Being 20 in New Jersey while all your friends are hitting up bars can feel like being the only kid on the playground who forgot their permission slip. But fear not—there are plenty of ways to live your best (legal) life without being stuck at home while they’re showing off their IDs. Who needs a beer when you have bottomless pancakes? Brunch in New Jersey is a sacred experience, and you don’t need to be 21 to dive into stuffed French toast or avocado-smothered bagels. Check out spots like Toast in Montclair or The Turning Point for vibes that scream “grown and thriving.”
You might not be old enough for the casino floor in Atlantic City, but the boardwalk? That’s all yours. Go full beach mode with arcade games, funnel cake, and the kind of sunset selfies that make everyone jealous. Wildwood and Seaside Heights are perfect for both nostalgia and neon-lit chaos.
New Jersey is lowkey a food capital. From world-class pizza in Hoboken to crazy milkshakes at The Committed Pig, there’s no shortage of options. Challenge your friends to a diner crawl, hitting up NJ classics like the Tick Tock Diner and Tops Diner, because waffles at 2 a.m. are ageless.
Look, maybe you didn’t think “hiking” was your thing, but one stroll through the Delaware Water Gap or a sunset visit to Liberty State Park might just change your mind. Plus, it’s a chance to post those nature shots with captions like “finding myself” and “the view is great, but I’m greater.” Plenty of NJ’s concert venues are all-ages or 18+, so there’s no need to miss out on live music. The Stone Pony in Asbury Park and White Eagle Hall in Jersey City host incredible shows, minus the fake ID drama.
Six Flags Great Adventure is basically New Jersey’s answer to adrenaline therapy. Whether you’re screaming on Kingda Ka or eating funnel cake while your friends recover from the last ride, it’s a full day of fun. And bonus: no one will even think about drinking after a roller coaster.
New Jersey is home to some underrated museums and art spots. Take a day trip to Princeton to check out the art museum or explore the quirky Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. It’s like an Instagram playground where you also feel a tiny bit smarter afterward.
Mini golf might feel like a throwback, but add a few friends and some aggressive competition, and you’ve got a night to remember. Try the glow-in-the-dark courses at Monster Mini Golf or head to the boardwalk for a seaside spin.
If the squad insists on staying in to drink, be the social glue and turn it into an epic game night. Cards Against Humanity? Yes. Jenga with dares? Double yes. No one will even notice you’re not sipping on wine when they’re too busy trying not to lose at Mario Kart.
Sign up for something ridiculous and fun like pottery, improv, or cooking. You’ll have everyone laughing (or in tears from chopping onions), and the best part is you’re all learning something new together.
Bonus points if you choose a wine-free environment so there’s zero FOMO. Being 20 doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to explore every quirky, cool, and delicious thing New Jersey has to offer while your friends are waiting in line for overpriced drinks.