Live in New Jersey? Planning on driving through New Jersey? Then be aware. As of yesterday it became a primary offense to hold your cell phone and talk or text while driving in New Jersey. That means seeing you using it is now enough to pull you over. If caught you will be issued a $100 fine. It is still legal to use a cell phone to talk provided you are using a hands free device. Prior to this, using your cell phone without a hands free device was a secondary offense so you couldn’t be pulled over just for that reason.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium is located in Point Pleasant and is privately owned. It is open year round and only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The goal of this aquarium is to educate the public about aspects of marine life and conservation, promote animal awareness and conservation. Touch tanks, educational exhibits and workshops are available. There is an admission fee for anyone over the age of three.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is in Brigantine. It is a nonprofit dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation of stranded or stressed marine life. There are limited visiting hours on weekends during fall and winter. Highlights visitors can check out include the Sea Life Educational Center and gift shop, and the Observation Tank. Visitors are requested to leave a minimal donation to help fund the organization.

The Adventure Aquarium is in Camden and is open daily. There is an admission fee for all visitors over the age of two. It stands on the site of the former NJ State Aquarium. There are many interactive exhibits, and numerous opportunities for touching. The aquarium is just under 200,000 square feet. Some of the many inhabitants include sharks, hippos, birds and other forms of sea life. A cafe and giftshop are on the premises. Also available are Adventure programs and facility rentals.

New Jersey has several zoos to offer both visitors and residents. Here they are in alphabetical order.

Bergen County Zoological Park, located in Paramus, is open 365 days a year weather permitting. The zoo offers many species of birds, reptiles and mammals. It offers a Farmyard and a North American Wetlands Aviary exhibit.

The Cape May County Park and Zoo is located in Cape May and is open seven days a week year round weather permitting except on Christmas. The zoo offers different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. The 120 acre zoo and park includes a playground, nature and bike trails, a fishing pond and picnic facilities. Admission is free except for tour busses.

The Cohanzick Zoo, located in Bridgeton, is New Jersey’s first zoo. It is open daily except on Christmas and offers free admission. It is located in the Bridgeton City Park, and has over 200 birds and mammals.

The Popcorn Park Zoo is located in Forked River. it was established as a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused and elderly animals and birds. It is part of the Humane Society. Currently over 200 animals and birds are housed there, each one having been rescued. A pet adoption center is on the premises. The zoo is open daily except for holidays and there is a small admission fee. The picture here was taken at the Popcorn Park Zoo.

The Space Farms Zoo and Museum is in Sussex and is open from mid April through the end of October.  This zoo features over 500 animals of 100 different species, and it has been named the largest private collection of North American animals in their natural surroundings in the United States. There is an admission fee for anyone over the age of three.

It’s a bug museum. Ewwwwwwww. I actually got a flyer in the mail that a place called Insectropolis has opened on Route 9 in Toms River, the next town over. Their goal is to be the premier insect learning center in South Jersey. Insectropolis features 12 exhibit rooms that offer touch screen computer games, hands on exhibits, touch stations, live and dry displays, and a bug store. Insectropolis is owned by the owners of a local termite and pest control company. My eleven year old thinks it’s cool. I think it’s gross.