Introduction

Welcome to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the only tri-service base in the Department of Defense. The joint base has units here from all six armed forces branches. This installation, set in the middle of the Garden State of New Jersey, just across the river from the city of brotherly love, is truly one of a kind. As you get settled along the East Coast, you’re probably wondering how you can best spend your time off. Well, this area is filled with tons of places to visit, all within a short drive. There are plenty of fun things to do in New Jersey. The area is known for its access to great beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, great food, and diverse culture. Residents spend their time on the Jersey shore, hitting up the famous diners that are prevalent in the state, catching a game at one of the nearby stadiums, and visiting some of the many beautiful parks. Here is a list of 23 fun things to do in New Jersey near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Fun Things To Do in New Jersey

JBMDL Outdoor Recreation

1. JBMDL Outdoor Recreation Center

JBMDL Outdoor Recreation Center - Dix

Bldg. 6045 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-6667

JBMDL Outdoor Recreation Center - Lakehurst

Bldg. 484 Lansdowne Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (732) 323-2583 The JBMDL Outdoor Recreation Center facilities at both Dix and Lakehurst offer a wide range of services and programs, including a large equipment rental center. You can rent campers, camping equipment, bounce houses for a child’s birthday party (or just because), power tools, and more.

2. JBMDL Fishing and Hunting

Rod and Gun Club - Dix

Range 14 Bldg. 9060 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-4676

Rod and Gun Club - Lakehurst

Bldg. 484 Lansdowne Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (732) 961-6908 Fishing and hunting are prevalent on the installation. There are a number of lakes throughout the joint base that offer freshwater fishing spots. A New Jersey state license or permit is required to hunt and fish on the installation. Rent fishing and hunting equipment through JBMDL Outdoor Recreation. Practice your shooting at the range prior to hunting for game.

3. John F. Mann Recreation Park

6057 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-6667 The John F. Mann Recreation Park is a wide-open area that’s perfect for picnics and group outings. You can utilize the batting cages, mini-golf, go-karts, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and playground. Reach out to JBMDL Outdoor Recreation to reserve part of the park for a party or to rent equipment to further your family’s enjoyment of the space.

4. FamCamp

6045 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-4208 FamCamp at Camp Dix offers a couple of RV campsites and six primitive tent campsites on the installation, as well as 12 spots off base. The sites offer all the amenities you’d need to have an enjoyable weekend (not so far) away.

5. Valley Forge National Historical Park

1400 N. Outer Line Drive King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone

: 1 (610) 783-1077 King of Prussia’s Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of a Revolutionary War encampment. The country’s first president occupied a stone house on the Schuylkill River, and trails throughout the park connect key monuments and structures. Don’t forget to check out the National Memorial Arch and the Muhlenberg Brigade’s recreated log cabin barracks.

6. Grounds for Sculpture

80 Sculptors Way Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

Phone

: 1 (610) 586-0616 The 42-acre sculpture park and museum known as Grounds for Sculpture should be on your list of spring and fall things to do in New Jersey. The beautiful park, on the former site of the Trenton Speedway, was founded in 1992. It’s part park, part art, and all of it should be explored. Visit during the day to take in the grounds and view them lit up at night with video projection, light, and sound.

7. Delaware River Bridge

The Delaware River Bridge is a stone bridge that lets pedestrians cross the Delaware River. While strolling (or running), you can take in the panoramic views of the river and surrounding cities.

8. Cadwalader Park

36 Parkside Ave. Trenton, NJ 08618

Phone

: 1 (609) 989-3635 Cadwalader Park spans more than 100 acres in Trenton. The park is filled with grassy areas, places for children to play, and plenty of picnic spots. It is Trenton’s oldest park and was named for Thomas Cadwalader, who served as the chief burgess in 1746.

JBMDL Golf Courses

9. Fountain Green Golf Course

3152 Pemberton Wrightstown Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone:

1 (609) 562-5443 Enjoy 18 holes of golf on Camp Dix. The Fountain Green Golf Course is open to all active-duty military personnel, retired military, reservists, civilian personnel, family members, and guests. There are chipping greens, putting greens, a driving range, lessons, leagues, rental clubs, and a full-service pro shop to utilize, among other amenities you’d expect.

10. Pine Ridge Golf Course

Bldg. 33 Berry Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (732) 323-7483 Don’t have time for a full 18 holes? Pine Ridge Golf Course has you covered with nine. Want to practice a little more? There’s a driving range, putting greens, and chipping greens to keep your game sharp. Join a league or sign up for lessons. You’ll be a pro in no time! It’s one of the best fall things to do in New Jersey because the weather is cooling down.

11. Kresson Golf Course

298 Kresson Gibbsboro Road Voorhees Township, NJ 08043

Phone

: 1 (856) 435-3355 Since 1960, people have been flocking to Kresson Golf Course, a public 18-hole course in the Kresson section of Voorhees Township. The par 68 Kresson Golf Course is challenging but playable for golfers of every skill level. Call for information on green fees and tee times.

12. Doughboy Gym

5253 Newport St. JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-5780 Warriors looking to get fit or rehabilitated should head to the 55,000-square-foot Doughboy Gym. The JBMDL gym houses free weights, strength machines, tons of cardio equipment, racquetball courts, a full basketball court, and locker rooms to cool down after your workout.

