From visiting cool landmarks to dining at great restaurants, there are lots of things to do in Ocean Township. If you’re in the mood for visiting some museums, keep reading to learn about three you shouldn’t pass up.
The Monmouth Museum
Founded in 1963, this destination was envisioned as a “Museum of Ideas” focused on history, art, and science. It stays true to that purpose today by serving as a place that sparks curiosity and makes people feel inspired about what’s possible. Admission is $7 per person and kids under two are free, so it’s a place you can take the family without breaking the bank.
Be sure to check out the Main Gallery, which features various forms of art, plus exhibitions devoted to history and culture. The Nilson Gallery is also worth a look, especially if you’re interested in emerging artists from New Jersey. There’s even a special series that puts artists in the spotlight before they have even had one-person shows outside the state.
If you’re bringing kids to the museum, spend time in the Becker Children’s Wing, which offers hand-on learning activities for kids aged 7-12 and their families. If your kids are six years old or younger, the WonderWing is ideal for them. It’s filled with age-appropriate things to do and features a cool ocean theme. Kids can slip down a whale-shaped slide, wander through a kelp forest, or explore a pirate ship.
The Township of Ocean Historical Museum
Advertised as “an open door to history,” the Township of Ocean Historical Museum has three main galleries. They are in sections of a home that built in the 1700s, so in addition to looking at history-themed exhibits, you can also enjoy a setting that gives you a glimpse into how people used to live. The Hearth and Home Gallery is all about the pastimes of people who lived in Coastal New Jersey from 1700 to 1900. You can view several items used in an early Oakhurst school, too.
The Silverball Museum
Drive about 10 minutes from Ocean Township to Asbury Park and find a pinball wizard’s paradise, otherwise known as the Silverball Museum. Located along the boardwalk, this quirky, niche museum offers a rotating assortment of 600 pinball machines, so you can show off your skills or at least sharpen them. There are also numerous arcade games, such as Frogger, Centipede, and Donkey Kong.
Gaming advancements have made it so today’s young people usually weren’t brought up on pinball machines and maybe haven’t played them before at all. You can change that by bringing the youngsters you know to spend time at the Silverball Museum.
Need some sustenance after dominating your favorite pinball machine and earning a high score? Take a break and fuel up by eating at the Silverball Café. With a menu featuring items like funnel cakes, salt water taffy, pizza, soft pretzels, and Dippin’ Dots, it’s the perfect place for adults to indulge on beloved childhood treats.
Whether you live in Ocean Township or are just passing through, these museums should be on your must-do list. They’ll help you experience history and culture simultaneously.
Image by PinballRobin is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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