N.J.’s Storybook Land amusement park excites the imagination for the young and young at heart

Storybook Land is a fairytale-themed amusement park that’s been bringing imaginative classics to life since 1955. Photos courtesy of Storybook Land

You step through the doors of a castle facade to see that Mother Goose awaits with a simple message to guide you on your journey: “Follow this path and it will lead you well.” Follow the path you do, and you find The Three Little Pigs waiting for the return of the Big Bad Wolf so they can make him fall into the big copper kettle of boiling water. Before that happens, you can’t help but notice the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, as well as some of her wannabe children dashing in and out of that yellow house.

There’s no time to spare a visit there just yet, especially after you see Hickory Dickory Dock. It’s your turn to have a starring role instead of the mouse, so buckle up and get ready because it goes to the tune of Tick-Tock Clock Drop. How’s that for a childhood dream come true?

Tick-Tock Clock Drop propels riders up and down to add a little adrenaline rush to the experience. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches.

Storybook Land: Where Magical Memories Are Made

You don’t have to travel far to pluck this scene out of your head and place it right in front of you. Tucked within a 25-acre stretch of woods in Egg Harbor Township is Storybook Land, a fairytale-themed amusement park that’s been bringing imaginative classics to life since 1955. While modern amusement parks are catered to serious thrill-seekers, Storybook Land offers the best of both worlds for the young and young at heart.

“It’s a kids wonderland; everything is just their size,” said Jessica Panetta, the park’s operations manager. “But it also brings parents back as well. It’s very nostalgic because it reminds them of those older theme parks of the ‘50s and ’60s. If you like that nostalgia and you like that old-timey vibe then this is the perfect place for you.”

Visit the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe to find the chaotic mess the kids have created inside.

Panetta explained that her grandparents — Storybook Land creators John and Esther Fricano — drew inspiration for the park’s whimsical setting from what was all the rage of their day: fairytales, space-age stories and Westerns. Disney’s inaugural release of movies, like “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Story of Robin Hood,” also caught their eye, so they decided to create a roadside picnic grove that would bring a similar joy to kids traveling with their parents to the Jersey Shore. Over six decades later, that modest picnic grove has transformed into a full-fledged fantasyland.

The transformation wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for some modern twists added along the way, and Storybook Land sure has those. Head to the North Pole to find a literal pole constantly covered in ice, no matter the season. Hitch a ride on Bubbles the dragon as he takes you on a topsy-turvy adventure around town. Or go down the rabbit hole into the “Alice in Wonderland” tunnel and maze to find yourself in a psychedelic expedition created by the Queen of Hearts. This one is a fan-favorite, according to Panetta.

“It’s a handmade attraction, and it’s a really cool and unique thing to do,” she said. “The walls are hand-painted and black-lit, so it’s fun and the kids get a kick out of it.”

In the midst of change, Storybook Land has also stayed true to its origins. Parents can bring in food from home to have a picnic, setting up shop in an area called Little Jack Horner’s Picnic Corner. Plus, the park is rarely crowded with people, so you don’t have to worry as much about losing track of your little one. Just take it from Panetta: “I’m a toddler mom, so it’s nice because my 2.5 year old can come and run and it’s very safe. You can go to a different park and feel like you have to watch your kid’s every move, whereas here it’s less stressful, a little more low-key.”

The J&J Railroad takes visitors on a scenic tour of the park, passing Little Red Riding Hood’s House, Goosey Gander’s Castle and Santa’s Reindeer, among others.

So Much More Than A Summer Attraction

While the warm weather months offer a more laid-back environment, fall and winter are when the magic of Storybook Land really begins.

Starting in mid-September, kids can hop on hay rides, wander through a hay maze, participate in pumpkin decorating and enjoy fall-themed snacks while the whole park is immersed in autumnal decor. There are two weekends of trick-or-treating for Halloween before a brief break to prepare for what may be the best time to visit: the Christmas season.

From mid-November to late December, Storybook Land transforms into a winter wonderland with the wave of Santa’s magic wand. Over 1 million lights dazzle visitors in what is fittingly called the Christmas Fantasy with Lights, alongside festive music, character meet-and-greets and food. (Yes, even the rides will be up and running.) The spectacle is so popular that it made an appearance on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2020.

There are more reasons for excitement in 2023 and beyond. Panetta mentioned the park is working on enhancing food and beverage options as well as adding more places to eat in the short term. Next spring, visitors will notice a new, Cinderella-themed roller coaster that should prove popular with princesses and princes alike.

One thing is for sure, though: The Storybook Land fairytale shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

Know Before You Go

Storybook Land is located at 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, N.J. 08234. Admission to the park is $29.95 (plus tax) for kids ages 2 and older if you buy online, or $32.95 (plus tax) at the gate. Kids under age 2 are free. The cost for seniors is $27.95 (plus tax), and admission provides unlimited access to all rides and attractions for the day.

For more information on cost, hours of operation and the calendar of events, visit storybookland.com.

When you visit this world of whimsy, don’t forget you can only find it … Just in Jersey.