Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

What Are the Best Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids?

1. Van Saun Park — Paramus

There's so much we love about this huge park, which boasts a massive playground, a walking trail, and a zoo. The zoo is free before April. 

2. Duke Farms — Hillsborough

This free private parks is one of our faves for walks during any time of the year. You'll find paved paths lined with manicured lawns, statues, and a beautiful visitors center with information, nature photography, and a cafe. We absolutely love the greenhouses with the orchids.

3. Dorbrook Recreation Area — Colts Neck

This large park features 540 acres, which includes a barrier-free playground, tennis, and basketball courts, a sprayground in summer months, and 2.3 miles of paved trail for walking, biking, and skating.

4. Sandy Hook Lighthouse — Sandy Hook

On weekends, climb to the top of the 250-old Sandy Hook lighthouse, located in Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands. Tours leave every 30 minutes and max out at eight people per group. The lighthouse is open on weekends and climbers must be over 48" tall. Parking fees are in effect in peak season.

5. Cape May Zoo — Cape May Court House

If you have an animal-loving child like I do, you'll definitely want to grab your binoculars and spy more than 550 animals at this fantastic free zoo. See lions, giraffes, snakes, monkeys, cheetahs, and more.

Free Outdoor Fun for Kids in Northern New Jersey

6. Warinanco Park — Roselle Park

Warinanco is perfect for bike rides and walks on the long winding paths through picturesque lawns. When the weather is warm, there's a great playground and a sprayground that will keep little ones busy for a while. In the winter, there's an indoor skating rink with reasonable admission rates ($5 for children and $6 for adults plus $5 skate rentals per pair).

RELATED: Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

The South Mountain Fairy Trail is a picturesque walking trail inside South Mountain Reservation. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

7. South Mountain Fairy Trail — Millburn

Experience the magic of this half-mile trail, which is home to tiny “fairy houses" that will enchant young and old hikers alike. Take the Rahway Trail, which starts at the Locust Grove picnic area in the South Mountain Reservation. Word to the wise: wear boots if it has recently rained or snowed. 

8. Morristown National Historical Park — Morristown

We love visiting historic Morristown, especially Morristown National Historical Park where you can learn about how General Washington and the Continental Army spent the winter of 1779-1780 in Morristown. The park maintains Washington's Headquarters Museum and library collection, as well as items from pre- and post-Revolutionary America. Check the site for seasonal hours and closures.

9. Frelinghusen Arboretum — Morristown

Spend a few hours walking the gorgeous grounds of the Frelinghusen Arboretum. There are several short paths/trails to choose from. In the spring, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Great Lawn.

10. Promenade at Liberty State Park — Jersey City

See spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline on the 2-mile riverfront walkway at Liberty State Park. This spot is great to bring out-of-town visitors, too. 

11. Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial at Liberty State Park — Jersey City

Teach older kids about the events of September 11, 2001, at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, where the names of victims are etched into two 30-foot tall steel walls. 

12. Children's Regatta Playground — West Orange

Kids will want to play for hours on this nautical-themed playground located in the South Mountain Recreation Complex. It has a wave-like rubber surface and playground equipment designed to look like boats. 

13. New Jersey Botanical Garden — Ringwood

This botanical garden is a sight to see, especially when the flowers are in bloom. Walk through Crab Tree Allee, the peony garden, the azalea garden, the lilac garden, and more. On summer weekends, there's a $5 parking fee.

14. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park — Paterson

See the majestic Paterson Great Falls, which flows over a 77-foot cliff. 

RELATED: Guide to Museums and Art for New Jersey Kids

Kips Castle has unobstructed views of the New York City skyline. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

15. Kips Castle — Verona

Kip’s Castle is a 9,000-square-foot castle-style mansion that sits on 11 acres of land. Visit Kip's to see the castle and spectacular views of New York City. 

16. Waterloo Village — Stanhope

Waterloo is a restored living history village where you can walk the beautiful grounds and see Victorian homes and buildings, a blacksmith shop, a sawmill, and a re-created Lenape Indian Village.

17. Great Swamp — Morris County

Pick your favorite trail and enjoy the great outdoors at this enormous wildlife refuge. Several great education programs are offered throughout the year.

18. Pier C Park — Hoboken

Stroll along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and take in stunning views of the river and NYC skyline. There's a great play area for kids with climbing structures, slides, water play, and more. Parking is often a challenge, so if taking the train or PATH is an option, try that. It's about a 10-minute walk to the park. If not, you'll have to pay for garage or street parking.

