New Jersey may be one of the top five smallest states based on land area, but it’s full to the brim with places that would spark your sense of adventure and nostalgia. From boardwalks and zoos to historical landmarks and even battleships, there are tons of exciting places in New Jersey that you’ll definitely want to visit.
If you are visiting the Garden State this summer, you can’t pass up the chance to check out one of its many awesome amusement parks. For a state that’s quite small, New Jersey has a whopping nine notable theme parks that you wouldn’t regret spending the entire day in.
Below, we’ve put together a list of the best amusement parks in New Jersey for your and your friends or family to visit, as well as a few helpful tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Casino Pier — Seaside Heights, N.J

First on our list is Casino Pier, one of the premier amusement parks in the entire state. The Seaside Heights amusement park is open daily from 1 P.M. to 11 P.M. on weekdays and from 12 noon to 11 P.M. or midnight on weekends. This all-in-one destination has it all — an exhilarating theme park, a waterpark, and a modern arcade jam-packed with games and activities.
This premier destination has been around since the early 1930s, making it a well-known and well-loved park for N.J. locals and residents of nearby states. Today, the pier is better than ever, with over 30 park attractions.
Casino Pier has all the classic amusement park rides, like bumper cars, a 131-foot tall ferris wheel, and a carousel. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll enjoy the 72-foot roller coaster; Centrifuge, an indoor scrambler; Shore Shot, a rapid free-fall and launcher; and Skyscraper, a spinning ride that goes up to 70 mph in speed.
The Pier has many safe yet exciting attractions for kids, too. These include the park’s boats, Hot Tamales mini coaster, spinning Dizzy Dragons, and a Baja Buggy themed ride. There are also Go-Karts for the young and young-at-heart.
When you get dizzy being out in the sun or on adrenaline-pumping rides, you can chill and try your luck at one of the shooting games, claw machines, or perhaps a full-body virtual reality game.
Address: 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751 | Phone: (732) 793-6488 | Website: casinopiernj.com
Clementon Park and Splash World — Clementon, N.J

Clementon Park and Splash World in Clementon, N.J. is another exciting amusement and waterpark combo destination. The theme park is open from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M. every day during its operating season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The park has been operational since the early 1900s, making it one of the oldest amusement parks not only in the state but in the entire world. It closed down for a while from September 2019 until June 2021, when it successfully reopened under new management.
The amusement park has a total of 25 attractions. Two of its biggest and most popular rides are its two roller coasters — the Hellcat, a wooden coaster with a 110-foot plummet, and the Ring of Fire, a six-story high loop-type coaster.
Other exciting rides in Clementon Park include the swing chair ride Flying Pharoah, the swinging gondola ride Sea Dragon, and the 10-story Thunder Drop. The family-friendly park also has plenty of mellow, kid-friendly attractions, like the C.P. Huntington Railway, Dragon Coaster, giant ferris wheel, and a vintage carousel.
Take note that instead of pricing their tickets by age, the ticket prices are based on visitors’ heights. Daily one-day tickets are available at around $37 for anyone at least four feet tall and around $27 for those below four feet in height.
Address: 144 Berlin Rd, Clementon, NJ 08021 | Phone: (856) 783-0263 | Website: clementonpark.com
Fantasy Island Amusement Park — Beach Haven, N.J

Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven, N.J. may be smaller than the first two parks on our list, but it is no less of a fun destination. Featuring 18 thrilling and kid-friendly rides, the amusement park is located near the boardwalk.
Kids love the park’s Summertime Swings, a smaller, kid-sized rotating swing attraction. The Surf and Spin teacup ride, Octi’s Wheel of Friends mini ferris wheel, and carousel also draw in many kid visitors.
For adults, there’s Fantasy Island’s 65-foot Giant Wheel, the 80-feet tall rapid drop ride Lighthouse Launch, and crowd favorite Sea Dragon gondola ride. The arcade features 12,000 square feet of fun games including skeeball, claw machines, basketball shooting games, and more.
The theme park is open daily, though its arcade and rides have different hours. The rides are open from 4 P.M. to 11 P.M., while the arcade is open from 10 A.M. to 12 A.M.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park occasionally has unlimited ride promotions on Fridays and discounted games in the arcade on Saturdays. It’s best to check the website before buying any tickets for ongoing promotions.
Address: 750 North Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008 | Phone: (609) 492-4000 | Website: fantasyislandlbi.com
Funplex — Mount Laurel, N.J

