If the recent heatwave is any indication, the advent of summer signals that many long, hot days are ahead of us. However, with hundreds of theaters, water parks, museums, malls, etc. in the Garden State, New Jersey offers residents countless ways to stay cool this summer. Options range from the adventurous and rowdy to the quiet and family friendly and virtually everything in between. A number of them offer hands-on learning opportunities while still being entertaining. In our area, practically every town provides at least one means of beating the heat. 

So, before you head to the beaches downstate, here are 5 of our favorite places to cool off in northern New Jersey

DreamWorks Water Park in East Rutherford, NJ

Located in the newly-completed American Dream Mall, the DreamWorks Water Park is the largest indoor water park in North America. Its attractions include the world’s largest indoor wave pool, which holds 1.6 million gallons; the Thrillagascar & Jungle Jammer, a 14 story trapdoor capsule free fall; the Kungfu Panda Temple of Awesomeness, a multi-level play structure with dump cups, geysers and the largest indoor tipping bucket; Shrek’s Sinkhole Slammer, a high-speed, multi-person raft ride that plunges into a massive funnel with intense drops; Toothless’ Trickling Torpedo, the world’s longest hydromagnetic rocket coaster; and much more. 

If you need to dry off and take a breather, you can rent one of the cabanas or Sky Suites. The latter feature a number of amenities as well as a bird’s eye view of the park. 

2Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ

The Liberty Science Center offers smart, engaging fun for people of all ages, especially those interested in STEM programming.

Animal lovers will rejoice, because LSC is home to over 100 species: cotton-top tamarin monkeys, naked mole rats, chinchillas, red-footed tortoises, snakes, tarantulas and more. Visitors can meet many of these animals by attending the center’s new Wild About Animals exhibition, which showcases how they use their natural adaptations to survive in the wild. Additionally, visitors will learn how studying these creatures has led to scientific breakthroughs. There are also exhibits on extinct animals like mammoths and dinosaurs.

For those wanting to expand their horizons, the facility is home to the Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium. Its 89-foot full-dome, and powerful accompanying equipment, will have visitors walking away awed by the vastness of the universe. 

The facility hosts a number of interactive exhibits, such as the Infinity Climber, the world’s first suspended climbing play space. Featuring multiple routes to explore, it measures 26 feet wide, 24 feet deep and 19 feet tall, all of which is surrounded by 19 miles of hand-threaded wire to protect climbers. It’s an exciting way to burn off energy. 

The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, NJ

The Mills at Jersey Gardens are the Garden State’s largest outlet and value retail center with over 230 stores and restaurants. Brands include Michael Kors, Coach, True Religion, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, PUMA, Sephora, Saks and much more. 

In New Jersey, sales of articles of clothing or footwear are already generally tax exempt, but thanks to Elizabeth being an Urban Enterprise Zone, sales tax on non-clothing items is only 3.3125 percent, meaning you will save money even before you benefit from the low outlet mall prices.

Aside from the stores, there are countless kiosks selling all manner of small items and services. And if your young children are getting antsy, sprinkled throughout are little rides.

IPIC Theater in Fort Lee, NJ

IPIC Theaters are a chain of luxury theaters, offering premium food and drinks. This location is no exception. Depending on your preferences, you can either dine in the theater or sit in The City Perch Kitchen + Bar. The respective menus are too voluminous to unload here, but suffice it to say that, between them, they have everything from comfort food staples and snacks to artisanally prepared dishes, made with ingredients procured from nearby farms. Highlights from The City Perch include Braised Short Ribs, Black Sea Bass Ratatouille and Brioche Crusted Maryland Crab Cakes.

IPIC shows both the latest blockbusters, such as Black Widow and Space Jam: A New Legacy, as well as cult classics like Top Gun and The Iron Giant. Be sure to check availability before setting out, because tickets go fast well in advance of showtimes.

Also, be advised that because this is a luxury experience, the tickets alone are about twice the national average. That said, this would make for a splendid date night.


The Newark Museum of Art

As New Jersey’s largest museum – fittingly located in our state’s largest city – The Newark Museum of Art holds major collections of art in its climate controlled rooms. Its collection originates from a host of styles and traditions: the Americas, Asia, Africa, the ancient world, decorative, contemporary and more. Included are works by Hiram Powers, Thomas Cole, John Singer Sargent, Albert Bierstadt, Frederick Church, Childe Hassam, Mary Cassat, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Joseph Stella, Tony Smith and Frank Stella. Additionally, its Tibetan art is considered among the best in the world. 

Even though many of the “high-touch and small-space areas” are closed, visitors still have access to thousands of exhibits: Seeing America: 20th and 21st Century, an examination of the American experience; Unexpected Color: A Journey Through Glass; Art of the Ancient Mediterranean: Egypt, Greece and Rome; Dynamic Earth: Revealing Nature’s Secrets, an exploration of the natural world’s beauty; and scores more.

 ReVision and Respond, part of Special Exhibitions, showcases works from 45 New Jersey artists who responded to the turbulent events of recent years. Through a variety of mediums, they created 50 works that “interpret current and possible worlds.” It’s a deeply moving and cathartic experience after the chaotic year we’ve all been through.

As per the Mayor’s Executive Order, all attendees must be fully vaccinated and reserve their tickets in advance. There will be no on-site reservations.

Are you interested in learning more about our northern New Jersey communities? I would love to assist you. Contact Jane Smith at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or email janesmith@notrealemail.com.

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