19. Reeves-Reed Arboretum — Summit

Explore 13.5 acres of historic and contemporary gardens and 6 acres of woodland forest. The arboretum is open year-round but is breathtaking in the spring, when the Daffodil Bowl is in full bloom. Suggested donation is $5 to visit.

20. Teaneck Creek Conservancy — Teaneck

Walk 1.3 miles of trails that showcase permanent eco-art installations.

21. Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park — Berkeley Heights

Explore this section of the Watchung Reservation and see the restored historic structures of this abandoned town. On the third weekend in October, visitors can take a guided tour, view the restored Church and General Store, ride a hay wagon, and take part in other activities for free.

22. Cooper's Pond Park — Bergenfield

Take the walking path that winds around the pond and see the beautiful water and wildlife like the ducks that visit the pond.

23. Public Art Tour — Summit

Stroll the streets of lovely downtown Summit and see more than 15 pieces of public art on display.

24. Public Art Tour — Westfield

Explore the quaint town of Westfield and take a walking public art tour.

25. James A. McFaul Environmental Center — Wycoff

This 81-acre wildlife sanctuary has nature programs and workshops. The site features a waterfowl pond, bird shelters, a boardwalk, a nature trail, a memorial gazebo, and exhibits.

26. Montville Community Playground

Take the kids to play at the Montville Community Playground, which has a few play areas for various ages. Pack a picnic lunch and race through the nearby fields.

27. Nomahegan Park — Cranford

Visit the beautiful Nomahegan Park, which encompasses 6,200 acres and boasts a renovated playground. It's also the perfect spot for sledding when it snows.

Things To Do Outside for Free in Central New Jersey with Kids

RELATED: Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions

Visit Allaire State Park to see historic shops staffed by re-enactors in period attire. Photo courtesy of the park

28. Allaire State Park — Farmingdale

Travel back in time to 19th century New Jersey at the Historic Village at Allaire State Park. You can walk around the restored village in the off-peak months (December-March) for free. Come back in April-November and see the shops and houses like the bakery, a carriage house, a general store, a blacksmith, and more—all with staffed re-enactors in period attire.

29. Historic Longstreet Farm — Holmdel

Experience the sights and sounds of a Monmouth County farm from the late 1800s, and don't miss the great free weekend programs like demonstrations, games, and farm walks.

RELATED: Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey

Families and dogs can spend a day exploring the trails at Cheesequake Park. Photo by Sara Marentette

30. Cheesequake Park — Matawan

Take a hike on one of the many kid-friendly trails or visit the Interpretive Center to see nature and wildlife exhibits. The park is free Labor Day through Memorial Day. Outside that time, there's a fee of $5-10 to park for NJ residents. 

31. Rutgers Gardens — New Brunswick

This beautiful garden is open every day except Mondays to visitors who want to see its many lush gardens and stroll down the walking paths. 

32. Environment Education Center — Basking Ridge

The Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park has 9 miles of hiking trails, educational programs, gardens, natural play areas, and more. 

33. Colonial Park — Somerset

We love Colonial Park because it has a large playground with options for tots through about age 10. There are tons of spots for a picnic, sports fields, and a 1.5-mile walking loop. Plus, the park offers inexpensive mini-golf and pedal boats.

34. The Raptor Trust — Basking Ridge

This bird rehabilitation and education center is open 7 days a week for free, self-guided tours of the aviary trail. On certain days, they host scavenger hunts and story walks. Suggested donation is at least $2/person.

35. Washington Crossing Historic Park — Titusville

See the spot where George Washington crossed the Delaware River and changed the course of history during the Revolutionary War. There's also a historic village to walk through. Tours of certain things require a ticket, but kids under 5 are free.

36. Observatory in Voorhees State Park — Glen Gardner

Explore the vast night sky at this observatory on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, June-October. The facility houses the largest public telescope in New Jersey.

37. Columbia Trail — High Bridge

Hike or bike the trail starting in High Bridge and you might see some fairy houses along the way. Afterward, treat the kids to some ice cream at the Polka Dot Cafe.

38. Middlesex Greenway — Metuchen 

No need to worry about cars on this 10-foot-wide, 3.5-mile-long paved bike path, with access points in Metuchen, Edison, and Woodbridge. If you get on in the Metuchen area, you can exit on Main Street (note there are stairs) a couple of blocks south of where downtown Metuchen starts. So you can easily find a place to grab a snack or treat,

Kid-Friendly Outdoor Freebies in South NJ and on the Jersey Shore

39. Highlands Beach — Highlands

You'll find this great free beach in Sandy Hook Bay, under an hour from New York City. 

