OT-Things to do around Toms River/Island Heights NJ This week?

[DisneyToddlers]

Hi, We are going to be staying in Island Heights, NJ near Toms River Thurs-Sunday this week while school is closed. Can anyone suggest fun things in the area? If it were the summer we'd be at the beach/boardwalk, but I'm not familiar with other things in the area. We have 2 DD's, 5 1/2 and 3 1/2. We would travel up to about 30-40 minutes at the most.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

[njmom47]

Do your boys like bugs?
www.insectropolis.com
This is a bug museum and although I have never taken my son there, my friend took her grandson and he was fascinated.
We also love Alliare State Park, if the weather is nice. They have a craft sale going on this weekend as well as a historic re-enactment of voting from 1836. Lots of playground areas for the kids, very historic buildings, shops and displays. Not sure if the train is running this time of year, but they also have a steam-powered railroad. The website is AllaireVillage.org. This is a bit far from Toms River but you could make a day of it.

I'm sorry I didn't realize you said dds!! lol Allaire has buildings you can go in and out of so if it's a bit chilly, you won't be outside the entire time. You might also be lucky enough to see a wedding at the chapel (that might be more interesting to your dds than bugs!).
I second the Jenkinson's Aquarium; that's a staple of school trips for the kids around here.
You also might be able to find discount coupons online.

 

[DisneyToddlers]

Do your boys like bugs?
www.insectropolis.com
This is a bug museum and although I have never taken my son there, my friend took her grandson and he was fascinated.
We also love Alliare State Park, if the weather is nice. They have a craft sale going on this weekend as well as a historic re-enactment of voting from 1836. Lots of playground areas for the kids, very historic buildings, shops and displays. Not sure if the train is running this time of year, but they also have a steam-powered railroad. The website is AllaireVillage.org. This is a bit far from Toms River but you could make a day of it.

Hi, Thanks so much for the suggestions. I have 2 girls, so I'll have to ask about the bugs!! Seems interesting. And I'll look at the other website also. They love trains!

Anyone else?

 

[kacaju]

http://www.funnewjersey.com/Day_trips_in_NJ.HTM

 

[3mickeymom]

There is a nice aquarium on the boardwalk in Pt Pleasant. Since Toms River is right off the parkway, you can get to places fairly quickly. It would probably be a 1/2 hour ride. I live close to Allaire Village and I would say that is about a half an hour also.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

I have no suggestions for this time of year but I got married in Toms River!

 

[donac]

I agree with the aquarium in Point Pleasant. YOu could walk Island Beach State Park without the annoying bugs. YOu could go and Barnegat Light House. Allaire is very nice and really not too far from Toms River. There is the Ocean County Mall or if you want larger ones you could go up to Eatontown (exit 105) for the Monmouth Mall or out to Freehold (rt 9) for the Freehold Mall (new disney store opened there last weekend). At exit 100 or 102 there is a discount outlet mall.

You would think with all these suggestions of malls that I love to shop but I really don't, I have just lived in this area with inlaws in TR for 33 years.

 

[DisneyToddlers]

Thank you to all of you!!!!! Great ideas-Now we have a bunch of things we want to do!!!!!

 

[njmom47]

Curious if you found fun stuff to do around here on your weekend....

 

[DisneyToddlers]

Curious if you found fun stuff to do around here on your weekend....

Hi! We wound up going to Insectropolis on Friday. The girls were really into it!!!! My 5 1/2 year old DD wound up touching a hissing cockroach, millipede and scorpion during the touch presentation. Go figure!!!!!!! What a neat place!

On Saturday we went to the Jenkinson's Aquarium. It was also a lot of fun and we all enjoyed it. Then we spent about 2 hours dropping way too much money at the arcade-LOL!!!

We spent Sunday doing nothing, which I think we all needed. We will definitely try out the other wonderful ideas in the future, as my father in law has a condo in Island Heights. Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions!!!!

As a side note- we ate at Shogun Bay Lea and it was fantastic Japanese food!

 

[donac]

One more I thought of is Storybook Land. It is north of Atlantic City. It is perfect for little ones. Great in the summer and at Christmas. It may be a bit of ride but it is fun.

 

[njmom47]

That is TOOO funny!