Click on the links below to find many of New Jersey's best attractions located within driving distance of Jackson.

 

Within Jackson
Within Half Hour

Within One Hour
Within One and Half Hours

 

 

 

 

Attractions in Jackson
Click here to see local map

1. Jackson Jungle
A community playground, built by and for the families of Jackson. It is 18,000 square feet of mazes, tunnels, swings, monkey bars and slides. Located in the Jackson Justice Complex off of West Veteran’s Highway

2. Jackson Museum
Information: (732) 928-1200
Appointment: (732) 928-1539
Also known as the Prospertown Schoolhouse; this 150 year old schoolhouse on Route 528 exhibits artifacts of Jackson’s past grist mills and cranberry bogs and a rotating art exhibit. Open by appointment. Free admission

3. Jackson Premium Outlets
(732) 833-0503
www.JacksonPremiumOutlets.com
Outlet shopping just down the street from Six Flags Great Adventure. Over 70 factory direct outlets with famous name brand merchandise. You’ll find everything from designer clothes and accessories to kitchenware and home furnishings. On Route 537, just north of I-195. Open Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

4. Jackson Skating Center
(732) 363-2222
Located on 2270 W. County Line Road (Route 526) this indoor roller-skating facility is for the whole family! Lessons, birthday parties, and competitive skating club are also available.

5. John F. Johnson, Jr. Memorial Park
(732) 928-1200, extension 255
www.jacksontwpnj.net
Site of community-sponsored Therapeutic Park; sports fields, tennis courts, fitness trails, playground. Located at Cooks Bridge Road & Manhattan Street.

6. Lake Enno Recreational Facility
(732) 928-1200
Fishing, boat launch, Located at Lakeview Drive, Route 528

7. NJ Forest Resource Education Center at Jackson
(732) 928-2360
The 660-acre center, located near the headwaters of Toms River, features the 7.3 mile Project Learning Trail, Outdoor Learning Stations with informational kiosks and “talking trees.” Interpretive Programs are offered free of charge; recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Special family forestry events are offered every year in spring and fall. Open dawn to dusk.

8. Patriot’s County Park
(732) 506-9090
www.co.ocean.nj.us/parks/default.htm
Just one of Ocean County’s numerous recreational facilities; this park offers basketball courts, fitness trails, softball and soccer fields, conservation area, picnic areas, playgrounds and shuffleboard. Route 528 & Bowman Road.

9. Rova Farm Resort
(732) 928-0928
In the Cassville section of Jackson, visit two historic Russian Orthodox Churches, St. Vladimir Memorial Church and St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church. Sample Russian fare at Rova’s Restaurant. Every Tuesday, Rova offers a Flea Market. Route 528/571. Open Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

10. Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari, and Hurricane Harbor
(732) 928-1821
Going East on I-195, Exit 16-A
www.sixflags.com
Six Flags Great Adventure launches Kingda Ka, the tallest, fastest roller coaster on Earth and the keystone of a new, mythical jungle, The Golden Kingdom. This section also features Temple of the Tiger, offering an encounter with majestic Bengal tigers and a dazzling, Broadway-style show; and Balin’s JungleLand, a children’s area with five rides and a great play structure. Also new; spectacular entertainment line-up with seven new shows. Six Flags Wild Safari is FREE with paid theme park admission. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor offers wet ‘n wild fun at one of America’s largest water parks. Call 732-928-1821 or visit www.sixflags.com

11. Top Gun Paint Ball
(732) 928-2810
www.topgunpaintball.com
Open year round, this is New Jersey’s premier Paintball Field just down the street from Great Adventure. This multi-acre facility offers naturally wooded playing fields as well as themed fields such as Jurassic Park with its prowling dinosaurs and villages surrounded by a fully stocked lake. New Speedball Area and interactive multiplayer computer game network. Visit our ProShop Wednesday – Friday - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday - 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Playfields open every Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Come along or bring a group. Prices vary. Route 537 and I-195.

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Regional Attractions Within 1/2 Hour
Click here to see local map

1. Allaire State Park
(732) 938-2371
www.allairevillage.org
19th Century Village, nature center, Pine Creek Railroad, camping, picnicking, hiking, canoeing, shops. Farmingdale.


2. Cream Ridge Winery
(609) 259-9797
www.creamridgewinery.com
Located on Route 539, 10 minutes from Six Flags. Open year round; Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Gourmet shop open daily. Free wine tasting of wines made on premises. There are usually 20 plus wines on the list for guests to sample. Hosts two outdoor festivals every year,four indoor open house events. Tours of winery. Call for information about personal tours.

3. FirstEnergy Park
(732) 901-7000
www.blueclaws.com
The Lakewood Blue Claws: The class-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies; plays April thru Labor Day.

4. Freehold Raceway
(732) 462-3800
www.freeholdraceway.com
Trotters, harness & pacers; dining. Freehold

5. Freehold Raceway Mall
(732) 577-1144
www.freeholdracewaymall.com
Well-known department stores accompanied by over 200 specialty shops, full-service restaurants and a food court. Freehold

6. Garden State Philharmonic
(732) 451-0064
www.gardenstatephilharmonic.com
Series of concert performances at the Jersey Shore, primarily in Toms River and
Ocean County.

