Located in Farmingdale, New Jersey, about 20 minutes from the Jersey Shore (exit 98 on the New Jersey Garden State Parkway), Allaire State Park is a great stop for families looking to hike, bike, or walk the various nature trails. The park is also home to a small historic village in which people are dressed in period costumes. The village has a general store, a bakery, a blacksmith’s shop and other old-fashioned, yet real working, shops and services. The village was once the home of the Allaire Family, until it was bought by Arthur Brisbane in the 1850’s. It is now run as a non-profit, educational organization.

Allaire State Park is also home to the Pine Creek Railroad and New Jersey Museum of Transportation. Train rides are offered throughout the year and are themed for the season, such as the Haunted Express ride near Halloween and the Christmas Express ride during the holiday season. Both are kid-friendly and inexpensive.

Additional activities in the park include canoeing, fishing, hunting, camping, picnicking and more. Allaire is open year-round, though the various areas, such as the historic village, are not.