2016 spring break: The ultimate guide for NJ families

If you're at a loss for some things to do with the family for a few spring break days, we have you covered.

There's the thrill of a new season for lots of attractions — but also some dreary conditions to dodge. Here's some indoor and outdoor spots to consider.

Six Flags thrills & more to come

Six Flags Great Adventure is open for spring break, as its newest roller coaster just hit a construction milestone. The Joker is on its way to opening later this season, while an old family favorite is getting a makeover.

"Blackbeard's Lost Treasure Train" becomes the "Harley Quinn Crazy Train" this season (with fresh paint and other tweaks) at the sprawling Ocean County theme park.

Jump it out

Trampoline parks are springing up all over Jersey. They offer active fun for all ages. Many schedule dodge ball times and other activities too, depending on interest.

Sky Zone trampoline parks are offering a 'Spring Back' pass, where frequent users can get two jumps free. It's the largest trampoline park presence in NJ, with six locations open (Allendale, Lakewood, Moorestown, Ocean Township, Pine Brook, South Plainfield) and two on the way (Hamilton, Mount Olive).

There's also Rebounderz in Edison and Air Trampoline Sports in Aberdeen.

Swim & Slide into Spring

New Jersey has a couple of its own indoor water parks, where the weather is a non-issue for family fun.

CoCo Key Water Resort in Mount Laurel offers an interactive aquatic jungle gym and lots of water slides. There's also a short lazy river, a slam dunk pool with basketball nets and an arcade with over 50 electronic games. It's open for a good portion of the rest of March, and April long weekends.

Sahara Sam’s Oasis in West Berlin has distinction as New Jersey’s first free-standing, indoor water park. It offers 58,000 square feet of aquatic and arcade attractions — and is open daily for spring break.

More bounce & balance fun

There's also no shortage of 'play and party' facilities with inflatables in NJ.

Bounce U has seven spots around New Jersey: Blackwood, Cherry Hill, Eatontown, Lakewood, Marlboro, Paramus, West Windsor. Open jump times vary at each spot, so check the calendar.

Just as big on inflatables, Pump it Up has seven locations in Jersey: Freehold, Hamilton, Marlton, Piscataway, Randolph, Roselle Park and Secaucus. Each has inflatables for sliding and bouncing and balancing. They all have open jump times, in between parties and other events.

On a similar note, The Jumping Jungle is an inflatables spot in East Brunswick. JerZjump in Monmouth Junction has inflatables and a 15-foot tall ‘soft’ play jungle gym.

Jersey Shore gets into full swing

Amusement rides are open at Jenkinson's Boardwalk (Point Pleasant Beach). Depending on the weather, you could sneak in some first thrills of the season- the Jenk's aquarium is open every day!

In Seaside Heights, Casino Pier has launched weekend hours for the Spring. And of course, there's always arcade fun at both spots.

Arcades for those "inland"

iPlay America in Freehold has rides and arcade games for nearly all ages. Dubbed "New Jersey's largest indoor Boardwalk," it also features go karts and laser tag.

In Burlington County, there's Funplex Mount Laurel and Morris County is home to Funplex East Hanover.

Scale new heights

'Get a grip' with the family, at one of several indoor rock climbing gyms.

The Gravity Vault has locations in Chatham, Middletown and Upper Saddle River. Check the calendars for open climb options, varied by age and ability.

There's also NJ Rock Gym in Fairfield, Garden State Rocks in Morganville and Rockville Climbing Center in Hamilton.

Places for the lil' tots

Kidz Village has two locations, Kenilworth and Woodbridge. It's indoor play areas created for kids ages 10 and under.

Construction buffs can dig it

Talk about unique —Jersey's got the only construction-themed park on this continent! Diggerland USA is in West Berlin, right next to Sahara Sam’s water park. Kids and their families get to drive, ride and operate real machinery (which has undergone safety upgrades). It's open for spring break the rest of this month.

Erin Vogt is a lifelong Jersey Girl, whose first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee.  A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order.