7. Hallock's U-Pick Farm
(609) 758-8847
www.hallocksupick.com
Fresh U-pick strawberries and vegetables. Located in New Egypt.

8. Horse Park of New Jersey
(609) 259-0170
www.horseparkofnewjersey.com
Email: horseparkofnj@aol.com
Devoted to the State animal, this facility holds scheduled events from March to November on hunt courses and show rings. It does not offer horseback riding or lessons. Refer to the Calendar of Events for more information. Route 524, Upper Freehold Township.

9. Island Beach State Park
(732) 793-0506
Natural Barrier Beach; nature center, sand dunes, fresh water bogs, swimming, surf fishing. Open all year round. Admission charge. Seaside Park

10. Lakehurst
• Lakehurst Historical Society museum features artifacts from the
Hindenburg
(732) 657-8864
• Naval Air Engineering Station at Lakehurst – site of the Hindenburg crash in 1937; visit Hangar #1, a national landmark – For tours call (732) 323-2620

11. Manasquan Reservoir
www.monmouthcountyparks.com
Visitors Center: (732) 919-0996
311 Windler Road, Howell
The Reservoir is part of 1,200 acres that include woods and wetlands, a 5 mile perimeter trail, fishing and boating areas, and a Visitor Center.

Environmental Center: (732) 751-9453
331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell
Provides learning and discovery experiences related to wetland ecology, wildlife, and habitat protection. Interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations, educational activities for groups, and wildlife observation areas. Free nature programs are offered on weekends. Call for more information.

12. Monmouth Battlefield State Park
(732) 462-9616
Historic Craig House; reenactments; location of the longest battle of the American Revolution; Visitor Center. Business Route 33, Manalapan

13. New Egypt Speedway
(609) 758-1900
www.newegyptspeedway.net
720 Route 539, New Egypt


14. Ocean County Historical Museum & Research Center
(732) 341-1880
www.oceancountyhistory.org
Visit 19th Century Victorian days.
Toms River

15. Ocean County Park
(732) 506-9090
www.co.ocean.nj.us/parks
Acres of scenic trails, trees, lake swimming, playing fields.
Route 88, Lakewood

16. Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
(732) 446-7800
www.racewaypark.com
Motocross, drag-racing, go-karting.
Pension Road, Englishtown

17. Pt. Pleasant Beach (Shore Resort)
• Jenkinson's Aquarium – Alligators, mammals and birds. Free summer family events. www.jenkinsons.com
(732) 899-1212
• Jenkinson Boardwalk & Parkway – Amusements
(732) 892-0600
(732) 295-4334
• Pt. Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
Rides, games, amusements
• Charter and Party Deep Sea fishing

18. Robert J. Novins Planetarium
(732) 255-0342
www.ocean.edu/planet.htm
Located in Ocean County College; Planetarium, children's shows. Toms River

19. Seaside Heights and Seaside Park (Shore Resort)
www.seasideheightstourism.com
• Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach Water Park – amusement pier, ocean fishing pier, water park, and beachfront skyride in Seaside Heights. (732) 793-6488

• Boardwalk – amusements games, rides, concessions stretching from Funtown Pier in Seaside Park to the tip of Seaside Heights. (800) SEA-SHOR

• Funtown Pier – rides, games, concessions. (732) 830-1591

20. Shore Shot Pistol Range
(732) 905-6888
Recreational indoor pistol range; hourly rates and gun rentals; lessons available; safe, controlled air-conditioned stalls. No age limit. Open to the public. Monday – closed. Tuesday – Friday 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Located at 730 Airport Road, Exit 88 Garden State Parkway in the Lakewood Industrial Park off Route 70, Lakewood.

21. Sony Theatres Freehold Metroplex
(732) 294-0888
Offers over a dozen top movies, an out-of-this-world snack bar and a comfortable environment. Bargain matinees everyday up until 6:00 pm showing; all seats $6.00 for bargain matinees. Freehold

22. Strand Theatre
(732) 367-7789
www.strandlakewood.com
Newly renovated 1,000 seat theatre; dance, ballet, music. Lakewood.

23. Swingtime
(732) 845-0093
Outdoor batting cages, miniature golf, arcade games and birthday parties. Open year round, Sun. – Thurs., 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Fri. & Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 pm. Route 9 South, Howell

24. Wall Township Speedway
(732) 681-6400
www.wallspeedway.com
Tuesday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Highway 34 South, Wall

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Attractions Within 1 Hour
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1. Count Basie Theatre
(732) 842-9000
www.countbasietheater.org
This Monmouth County Arts Council theater seats 1,500; open year-round; features include children's programs, concerts and dance performances. Red Bank.

