New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Land of Make Believe slates Grand Opening for Memorial Day Weekend

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 05/06/2026

(HOPE TWP, NJ) -- There are many traditions come Memorial Day Weekend including parades, tributes to our service men and women, past and present, and family gatherings. For many families there is another annual tradition - a trip to the Land of Make Believe, a close by destination with affordable, bargain pricing.

New Jersey's #1 Amusement Park opens its gates for another family fun, adventure-packed season May 23-24-25.

Considered one of the top family day trip destinations in the region, Land of Make Believe is less than an hour from New York City and almost anywhere in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. The park's focus this year is family affordability. Its one price admission is punctuated by free parking, free water park, free picnicking, endless rides and attractions. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food into the park and relax in the picnic Grove.

Indeed the award winning park features rides for the whole family from the classics to the more daring. Want to see a show? Land of Make Believe's Middle Earth Theater is an interactive experience for children and their parents. Want to go back in time? Check out the travel safari ride. Want to go upside down? Scream Machine 360! Want to ride a steam locomotive? Get on board the C.P. Huntington, the little engine that could!

Land of Make Believe is easily accessible off Route 80, Exit 12, Route 46 and Route 78. Situated among 400 beautiful acres of open space, the backdrop for the park is magical.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



Land of Make Believe, which was named one of the most iconic amusement parks in America (and the only one in New Jersey) alongside Disney World in Florida, Kings Dominion in Virgina, Knotts Berry Farm in California and many other "big name" parks around the country, has been recognized by numerous organizations for its outstanding safety record.

After Memorial Day Weekend, Land of Make Believe is open weekends in early June, and daily beginning on Father's Day Weekend June 20.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



EVENT PREVIEWS

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Catsbury Park announces the return of the Catsbury Park Cat Convention, taking place October 10–11, 2026 for two full days of feline fun at Bell Works in Holmdel. The beloved annual event brings together cat lovers from across the region for a weekend filled with adoptable cats, educational presentations, celebrity guests, interactive activities, shopping, and community. Attendees can browse a bustling Vendor Village featuring artists, makers, and pet-focused businesses, meet local rescue organizations, and learn more about cat welfare and adoption efforts.
Monmouth Arts to Honor George Clinton, Dorothea Bongiovi, Harlan Coben, Nicole Atkins and PNC Bank Arts Center at Annual Gala

Monmouth Arts to Honor George Clinton, Dorothea Bongiovi, Harlan Coben, Nicole Atkins and PNC Bank Arts Center at Annual Gala

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Monmouth Arts presents BRING ON THE FUNK: Where the Arts Get Down, an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, culture, and community taking place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the iconic The Asbury Hotel and Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park. The evening will honor an extraordinary lineup of trailblazers and cultural leaders whose work has made a lasting impact across music, literature, community service, and the arts.
Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! in Atlantic City this November

Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! in Atlantic City this November

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- A dazzling new Disney On Ice production is skating into Atlantic City, and it's unlike anything audiences have seen before. Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! invites fans to step into the spotlight and join a glamorous red-carpet celebration packed with never-before-seen performances, chart-topping music, and more than 30 beloved Disney characters – coming to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall from November 6-8, 2026.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



A Conversation with Laurie Hernandez

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


An Evening with Gurudev: On Power, Presence, and Peace

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 @ 7:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Celebrating with Stories – Hispanic Heritage Storytime

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 10:00am
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


An Evening with Kenny G

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Dolph Lundgren In Conversation

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info