This Budget-Friendly Day Trip Destination In New Jersey The Entire Family Will Enjoy

New Jersey is an amazing place during the summer - so amazing, in fact, that it can be hard to fit everything in without breaking the bank. Much as we hate to admit it, places like Six Flags aren't always in the budget. Fortunately, there are some great places for summer fun closer to home at a much more reasonable price. A perfect example is a retro amusement park in New Jersey, Keansburg Amusement Park. Larger than your average boardwalk park and with some great surprising activities for the whole family, it's an ideal day trip for those on a budget - because you can do as much or as little as your budget permits, and there are even some special deals available to make it easier on the pocketbook. Best of all, one of the best spots for budget eats in the state is right next to the amusement park!

Keansburg Amusement Park is a classic shore destination for families, still as fun as when it opened in the early 20th century.

The boardwalk-style park features dozens of classic amusement rides, ranging from silly and gentle to bold and thrilling - so kids can grow up with this place.

There are also some fun interactive activities, like a ropes course and seasonal haunted house - there is always something new going on here.

Go-Karts are an upcharge, but at under $10 a ride on the main track, a fraction of the other go-kart places around the state.

Rides are typically paid for with tickets, but Friday evenings offer the chance to buy unlimited-ride wristbands!

It's not just thrills here - there's also a charming fishing pier that's perfect if dad has a different idea of how to spend a summer day.

Right off the amusement park, you'll find the Olde Heidelberg, a German-themed pub that's one of the best places to grab a bite to eat.

The specialty? Chili dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and cold beers if mom and dad want them! It's a far cry from typical theme park food, and filled with old-world charm.

Have you visited Keansburg Amusement Park during the summer before? Tell us about your memories of this retro amusement park in New Jersey in the comments section! You can visit the website of this retro amusement park for the full list of activities, and check out the Facebook pages of Keansburg Amusement Park and Olde Heidelberg for up-to-the-moment announcements about the summer season. If you're looking to pack even more fun into the day, check out our past coverage of the adjacent waterpark, Runaway Rapids. And if you're looking for a place to stay near the park, Best Western Hazlet Inn offers reliable comfort at a reasonable price.