Amusement type park in NJ?

[casjen]

We are staying with the inlaws in June. They are in Morristown NJ. We have gone to Sesame Place but it is so crowded we couldn't do much. People have recommended Knoebels and Dutch Wonderland but we can't drive 2 hours one way for a day trip with the inlaws. My boys are 4 and almost 6.

Any ideas? Water park or dry rides. I thought six flags but even that got a ton of negative feedback.

 

[chip007]

I'd consider Playland in Rye, NY. It's a bit of a hike, but it's a classic art deco amusement park with a terrific kiddie land and some great old rides that you won't find anywhere else.

I just checked Mapquest, it estimates an hour and 15 minutes from Morristown, so that might work for you.

 

[kerry4298]

Land of Make Believe in Hope, NJ is great. They have a bunch of great kiddie rides and a handful of games. They also have a water park. Everything is geared towards kids from about 3-9. They have places to purchase food or you can bring in your own picnic. Its only about a 40 min drive from Morristown. Check the website out at lomb.com

 

[bigDISdaddy]

We are staying with the inlaws in June. They are in Morristown NJ. We have gone to Sesame Place but it is so crowded we couldn't do much. People have recommended Knoebels and Dutch Wonderland but we can't drive 2 hours one way for a day trip with the inlaws. My boys are 4 and almost 6.

Any ideas? Water park or dry rides. I thought six flags but even that got a ton of negative feedback.

There's a place called storybook land in south jersey.
Here's a link, your kids should be just the right age.

.http://www.storybookland.com/

 

[3NJDisneyDivas]

I second Land of Make Believe.
Point Pleasant has a great boardwalk, not too far.
Shawnee Place in PA. Shawneemt.com
Have fun here in NJ!
Lisa

 

[Villainess]

Storybook land is about 2hrs from Morristown. Point Pleasant has a boardwalk w/ rides, games, the beach, mini golf and an aquarium - about 1 hr. 15 min away. Seaside has a larger boardwalk w/ rides, games, mini golf both on and off the boardwalk and the beach. Both have fireworks each week - if I remember Thursday is Pt Pleasant and Friday is Seaside but I could be wrong.

 

[bigDISdaddy]

Storybook land is about 2hrs from Morristown. Point Pleasant has a boardwalk w/ rides, games, the beach, mini golf and an aquarium - about 1 hr. 15 min away. Seaside has a larger boardwalk w/ rides, games, mini golf both on and off the boardwalk and the beach. Both have fireworks each week - if I remember Thursday is Pt Pleasant and Friday is Seaside but I could be wrong.

holy crap, I had no idea, Morristown was way up there, guess I was thinking Moorestown.

 

[KEMdisney]

i guess its a bit of a travel for your but Hershey Park in Hershey, PA is lots of fun, as is Dorney Park/Wildwater Kingdom.

I know where Moorestown, NJ, but I am unaware of where Morristown is. I usually visit Storybook Land (usually not too crowded), Sesame Place, and the Jersey Shore (Cape May area) during the summer. I do not recommend Six Flags.

 

[CraftyCrissy]

Morristown is in Morris County - northwest NJ. I live in the town right next to it (Morris Plains).

Land of Make Believe is fun for the ages of your kids and only about 45 minutes from here. Easy ride - 80 west and about 2 turns off the exit. The water area is fantastic but can get really, really crowded on a weekend or Friday. The rides are fun too. Its a campy-type of place. You'll be safe in June crowd-wise. Our schools don't get out until the end of the month (we're the 19th) so that means the camp buses won't be there for a few weeks into July.

Point Pleasant is just about an hour away. Again -another easy ride. South on the Parkway until you see the sign! Jenkinson's is there with a nice aquarium, the beach, boardwalk, etc.

Let's see... there are lots of things to do around here - hiking, historical tours (amongst other landmarks, Washington's Headquarters is in Morristown), beautiful parks, some GREAT playgrounds. NYC is about 45 minutes away and of course, there is a ton to do there! You can even grab the train right in Morristown. Its really the best way to get into the city if you're not familiar with or comfortable driving. Museums, shows, tours - all so close in NYC. The aquarium at Coney Island is awesome.

Dutch Wonderland and Hershey Park are closer to 3 hours from here, Great Adventure is a good 2 hours. Rye Playland is icky (although I haven't been there since I was very young). Depending on when you're coming you may hit a street fair here or there with rides and fireworks.

Good luck! Have fun!

 

[JillHM7]

I used to live in north NJ! Another great place is the Bronx zoo. That would only be about an hour from Morristown.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I live next door to Morristown, in Mendham NJ. I also whole-heartedly agree with Land of Make Believe. We took my nieces there a couple of years ago, and wished we found the place sooner! It was very low-key (no coaster or anything!) and just nicely nestled in the woods. The water park was wonderfully maintained and well-themed. We had a great time there - we went on a Thursday, I think. I can see it getting very crowded on a sunny weekend.

Dutch Wonderland and Knoebels are a major hike from Morristown! Dorney Park may be closer than both of those.

We also have a small zoo in the area - the Turtle Back Zoo. It's in the West Orange/Livingston area, probably about a 25 minute drive from Morristown, maybe even closer. A nice laid-back place for the younger kids.

 

[bartleby1]

Another vote for Land of Make Believe. Nice place and perfect for little ones. My kids love it there.

 

[czycropper]

I live just a little south of Morristown (Somerset County) and my DDs school go to Land of Make Believe for the 1st grade class trip, it's really a fun place and very clean.

Another vote for Dorney Park when we go we'll go during the week since it isn't as crowded. My girls love it there as well.

Go down to the Shore is another great idea. We're "beach people" so we never enough of the shore.

Have fun here! I'm not from New Jersey (my DH is from here) and I actually like all the stuff there is to do within an hour/two hours from here!

 

[mommytomy3]

Land of Make Believe! My kids love it, and I think its great! and we also love taking day trips down the shore to Seaside or Point Pleasant boardwalks!

 

[java]

Wow I may have to head back to the Land of makebelieve. The last time I was there was in '99 and I said never again. It was a dump. Rides were rusty and filthy. The bees were everywhere. As the garbage was overflowing. And really the place just needed a major cleaning. Plus I only remember a couple of rides? Should I revisit? Have they overhauled the place?

If I am thinking of the right town it is right near 287 south of Rte80? Really Knoebel's gets my vote it is a straight shot out on 80

OOHHH!!!! AND CAMELBEACH! for the waterpark! Right over the bridge in PA off I80.
http://www.camelbeach.com/

The place is right on Camelback ski mountain - beautiful setting and TONS of FUN>

They have a great kids area.