With temperatures topping 90 degrees in New Jersey these past few days, we can all use a little break from the heat. Now isn’t the time for long hikes, it’s the time for cold water and even colder AC. Extreme heat can be dangerous, but you don’t need to hole up in your home – there are plenty of places to go in the Garden State where New Jerseyans can cool off and have fun.
1. Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg
Besides being absolutely amazing no matter what the weather, the temperature of these magnificent mines sits at around 56 degrees year-round. Tours last two hours and will take you through the stunning fluorescent Rainbow Tunnel.
2. Bridgewater Sports Arena, Bridgewater
What's cooler than cool? Ice... skating. Bridgewater Sports Arena offers skating and more, including a soft play area, laser tag and arcade. Fridays are family nights - $12 per person gets you admission, skate rental and 20 arcade tokens.
3. Sahara Sam's Oasis, West Berlin
This indoor/outdoor waterpark has something for everyone. Enjoy multiple pools, a lazy river, surfing simulator, children's play area and a plethora of slides. Though ideal for families, kids are not necessary to have fun here.
4. New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Any (air conditioned) museum that piques your interest will do, but the New Jersey State Museum offers a fantastic variety of exhibits. You get 4 museums in 1 (archaeology, art, cultural history, natural history) and even a planetarium.
5. Delaware River Tubing, Milford
Not much effort is required as the current carries you along, and the water is cool and refreshing. To top it all off, your trip includes a free BBQ meal complete with a frozen treat from the Famous River Hot Dog Man.
6. Medieval Times, Lyndhurst
This castle is cool, both literally and figuratively. Guests will enjoy a medieval adventure complete with a jousting tournament and delicious 4-course meal. Tickets can get pretty pricey, but there's a current end of summer promotion going on - all seats AND your meal for $36 with coupon code SMR3WEB16 (until the end of September).
7. Monster Mini Golf, Multiple Locations
These magical mini golf courses glow under black light and the decor is a work of art. Guests of all ages will enjoy the fun, funky, and occasionally eerie atmosphere. New Jersey locations include: Eatontown, Edison, Fairfield, Marlboro, Paramus and Union. Pictured is the Edison location.
8. iPic Theater, Fort Lee
There are several dine-in theaters in New Jersey, but this recently opened luxury theater in Fort Lee has been making headlines lately. So, is it worth the hype? The reviews are in, and the answer is yes. Enjoy gourmet dishes delivered to your (plush) seat and a variety of adult libations.
9. The Borgata, Atlantic City
You'll find an ice cold casino and numerous indoor and outdoor pools here, but the Borgata makes this list thanks to Spa Toccare. Get yourself out of the sun and into the "Borgata Bliss" bath. Soak your troubles away in a hydrotherapy bath followed by a full body Swedish massage.
10. The Bent Spoon, Princeton
Ice cream was made for hot days (or any days, in my world), and The Bent Spoon serves up spectacularly unique flavors (which vary) like lavender mascarpone and chocolate earl grey. They also offer spectacular sorbet. Other incredible ice cream option in New Jersey include Milk Sugar Love (organic ice cream in Jersey City) and Cliff's Homemade Ice Cream (Ledgewood).
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.