New Jersey is well known for its beaches, boardwalks, amusement parks, seaside resort towns, scenic parks, and so much more. Our great state has so much to offer in the summer, and it has just as much to offer in the winter months.
Looking to plan a late fall or winter escape, relaxing getaway, or a day trip? Explore some new spots this season. Find inspiration with these 15 destinations — some gems you may be familiar with while others are off the beaten path.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Timberlane Campground welcomes tents and RVs during the winter months. Cabins are also available for adventurous winter campers. The campground is complete with Wi-Fi, fire pits, electrical hookups, and cable television access. Located across the river from the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia), sightseeing opportunities are all around this area.
Newton
Kittatinny Valley State Park continues to attract outdoor activity enthusiasts after the snow falls. Touting excellent cross-country skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding, the park offers trails up to 27 miles through the Paulinskill Valley and a 15-mile rail trail loop through Sussex County. Many of the trails are repurposed railroad routes, giving them sturdy and level footing for winter visitors.
Tenafly
The Tenafly Nature Center is a non-profit nature preserve located in Bergen County that delivers environmental education and a rich outdoor experience. The Center cares for a limited number of creatures that cannot be released into the wild. Its nature trails open one hour after sunrise and the facility closes one hour before sundown. Ranging from 0.2 to 2.7 miles, they are wonderful for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
Watchung
Union County boasts the Watchung Reservation and Trailside Nature & Science Center. Explore the rich history of the area and its serene landscapes. The Watchung Reservation History Trail runs 6 miles and visitors are exposed to historical sites throughout the more than 2,000 acres. The Trailside Nature & Science Center offers wide walking trails, as well as children’s activities. It’s an experience the entire family will cherish during the winter break.
Indoor Adventures
Camden
Located on the Delaware River, the Adventure Aquarium is a dazzling aquatic educational experience for children and adults of all ages. Among the rare and exotic specimens are African Cichlids, Argentine Horned Frogs, Giant Pacific Octopus, and Bamboo Sharks. With more than 15,000 aquatic species to admire in a climate-controlled environment, a day at Adventure Aquarium creates lasting memories.
Jersey City
Visiting Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is a perfect snow day excursion. Open from 10 am to 4 pm from Tuesday through Sunday, the Science Center houses 12 museum exhibition halls, 110 live species, massive aquariums, a 3D theater, as well as hurricane and tornado wind simulators.
Multiple Locations Throughout New Jersey
Monster Mini Golf courses keep the greens warm and ready to play through. That’s largely because they offer the warming comfort of indoor facilities while winter does its thing outside. Monster Mini Golf is a fun-filled experience with convenient locations across New Jersey.
Mount Laurel
CoCo Key Water Resort gives families a tropical resort getaway with a 55,000-square-foot indoor water park and leisure amenities. Designed for all ages, the hotel and resort offer day passes and overnight accommodations with access to relaxed dining, video arcades, and much more.
West Berlin
Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor and Outdoor Water Park is a great place to avoid the snow. The recently renovated 58,000-square-foot facility has a retractable roof, making it a key aquatic destination. Just because it’s cold outside, South Jersey doesn’t stop having wet and wild fun.
Seasonal Getaways
Frenchtown
Widow McCrea House Bed & Breakfast is a charming 1878 Italianate Victorian Inn with luxurious lodging accommodations. This child and pet-friendly getaway has options such as a private cottage, spacious suites, and three elegant guest rooms. Restored to its original luster, hosts fuss over guests who can peruse Frenchtown shops or take in views of the Delaware River.
Newton
The Wooden Duck B&B is located on 14 wooded acres in Sussex County and guests have the option of staying in the 7-room Estate House or the intimate 3-room Carriage House. This peaceful bed and breakfast comes complete with luxurious baths, sitting areas, Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, and fireplaces.
Stockton
Perched above the scenic Delaware River, the Woolverton Inn is nestled on 300 acres of rich farmland and forests. The historic 1792 stone manor is fully restored and includes relaxing modern amenities such as whirlpool tubs for couples and stocked refrigerators.
Hit the Slopes
Hamburg
The Crystal Springs Resort continues to attract vacationers and people needing weekend escapes during all four seasons. During winter, guests hit the slopes to ski, snowboard, and romp on tubes like school-aged children. Warming up after a day in the white stuff is just as enjoyable when you have access to indoor heated pools, excellent dining, and fitness facilities.
Mahwah
Considered a premier destination for skiing and tubing, Campgaw Mountain possesses the snowmaking bandwidth to provide winter fun all season. Located only 18 miles from the George Washington Bridge, the facility offers day and night skiing, snowboarding, and designated tubing.
Vernon
Mountain Creek continues to provide four-season outings, with access to skiing during the day and evening. Accommodations include full kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, and BBQ grills. The yesteryear ambiance of the Black Creek Sanctuary and slope-side Appalachian lodgings are only outdone by the picturesque views.
A variety of adventures await you in the great state of NJ this winter. It’s worth the time to explore the sights and sounds in your own backyard! And when you hit the road, be sure to take Lakeland Bank along with you — it’s easy to manage your finances on the go with Digital Banking or find the nearest Allpoint® ATM.