The Funplex certainly lives up to its name. This sprawling amusement park has been providing hours of fun and excitement since 1997 and shows no signs of stopping. It offers both daily, summer season, and all-year passes.
The amusement park features both indoor and outdoor areas.This makes it a definite must-visit if you want to have some fun despite potential bad weather. The park is located in Mount Laurel, N.J. and offers a wide variety of attractions in both parts of the park.
The indoors part of the complex houses several bowling lanes, bumper cars, go-karts, a two-story foam play area for kids, a 4D ride, and a space for laser tag. Outdoors, the Funplex has its Galleon of Fun, High Velocity drop tower, and Fun Coaster for anyone looking for more heart-thumping rides.
The complex has also recently added The Island, an outdoor water theme park that features twisty slides and a lazy river.
Address: 3320-24 NJ-38, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 | Phone: (856) 273-9666 | Website: thefunplex.com/mount-laurel
Keansburg Amusement Park — Keansburg, N.J

Up north at the tip of Monmouth County is the Keansburg Amusement Park. This summer destination features plenty of heart-stopping rides, making it perfect for thrill-seekers. Some must-ride attractions include the Pharaoh’s Fury gondola ride, the Wave Swinger which swings you 16-feet kinto the air, the new Looping Star roller coaster, and the 10-story high Double Shot drop tower.
There’s just as many rides for children and families, too! These include the balloon ferris wheel, train rides, boat rides, log flume, and mini coasters. Of course, the park also has classic rides like a carousel, bumper cars, and tilt-a-whirl.
One thing you need to be mindful about this amazing amusement park are its operational hours. The park decides its daily closing times based on weather conditions and park occupancy or attendance volume. In general, though, the Keansburg Amusement Park stays open until 9 P.M. or 10 P.M. on weekdays and sometimes up to midnight on weekends.
Address: 275 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg, NJ 07734 | Phone: (732) 495-1400 | Website: keansburgamusementpark.com
Land of Make Believe — Hope, N.J

There’s no need to imagine having fun in the Land of Make Believe theme park! Located in Hope, N.J., the Land of Make Believe is one of the most iconic amusement parks in the entire country.
With tons of rides, plenty of promos, and an award-winning waterpark, this amusement center offers hours and hours of endless and affordable fun for the whole family or your entire friend group. The park is open everyday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. this summer season, with daily admission tickets priced at $32 for both adults and kids.
When visiting the Land of Make Believe, make sure to check out their newest attraction, a spinning coaster called Tumbling Timbers. Other attractions you need to try include the Drop & Twist tower ride, Scream Machine 360, Thriller roller coaster, and the Tornado spinning swing.
The amusement park also has an off-road Safari Adventure, Grand Carousel, Red Baron, and train rides that are hugely popular among kids and families. Meanwhile, the waterpark section has both exciting high-speed slides and mellow rivers and wading pools.
Address: 354 Great Meadows Road – Rt. 611, Hope, NJ 07844 | Phone: (908) 459-9000 | Website: lomb.com
Morey’s Piers — Wildwood, N.J

What started as several concessions along the boardwalk in the 1950s has expanded to a sprawling amusement center that spans three whole piers. Located in Wildwood, N.J., Morey’s Piers is actually three full amusement parks all within walking distance of each other.
Each park has its own distinctive rides and attractions. Surfside Pier in 26th Ave and Boardwalk features The Great Nor’easter, a 2,170-foot long roller coaster that boasts a 95-foot drop, and the Atmosfear!, a 140-foot tall tower that drops you at speeds of 50 mph.Mariner’s Amusement Pier, the middle pier, has its giant ferris wheel, flying galleons, spinning tea cups, bumper cars, and Moby Dick ride. Last but not the least, the Adventure Amusement Pier features the heart-stopping Slingshot, a fast wooden coaster called The Great White, a Skycoaster, and a Grand Prix go-kart raceway.
Not only that, but both the Surfside Pier and Mariner’s Pier have outdoor waterpark attractions and rides for a full summer extravaganza. With all these attractions, one day isn’t enough for a visit to Morey’s Piers — which makes the park’s tie-ups with nearby hotels like the Pan American Hotel and Blue Palms Hotel very convenient.
Address: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260 | Phone: (609) 729-3700 | Website: moreyspiers.com
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park — East Rutherford, N.J

