Easy Ways to Visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from New Jersey

Ready to visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island? I have the perfect, easy trip planned for you. Liberty State Park (right here in New Jersey!) is the gateway to two of America’s most iconic landmarks: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Liberty State Park in Jersey City serves as the perfect destination for families in the tri-state area and beyond looking for a fun-filled day trip and with a new, free pilot shuttle service running on weekends through the end of September, the Park and all of its amenities are more accessible than ever.  We took a fun and very stress-free trip from Liberty State Park to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island thanks to Statue City Cruises. Read on for more details, and see how to plan an exciting trip of your own.

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Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark: Review and Tips for Visiting

It's time to start traveling again! Yes it is! And I have some great ideas for you if you are looking for a fun family weekend, staycation, or just a plain old good time. How have I lived in New Jersey my whole life and never visited Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark? Just a stone's throw away in the Pocono Mountains, Camelback is both beautiful and easy to get to. Not only that, but they offer a ton of indoor and outdoor activities for families with kids of all ages. Aquatopia, their indoor water park, was so much fun! But there's more to do at Camelback Resort, so read on.

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6 Reasons Why You Need to Visit RiseNY : All About New York's Amazing Museum and Ride

Have you heard of RiseNY?  RiseNY is one of the best attractions in New York City, in my opinion. It’s part film, part museum and part thrilling ride all rolled into one. I have never experienced anything quite like this in New York City (and I’ve seen and done a lot, believe me). Read on because I’m going to tell you all about it. It’s time to get out of the house and have some fun- and this is the perfect place to take the plunge. Literally! 

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The Great Big List of Summer Day Trip Ideas in New Jersey and Beyond!

Looking for Summer day trip ideas in and around New Jersey? I got ya covered!! Here's my great big list of over 100 fun places to visit with your family this Summer, as well as an interactive map to help you find what you're looking for.

**This post has been updated for 2026! HAPPY SUMMER!

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Hershey Gardens Review: Is it Worth the Trip?

Have you ever been to Hershey Gardens? Sure, you know Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World, but you're truly missing out if you visit Hershey, Pennsylvania and skip seeing Hershey Gardens. What is Hershey Gardens? It's certainly more than just a garden! Read on and see!

*This post has been freshly updated for 2026!

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Valley Shepherd Creamery Tours: Spring Lambing Tour and More!

There are so many fun things to do in New Jersey. Today we had a chance to visit Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley, New Jersey. Not only were we able to learn how cheese is made, but we were also able to meet the cheesemakers, and hold newborn lambs!!!  Need I say more? So come along and see what it's like to visit this fabulous local creamery, and then schedule a visit of your own.

**Valley Shepherd just updated their tour schedule for 2026. Scroll through for the ticket link!

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10 Fun Spring Day Trips in New Jersey (Pennsylvania and New York, too!)

What are the best Spring Day Trips to take in New Jersey? Some of them might be right around the corner from where you live! Check out this list of the best places to visit in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York during the Spring season, and get outdoors!

*This post is freshly updated for 2026! 

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Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour Makes its Way to Multiple New and Returning Aquariums in 2026

Hold on to your bells, Animal Crossing fans! Beginning in February, the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour makes its way to multiple new and returning aquariums in 2026. The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons game continues its journey in 2026, beginning Feb. 13th. The Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour will appear at new and select returning locations across the U.S. throughout the year. Read on for more details and ticket info! 

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INTREPID MUSEUM KIDS WEEK IS FEBRUARY 14th - 21st: TICKET PROMO CODE

If you're looking for a fun family day trip, look no further! One of our favorite places is having a special event. The Intrepid Museum will host its annual Kids Week festival this year from Saturday, February 14th through Saturday, February 21st.  During Kids Week, children of all ages and interests can learn about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) through fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests, and interactive demonstrations designed to educate and inspire. Read on for more details and a special promo code for Kids Week tickets! 

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Beaches Turks and Caicos (Reviews): Is It Worth It? What's Included?

If you're searching for Beaches Turks and Caicos reviews, you'll find tons of glowing posts about all-inclusive family fun, but if you're wondering, is it really worth it? Is Beaches worth the cost? I'm here to help! We recently visited Beaches Turks and Caicos and I have the scoop for you!

**The Beaches Turks & Caicos WINTER BLUES sale is going on now! Find out more details here. I always try to update this post with the latest sales, and this is it! 

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A Review of The Crayola Experience in Easton, PA

If you're looking for a fun day trip not far outside of New Jersey, Crayola Experience (formerly known as The Crayola Factory) in Easton, Pennsylvania, might be for you!  They're open year round, so this is a great stop in any season. There are multiple Crayola Experiences around the country, but the Easton location is closest to us. This article is designed for easy viewing, so check subject headings and scroll to find the info you need (time is precious and there are a lot of words here, I know!). So read on for my Crayola Experience review!

