12 Abandoned Amusement Parks In New Jersey Frozen In Time
New Jersey once buzzed with the laughter and excitement of families enjoying incredible amusement parks along its shores and countryside. Many of these beloved attractions have now been left to decay, creating eerie reminders of happier times.
I want to take you on a journey through these forgotten places where roller coasters stand silent and carousel music no longer plays.
1. Action Park
Once called the most dangerous amusement park in America, this legendary spot earned its wild reputation through the 1980s and 90s. Visitors remember getting bruises, scrapes, and unforgettable stories from rides that seemed designed by daredevils.
The park closed after numerous accidents and lawsuits piled up. Today, nature has reclaimed much of the property where thrill-seekers once tested their courage on insane water slides and loop-de-loops.
2. Olympic Park
Operating from 1887 to 1965, this massive entertainment complex brought joy to generations of families across northern New Jersey. The park featured a stunning pool, roller coasters, and even hosted famous bands and performers during its golden years.
Fire destroyed much of the park in 1960, leading to its eventual closure. Walking through the remaining foundations today feels like stepping back into a bygone era of American leisure.
3. Palisades Amusement Park
Perched high above the Hudson River, this iconic destination thrilled visitors for over seven decades until 1971. You could see the glittering lights from New York City, making it a beacon of fun visible for miles around.
Real estate developers bought the land and replaced the rides with apartment buildings. Only memories and old photographs remain of the spectacular views and heart-pounding attractions that once dominated the cliffs.
4. Jungle Habitat
Imagine driving through a safari park where lions, elephants, and monkeys roamed freely around your car. This drive-through wildlife attraction opened in 1972 and brought African adventure to the Garden State for just four short years.
Poor management and animal escapes led to its quick demise. The crumbling roads and empty cages now create an eerie atmosphere that urban explorers find irresistible.
5. Bertrand Island Amusement Park
Sitting on beautiful Lake Hopatcong, families flocked here from 1910 to 1983 for swimming, rides, and summer memories. The wooden roller coaster and carousel drew crowds every weekend during the warm months.
Rising insurance costs and competition from larger parks forced the closure. The lake still sparkles, but the laughter and carnival sounds have disappeared, leaving only quiet shores where children once played.
6. Freedomland U.S.A.
Though technically in the Bronx, this park served countless New Jersey families who made the short trip for its unique American history theme. Shaped like the United States map, each section represented different regions with corresponding attractions and shows.
Opening in 1960, financial troubles forced closure by 1964. Co-op City apartments now occupy the space where cowboys and Civil War reenactments once entertained enthusiastic crowds daily.
7. Clementon Park Sections
Parts of this historic park dating back to 1907 sit abandoned while other sections occasionally operate. Walking through the closed areas reveals faded paint on old rides and empty game booths that once rang with excited voices.
Financial struggles have plagued the park for years. The contrast between operating and abandoned sections creates a strange time-warp effect that photographers find hauntingly beautiful and sad.
8. Surprise Lake Park
Hidden within the Watchung Reservation, this small amusement area offered simple pleasures like boat rentals, picnic grounds, and a dance pavilion. Local families created countless memories here during the early to mid-1900s.
The park gradually declined and closed decades ago. Nature has beautifully reclaimed the land, though hikers occasionally stumble upon old foundations and wonder about the families who once gathered there.
9. Playland Amusement Park
Just across the border, this art deco masterpiece attracted Jersey Shore visitors for generations since 1928. The park struggled with closures and uncertainty for years, leaving sections abandoned despite preservation efforts.
Beautiful architecture and vintage rides make this a time capsule of classic American amusement parks. Preservationists continue fighting to save what remains from complete demolition and development.
10. Williams Grove Amusement Park Remnants
While located in Pennsylvania, this park drew many New Jersey families during its operation from 1850 to 2005. The deteriorating wooden roller coaster and carousel building create an incredibly photogenic abandoned landscape.
Vandalism and neglect have accelerated the decay since closure. What remains offers a haunting glimpse into traditional amusement park design before modern safety regulations and corporate mega-parks dominated the industry.
11. Keansburg Abandoned Sections
Still partially operational, this Jersey Shore staple has several abandoned sections that tell stories of better times. Rusted rides and boarded-up buildings sit alongside functioning attractions, creating an odd juxtaposition.
Hurricane Sandy devastated the park in 2012, and recovery has been slow. The abandoned portions serve as reminders of how natural disasters can permanently alter beloved community gathering places.
12. Wildwood Forgotten Piers
Among the bustling Wildwood boardwalk, forgotten piers and closed attractions lurk between the operating parks. These spaces once hosted popular rides and attractions that drew massive summer crowds to the famous shore town.
Economic shifts and changing tourist preferences led to closures. The empty spaces create ghostly breaks in the otherwise lively boardwalk atmosphere, reminding visitors that nothing lasts forever.
