Top New Jersey Nature Parks

Take a break from the beach on a sightseeing cruise off the coast of Cape May. As your captain navigates to the best locations for spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises, your certified naturalist guide offers live commentary about the area’s ocean life and the animals’ natural habitat. The boat is fully equipped with wheelchair access, bathrooms, and a snack bar for your convenience.

Get up close and personal with the world’s largest model railroad—complete with more than 8 miles (13 kilometers) of tracks—when you visit New Jersey’s Northlandz museum. Book tickets before you travel to guarantee your admission and, once inside, explore at your own pace. You’ll want plenty of time to admire the highly detailed miniatures, follow the twining tracks and bridges, and watch the trains chug by.

Discover the wildlife of the Cape May wetlands during this sunset cruise. Climb aboard a boat and set out on a tour focused on coastline birds and wildlife. As the sun sets, cruise into the salt marshes behind Cape May and Wildwood to observe and photograph several species of birds. Admire views of the marine life and learn about their ecosystem during this tour.

Widely considered one of the finest birding sites in North America, Cape May, New Jersey is a major migration point for hundreds of species of birds. This birdwatching tour sails daily from April through October along the coastal salt marsh and Jarvis Sound, offering rare views of birds and marine animals in their natural habitat.

Train-lovers everywhere have Northlandz on their must-see list: the Guinness Book of World Records holder as the world's largest model railroad. Buy your tickets in advance for this attraction; each ticket can be used anytime during opening hours and gives access to all exhibits and attractions.

Enjoy a day out with the whole family at New Jersey’s Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Theme Park—one of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks—without the stress: purchase your tickets before you travel to ensure your entry. Once inside the park, located just a few miles from New York City, kids of all ages can take advantage of its dozens of rides and attractions, as well as live entertainment offerings.

Open year round, and one of the largest indoor water parks in the country, DreamWorks Indoor Water Park is a family-friendly destination located just a few miles from New York City—and this advance booking option enables a stress-free visiting experience. Book your tickets before you travel, and arrive at a time that works best for you. You can explore highlights like its many slides, indoor wave pool and more, all at your leisure.