*this post is freshly updated for 2026! And if you're looking for a Crayola Experience Promo Code, use code TJM25 for $5 off your ticket purchase (Easton location only).

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New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey: A Mom's Honest Review & Quick Guide to Visiting

New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey are o-FISHally two of my favorite places at American Dream in East Rutherford! They both have so much to offer for children and parents alike, so read on and I'll tell you what they're all about. 

*this post has been updated for 2026!

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The Christmas Ice Caverns of Fairfield NJ: A Trip Down Memory Lane

I grew up in Morris County, and we had family members who lived in Fairfield, so we were frequent visitors of Essex County, too. Every year without fail, we visited the Christmas Ice Caverns, which were part of Fairfield Home and Garden on Rt. 46 in Fairfield, New Jersey. When I became a mom, I brought my own child there. It was a special place that held wonderful memories for so many. 

*Please note that the Christmas Ice Caverns have unfortunately closed indefinitely. If I hear that they plan to relocate or open again, I will definitely come back to update this post. In the meantime, please feel free to use it as a spot to reminisce or share thoughts and comments!

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Winter Day Trips and Activities in New Jersey and Beyond: Indoor/Outdoor Winter Fun in NJ

Winter day trip ideas are a big topic of a discussion on message boards and in Facebook groups. It's hard to figure out where to take the kids when the weather is bad. Finding fun indoor play ideas is hard enough, but entertaining kids on the weekend or during a vacation when it's too cold to do anything else, well, that ain't easy! So here's a list of over 45 fun things to do in and around The Garden State during the winter months. From play mazes to museums, I've got ya covered!

* Freshly updated for 2025!*

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Top Tips for Visiting Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights

The Christmas season is one of my favorite times to make a weekend getaway or family trip to Hershey, PA. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is Hersheypark's festive seasonal event, and there are so many fun things to do, experience and eat when you visit!  I've compiled a list of tips to help you maximize your visit to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! You're not going to want to miss it.

*This post has been updated for 2025!

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NJ Weekend Getaways: Holiday Family Fun at Ocean Casino Resort

One question I receive often as a blogger is, 'Do you have any ideas for weekend getaways?' Maybe you've already searched Reddit for weekend getaway ideas here in New Jersey but you're still looking for a fun family trip, especially during the holidays. Well, I found a place that you NEED to check out, perfect for a little Christmas magic. Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City has an amazing line-up of holiday family activities and offerings. I was able to check them all out myself, so read on for details and see why I think Ocean should be on your MUST VISIT list.

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Dollywood: One Mom's Honest Review and Your Questions Answered

If you're looking for honest Dollywood reviews or if you're wondering if Dollywood is worth the trip (or even which season is best to visit Dollywood), you've come to the right place! We just returned from a road trip to Dollywood and SPOILER ALERT we can't wait to go back! Read on to see my tips for visiting Dollywood and what to expect, especially if you're planning on making it a road trip from New Jersey.

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A Review of Hershey Sweet Lights and Hershey's Chocolate World (part 2)

If you haven't had a chance, please check out Part 1 of my two part blog series, Christmas in Hershey. In Part 1 I talked about Hersheypark's Christmas Candy Lane and The Hotel Hershey. Here in Part 2, I'll talk about Hershey Sweet Lights and Chocolate World, both of which I love. And please note, this is NOT a sponsored post. Since writing it I have become a part of the Hershey's Sweetest Families Panel, but when this was written, it was not sponsored. If you like my Hershey stuff (and I hope you do), be sure to check out my Hershey Insider Page for all of my Hershey posts.

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Alternatives to Pumpkin and Apple Picking This Fall

I hate to admit it, but I am not a fan of apple picking in the Fall. Well, that's not exactly true. I am not a fan of apple and pumpkin picking during the weekend in the Fall. Why, you ask?  Because everyone and their mother is in those apple orchards on a sunny day in the Fall!  And I know some people don't mind the crowds, but I can't take it. I'd rather hit the local orchard after school with the Jersey Momma's Boy if I can (that does exclude Mr. Jersey Momma, but he's okay with that). Or I'd rather find an alternative. So here are some ideas for fun things to do besides apple and pumpkin picking this Fall.

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The Great Big List of Fall Day Trips in New Jersey and Beyond!

It's finally here, and it's updated for 2025 - my great big list of fall day trip ideas in New Jersey (and some beyond, too)! Fall is such a great time to get out and explore. There are so many things to do and places to visit. I've compiled this list of handy links, and I've included an interactive Google map, too. You can zoom in on it and click on each destination for more details. The map is printable, too!

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