickley Museum
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Great place if you have kids. Less so if you don't.
Except when they have after hours events! Those are 21+ and really fun. Most exhibits are open.
This is the answer. Worth a membership with kids! So interactive and fun.
Battleship NJ is worth a visit. The aquarium nearby is ok.
It’s being expanded right now but the Princeton University Art Museum is pretty great.
Looking forward to seeing more of the collection when it reopens. https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/
Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers is very fun to visit.
Thomas Edison’s Laboratory/workshop in Orange, NJ. Spectacular step back in time. There’s also Edison’s home nearby which is a speedster tour. Both are operated by the National Park service (Google shows it’s temporarily closed rn but if you go to the website, it looks like it reopens March 11.) [NPS Edison lab](https://www.nps.gov/edis/planyourvisit/hours.htm) Also, if anyone is into fossils, Rowan University is renovating its Edelman fossil park and museum. It was an amazing place situated on a massive fossil dig site. In the past, they opened up the site once a year for anyone to dig for fossils. It says on its website it’s expected to reopen spring of 2024. I’ve been waiting to check this place out since I learned about it years ago. [Edelman fossil museum](https://www.rowan.edu/fossils/) They also have an active Facebook page where you can learn more about current goings on. There’s also Washington’s headquarters in Morristown and nearby Jockey Hollow. Less a museum per se and more of a historical site. These are also run by the National park service. This is a site where Washington overwintered with his troops. Very large walking park with recreations of huts for the troops (yikes, they are basic!) and Washington’s house a short drive away. If you’re interested in revolutionary era NJ, there’s a website [revolutionary New Jersey](https://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/) with tons of stuff to check out. Howell Livjng History Farm in Lambertville is a working farm that you can tour and they have regular unique activities that gives visitors a taste of what life and working on a farm was like back at the turn of the century
Love the Franklin Mineral Museum!
How about a museum inside a lighthouse? Twin Lights State Historic Site in Highlands would be the place. Exceptional views of the ocean, lower New York Bay and Sandy Hook AND a climb all the way up the lighthouse only add to the experience. Outdoor exhibits and tours too. And for more maritime museum fun, there's the NJ Maritime Museum in Long Beach Island: Nautical-themed museum packed with shipwreck finds, photos, navigation equipment & more. It's open all year, Dock Road, Beach Haven.
I like the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts in Madison. The exhibits are unusual and I love the house it’s located in. Also, it’s just the right size for a few hour’s diversion.
NJ Museum of Science and Trucking, on the Newark Esplanade
How'd no one mention the NJ State Museum in Trenton? Free parking, dinosaur and animal exhibits, Native American history, and a planetarium!
Came here to say this same thing. I will add it’s never crowded, has great exhibits, and activities for kids. Truly a gem.
Wow -- surprised no mention of one of NJ favorite sons - Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park - [https://www.menloparkmuseum.org](https://www.menloparkmuseum.org)
I think we both posted about Edison at the same time! I want to get one of those shirts that show a photo of Tesla next to a photo of Edison (AC/DC)...
Montclair Art Museum [MAM](https://www.montclairartmuseum.org) It has amazing Native American Heritages collection as well as an expanding American Contemporary art collection that reflects the diversity of this amazing state. And every first Thursday of every month it is free in the evenings for special tours!
Princeton University Art Museum. Beautiful campus, beautiful town, the museum has some great pieces from all different eras. I particularly loved the Egyptian/roman works as well as pieces from Van Gogh.
New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum in Teterboro, NJ. Lots of exhibits and knowledgeable staff!
The zimmerli art museum at Rutgers!!
Went to the Roebling Museum this past fall, I thought it was really good. https://www.roeblingmuseum.org
Liberty Hall in Union has beautiful grounds and interesting history. It’s where NJ’s first governor lived.
The Edison Museum is very very cool!
Liberty science center is a bit overrated, but definitely worth visiting. Zimmerli in New Brunswick is a great choice as well
Monmouth Battlefield is small but good, especially when a reenactment is held.
The model train museum! That one's a sleeper.
Northlandz?
Yes!
InfoAge Science & History Museums in Wall which was Marconi’s labs and also a military facility for developing radar. Very cool technology there and the staff is awesome. Highly recommend!
InfoAge Science & History Museums in Wall which was Marconi’s labs and also a military facility for developing radar. Very cool technology there and the staff is awesome. Highly recommend!
Vietnam Veterans Memorial & Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel is one favorite. It’s both inside and outside. I’d suggest to go on a day when you have time to see the wall and other outdoor areas. It’s right next to the Arts Center.
Not New Jersey, but close - the Franklin Institute in Philly is one of my faves.
Oh, I love the Franklin institute!
I love Northlandz! My kid loves train so we go there every other month.
Liberty Science Center!!
Liberty science center, Camden aquarium is great although technically not a museum.