40. Cohanzick Zoo — Bridgeton

This zoo is open year-round and features animals like tigers, hawks, leopards, bears, and more.

41. Atlantic City Beaches — Atlantic City

These beautiful sandy beaches are free year-round to visitors.

42. Island Beach State Park — Seaside Park

We could easily spend the whole day here. This beach is free to visit (parking fee for NJ residents is $5-$10, depending on the day), and is perfect for flying a kite. 

43. Asbury Park Boardwalk

Take a walk down the Asbury Park Boardwalk any time of the year to see the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

44. Fort Mott State Park — Pennsville

Visitors can walk through the old gun batteries and visit the museum to see displays about Fort Mott’s place in history and the technology used in defending the Delaware River. There's also a playground near the parking lot.

45. Batsto Village — Hammonton

Take a walking tour of this abandoned historic village in Wharton State Forest. There are 33 preserved structures to walk by and peer into. If you want to go inside the mansion, tours are $1-3/person, but are free for kids under 5.

46. Twin Lights — Highlands

Climb up the Twin Lights lighthouse and see beautiful views of the Atlantic.

47. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park — Long Branch

Play at the huge beach-themed playground, Tony's Place. After Labor Day, you can go on the beach for free, though lifeguards won't be on duty.

48. Cattus Island County Park — Toms River

On Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 3pm, take a walk with a naturalist and learn about various nature topics like animal habitats, winter birds, signs of spring, and more.

49. Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center — Beachwood

Check out the free weekend family programs like live animal talks, nature walks, and drop-in crafts.

50. Funny Farm Rescue — Mays Landing

See a diverse group of farm animals, some of which roam freely on the property. 

Free Seasonal Fun in New Jersey

51. Summer: Beach Treasure Hunt — Lavallette

Head to President Avenue Beach every Monday in the summer to dig in the sand and find coins. All participants win a small prize.

52. Summer: Fireworks at Somerset Patriots — Bound Brook

In addition to Independence Day Fireworks, the Somerset Patriots have great fireworks displays after many games in the spring and summer. If you aren't going to the game, park at Target or Costco around 9:15pm, and get ready for a spectacular show.

53. Summer: Veterans Memorial Park Sprayground – Aberdeen

Check out one of NJ's awesome sprinkler parks this summer, many of which are free to enter. The sprayground at Veterans Memorial Park is a nice one, complete with a pirate ship theme.

54. Winter: Frostland Village holiday light display – Pittman

NJ has some fantastic home Christmas lights and Halloween decoration displays. Pack some snacks and get into the season by taking a tour of a few. If you're local (or somewhat local) consider adding Frostland Village to your list of must-see displays. There's so much to see at this carefully constructed, award-winning display.

55. Winter: Turtleback Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular – East Orange

Walk the zoo at night during the holiday season and see beautiful lights adorning the animal enclosures.

RELATED: Find an Amazing Petting Zoo in New Jersey Where Kids Can Meet the Animals

Branch Brook Park is home to an extraordinary cherry blossom festival each year in April. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

56. Spring: Branch Brook Park — Newark

This huge park is home to the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival every April, where visitors can walk through rows and rows of picturesque cherry blossoms.

57. Spring: Fishing at D&R Canal State Park — Kingston

Go fishing at D&R Canal State Park, where fishing is permitted the entire length of the canal and river. Trout are stocked at various locations in the canal during spring months and the river draws many game species like migratory American shad and striped bass.

58. Spring: Presby Memorial Iris Gardens — Upper Montclair

Visit during the annual spring Bloom Season, typically mid-May through the first week of June, and see hundreds of beautiful irises. Some weekends have live music, too. A $10 donation is suggested. Note that there's no on-site parking. Leave plenty of time for finding a spot and try to park on Upper Mountain Avenue on the garden side.

59: Fall: High Point State Park — Wantage

High Point may well be one of the best spots to see beautiful fall foliage in NJ thanks to its high elevation and panoramic views. 

Free Arts, Culture, and Learning Activities

60. Noyes Museum of the Arts — Atlantic City, Hammonton

Spend some time looking at the art exhibits on display at this South Jersey museum.

61. Morris Museum — Morris Township

Morris Museum is not a free museum, but many libraries offer a culture pass where you can use your library card to score free passes to places like the Morris Museum.

62. Princeton University Art Museum — Princeton

Enjoy the free main museum and gallery spaces like Art@Bainbridge on Nassau Street and Art on Hulfish at 11 Hulfish St. Keep an eye out for free Zoom drawing workshops, too, that teens may enjoy.

