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Who Remembers The New Jersey “Day Trip”?

By Terrie Carr

Day TRIPPIN’! Who remembers?

Pack up a sandwich and jump in the car kids- We’re going on a day trip!  I have always loved a GREAT New Jersey Day Trip!
Ahhhh…the days when trips for a day in the summer were a cool kind of “mini vacation” and a very New Jersey thing to do.
On day trips you went with your family, cousins, friends, and neighbors and the Garden State sure had some “unique” places to visit. No cell phones are required. Just living in the moment. Making memories.

My Memories

I remember being a kid back in the day eating lunch in the car and waiting in line to go on these unique one-day adventures.
Ironically some of the places I visited as a kid are still going strong and while the “day trip” may be a thing of the past, fun things to do never, ever go out of style.
I know you must have had some of the same experiences, so if you were a “day tripper” too, hit me up at TC@WDHAFM.COM
and tell me where you went and what you did.
TC’s Web Page

And check out my list below of a few of my favorite “day trippin'” places….

Also, check out some more of my “New Jersey history and nostalgia” stories on WDHAFM.COM

MEMORY LANE: Do You Remember Jamming At These NJ Rock Clubs?

5 Legendary Places Of Our Youth We Wish Were Still Around

New Jersey Bar Bands From Back In The Day?

Memories Of Curtis Kay

WDHA Rocks The Early 2000’s Gallery

With an almost 50-year history as New Jersey’s ROCK station, we love looking back AND of course, looking ahead to the future and highlighting memories that we experienced and of course promoting those that are still existing in New Jersey history!

Rock On New Jersey!

  • Action Park- Vernon

    I have written about Action “Traction” Park in multiple WDHA stories, because I spent so much time there as a kid and a teen AND I’m so grateful I made it out with only cuts and bruises!
    Located in Vernon New Jersey and open in 1978, this water turned amusement park was the ultimate “day trip”.
    In fact, I remember going on school trips to the home of the “Alpine Slide”, “Tarzan Swing”, “Wave Pool” and “Go Carts” . An adventure? You bet. If you haven’t seen the HBO Max Documentary- “Class Action Park”- you must! Every Jersey kid of a certain age rocked the park (Matt Murray worked there!) and we have the scars to prove it!

  • Wild West City - Byram

    “Take Me Down To Wild West City”…..Oh wait, that’s something else!

    Cowboys, rides and attractions, this unique theme park has been around for more than 65 years keeping the old west alive. AND it’s still around. Renovated and waiting for you to visit.

    Wild West City Website

    Early Wild West City Commercial 

  • Turtle Back Zoo- West Orange

    The Turtle Back Zoom opened in 1963 and has one mission….

    “TURTLE BACK ZOO is committed to providing an enriching recreational experience that fosters excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation, so that present and future generations are inspired to understand, appreciate and protect the fragile interdependence of all living things.”

    It was my favorite place to go as a kid, and I’m sure I still have my elephant key somewhere.
    From 2000-2006 the Zoo modernized, making many upgraded changes and In September 2006 Turtle Back Zoo was granted accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. This distinct honor places Turtle Back Zoo amongst the elite zoos and aquaria of the United States and means that the zoo adheres to the highest standards for zoos in the country.

    Turtle Back Zoo

  • Gingerbread Castle- Hamburg

    The castle was “so pretty’ and even though it was mostly just a tour it let your imagination run wild.
    You felt you were a part of a story!

  • Boardwalks! Come On- It's New Jersey!

    If you were a North Jersey kid, nothing better than a day trip to the shore. Or “down the shore” .
    Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights and Wildwood were all fun and busy boardwalks for great summer New Jersey memories!

  • Sun Tan Lake - Riverdale

    If you didn’t have a pool or the energy to hit the beach, jamming at the lake was a fun day trip option. Swimming, eating snacks and adventures on the weekends with your pals! And of course the concerts…..OMG…so much fun….but that is another story.
    I have to post some concert stuff…come on!

  • Land Of Make Believe - Hope

    It’s still there! Renovated and updated, I need to take the WDHA staffers there for a “day trip staff bonding session”

    Check out the “vintage commercial” too- I love it…..

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