Staycations in New Jersey

Most homeowners since 2007 have been opting for vacation at home (staycation) and taking day trips to beaches, parks and museums. Here in New Jersey, we have the privilege of taking day trips to New York City without having to pay for high-priced accommodation. There is also the opportunity to go to the beaches for day trips and several of our state parks.

The New Jersey Environmental Protection Department has preserved our parks and historical sites and villages for citizens of New Jersey to enjoy year round. But during the summer season families can take advantage of a variety of programs at the parks. The Get outdoors, New Jersey programs hosted by the Department offers nature-themed activities throughout the summer in all state parks across the state for families.

For those who prefer historical sites with preserved historical buildings and railroads, check out Allaire Historical Village. This was once an important 19th century bog iron industry center. The buildings that are still standing tall today includes the general store, blacksmith’s shop, carpenter’s shop, manager’s house, foreman’s house and church. The park charges $5 per vehicle for weekend visits. Children can enjoy the old historical Pine Creek Railroad for $4, cash or check only.

High Point State Park in Sussex County offers a great view of Delaware River and a panoramic view of the forest and farmland. It sits 1,803 feet above sea level. This once belonged to Colonel Anthony Kuser as a summer home before he donated the place to the State of New Jersey in the 1920s.

This park offers great walking trails and scenic drive in the summer months. Walking through the trails you might encounter deer, porcupines, black bears and birds. This park is open year round for different activities. In the fall, the park attracts crowds when autumn colors come alive…surrounded by maple, sassafras and oak tree leaves.

In winter the park becomes a Cross Country Ski paradise.

Liberty State Park in the middle of metropolitan northern New Jersey has miles of walkways if you like walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. Imagine a park overlooking the New York City skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island?

If you prefer a place that sits among birds and marine life, Island Beach State Park may be a place for your family. This is a narrow barrier island around 3,000 acres with 10 miles of coastal dunes. According to the State Park, this park has the state's largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds are found here. Island Beach is nationally known as a unique resource with over 400 plants identified, including the largest expanse of beach heather in New Jersey.

Think there is no place to relax and enjoy your summer with your friends and family?

I have also discovered now that we have alluring places to see and visit for the summer and throughout the year in New Jersey. Can you see yourself having a staycation this summer instead of spending thousands in a crowded theme park?