63. Rutgers Geology Museum — New Brunswick

At the Rutgers Geology Museum, you'll find exhibits devoted to geology, anthropology, and natural history. Highlights include a dinosaur trackway, a model of a small carnivorous dinosaur, a mastodon skeleton, a Ptolemaic-era Egyptian mummy, and fluorescent minerals. Check the schedule for hours as the museum is only open 10-2 on certain Saturdays.

64. New Jersey State Museum — Trenton

This Jersey gem features natural and cultural exhibits as well as fine art.

65. Hoboken Historical Museum — Hoboken

This museum displays artifacts covering Hoboken's history. The museum hosts free storytimes on Fridays at 10am (a $5 suggested donation is appreciated). 

66. The Center for Contemporary Art — Bedminster

This space is dedicated to contemporary art, and the galleries are free and open to the public. See the website for current exhibitions and hours.

71. Old Dutch Parsonage — Somerville

Visit the The Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage, which served as George Washington's headquarters from General Washington’s headquarters from December 1778 to June 1779. This site is very close to downtown Somerville, which makes for a lovely walk.

Top Free Things To Do with Toddlers

72. Disney Play Zone at Menlo Park Mall — Edison

Do some window shopping at Menlo Park Mall and then take a break to play at the Disney Junior Play Zone on the upper level near Nordstrom.

73. Cotsen Children's Library — Princeton

The whimsical Bookscape gallery at the Cotsen Children's Library is perfect for you and your little one to cuddle up with a good book. Read together near the 2-story bonsai tree or in the cozy living chairs 

74. Home Depot Kids Workshops— Multiple Locations

Check out the free monthly building and craft classes offered by Home Depot. Be sure to register in advance.

Top Free Things To Do with Tweens and Teens

75. Bell Works — Holmdel

Grab a table and chairs with a deck of cards or a boardgame and enjoy this unique metroburg. There's a large turf field, ping pong tables, and a basketball court (open to the public on Sunday afternoons and evenings). The area is lined with unique eateries and businesses as well.

76. Freedom Skate Park — Trenton

Freedom offers indoor skateboard events, board giveaways for at-risk youth, live music performances, and more at the Roebling Wire Works Building. Check the schedule for events that are free and open to all. Note that this spot is undergoing renovations and will reopen later in 2026.

Hidden Gems and Weird Free Things To Do

77. Amazon Tour — Edison, Robbinsville

Ever wonder how an Amazon warehouse works? Find out at a free tour of the Edison or Robbinsville sites. Kids must be at least 6 years old to go on the tour.

78. Lucy the Elephant — Margate City

This huge elephant structure is fun to look at from the outside and you can visit the grounds for free. Tours of the inside require a small fee.

79. Heritage Glass Museum — Glassboro

This museum is great for teens/tweens and older kids who understand they can't touch the beautiful glass artifacts from South Jersey. 

80. AriZonaLand Tour — Keasby

Schedule a free public tour to see how AriZona tea is made at the factory where all the magic happens. Kids must be at least 10 years old to join a tour. Tours book extremely quickly, so keep your eye on the calendar for when new dates are released.

Free Events, Fairs, and Festivals in New Jersey

81. New Jersey Symphony Concerts

Every year, the New Jersey Symphony hosts free outdoor concerts at various parks like Ocean County College in Toms River, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy, Branch Brook Park in Newark, Marine Park in Red Bank, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Check the symphony's site for details about upcoming summer concerts.

82. Concerts in Memorial Park — Livingston

See a free summer concert in your area or try a new place. Livingston, for instance, has a great concert series under the gazebo in Memorial Park, where the program features music that young and older audiences alike will enjoy.

83. Somerset County 4H Fair — Bridgewater

In the summertime, 4H clubs shine with huge county fairs featuring demos and entertainment. Somerset is a nice one because there's free parking and admission, and lots to see and do from animal exhibits to concerts. Also look for great free admission fairs in Morris and Hunterdon counties. Some fairs charge a small fee for parking.

84. Belmar-Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade 

Don't miss seeing the biggest parade in NJ on March 1, 2026. 

85. Montclair Jazz Festival — Montclair

This festival, which takes place in August-September, is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. Enjoy the Soundcheck Series performers free of charge though a general donation is suggested.

86. Raggamuffin Parade — Hoboken

Dress the kids for the Halloween parade held every year at Halloween time. After the parade, enjoy inflatables, music, and activities.

