Things to do in New Jersey

Hop on board the ferry and enjoy a self-guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from New Jersey. Visit Liberty Island, explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and learn fascinating facts as you go. Begin your experience by departing from Liberty State Park, located in Jersey City, NJ, and easily accessible by car. Once you arrive at the meeting point, bypass the ticket line with your pre-purchased ticket. Board the ferry and see the impressive views of Lady Liberty and the NYC skyline. Take note of the ferry's return times to plan your day. Your ticket gives you access to explore two attractions: Ellis Island and Liberty Island (with the Statue of Liberty). On arrival to Ellis Island, pick up your multilingual audio guide at the Immigration Museum. Then, explore what was America’s busiest immigration station for over 62 years. Walk in the footsteps of millions of people from all around the globe who passed through here looking for a new beginning and a new life for their families in America. With access to the American Family Immigration History Center's records, you can search all ship manifests that came through Ellis Island. Use this unique experience to research your family history. Once you're ready to discover Liberty Island, drop off your audio guide and return to the ferry. Upon arrival on Liberty Island, pick up your multilingual audio guide to start exploring the history of the Statue of Liberty. Children also have the opportunity to enjoy a special narration of this self-guided tour. When you are finished, return to the ferry and make your way back to your original departure point.

Enjoy a day at the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, located inside American Dream, New Jersey's newest indoor entertainment and shopping center, just 4 miles outside of New York City. Every day is a great day to visit, with unlimited access to all the rides, live Nickelodeon character appearances, all in a comfortable climate-controlled environment. Enjoy family-friendly rides for the young and the young at heart. Create unforgettable memories for the entire family on: • Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express: spinning and reeling through the streets of Bikini Bottom • Nickelodeon Slime Streak: a twisting, turning coaster through the Nickelodeon Universe • Spongebob's Jellyfish Jam: a thrilling family swing ride • Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge: The world's tallest adventure ropes course • Rugrats Reptar Go-Round: a double-decker, all-ages merry-go-round For the more adventurous, test your limits on the thrill rides. The tallest, the steepest, and the longest rides in the world loop and swoop you across the park with views of Manhattan at every turn: • The Shellraiser: featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this coaster holds the record for the world's steepest drop • Nickelodeon Skyline Scream: the world's tallest indoor spinning drop tower • The Shredder: the world's tallest and longest free-spinning coaster • Sandy's Blasting Bronco: an out-of-control coaster that blasts you forward, backward, and upside-down • Kraang Prime Pandemonium: swing back and forth in her giant slimy tentacles • Timmy's Half Pipe Havoc: a giant skateboard ride providing the ultimate in air time • Aang's Air Gliders: soar and spin like an Airbender • Jimmy Neutrons Atom Smasher: you control the level of thrill from a gentle cruise to a topsy-turvy tumble There are also rides just for tots, made especially for kids, promising magical journeys with their favorite characters for an experience they will never forget including Fairly Odd Airways, Pup Pup & Away, Blue's Skidoo, Blaze's Monster Track Rally, Dora's Sky Railway, Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, Ren & Stimpy's Space Madness, and Shimmer & Shine Jumping Genies.

Hit the white slopes of New Jersey’s Mountain Creek Ski Resort on a day trip from New York City. Explore some of the resort’s 4 mountain peaks and dozens of trails with included all-area lift tickets, ski gear, and snowboarding equipment. Gain some new skills with an optional 1-hour lesson. After arriving at Mountain Creek, your guide will hand out lift tickets and equipment rental tickets. Once you’re all geared up, hit the slopes and enjoy the day. Mountain Creek boasts 4 mountain peaks and 46 trails, catering to beginners, seasoned skiers, and everyone in between.  There are lockers for rent at the mountain and many food options for when you need to refuel. Hot chocolate or refreshing beer is a great way to celebrate the day. At the end of your visit, get driven back to New York City. 

Enjoy a day at the largest indoor water park in North America featuring many of your favorite Dreamworks characters. The water park is located inside American Dream, New Jersey's newest 3-million square foot indoor entertainment and shopping center, just 4 miles outside New York City. Every day is a great day to visit, with unlimited access to record-breaking slides, unique experiences, the world’s biggest indoor wave pool, and sun-loungers, all in a comfortable climate-controlled environment under a massive skylight. There are Kiddie Rides for the little ones: • Kungfu Panda Temple of Awesomeness: a multi-level play structure with dump cups, geysers, and the largest indoor tipping bucket in the world • The Penguins Frozen Fun Zone: 6 miniature versions of the bigger slides, perfect for toddlers • Far Far A Bay: a heated wave pool with a continuous stream of family-friendly swells • Bubbly Lazy River: lounge away in the world’s longest indoor lazy river Moderate rides for family fun: • Toothless’ Trickling Torpedo: the world’s longest hydromagnetic rocket coaster • Dragon Racers: a race through dark tunnels and sudden drops • Dragon & Dronkey's Flight: a tube ride in a giant spiral bowl • Tube It: a tempo-changing tube slide • Zany & Zanier Zigzag: tandem tangled body slides with multiple drops • Soakin’ Surfari: a 40-foot surf simulator • Lemur Leap: spiral into a giant bowl in this 2-person tube ride And for thrill-seekers, there are total pro rides: • Thrillagascar & Jungle Jammer: the world’s tallest trapdoor capsule slides • Shrek’s Sinkhole Slammer: a high-speed raft ride into a massive funnel • Skudin Surf: private surf sessions in the wave pool available for purchase • Penguin Plummet & Majunga Jump: two high-speed body slides into deep waters • Mad Flush: a high-speed body spiral slide that drops you into deep water • Surfari Slider: the world’s tallest indoor speed slide • Swamp n’ Splash: a multi-person funnel with sudden twists and turns • Speeding Frenzy: an exciting tube ride in an enclosed flume • The Carnivortex: a G-force trapdoor capsule slide with a horizontal loop

Discover the scenic area around Cape May and spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat on a scenic cruise. Cruise along the waterfront as you watch local marine life and see historic Victorian buildings along the shorefront. Your expert guide will point out sites of historical interest and as you keep watch for whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures. Admire the stunning views as you sail out into the Delaware Bay, and onwards to the Atlantic Ocean. You can also purchse a cold or hot beverage and a snack from the ship’s snack bar during the tour.

