Long Hill New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Long Hill, New Jersey.
1. Matthew G. Kantor Memorial Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION DESTINATION
Matthew G. Kantor Memorial Park is a 24-acre recreational facility in Gillette featuring multiple athletic amenities and children's play areas. The park offers lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, and an artificial turf field marked for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Visitors can enjoy walking paths with a figure-8 paved pathway measuring 0.47 miles for walking and jogging from sunrise to sundown.
2. The Great Swamp
NATURAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The Great Swamp is a pristine natural area in Long Hill Township that serves as an important wildlife refuge. Visitors can explore walking trails that wind through diverse wetland habitats where numerous bird species and other wildlife can be observed. This ecological treasure offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and photographers throughout the year.
3. Sterling Hill Mining Museum
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND MINE EXPERIENCE
Sterling Hill Mining Museum is a world-famous attraction housed in what was once one of the world's richest zinc ore deposits. The museum offers underground mine tours featuring mining equipment, drilling demonstrations, and the spectacular fluorescent "Rainbow Tunnel." Visitors can also enjoy mineral collecting, sluicing, and special educational programs suitable for all ages.
4. Ellis Island
IMMIGRATION HISTORY HUB
Ellis Island is a historic immigration station that processed millions of newcomers to America between 1892 and 1954. Visitors can explore the impressive immigration museum housed in the restored Main Building, featuring exhibits that tell the stories of the immigrant experience. The island is accessible by ferry from Battery Park and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
5. Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
INDOOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park is North America's largest indoor theme park located at the American Dream complex. The park features more than 35 rides and attractions based on popular Nickelodeon characters and shows. Visitors of all ages can enjoy everything from gentle family rides to record-breaking roller coasters in a climate-controlled environment year-round.
6. Six Flags Great Adventure
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK EXPERIENCE
Six Flags Great Adventure is one of the largest theme parks in the world, offering over 50 thrilling rides and attractions. The park is home to record-breaking roller coasters including Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world. Visitors can also enjoy the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park and the Wild Safari animal park for a complete entertainment experience.
7. DreamWorks Water Park
ANIMATED CHARACTERS AQUATIC PARADISE
DreamWorks Water Park is North America's largest indoor water park featuring attractions themed around beloved DreamWorks characters. The park boasts over 40 water slides and attractions, including the world's tallest indoor water slide and the largest indoor wave pool. Visitors can enjoy year-round aquatic fun regardless of the weather in a tropical climate-controlled environment.
8. LEGOLAND New York Resort
INTERACTIVE BUILDING BLOCK WONDERLAND
LEGOLAND New York Resort is a 150-acre theme park dedicated to the famous building block toys, located within driving distance of Long Hill. The park features seven themed lands with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions centered around LEGO creativity and imagination. Visitors can also stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel where themed rooms continue the immersive experience beyond the park.
9. Luna Park
HISTORIC CONEY ISLAND AMUSEMENT
Luna Park is a historic amusement park on Coney Island that combines nostalgic rides with modern thrills. The park features the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, a wooden coaster that has been thrilling visitors since 1927. Day-trippers from Long Hill can enjoy the boardwalk, beach, and classic carnival games as part of a complete seaside entertainment experience.
10. Paterson Great Falls National Park
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL WATERFALL
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park features one of the largest waterfalls in the United States, with water plunging 77 feet into a basalt ravine. The site played a crucial role in American industrial history as Alexander Hamilton selected it to become America's first planned industrial city. Visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks, walking paths, and educational exhibits that tell the story of how the falls powered the industrial revolution.
11. The Raptor Trust
BIRD REHABILITATION CENTER
The Raptor Trust is one of the premier wild bird rehabilitation centers in the United States, located near Long Hill Township. Visitors can observe over 50 resident birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls that are permanently injured and cannot be released. The center provides educational tours and programs while caring for thousands of injured birds each year.
12. Reeves-Reed Arboretum
HISTORIC GARDEN OASIS
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a 13.5-acre public garden and education resource featuring historic gardens, woodlands, and meadows. The arboretum showcases daffodils, roses, and other seasonal blooms throughout the year in a series of formal and naturalistic garden rooms. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, art exhibitions, and various environmental education programs in this tranquil setting near Long Hill.
13. The Mall at Short Hills
UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Mall at Short Hills is a luxury shopping destination featuring over 150 high-end retailers including Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom. The two-level mall offers a sophisticated shopping experience with marble floors, chandeliers, and a curated selection of designer boutiques. Shoppers can enjoy upscale dining options, personal shopping services, and valet parking at this premier retail complex near Long Hill.
14. Stirling Hotel
HISTORIC GASTROPUB EXPERIENCE
The Stirling Hotel is a beloved local institution housed in a historic building dating back to 1903. The restaurant offers an extensive craft beer selection with 24 rotating taps and a menu featuring elevated pub fare using locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy dining in the charming interior spaces or on the spacious outdoor beer garden that hosts live music events throughout the year.
15. Watchung Reservation
EXPANSIVE NATURAL PRESERVE
Watchung Reservation is Union County's largest park, spanning over 2,000 acres of protected woodland near Long Hill Township. The reservation features miles of hiking trails, a scenic lake, historic sites, and the Trailside Nature & Science Center with interactive exhibits. Visitors can enjoy diverse recreational activities including fishing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing depending on the season.