2. Grounds For Sculpture
www.groundsforsculpture.org
(609) 586-0616
Grounds For Sculpture was established in 1992 to promote a greater understanding of and appreciation for contemporary sculpture by organizing exhibitions, publishing scholarly catalogues, and offering a variety of educational programs to the public. 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton NJ 08619

3. Historical Trenton
• State House Tours – tour the second oldest capital still operating in the US; guided tours (609) 633-2709
• Old Barracks Museum – Revolutionary War battle site; tours. Open 7 days; 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., last tour at 4:00 p.m. www.barracks.org (609) 396-1776
• William Trent House – 1719 mansion with early Colonial furniture. Open 7 days – 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily
(609) 989-3027

4. Monmouth Park Racetrack
(732) 222-5100
www.monmouthpark.com
Open May 14, 2005 – September 25, 2005 – thoroughbred racing; dining. Simulcasting year-round. Oceanport

5. New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial
(800) 648-VETS
www.njvvmf.org
Honors State residents who perished in the Vietnam era; museum, resource center, education center. Garden State Parkway Exit 116, Holmdel

6. PNC Bank Arts Center
(732) 203-2500
www.artscenter.com
Outdoor amphitheater featuring concerts and shows; nature trail, picnic facilities, festivals. Garden State Parkway Exit 116, Holmdel

7. Popcorn Park Zoo
(609) 693-1900
www.associatedhumanesocieties.org
Located on seven acres of scenic Pine Barrens, the zoo contains 200 animals including African lions, tigers, mountain lions, a camel, emus, rheas, Australian wallabies, and monkeys; native wildlife such as white-tailed and fallow deer, bobcats, American black bear, and raccoon; farm animals and reptiles. Open 7 days; 11:00 am – 5:00 p.m. Exit 74, off the Garden State Parkway. Forked River

8. River Lady
(732) 349-8664
www.riverlady.com
Sightseeing, dinner cruises, 85 ft paddle wheeler. Open May – September. Toms River


9. Robert J. Miller County Airpark
(732) 240-3520
• Park – site of the Ocean County Fair every July; facilities include bike and hiking trails, playgrounds and fields, picnic areas. Bayville
• Airport – This independent airport offers flight training and rides. Bayville.

10. T.R. Seaport Society & Maritime Museum
(732) 349-9209
Working boat restoration museum and library. Hooper Ave & East Water Street.,
Toms River

11. Trenton Thunder
(609) 394-8326
www.trentonthunder.com
AA baseball played April to August. Trenton

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Attractions Within 1.5 Hours
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1. Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront
(800) 616-JAWS
www.adventureaquarium.com
Re-opening May 21, 2005, this aquarium features the sights and sounds of the marine environment and animal world. Visitors venture through barrier-free environments, large viewing panels, and tunnels designed to provide close-ups and interactive experiences. Also featured is “Swim WithThe Sharks” in a controlled 4-D virtual setting. Shark feedings three times a week; daily penguin & seal shows.

2. Atlantic City (Shore Resort)
(888) 228-4748
www.atlanticcitynj.com
Casino gambling in world famous Atlantic City.
Home of the Miss America Pageant, headlining entertainers, exciting shows and nightlife as well as relaxing at the beach. The Steel Pier at the Trump Taj Mahal offers entertainment for the kids too.

3. Barnegat Light
(609) 494-2016
• Barnegat Lighthouse – Tallest lighthouse in New Jersey; panoramic view.
• Barnegat Lighthouse State Park – 172 foot tower welcomes you to Barnegat Inlet to fish and picnic. Barnegat Light.

4. Cape May County
(609) 884-5508
www.capemaychamber.com
Located at the southern most tip of New Jersey. Whale and dolphin watching cruises, visit the Boardwalk in Wildwood and take a Victorian house tour. The Cape May County Park and Zoo is home to more than 300 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Ferry cruises on the Delaware Bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

5. Liberty Science Center
(201) 200-1000
www.lsc.org
Interactive science museum, nation's largest IMAX Dome Theater. Exhibits for all age groups. Jersey City

6. Liberty State Park
(201) 915-3401
Take a ferry from the park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Historic train terminal, nature center and programs, nature trail, boat launch and marina. Visitor Center. Refreshments, lookout point. Jersey City.

7. Long Beach Island (Shore Resort)
(800) 292-6372
www.discoversouthernocean.com
Public beaches, water sports, boat ramps, fishing, nature activities

8. New Jersey’s Meadowlands Complex
(201) 935-3900
www.meadowlands.com
Racetrack/Sporting Arenas
Home to the Devils, Nets, Metrostars, Giants and Jets. Thoroughbred and harness racing from September to December. Major concert events, Sports Hall of Fame of NJ. East Rutherford

9. New Jersey Performing Arts Center
(888) 466-5722
Largest performing arts center in the Northeast. Nationally known artists.

10. Towne of Historic Smithville
(609) 652-7777
www.SmithvilleNJ.com
Newly-restored – Home of historic Smithville Inn; eateries, 60 specialty shops.

11. Tuckerton Seaport
(609) 296-8868
www.tuckertonseaport.org
Tuckerton Seaport is a cultural museum in Southern Ocean County, NJ. Established to preserve, present and interpret the rich maritime history, artistry, heritage and environment of the New Jersey shore and its baymen. The Seaport includes 16 historic and recreated buildings that replicate the life, art, work, and maritime traditions of the region.


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