Ocean County · Six Flags · Pine Barrens · I-195 · Central New Jersey
Jackson Township
Jackson is Ocean County's largest municipality by land area and one of New Jersey's largest townships, combining suburban neighborhoods, farms, forests, recreation complexes, major shopping and some of the state's best-known attractions.
Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari, Hurricane Harbor, Jackson Premium Outlets and Adventure Crossing make Jackson a major visitor destination, while more than 100 square miles of neighborhoods, parks and natural areas give the township a much broader identity than its theme parks alone.
Jackson in 2026
Thrills, forests, shopping and community
From a 350-acre safari and major roller coasters to more than seven miles of forestry trails, nine township parks and one of New Jersey's largest outlet centers.
Jackson at a Glance
61,281U.S. Census Bureau population estimate for July 1, 2025
100.55 sq. mi.township area cited in Jackson's current master-planning documents
1844year Jackson Township was incorporated
8 schoolscurrent K-12 district school structure, plus a preschool annex
Jackson borders Lakewood, Toms River, Manchester and Plumsted in Ocean County and Howell, Freehold, Millstone and Upper Freehold in Monmouth County. Interstate 195, County Route 537, County Line Road and Veterans Highway connect the township to the Jersey Shore, Trenton and the wider central New Jersey region.
Six Flags Great Adventure & the Jackson Attraction Corridor
Six Flags remains Jackson's best-known visitor destination, but the complex now operates as a broader resort-style attraction cluster that includes the theme park, Wild Safari, Hurricane Harbor and Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa.
Six Flags Great AdventureThe 2026 park lineup includes 14 major coasters, family rides, live entertainment and seasonal events. The park opened for the 2026 season on March 28.
Wild SafariA 350-acre wildlife preserve with animals from six continents. In-park Safari Off-Road Adventure boarding returned for 2026.
Hurricane Harbor New Jersey45-acre seasonal water park with slides, children's play areas, wave pool, lazy river and cabanas. The 2026 season opened May 23.
Savannah Sunset Resort & SpaOn-site lodging experience combining safari views, resort amenities and convenient access to the Six Flags complex.
Shoreline PierNew for 2026, the reimagined Boardwalk area adds classic-inspired family rides, food, games and a Jersey Shore-inspired atmosphere.
Coming in 2027: BakunawaSix Flags has announced a 382-foot spinning launch coaster reaching up to 100 mph, billed as the world's tallest and fastest of its type.
Planning a Six Flags visit: Park calendars, ride availability, safari operations, water-park dates and special events change throughout the season. Check Six Flags directly before traveling.
Shopping, Sports & Entertainment
Jackson Premium Outlets537 Monmouth Road. Major outlet-shopping destination with approximately 70 stores, including national apparel, footwear, accessories and specialty brands.
Adventure Crossing USA515 Monmouth Road. Large mixed-use sports and entertainment development near the Six Flags corridor.
The DomeAdventure Crossing's climate-controlled indoor sports venue hosts soccer, lacrosse, football, field hockey, softball and tournament events throughout the year.
County Route 537 CorridorSix Flags, the outlets and Adventure Crossing create one of Ocean County's most important tourism, retail and entertainment corridors.
County Line RoadMajor local business corridor with shopping centers, restaurants, healthcare, fitness, professional services and neighborhood retail.
Bennetts Mills / Veterans HighwayCommunity shopping and service areas supporting Jackson's large year-round residential population.
Parks, Forests & Outdoor Recreation
Jackson's size gives it an unusually broad recreation landscape. Township athletic parks sit alongside state forest-education land, fishing areas and thousands of acres of wildlife-management property.
Forest Resource Education Center495 Don Connor Boulevard. More than 900 acres at the northern edge of the Pine Barrens with educational exhibits, wetlands, arboretum, sensory trail, boardwalk and more than seven miles of trails. Grounds are free and generally open dawn to dusk.
Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area12,968-acre state wildlife-management area spanning Jackson and Plumsted, with fishing access, trails, wildlife habitat, hunting and designated range facilities.
Justice ComplexLarge township sports and recreation complex with turf and grass fields, Little League fields, skate park, hockey rink, multiple playgrounds and the seasonal spray park.
John F. Johnson Memorial Park260 Kierych Drive. Major community park with athletic fields, tennis, basketball, pickleball, bocce, playground, picnic areas and dog park.
Lake EnoLakeview Drive recreation area with fishing and boat-launching pier plus an observation deck.
Gil Putnam Memorial ParkWest Veterans Highway. Natural Pinelands-style setting used for family picnicking and neighborhood recreation.
Camp JoyNew Prospect Road athletic site with baseball fields, basketball and playground facilities.
Woodlane ParkNeighborhood athletic park supporting soccer, football, pickleball and playground recreation.
Wildlife-area safety: Colliers Mills is an active Wildlife Management Area with regulated hunting and shooting-range uses. Check current New Jersey Fish & Wildlife rules and seasonal conditions before visiting.
History of Jackson Township
Jackson's landscape has changed dramatically over nearly two centuries—from forests, cranberry bogs and farms to modern residential neighborhoods, theme parks, shopping and major recreation destinations.
1665European settlement in the wider Monmouth Patent area began after land transactions involving Lenni Lenape people and colonial settlers.
Early 1840sCommercial cranberry cultivation became an important local industry, alongside forestry, sawmills and charcoal production.
March 6, 1844Jackson Township was created from portions of Dover, Freehold and Upper Freehold Townships and named in honor of former President Andrew Jackson.
1845Part of Jackson was separated to form Plumsted Township.
1850Jackson became part of the newly created Ocean County.
1900sPoultry farming became a major local industry before declining sharply after World War II.
1960s onwardHighway access and suburban growth transformed Jackson from a largely agricultural community into one of Ocean County's largest residential municipalities.
Modern JacksonThe township now combines major tourism and retail destinations with suburban neighborhoods, forests, recreation areas and remnants of its agricultural heritage.
Jackson Township Government
Jackson operates under New Jersey's Faulkner Act Mayor-Council form. The mayor serves as the township's chief executive, while the five-member Township Council serves as the legislative body.
Jackson Township Municipal Building95 West Veterans Highway
Jackson, NJ 08527
732-928-1200
Jackson, NJ 08527
732-928-1200
MayorJennifer L. Kuhn
Mayor's Office: 732-928-1256
Mayor's Office: 732-928-1256
Council PresidentMordechai Burnstein
Council Vice-PresidentGiuseppe Palmeri
Township CouncilNino Borrelli · Kenneth J. Bressi · Christopher Pollak
Jackson PoliceNon-emergency: 732-928-1111
Call 911 for emergencies.
Call 911 for emergencies.
Public Works732-928-1311
Recreation10 Don Connor Boulevard
732-928-1260
732-928-1260
Jackson School District
Jackson's public-school organization now uses a consolidated eight-school K-12 structure plus a preschool annex. District offices are at 151 Don Connor Boulevard, with a main phone number of 732-833-4600.
Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School1025 Larsen Road
732-833-4690
732-833-4690
Elms Elementary School780 Patterson Road
732-833-4680
732-833-4680
Holman Elementary School125 Manhattan Street
732-833-4620
732-833-4620
Johnson Elementary School1021 Larsen Road
732-833-4640
732-833-4640
Switlik Elementary School75 West Veterans Highway
732-833-4650
732-833-4650
Jackson Township 5-6 School835 Patterson Road
732-833-4610
732-833-4610
Jackson Township Middle School101 Don Connor Boulevard
732-833-4670
732-833-4670
Jackson Township High School125 North Hope Chapel Road
732-833-4700
732-833-4700
Preschool Annex101 Don Connor Boulevard
732-833-4647
732-833-4647
Ocean County Library — Jackson Branch
The Jackson Branch is located at 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, NJ 08527 and can be reached at 732-928-4400. The branch provides books, digital resources, public computers, community programming, study space and specialized resources for Jackson residents.