87. Succeed2gether Montclair Literacy Festival — Montclair

From May 2-May 9, 2026, this festival offers student readings, book talks, children’s activities, and a poetry café.

88. Shakespeare in the Park — Englewood

For families with teens and older kids who'd appreciate getting a taste of theatre, the Englewood Public Library hosts the Classics on the Lawn series in the summer. Every Wednesday for eight weeks, see a different play written by playwrights like Chekhov, Shakespeare, and Wilde performed by the Black Box Repertory Company.

89. Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade — Morristown

Get decked out in green and snag the perfect spot to watch Morristown’s annual St. Patty’s Day parade on March 14, 2026.

90. State Theatre Summer Movies Series — New Brunswick

In the summer, head to the State Theatre of New Jersey for morning and evening weekday movies on a huge screen. And during the year, enjoy Milk & Cookies performances for $5/person for ages 3-8.

91. Somerville Cruise Nights — Somerville

Every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Main Street in Somerville is lined with tons of classic cars. It's a perfect evening stroll for young and old visitors alike.

92. Holiday Jubilee and Lights Parade — Somerville

On the first Friday in December, enjoy the annual Holiday Jubilee on Main Street, which features live performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, ice skating, and pictures with Santa. The next day, enjoy an evening parade of lights down Main Street.

93. Rutgers Day — New Brunswick

Don't miss Rutgers Day, held annually on the last Saturday of April. It promises to have performances, exhibits, hands-on activities, and demonstrations.

94. See a Play in Pleasant Valley Park — Basking Ridge

This summer, visit Pleasant Valley Park to see one of Trilogy Repertory Theatre's free musical theater productions. Check the site for more details.

95. Butterfly Festival — National Park

Learn about pollinators' importance, play games, hear live music, and see shows at the Butterfly Festival in Red Bank Battlefield Park. The event happens in August every year.

96. Hunterdon County Holiday Parade — Flemington

Come visit the annual holiday parade at 5pm in early December.

97. Kites & Castles — Lavallette

Every Thursday evening in the summer, head to Philadelphia Avenue Beach for a themed sandcastle competition and kite flying. There are free prizes for all participants.

RELATED: Best Free Beaches on the Jersey Shore for Families

Colorful kites decorate the sky at the Wildwoods International Kite Festival. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods

98. Wildwoods International Kite Festival — Wildwood

Watch kites dance across the sky on Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood on May 22-25, 2026. Some days include special events like the Night Kite show and silent and loud auctions.

99. Toms River Halloween Parade 

This parade has an 80+ year legacy of treating spectators to an incredible display of floats, music, live actors, and candy every Halloween night.

100. Thrilling Thursdays — Margate

Grab your beach chair and head to Margate for free movies on the beach every Thursday evening in the summer.

101. Night Out

See what activities your local area has in store for National Night Out, the first Tuesday in August. Berkeley Heights, for instance, has a great one with live music and free refreshments.

102. Easter Egg Hunt — Bellmar

In the spring, take the kids to a free Easter egg hunt. One event to remember is the hunt at Bellmar, where more than 3,500 eggs are buried in the sand.

103. Mount Holly Fire & Ice Festival — Mount Holly

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, stroll the streets of Downtown Mount Holly to see amazing ice sculptures and sample delicious chilis entered in the Chili Cook-Off.

Free Fun for Kids in New Jersey FAQ

What are the best free family activities in New Jersey?
NJ has some amazing free public and private parks, museums with free admission, free zoos, and cultural events that have free admission. The New Jersey State Museum, Duke Farms, and Cape May Zoo, for instance, are all worth adding to your family bucket list.

What can kids do for free on weekends in New Jersey?
Some of the best options for free weekend activities are at local libraries, which offer a mix of story times, crafts, performances, and other programs. Also check your local rec centers and community calendars for free crafts, shows, and seasonal festivals.

Are there free museums or attractions for kids in New Jersey?
Yes! Some NJ museums have free admission and many offer free admission with a culture pass. These passes are often available with a library card and are perfect for rainy days. For example, the Zimmerli Art Museum and Princeton University Art Museum are true gems for NJ families with older kids.

What are some free things to do in New Jersey with toddlers?
Look for free storytimes at museums or libraries, splash pads, indoor playgrounds at malls, and nature walks. Little ones will adore the Disney Junior Play Zone at Menlo Mall and Cotsen Children's Library in Princeton.

What’s the best time to visit free attractions in New Jersey?
Free attractions can get crowded so consider visiting on weekdays or at off-times (like at lunch time or first thing on weekends). Plan ahead for parking.