No kid in America didn’t grow up watching Nickelodeon cartoons. No wonder the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park in East Rutherford, N.J. draws in crowds of young kids and young-at-heart adults each year.
Touted as the biggest indoor theme park in the U.S. western hemisphere, Nickelodeon Universe surely earns a spot in any list highlighting the best amusement parks in New Jersey. It features all the must-have park rides, from high-speed coasters and swing rides to a gigantic outdoor ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas that offers an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline.
The park’s rides are all named after iconic Nickelodeon show characters, such as the Aang’s Gliders, Jimmy Neutron’s Atom Smasher, Timmy’s Half Pipe Havoc, and The Shredder. The park also regularly hosts beloved mascots like Spongebob, Blue from Blue’s Clues, Dora the Explorer, and many more to the delight of the children. There’s also plenty of Nick merchandise like Spongebob plushies that you can buy and take home as souvenirs.
The Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park opens at either 11 A.M. or 12 P.M., and closes at either 7 P.M. or 8 P.M. Other attractions in the compound, such as the DreamWorks Water Park, mini golf centers, and ice rink may have different operational hours.
Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 | Phone: (833) 263-7326 | Website: americandream.com/venue/nickelodeon-universe
Six Flags Great Adventure — Jackson, N.J

Among the many amusement parks in New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure is one of the most favorite amusement parks. The name and branding of Six Flags has been synonymous with fun times, exciting times, and amazing adventures throughout the country.
The amusement park in Jackson, N.J. is no different. This park proudly houses El Toro, a wooden coaster that goes up almost 19 stories and features a steep, death-defying 176-foot drop at a 76 degree angle. It’s no wonder thrill-seekers and park goers everywhere voted the El Toro as the number one wooden coaster in the world.
This Six Flags has plenty more roller coasters, such as the BATMAN: The ride, a 10-story high roller coaster ride; GREEN LANTERN, which goes as fast as 63 miles per hour; and the new Jersey Devil Coaster, which debuts as the tallest, fastest, and longest single rail coaster in the world.
Other rides in the park include a seven-story anti-gravity ride, a 150-foot tall ferris wheel that lights up beautifully at night; and a wild river rapids ride. There’s also many more kid- and family-friendly attractions, like the Skyway, the Tree Top Hopper, and the Bugs Bunny Camp Carousel.
At almost $80 for a summer season pass and $117 for the basic all-year pass, Six Flags offers affordable fun for you and your group.
Address: 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ, 08527 | Phone: (732) 928-2000 | Website: sixflags.com/greatadventure
Plan Your Visit to Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Here are our tried and tested tips to help you get the most out of your day at the best amusement parks in New Jersey.
Before your actual visit, it’s best to:
- Check what days and time the park is open. Most amusement parks have calendars on their website exactly for this. Some parks accept private parties and events, so it’s best to double check their schedule even if you are already familiar with it.
- Buy tickets online. This saves you and your group a lot of time lining up to buy them on the day itself. Make sure to check travel deal websites for discounted prices, too, instead of immediately buying tickets off the park’s official website.
- Research rides in advance. This is helpful if you’re going with a large group or with kids. Make a list with your must-rides, maybes, and other non-ride attractions your group wants to see.
- Plan your amusement park route. With your list of must-see or must-ride attractions, you can check the park’s map to figure out where all of them are located and plan a route for greater time efficiency. Remember where the restaurants are located, too! This may help you cross out more rides on your list and avoid going hungry while in line.
- Make a list of things to bring. Make sure to check the amusement park’s guidelines for allowed and prohibited items. Additionally, pack your bag at least a day before to avoid rushing around on the morning of the trip.
On the day of your trip, remember to:
- Start the day early. These are the best amusement parks in New Jersey — and people know it! Expect huge crowds, especially during the summer or holidays. It’s best to be at the park at least 15 minutes before it opens so you can avoid long lines at the entrance and the attractions.
- Follow all safety rules and park regulations. Not following park safety rules can result in serious accidents or even fatalities. Don’t try to cheat on any height, weight, or age restrictions on rides. Those are there for your safety.
- Stay hydrated. The combination of summer heat and going around a huge park will have you sweating buckets. Always make sure you have a filled water bottle with you to avoid dehydration.
- Wear sunscreen. Stay safe and take care of your skin by wearing sunscreen on all visible parts of your body, from your face to your legs and feet. Bring your sunscreen with you so you can reapply it every two hours or as needed.
Start Planning Your Trips to the Best Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Spending a day (or more) going around amusement parks is always a welcome summer activity. Planning ahead and doing your research may not seem as fun as going where your feet take you in the park, but it can help you save time, money, and energy. These amusement parks in New Jersey are not small by any means so you’ll need as much of those as you can get.
Moreover, going on all the attractions you want with your friends and family help make for happier, more memorable times to look back on.
Bookmark our website now and check out our other awesome lists of the best places to visit all over the U.S.
Looking to explore New Jersey? Here are some other great things to do in the state: