It can feel like you’re the only kid on the playground who forgot your permission slip when you’re twenty years old in New Jersey and all your buddies are going out to bars. You don’t have to stay at home while they flash their IDs, though; there are lots of ways to live your best (legal) life. With bottomless pancakes, who needs a beer? In New Jersey, brunch is a religious occasion, and you don’t have to be 21 to indulge in bagels slathered with avocado or stuffed French toast. For vibes that shout “grown and thriving,” check out places like The Turning Point or Toast in Montclair.
The Atlantic City casino floor may be too young for you, but the boardwalk? All of that is yours. Enjoy funnel cakes, arcade games, and the kind of selfies you take at sunset that make everyone envious. Seaside Heights and Wildwood are ideal for neon-lit mayhem and nostalgia.
In a way, New Jersey is a food capital. There are plenty of options, ranging from insane milkshakes at The Committed Pig to top-notch pizza in Hoboken. Waffles at two in the morning are timeless, so challenge your buddies to a diner crawl, stopping at NJ staples like the Tops Diner and Tick Tock Diner.
Look, you might not have thought hiking was your thing, but a sunset visit to Liberty State Park or a walk through the Delaware Water Gap might convince you otherwise. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to share those natural photos with captions like “I’m greater” and “The view is great.” There’s no reason to miss live music in New Jersey, as many musical venues are open to all ages or those who are at least 18 years old. Without the phony ID shenanigans, the shows at Jersey City’s White Eagle Hall and Asbury Park’s Stone Pony are amazing.
New Jersey’s equivalent of adrenaline therapy is Six Flags Great Adventure. It’s a fun-filled day, whether you’re screaming on Kingda Ka or enjoying funnel cake while your pals recuperate from the last ride. Bonus: following a roller coaster, nobody will even consider drinking.
There are several underappreciated museums and art locations in New Jersey. Explore the quirky Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton or spend a day at Princeton to see the art museum. You feel a little bit smarter after using it, which is similar to an Instagram playground.
Mini golf may seem outdated, but with a few pals and fierce competition, you can make it a memorable evening. Try Monster Mini Golf’s glow-in-the-dark courses or take a spin by the sea on the promenade.
Be the social glue and make it an amazing game night if the team insists on staying in to drink. Is Humanity at Risk? Indeed. Dares in Jenga? Yes, twice. When they’re too preoccupied with trying to avoid losing at Mario Kart, nobody will even notice that you’re not drinking wine.
Enroll in an absurdly entertaining activity, such as cooking, improv, or pottery. The nicest part is that you’re all learning something new together while you have everyone laughing—or crying from chopping onions.
Bonus points for selecting a setting devoid of booze, which eliminates FOMO. Being twenty does not entail being a spectator. In fact, while your buddies are standing in line for expensive beverages, it’s the ideal excuse to discover everything that New Jersey has to offer—quirky, hip, and delicious.
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