Nestled along the scenic Delaware River, just across from Philadelphia, Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, is one of the best family-friendly attractions in the region. Whether you're visiting the Greater Philadelphia area or a local family, this aquarium is a must-see. For locals, I highly recommend considering a membership—you'll want to return time and time again.

The Bergen County Zoo is located in Van Saun Park, a county park located in Paramus, New Jersey. Just a few miles from the unofficial shopping capital of New Jersey is this oasis, preserved and maintained by the Bergen County Parks Department. The park is surrounded by a residential neighborhood and provides a sanctuary from one of the most densely populated areas of the state.

Experience the fun and adventure of the AZA accredited Cape May Zoo with your family. Enjoy the beauty of the park while you explore the animals, playground, and carousel. Don't forget your quarters for the animal feed machines! Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

One of our stops was the Nature Center of Cape May. This is an often-overlooked attraction and is perfect for a rainy day. The Nature Center is run by the NJ Audubon Society and staffed by wonderful volunteers who love to share their passion for local wildlife and conservation efforts. They run programs throughout the summer including the family-friendly Harbor Safaris on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These events require pre-registration and have a small fee associated with them, but they are well worth planning ahead and contributing to this organization’s efforts.

The zoo is situated on a hill in the South Mountain Preserve in West Orange, NJ. It is easily accessible from the Parkway and Routes 78, 24 and 280, making it a great stop for anyone traveling through the area and needing a place to stretch their legs for a few hours.