Sports, Recreation & Community Life
Youth SportsBaseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, hockey and recreation programs use Jackson's extensive township and league facilities.
GolfJackson is home to Metedeconk National Golf Club, Pine Barrens Golf Club and the Westlake Golf & Country Club community.
EquestrianJackson's remaining rural acreage supports riding, boarding, training and equestrian facilities.
Fitness & Martial ArtsThe township's commercial corridors support gyms, fitness studios, dance, martial arts and specialty training.
Spray ParkThe Justice Complex spray park is a popular warm-weather municipal recreation feature.
Senior ServicesJackson operates senior programs through the Melvin Cottrell Senior Center and township Recreation and Senior Services.
2026 Events & Seasonal Highlights
Mayor's Flea MarketMay 2-3, 2026 · John F. Johnson Memorial Park.
Spray Park SeasonThe Justice Complex spray park opened for the 2026 season on May 23.
Jackson Day 50th AnniversaryAugust 23, 2026 · John F. Johnson Memorial Park. Free community celebration with vendors, food, entertainment, amusements and a drone show.
Six Flags DC Heroes & Villains FestSelect dates August 7-30, 2026.
Fright FestSelect nights September 18-November 1, 2026 at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Holiday in the ParkSix Flags' annual winter holiday event returns for the 2026 season.
Event schedules change: Confirm municipal and Six Flags dates, times, weather policies and admission requirements before making a special trip.
Explore More of Jackson
Business & ShoppingJackson Premium Outlets, neighborhood shopping centers, healthcare, home services, automotive, professional services and more.
Food & DrinkRestaurants, pizza, international cuisine, coffee, bakeries, markets and verified GF/DF options where supported.
Real EstateHousing, market conditions, taxes, zoning, 55+ communities, new construction and buyer due diligence.
Visiting & LodgingSix Flags trip planning, Savannah Sunset, hotels, attractions, parks, shopping and visitor itineraries.
ClassifiedsCommunity marketplace categories, yard sales, announcements, lost & found and neighborhood notices.
Jobs & EmploymentSix Flags, schools, government, retail, healthcare, hospitality, trades and regional employment resources.
Official & Community Resources
Jackson TownshipGovernment, departments, events, permits, recreation and resident services.
Jackson School DistrictCurrent schools, calendars, district information, Board of Education and employment.
Jackson Parks & PlaygroundsOfficial township park locations, facilities and recreation information.
Forest Resource Education CenterTrails, forestry exhibits, education programs, maps and current access information.
Six Flags Great AdventureCurrent rides, safari, Hurricane Harbor, events, resort information and operating calendar.
Jackson Premium OutletsCurrent stores, hours, center map and visitor information.
Ocean County LibraryJackson Branch programs, digital resources and library services.
U.S. Census — Jackson TownshipCurrent population, housing and demographic statistics.
Nearby Communities
Lakewood TownshipImmediately east of Jackson with major shopping, healthcare, education and business activity.
Howell TownshipNorth and northeast of Jackson in Monmouth County, with Route 9 retail and residential areas.
Freehold AreaNorth of Jackson with major shopping, dining, county services and historic downtown destinations.
Millstone TownshipNorthwest of Jackson with a more rural Monmouth County landscape.
Plumsted / New EgyptWest of Jackson, retaining agricultural and small-town character.
Manchester & Toms RiverSouth and southeast, connecting Jackson with central Ocean County healthcare, shopping, government and shore access.
Promote Your Jackson Business
Jackson's combination of more than 61,000 residents, major tourism, destination shopping and regional sports traffic creates an unusually broad local audience. NJTGO offers basic business listings plus enhanced advertising, website links, photographs, Local Business Spotlight and Townwide Placement.
Advertising Information Contact NJTGO