Experience the best views of the Manhattan skyline from the newest Observation Wheel in North America – the Dream Wheel. The Dream Wheel is located inside American Dream, New Jersey's newest 3-million square foot indoor entertainment and shopping center, just 4 miles outside New York City. During your gradual rotation, experience panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline featuring the Freedom Tower, the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, and much more. Depending on the time of day, admire the skyline lit up at sunset or capture a photo of the sparkling Manhattan skyline at night. The Dream Wheel features 27 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas with floor-to-ceiling glass panels for maximum viewing. Your ticket is a flexible date ticket that lets you schedule your visit around the weather by allowing you to ride the wheel either on your scheduled day or up to 7 days afterward. American Dream Mall, besides having plenty of shopping, also is home to Dreamworks Water Park the largest indoor water park in North America, and Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, the biggest indoor theme park in the Western hemisphere. So make a day of it at American Dream.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City with an hour-long pedicab tour in Central Park. Cruise around the park, discovering its history and significance in the city. Your guide will provide historical information and fun facts about the iconic park. See the oldest carousel in the city, Strawberry Fields and Dakota building, Bow bridge, Pilgrim Hill, amongst other places of historical significance.  For movie lovers, spot some filming locations from famous movies and TV series. See the Bridge from the movie Elf, Bethseda Fountain featured in Home Alone 2, and the remote control boats from Stuart Little. Capture your celebrity moments with numerous photo opportunities the famous spots you will see.

Follow in the footsteps of Tony and family on a 4-hour journey into New Jersey to view the sights from the HBO series The Sopranos. From Fr. Phil's Parish, to the booth where Tony sat on the last episode, it covers the major locations used in the filming of the iconic series. Depart from mid-town Manhattan and whisk your way by luxury coach through “Sopranoland” in New Jersey. The tour guides are professional actors that have appeared as stand-ins or extras on the show, and they will share little-known facts and behind-the-scenes info. Covering more than 40 locations, see where the mob hangs out, and go inside Bada Bing. Visit the spot where Big Pussy spoke with the FBI, and the high school where A.J. dumped pizza boxes in the pool. This tour is a great idea for bachelor parties in New York or New Jersey, and for all fans of the Sopranos series. You might even want to package it together with a dinner in Little Italy! Board the bus first with our priority seating tickets. Priority seating includes pre-boarding and seating in the first 5 rows near the tour guide. Small private tours are typically 1 hour shorter than public tours.

See the sights of New York City from onboard the 'Spirit of New York' ship and cruise on the Hudson River. Enjoy an al-fresco buffet dining experience while savoring views of the Manhattan skyline Board the vessel at Chelsea Piers and be welcomed on board. Take a picture that you can purchase later as a souvenir. Be seated at a private table and marvel at iconic views of the city from the water. Have a brunch, lunch, or dinner buffet consisting of creative meals that are prepared fresh daily. While you feast, listen to tunes by an onboard DJ. Marvel at unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Sample Brunch Menu: Early Riser • Breakfast pastries • Scrambled eggs • Breakfast meats • Breakfast potatoes Late Riser • Field green salad • Kale quinoa salad • Green goddess pasta salad • Honey sesame chicken • Oven-roasted whitefish • Root vegetable fricassee • Roasted broccoli Dessert • Cakes• Brownies• Seasonal fruit Sample Lunch/Dinner Buffet Menu: Salads • Organic mixed field greens • Organic spinach and kale salad • Green bean salad • Kidney bean, black bean, and chickpea salad • Red beetroot salad • Bow tie pasta salad • Vegetables, potatoes, and pasta • Roasted broccoli florets • Creamed corn and cheddar cheese casserole • Baked ziti pasta • Mashed potatoes Entrees • Oven-baked Atlantic flounder filet • Honey and sesame chicken • Italian beef meatballs • Braised beef short ribs (dinner only) Desserts • Seasonal fruit • Raspberry mousse • Lemon pound cake and fresh strawberries • Coconut vanilla cake • Carrot cake • Red velvet and chocolate chip brownie (dinner only)

Join a night of spectacular panoramic views of the legendary New York City. This night tour is designed to fascinate all visitors — history, movie, and photography buffs alike. Take this opportunity to experience the incredible panoramic views from New York tourism's best-kept secret, New Jersey’s waterfront. Then, tickle your palate with one of America’s best and well-known pastries at Carlo’s Bakery. Along your adventure, be introduced to the city of Frank Sinatra, the Statue of Liberty and the Empty Sky Memorial. Your night tour will take place during the twilight hours when the city's famous skyline comes to life with millions of lights flickering all around you.  Visitors report feeling chills, being in complete awe and feeling speechless when standing in front of Manhattan’s magnificent panoramic views and the most iconic symbol of freedom.  Bring your camera and get ready to be amazed!