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Sussex County Summer Attractions
Story by Kathy Oldfield
If you’re looking for a few jam packed-fun filled days without the "Are we there yet?" chant from the backseat, you might want to consider some local day trips. As Sussex County residents, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded not only by the splendor of nature but also by some of the best commercial tourism spots in the state. I was pleased to see how many of these attractions have websites. Follow the links for more information.
The Land of Make Believe is a wonderful day for families with young children. The pay one price admission is well worth it. There are plenty of rides, including several new additions for 1999. The ever-expanding waterpark offers a large wading pool, slides and a "river tube" attraction that’s quite relaxing.
The Medieval Castle gives the kids a chance to be onstage and offers some surprisingly talented young staff a forum for local theatre.
Don’t miss climbing through the fireplace to find Santa and talking to the scarecrow. The home of Jenny of "Jenny Jump Forest" fame is on the premises and offers a good interpretation of the folk lore of her famous jump to escape the Indians.
Wild West City is a young cowboys dream. If you have kids who are into the fantasy of the Wild West, you have found your spot. The makeshift town is a dusty as the authentic ones that we see on tv. The regularly scheduled shoot outs on Main Street and the train robbery will give your little cow poke something to talk about for days.
Diggety
Dog’s Fairy Tale Forest 
Fairy Tale Forest was handcrafted in the mid 50’s by a German man and his family. It has since been restored and features the original 20 or so Fairy Tale cottages. The setting is country side shade and they are now offering puppet and magic shows as well as 2 vintage amusement park rides.
It’s a nice relaxing stroll for the toddler set.
Tomahawk Lake
Tomahawk Lake offers lake swimming as well as a low key water park including slides and water sports. Although I haven’t been there in years, one of my neighbors just reported having spent a fantastic afternoon with her 3 kids.
Mountain Creek
Mountain Creek is boasting the largest waterpark in New Jersey AND 20 miles of maintained mountain bike trails that are accessed by the ski gondola! The park offers many thrilling water adventures, a wave pool and nature center. The children’s area is complete with bumper boats and river raft rides and a wading pool. Be sure to visit their website for the photo of the day,
Waterloo Village
If you’re looking for a more sedate and educational type outing, you might try Waterloo Village.
The Indian Village is wonderful and the Belgian horse drawn hay rides are a great way to get an oversight of the Village. It’s a picturesque spot for a laid back summer day. Pack a picnic and enjoy life the old fashioned way.
Space Farm Zoo
Space Farm Zoo & Museum has become a Sussex County tradition for many local families. Space Farms has the largest collection of North American wildlife in the state. Be sure to explore the antique car museum and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy the natural beauty of this 100 acre attraction.
Gingerbread Castle
Sterling Hill Mining Museum
30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg 973-209-7212
An 30 acre underground mine tour and museum. Presentations on tools, minerals and history make for an educational and interesting afternoon.
Skydive Sussex
Sussex Airport, Route 639, Sussex, 07461 (973)
702-7000
If it’s a real thrill that you’re after consider tandem skydives & training. Train and jump the same day at the Sussex airport. Also, keep your eyes open for the upcoming air show.
There’s nothing like a baseball game to top off a hot summer day! The NJ Cardinals are fun to watch and so are the fans. Take the kids to the batting and pitching cages before or after the game for some hands on fun but don’t go in between innings, there’s too much fun on the field!
Sussex County Farm & Horse Show
One of the all summer favorites for all of the county kids is the Farm and Horse Show. Whether it’s the midway, the horse ring, the livestock show or the food that attracts you, there is plenty for everyone at the fair. If you are going with little ones, don’t miss the Shop-Rites farm exhibit for hands on fun.
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