It's a long drive, but you'll probably want a car once you get here, since things are so spread out. Six Flags Great Adventure would certainly be fun. Taking him to the beach and boardwalk at Seaside Heights would also be a blast, for an 8-year-old. Diggerland is also a hit with boys that age.

Closer to New York City is the American Dream Mall, Medieval Times, and Supercharged--the world's biggest indoor go-kart track.