Nestled nearly at the intersection of New York City and Philadelphia, Jackson is a majestic township in Ocean County dating back to 1844.
The township got its name from ex-President Andre Jackson.
Jackson is the home of the world’s tallest roller coaster, Kingda Ka.
Besides that, it also boasts the famous Six Flags Great Adventure combined with Safari Off Road Adventure, making it the second largest theme park worldwide.
Jackson is a perfect holiday destination getaway because it stores boundless things for everyone.
It’s packed with fun and adventure, from hiking, biking, riding, camping, fishing, and hunting to dining, shopping, relaxing, nature, attractions, and more.
Bring your family, friends, and kids to make happy memories.
The following are the best things to do in Jackson, New Jersey!
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Being one of the top attractions in New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure is the first place you should visit in Jackson.
After its combination with Safari Off Road Adventure in 2013, this amusement park totals 510 acres, making it the world’s second-largest theme park.
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You can ride on world-renowned rollercoasters like Nitro, El Toro, The Joker, and Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster.
If you’re not into rides, explore the park’s beautiful theme areas and attractions like Boardwalk, Fantasy Forest, Frontier Adventures, and Main Street, or enjoy watching fantastic shows.
The park also includes Ocean County’s largest water park, Hurricane Harbor, featuring several water rides, slides, coasters, and other water attractions for younger and older children while you’re relaxing and watching from one of the lounge chairs.
Feeling hungry?
The amusement park has gastronomic food courts and restaurants.
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Likewise, there are popular special events at Six Flags Great Adventure, like Fright Fest during the Halloween season, where the park is redecorated with Halloween-related decorations, and Holiday in the Park during the Christmas season, where colorful Christmas decorations are everywhere.
Explore and have a blast with the whole family in the summer at this attraction on Six Flags Boulevard.
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Replacing Six Flags Wild Safari, Safari Off Road Adventure, also known as Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, is the largest safari outside of Africa.
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This 350-acre preserve features more than 1,200 wild animals from six continents, including many endangered species.
Through the off-road ride, you’ll experience extraordinary close encounters with many animals, such as elephants, giraffes, tigers, lions, rhinoceros, bears, kangaroos, and more.
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The electrifying journey takes around one and a half to three hours.
Soar like an eagle by hopping on a ride at Screamin’ Eagle Zipline with family or friends.
Explore the magnificent Safari Drive-Thru Adventure inside Six Flags Great Adventure!
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If you’re in the township, you shouldn’t miss shopping at Jackson Premium Outlets along Monmouth Road.
Thanks to the low prices of high-quality products in 70 stores ranging from jewelry to apparel, you can shop till you drop.
Some of the world’s top designers and name brands at Jackson Premium Outlets include Nike, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Zumiez, Kate Spade New York, Clavin Klein, and Adidas.
It also offers fun outdoor settings and savings of up to 65%.
When you feel hungry, sate your stomach by dining at one of its eateries.
Have fun shopping at Jackson Premium Outlets!
Do you have a soft spot for animals?
Meet the fantastic pack of wolf dogs at Howling Woods Farm on West Veterans Highway!
Naiche, Chante, Sirius, Kotori, and Luna are some of the adorable wolf dogs you’ll meet at the pens.
Howling Woods Farm offers a guided tour that takes an hour so you can have hands-on interaction with the wolf dogs.
You’ll also learn about the history of wolves and wolf dogs and their characteristics.
Before visiting the farm, make an appointment by phone.
Also, check out what you can and cannot bring and what to and not to wear.
Don’t forget to visit the Howling Woods Farm’s gift shop for some souvenirs.
Make camping memories at Tip Tam Camping Resort on Brewers Bridge Road.
You’ll enjoy endless indoor and outdoor activities with many amenities and full hookups.
You can rent an RV or lovely cabin with a full bedroom, TV, WiFi, outside porch, A/C, and more.
They also have spacious tent sites in sandy or wooded areas.
Water Olympics, pony rides, karaoke, bingo, and themed dances are some activities for the whole family.
Take advantage of their pools, playgrounds, beach volleyball, basketball, softball field, RC track, mini golf, horseshoe pit, outdoor games, and more for a fun-filled getaway.
Moreover, the resort provides easy access to nearby attractions.
There’s something for everyone in a peaceful place like Tip Tam Camping Resort.
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If you’re a nature lover or an outdoor adventurer, you should not skip visiting the Forest Resource Education Center.
Nesting along Don Connor Boulevard, it includes the Interpretive Center and the New Jersey State Forest Nursery.
The forest has several recreational opportunities, so you’ll have an enjoyable stay and memories to keep when you leave.
You can enjoy walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding on its eight miles of trails, featuring many educational stations with informational kiosks about environment-related topics.
The booklets from the Interpretive Center will guide you in exploring the trail.
At the same time, you can birdwatch or photograph beautiful nature.
Those with fishing and hunting licenses can do such activities in this state park.