13. 24-Hour Fitness Program

Fitness McGuire

2504 POW/MIA Blvd. JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 754-6085

Griffith Gym - Dix

Bldg. 6053 Millville Ave. JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone:

1 (609) 562-4888

Fitness Lakehurst

Bldg. 123 Severyns Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (732) 323-7266 Ready to get in shape 24/7? You can do just that at the 24-Hour Fitness Program! The JBMDL gyms throughout the installation are staffed roughly 90 hours per week and can be accessed 24/7 through the Fitness Access Initiative. There are a variety of fitness and sports activities available to keep your blood pumping.

14. Griffith Field House

Bldg. 6053 Millville Ave. JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-4888 Take advantage of a variety of fitness classes at Camp Dix’s Griffith Field House. Utilize the available fitness equipment to make the most of your workout and visit popular classes like TRX, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Cardio Kickboxing, and more to make working out fun.

15. JBMDL Pools

Indoor Pool

Bldg. 5901 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-2808

Memorial Pool

Bldg. 6046 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-6396

Pine Ridge Pool

Bldg. 573 Berry Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (732) 323-2473 There is one indoor pool and two outdoor pools to visit on the installation. The outdoor JBMDL pool is a great place to unwind and one of the most fun things to do with kids in New Jersey during the hot summer months.

JBMDL Bowling Alleys

16. Bowling Center Dix

6054 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-6895 Get some aggression out after a long day of work by knocking down some pins at Bowling Center Dix. Grab a snack and drink and pick up some JBMDL bowling-related gear. You can even host a private bowling party for your next big occasion.

17. Bowling Center Lakehurst

Bldg. 489 Saniuk Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (732) 323-2027 Bowling Center Lakehurst promises premium bowling at an affordable price. A night of JBMDL bowling is more than just knocking down ten pins. It’s a great way to catch up with friends and is another one of those fun things to do with kids in New Jersey any time of year. You can even catch the latest game on the HD big-screen TVs.

Nearby Attractions

18. Betsy Ross House

239 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone

: 1 (215) 629-4026 Just across the border into Pennsylvania is the historic Betsy Ross House. The Betsy Ross House is a landmark in Philadelphia and is rumored to be where the seamstress lived when she sewed the first American flag. Take a gander at the Betsy Ross House while visiting other historic Philly spots, like the Liberty Bell, or indulging in a famous cheesesteak (wiz wit, of course).

19. Camden Children’s Garden

3 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103

Phone

: 1 (856) 365-8733 The Camden Children’s Garden, Camden, NJ, is part garden, part playground in the heart of Camden. It’s located on the Camden Waterfront, just across from downtown Philadelphia. The Camden Children’s Garden, Camden, NJ, is a special place for children and their families to explore and get in touch with nature. It’s one of the perfect things to do with kids in New Jersey that doesn’t cost a lot of money but is super enjoyable!

20. Millennium Skate World

1900 Carman St. Camden, NJ 08105

Phone

: 1 (856) 757-9460 Rock and roll your way into a good time at Millennium Skate World. The retro roller rink is sure to show you and your family a good time. Millennium Skate World is one of the best rainy fall things to do in New Jersey since it’s indoors, but you won’t miss the sun when you’re having fun! You can even rent the rink for your next party, and Millennium Skate World will take care of everything.

21. JBMDL ITT - Dix

Bldg. 6045 Doughboy Loop JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 562-4208 Visit the JBMDL ITT office on Dix to pick up discounted tickets for Disney on Ice, Monster Truck Show, or sporting events throughout the year. The staff at JBMDL ITT are the best and will get you a great deal on what you’re looking for. MWR JBMDL services are available throughout the installation to help you live your best life.

22. JBMDL ITT - Lakehurst

Bldg. 484 Lansdowne Road JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (732) 323-1362 The JBMDL ITT office at Lakehurst works with the Dix office to get you everything you need for a fun vacation or special night out. You can get tickets for local attractions like Hershey Park, Philadelphia Zoo, Adventure Aquarium, or even Broadway tickets if you’re heading to New York!

JBMDL Movie Theater

23. JBMDL Movie Theater

2909 Tuskegee Airman Ave. JBMDL, NJ 08640

Phone

: 1 (609) 723-8320 The JBMDL Movie Theater is currently closed on base. All currently scheduled films are canceled until further notice. The JBMDL Movie Theater generally shows first-release films in the Main Exchange for a discounted price. The JBMDL Movie Theater will hopefully be up and running again soon. Stay tuned for updates from MWR JBMDL about its reopening.

Conclusion

Life is good in the Garden State, especially with all these fun things to do in New Jersey! The location of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst means you’ll have easy access to everything New Jersey has to offer, and the great state of Pennsylvania is only a quick drive over the Delaware River. History buffs flock to this area, and sun-seekers live for the Jersey Shore in the summer. Looking for fun fall things to do? New Jersey never disappoints, no matter the season! Be sure to sign up for notifications from MWR JBMDL to stay up-to-date on all the fun events and services happening around you.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.