Nature & natural history museums in New Jersey

The Adventure Aquarium, previously known as the Thomas H Kean New Jersey State Aquarium, is a for-profit educational entertainment attraction. It is situated in Camden, New Jersey, on the Delaware River Camden Waterfront. The aquarium is operated by Herschend Family Entertainment and was originally opened in 1992. It was reopened in its current form on May 25, 2005.

A great place to chill out off the huge amount of gambling or go in with your family. Small, but worth visiting!

Geology Hall, located on the Queens Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a historic building that was constructed between April 1871 and June 1872. The building was initially designed to accommodate various science classes and the Rutgers Geology Museum. This makes it a significant location for those interested in the history of science education and geology.

The Newark Museum of Art, located in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, is the largest museum in the state. Formerly known as the Newark Museum, it has undergone a name change to better reflect its focus on art.

The Duke Gardens, located in Somerset County, New Jersey, were recognized as one of the most significant glass house collections in America. These gardens were the creation of Doris Duke, a prominent philanthropist and horticulturist. The gardens were larger than the New York Botanical Garden's Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, showcasing the grandeur and scale of Duke's vision.

Rutgers Gardens is the official botanical garden of Rutgers University. It is situated at 112 Log Cabin Road, North Brunswick, New Jersey. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center is a sprawling arboretum and botanical garden that spans 100 acres. It is located in the scenic town of Gladstone, New Jersey. This vast expanse of greenery offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Turtle Back Zoo is located in West Orange, New Jersey. It is part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex and is managed as part of the Essex County Park System. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all continents except Antarctica and is open year-round, weather permitting.

The Willowwood Arboretum is a sprawling 130-acre arboretum and botanical garden situated in Chester Township, New Jersey. This vast expanse of greenery offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing visitors with a serene environment to explore and enjoy.

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum, located at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit, Union County, New Jersey, is a unique destination as it is the only arboretum in Union County. This nonprofit arboretum and garden offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of plant species in a serene environment.

Sayen Park Botanical Garden, also known as Sayen House and Gardens, is a municipal park and botanical garden situated in Hamilton Square, within Hamilton Township, New Jersey. This beautiful location is a perfect spot for nature lovers and those who appreciate the beauty of botanical gardens. It offers a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.

Liberty Hall, also known as the Governor William Livingston House, is a historic home that has housed many influential figures. It was recognized for its significance in politics and government and was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1972. Today, it serves as the Liberty Hall Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the lives of those who once resided there.

Washington Crossing State Park, located in New Jersey, is a vast 3,575-acre park that forms part of the U.S. National Historic Landmark area known as Washington's Crossing. This park is a significant part of American history and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a site of national importance.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a significant historical site located in New Jersey, United States. Spanning 1,818 acres, the park is situated on the border of Manalapan and Freehold Township in Monmouth County. This location is easily accessible and offers a vast area for exploration, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history and nature.

The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is a unique botanical garden that spans across 7.8 acres and specializes in Iris flowers. It is managed by a non-profit organization consisting of dedicated volunteers. This garden is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those who appreciate the beauty of Iris flowers.

The Leonard J. Buck Garden is a unique botanical garden located in Far Hills, New Jersey. It spans across 33 acres and is known for its rock garden. The garden is a blend of naturalistic settings, streams, and rocky outcrops, making it a unique destination for nature lovers.

The Colonial Park Arboretum and Gardens is a vast expanse of 144 acres, nestled within the larger 651-acre Colonial Park. Located in Franklin Township, New Jersey, this arboretum and botanical garden offers a serene and lush environment for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Cape May County Park & Zoo offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse collection of animals. With free admission throughout the year, guests can encounter over 550 animals from 250 different species, all housed within 85 acres of carefully designed exhibits. This makes it an ideal destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in wildlife.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, located in Brigantine, New Jersey, is a private non-profit organization that was established in 1978. It is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.

Poricy Park, located in Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, is a nature preserve and park that spans 250 acres. This expansive area offers a variety of natural attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

The Bergen County Zoological Park, located within Van Saun County Park, is open throughout the year. However, an admission fee is charged from May to October. The zoo is a major attraction within the park, housing a diverse range of animal species.

Located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, The Wetlands Institute covers an expansive area of 6,000 acres (24 km²) of protected wetlands. This vast expanse of nature offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse ecosystem of wetlands.

The New Jersey State Museum is situated at 195-205 West State Street in Trenton, New Jersey. This location is easily accessible and serves as a central point for visitors who wish to explore the rich history, culture, and natural wonders that the museum has to offer.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a sprawling 127-acre arboretum and botanical garden situated in Morristown, New Jersey. This vast expanse of greenery offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing visitors with a serene environment to explore and enjoy.

Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, New Jersey, United States. It covers an expansive area of 1,945 acres, providing a vast space for nature lovers to explore and enjoy. The reservation is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a great destination for those interested in wildlife and nature.

Currently, the Crane-Phillips House operates as a museum under the management of the Cranford Historical Society. The museum provides visitors with an insight into the lifestyle of a modest family during the Victorian era. This offers a unique opportunity for tourists to understand the social and cultural aspects of that period.

The Barton Arboretum & Nature Preserve is a large, 168-acre arboretum and nature preserve located in Medford Township. This expansive area offers a variety of natural landscapes and collections for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum is a beautiful and serene location situated on the campus of Georgian Court University, in Lakewood Township, New Jersey, United States. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its lush greenery and diverse collection of plants and trees. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

Holmdel Arboretum, formally known as David C. Shaw Arboretum at Holmdel Park, is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans across 22 acres. It is situated in Holmdel Township, New Jersey. This expansive green space is a haven for nature lovers and those interested in botany, offering a diverse range of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.

Your typical aquarium with plenty to see and do. You can even take part in the feeding or adopt some animal.

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is a small, non-profit animal sanctuary located in Forked River, New Jersey. Spanning 7 acres, this refuge is nestled within Lacey Township and serves as a sanctuary for a variety of animals. It is a place where abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused, or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals, and birds find a safe haven.

Space Farms Zoo and Museum is a unique destination located at 218 Route 519, in the Beemerville section of Wantage Township in Sussex County, New Jersey. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.

Wagner Farm Arboretum is situated at 197 Mountain Avenue, in the Warren Township of Somerset County, New Jersey. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The primary mission of the Meadowlands Museum is to interpret the region's history. This is achieved through educational programs and displays of items that relate to the history of the region. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Rutherford and the New Jersey Meadowlands region in an engaging and interactive way.

The Hunterdon County Arboretum is a vast green space located at 1020 Route 31 in Lebanon, New Jersey, United States. It spans over 73 acres, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The Franklin Mineral Museum, located in Franklin, New Jersey, is a unique destination that offers a deep dive into the world of minerals, geology, and mining. The museum is situated at the site of the former Franklin Mine, which was active from 1898 until the mid-1950s. This location adds a layer of authenticity to the museum's exhibits and provides a historical context for the collections on display.

Cohanzick Zoo, located in Bridgeton, New Jersey, has a rich history dating back to 1934. It holds the distinction of being the first zoo in New Jersey. This historical significance adds to the charm of the zoo and makes it a notable destination for tourists.