10 kid-friendly summer day trips that are free in NJ

My 10-year-old twins Lennon and Albert finished the fourth grade on Monday. Now comes the time to entertain them throughout the summer.

Fortunately, about nine of their friends live on our street, but I still want to take them places, especially places that don't cost a lot of money. You know how I feel about spending a lot of money. So once again, I asked my listeners and followers on social media for some suggestions. Here are some of the best places they've come up with:

Cape May County Zoo— It's free and it has over 550 animals both rare and endangered species as well. Plenty of photo ops and great memories.
Jenny Jump Mountain — Located in Warren County, the summit rises to 1129 feet. Great place to hike and picnic but if you want to camp overnight, there's a small fee.
Washington's Crossing State Park — Tina, a listener, says "Washington Crossing park is an awesome learning experience that keeps giving, with reenactments and such. Also, once they experience the park in the summer you can bring them back Christmas Day to watch George Washington and his troops cross over the Delaware River."
Monmouth Battlefield located on the border of Manalapan and Freehold Township, it's where one of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place. The park has educational programs for the kids (and adults) as well as a reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth.
The Raptor Trust — If you're into birds this is for you! It's a sanctuary for injured birds of prey.
Bayshore Waterfront Park Port Monmouth. Bay beach for free. There's a fishing pier and the Spy House has tours.
Navesink Twin Lights — This is a non-operational lighthouse that's located in Highands and is also free to visit and get some great pictures.
Dorbrook Park Splash Park — More free stuff. Thanks Holly.
Red Bank Battlefield — Our listener Susan says it's "a great place to catch Pokemon."
Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River — You can see Elmo the pig, Tess the snow monkey and find out how Heathcliff the Turkey became Mister Mom.