Fun things to do in New Jersey

Built in 1764, The Proprietary House served as the home of the last Royal Governor of New Jersey, William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin. Remaining loyal to the crown, he was arrested there in 1775 at the outbreak of the War for Independence. The house was almost lost to fire after the war, but was rescued by John Rattoon and sold to John Woodhull who turned it into the fashionable resort known as The Brighton. It was later the home of Mathias Bruen, one of America’s wealthiest men in the mid-1800s. At the last turn of the century it became a home for retired Presbyterian clergy and their widows and orphans called The Westminster. After a period as a boarding house, it was rescued by concerned citizens and is presently owned by the State of New Jersey.

It continues to serve the community as office space and The Proprietary House Association operates the first two floors as a museum. It is the only Royal Governor’s mansion that survives in the original Thirteen Colonies. We invite you to visit this amazing house!

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At this festival, women carry the very heavy statue of St. Ann through the streets of Hoboken. The festival also has fun food, games, and live music at night. Definitely get the zeppoles (fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar). Yummy.

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Sandy Hook is a unique sand spit that consists of beaches and an old fort, within sight of New York City's skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Fort Hancock operated on Sandy Hook from 1874 to 1974. Its main purpose throughout the years has been defense of the vital New York Harbor. The fort was home to America's first disappearing gun battery, and in the 1950s, Project Nike antiaircaft missiles were stationed here. Sandy Hook was also home to the Sandy Hook Proving Ground an ordinance testing site that was operated until 1917 when the function was moved to the much larger Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

Fort Hancock is home to the second best preserved Nike Ajax site in existence. The site has been restored and contains the original missile bunkers, as well as three Nike Ajax and a Nike Hercules on display. Each fall the base hold a Cold War Day. Tours are offered one weekend a month from April to October.

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Duke Island Park is part of 2, 700 acres of land which consists of public park, estate park and gardens. It is owned and developed by James Buchanan Duke who later on transformed this once farmland into an extraordinary landscape.
He donated Duke Park Island to the government years back which the people of New Jersey are now enjoying right now.
Lush green trees, shrubs and grasses make it so ideal for a weekend getaway, family picnic or just a stroll for a cool breeze.
Shaded walkways, bicycle pathways, picnic areas, barbeque grillers are provided for free.
You can feel the serenity of the place once you're inside the park. You can do fishing in the lake, boating or play football.
Special events like birthday parties can also be held at the park.

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Ellis Island played a vital role in American history and heritage. It served as the immigrants passage way when they entered the United States date back 19th century.
The museum houses photos, letters, immigrant records, memories, life stories and other memorabilias of the immigrants of the United States of America.
There were families, male, female, young, old who seek for better opportunities, freedom and self expression. Better life for themselves, for their families and for their children.
Its been decades now since they first set foot in the Land of the Free yet amidst the crowd of the museum when we visited the place, i feel like i was with them...hearing their stories and their experiences. Take time to be silent and feel the atmosphere..as if they're still there...their hopes and dreams...THEIR AMERICAN DREAM!

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Without exception every single American I have met during my trip has, on hearing that I intended to visit New York, recommended visiting Ellis Island, which also takes in a visit to The Statue of Liberty. Following these recommendations I enjoyed a fascinating day out taking the Circle Line Ferry from New Jersey's Liberty State Park.

If you do no other thing on a New York/New Jersey visit do this! Not only are the monuments, exhibits and tours themselves fascinating, even to a non-Yank like me, but also the ferry trip is a "Thing To Do" in its own right for the views of Jersey City and Manhattan from New York Bay.

The easiest way to get to the ferry terminal is by the Hudson-Bergen light rail to Liberty State (see tip on transportation) from which you can walk to the terminal or take the shuttle bus.

For more info see my New York page

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The Bergen County Zoo is one of America's best small zoos, and a great place to take small children on a summer day. Their animal collection is focused on North America, Central America and South America. It includes bison, prairie dogs, elk, tapirs, capybaras, guanacos, mountain lions, ocelots, a condor, anteaters, tortoises, alligators, spider monkeys, rheas, tamarinds, and bald eagles. They also have a butterfly house, a petting zoo with farm animals (sheep, cows, pigs, etc.) and a miniature train that children can ride with their parents. Across the street from the zoo, in Van Saun Park, there is a large playground and a carousel.

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Van Saun Park is a pleasant place to spend a summer afternoon with the kids. It has a very good small zoo, a carousel, a miniature train, playgrounds, picnic areas, pony rides, tennis courts and a baseball field. If you want to use the picnic shelters, you will need to get a permit in advance, as they are very popular for group outings.