Best Amusement Parks in New Jersey

Located in Ocean City, New Jersey, Playland"s Castaway Cove recently announced it would open a new roller coaster, Gale Force, in 2016. The amusement park -- open for more than 50 years -- also offers other thrill rides, along with go-karts, an arcade and delicious funnel cake.

Recommended Hotel: Seaport Inn Motel

Fantasy Island Park is a beloved attraction on Long Beach Island. It features traditional amusements, such as an arcade, carousel, bumper cars and Ferris wheel, plus water rides at adjacent Thundering Surf Water Park.

Recommended Hotel: Sea Spray Motel

Morey"s Piers comprises three piers in Wildwood, New Jersey: Mariner"s Pier, Surfside Pier and Adventure Pier. The piers offer traditional rides, such as teacups and a wooden roller coaster, but for an extra-special experience, book Breakfast in the Sky -- your family can enjoy your pancakes and OJ atop the Giant Wheel!

Recommended Hotel: The StarLux Boutique Hotel

You don"t have to go West to experience it -- New Jersey has Wild West City, a small amusement park with a stagecoach ride and train ride. It also has Main Street 1880, a replica of a town in the Old West. Other fun includes pony rides, mini-golf and panning for gold -- perfect for families with little ones.

Recommended Hotel: Residence Inn Mt. Olive at International Trade Center

Atlantic City isn"t just for mom and dad; the casino town features Steel Pier, with a carousel, roller coaster, bumper cars and more for families to enjoy. It also offers helicopter rides -- something no other beach town in New Jersey has!

Recommended Hotel: Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa

Six Flags Great Adventure is especially famous for two world-record rides: Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom, the tallest drop tower in the world, and Kinga Ka, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in North America. In 2015, it launched El Diablo, inspired by the infamous Jersey Devil, and in 2016, it will welcome another new coaster, Total Mayhem. The park isn"t just for thrill-seekers though -- tame rides are offered for youngsters, and together, the whole family can enjoy Hurricane Harbor water park.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn East Windsor

Casino Pier, located in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, was devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The amusement park has since made a comeback, investing more than $2-million dollars in enhancements. The park"s most recent additions include new waterslides and a wave pool at its water park, Breakwater Beach. In 2014, it added Air Race, an acrobatic flight simulator. Other fun includes an arcade and an antique carousel.

Recommended Hotel: Colony Motel