Make sure to keep your pets on a leash if you want to bring them.
When visiting the Forest Resource Education Center, observe their rules and regulations for a fun-filled experience.
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Indian Rock RV and Campground is a family-owned small business along West Veterans Highway.
Spanning almost 30 acres of property shaded by oak and pine trees, it has been in the township for more than 30 years.
It’s perfect for those who want a serene setting or a short time out from their busy and stressful lives.
Their beautiful campsites come with water, electricity, and sewer, so you’ll have a comfortable stay.
Keep cool by swimming at their pool, or play volleyball, basketball, tennis, and more using their sports and recreational facilities.
During the summer, Indian Rock RV Park and Campground offers exciting activities.
Timberland Lake Campground is located on Reed Road.
It’s an ideal place for a weekend getaway with the family.
Measuring 54 acres, they have many sites with hookups for tents, campers, RVs, and pop-ups.
Several amenities are available in the campground, including a playground with a basketball court, horseshoe pit, and mini golf.
You can get into the water by swimming in their Olympic-sized pool or try boating and fishing in their five-acre private lake.
Enjoy a daily hayride with Buddy Bear and themed activities in the summer.
Otherwise, join the fun in the evening with events such as movies, games, and a DJ dance party.
Book your reservation and have fun at Timberland Lake Campground!
Metedeconk National Golf Club is a private golf club that opened in 1987.
It’s one of the top golfing spots in New Jersey.
Architects Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Roger Rulewich designed this stunning 27-hole golf course that winds through pine trees.
The golf course challenges all players with its elevation changes and uneven lies.
While playing golf, you’ll delight in the striking beauty of tree-lined fairways and dramatic landscapes.
It also has a pro shop for your golfing needs and a clubhouse in case you’re hungry.
You can find Metedeconk National Golf Club on Hannah Hill Road.
Another place ideal for the family is Butterfly Camping Resort, situated on Butterfly Road.
They have more than 20 amenities, so you can enjoy your short vacation here.
Their spacious shaded sites feature a picnic table, a fire ring, WiFi, cable, and more.
Plus, you can choose either electric and water hookups or full hookups.
On the other hand, you may prefer their newly renovated cabins if you’re in a large group.
Moreover, make use of their swimming pool, mini golf, volleyball, basketball, playground, fishing pond, and arcade for a memorable weekend.
Butterfly Camping Resort also hosts thrilling activities.
They have nature trails if you want some hiking activity and a large gift shop in case you want to browse for some presents for your friends.
Take a whirl by skating in the spacious rink at Jackson Skating Center on West County Line Road.
The Durnye family opened this skating center in 1958 so families, from children to adults, could enjoy it.
Some of its facilities and amenities include traditional and rollerblade skate rental, pay lockers, a full-service skate bar and shop, and arcade game areas.
Besides offering skating lessons, it also organizes a skating program for those who want to learn skating from basic to pro skill levels.
If you want your birthday party spent here, you can rent out the center.
Interestingly, a national championship competition was held here in 1971.
It continually captivates skaters from local and neighboring towns.
Head to Jackson Skating Center and create fun skating memories with your family, friends, and kids!
Johnson Memorial Park, also known as John F. Johnson Jr. Memorial Park, has many amenities for the community.
It features a picnic area with grills so you can have a family outing.
There are athletic fields for playing and practicing sports, such as basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, and more.
Let your children enjoy the play area, too.
Benches are around for you to sit on and relax in the calm atmosphere.
Johnson Memorial Park is located along Kierych Memorial Drive.
Do you want to take on a scary challenge?
Head to Nightmare at Gravity Hill on Farmingdale Road.
Embark on a spooky adventure through their haunted walk-through the moment you enter the gates.
You’ll encounter several scenes, such as a 3D fun house, a pyramid, insane asylum, a cemetery, and more frightening themes.
Moreover, some of the features of the Nightmare at Gravity Hill include restrooms, free parking, concession stands, and more.
Located along East Veterans Highway, Bunker Hill Bogs is perfect for those seeking walking paths.
After the Jackson Pathfinders’ several hours of hard work, it became an official park during the summer of 2009.
You’ll find a sandy walking trail where you can hike, jog, or walk and ponds for fishing.
Likewise, this wildlife creation area offers a laid-back picnic with scenic views of the ponds.
Bunker Hill Bogs contains natural resources and wildlife, which you can learn through its interpretive signs.
The Cook’s Christmas Lights display takes place annually to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The display features more than 30,000 dancing lights and a 1,008 bulb pixel matrix, playing Christmas songs that run for around 25 minutes.
This free event takes place on Carlson Ct. starting November 25 and runs through New Year’s Day.
Donations are happily accepted, and feel the beauty of Christmas during The Cook’s Christmas Lights.
Jackson is full of great surprises, from thrilling activities to spectacular attractions.
Experience this for yourself by trying all the best things to do in Jackson, New Jersey!
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