With A Carousel And Cafe, This Unique Park In New Jersey Is Perfect For A Family Day Trip

Today we go back in time, to take a ride on an old-fashioned carousel. What could be better than a ride with a view of the ocean, alongside the Jersey Shore, in Long Branch, New Jersey. It sounds like quite an idyllic day. Stroll the beach and the boardwalk, and find some tasty treats on this New Jersey family day trip. And Long Branch is just about an hour's drive from New York City.

Take a New Jersey family day trip to discover the carousel. It resides in a waterfront community called Pier Village, within Long Branch.

52 hand-carved animals were brought over from Europe in 1979 for this carousel.

In 1850, the first carousel appeared on the east coast.

Sometimes you can watch furry friends enjoying a spin on the ole carousel.

It is a popular place for wedding proposals, and for wedding party photos.

Maybe you’ll choose to ride upon a crowned frog prince.

Each morning a two-hour inspection is performed on the carousel to ensure that all is in working order for the day!

What a view of the Atlantic Ocean from the carousel, no matter which creature you choose for your ride.

A rainy spring day is a good time to touch up the paint.

On snowy/rainy days, purchase a ride on the carousel and get your second ride free.

Need breakfast, brunch, or lunch? Walk over to Turning Point, a cute café in view of the carousel.

And they have even updated their air conditioning system for you.

For a most impressive ice cream concoction, hurry to Coney Waffle before you leave Pier Village.

A carousel takes me back to my childhood – we can introduce a whole new generation to them while they can still be found! Take a New Jersey family day trip to Pier Village in Long Branch where you can do just that, and pop into a café, and indulge in a decadent ice cream dessert. For details, visit the Pier Village Carousel website, the Turning Point Restaurant website, and the Coney Waffle Facebook page. For more ideas, visit the Pier Village Facebook page, the Sundae Donuts website, the Baked Bear Facebook page, and the Doggie Sweets Pet Café Facebook page.

Read our other articles for the best road trips in New Jersey, and discover more attractions throughout New Jersey.

Consider this Long Branch Vrbo rental if you decide to stay for the weekend.