41 Best Things To Do in Hoboken, NJ, with Kids

Home sweet Hoboken. The small-town city where strollers, school kids, dogs, and 20-somethings come together is more vibrant than ever. With family-friendly parks, cafes, markets, and play spaces packed into this walkable city, it's no wonder so many young families love it. From kid-friendly entertainment and restaurants to festivals and museums, what's not to love about the Mile Square City? For small towns in New Jersey, Hoboken is tops. Read on for 41 of our favorite things to do in Hoboken.
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Check out the amazing playground at Pier C Park. Photo by Shinya Suzuki/CC BY-ND 2.0.
Top Attractions in Hoboken for Families
1. Pier C Park
Slide down the tunnel tube at Pier C Park.
2. Hudson River Waterfront
Watch mega cruise ships and NY Waterway ferries sail along the Hudson or count helicopters soaring into the heliport across the river.
3. Hudson River Promenade
Stroll along the Hudson River waterfront promenade.
4. Hoboken Historical Museum
Explore the city's history at the Hoboken Historical Museum, which holds family-friendly events throughout the year. Come on Fridays for story time featuring stories and songs about city life. Art classes are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
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The annual Ragamuffin Parade is a Halloween tradition. Photo courtesy of the City of Hoboken.
Best Things to Do in Hoboken with Kids
5. Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade
Trick out your stroller for Halloween and dress up with the crowds for the annual Ragamuffin Parade on Washington Street, followed by massive trick-or-treating.
6. Fire Department Museum
Check out an old-time fire truck at the Fire Department Museum and let the kids pretend to drive. Ask about family fun story times for kids.
strong>RELATED: Pier C Park in Hoboken: An Urban Oasis for NJ Kids and Families
Go kayaking on the Hudson. Photo courtesy of the Cove Boathouse.
7. Cove Boathouse
Strap on a life vest and try kayaking on the Hudson at the Cove Boathouse.
8. The Little Glow Society
Host a spa party for your little one and their friends where they'll be pampered with your choice of manicures, pedicures, facials, face gems, and more.
9. Pier A Park
Race around the grassy lawn at Pier A Park.
Fun Free Things to Do in Hoboken with Kids
10. Bike Riding
Coast on bicycles along the river from Pier A to Harborside Park.
11. Concerts in the Park
Spread out a blanket in Shipyard Park on summer Tuesday evenings for Family Fun Nights concerts.
12. Movie Under the Stars
Watch a family Movie Under the Stars at Pier A on select summer evenings.
13. Hoboken Terminal
Train-loving tots will love a tour of the historic Hoboken Terminal (just not during rush hour).
14. Hoboken Public Library
Roam the stacks at the historic Hoboken Public Library, built in 1897. Check the calendar for family-friendly programming.
Best Parks and Playgrounds in Hoboken
15. Castle Point Skate Park
Skate the ramps and half-pipes at Castle Point Skate Park, a great spot for your budding skaer.
16. Church Square Park
Dash through sprinklers at Church Square Park.
17. Maxwell Place Park
Trike or scoot around the waterfront path at Maxwell Place Park.
18. Columbus Park
Reserve some court time for tennis or basketball at Columbus Park.
19. Elysian Park
Climb the jungle gym at Elysian Park.
RELATED: 100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Urban Jungle Play is perfect for little builders and climbers. Photo courtesy of Urban Jungle Play.
Best Indoor Play Places for Little Kids in Hoboken
20. Urban Jungle Play
Build something amazing with the Imagination Playground blocks at Urban Jungle Play, climb the jungle gym, or let your little ones loose in the soft play zone. Drop-off play is available.
21. My Gym
Tumble, climb, or crawl through the play tunnels at My Gym.
22. The Bunny Hive
Meet other parents and expose your child to some fun activities in a 30-minute grown-up and me class at The Bunny Hive. Topics for classes include Baby Music, Books and Bubbles, Exploratory Play, and much more.
23. The Hive
The Hive is a kid-friendly coffee shop that serves up great beverages. There's a fantastic play area for kids under 5 ($7 to play), so you can both relax and enjoy.
24. The Little Play Co.
Let your child's imagination run wild in the play bistro, fire house, market, and train station at The Little Play Co.
25. Village Tree House
Enjoy open play with your little one, featuring rockers, a wall to climb, pretend play, small swings, and more.
26. Gravity Vault
Older kids and teens will enjoy climbing the walls at this 25,000-square-foot facility.
Best Restaurants for Kids in Hoboken
27. Elysian Cafe
Pull up a highchair for an early dinner at Elysian Cafe, where kids under 12 eat free on Tuesdays from 5-8pm.
28. Pier 13
No backyard? Grab a seat at Pier 13, a family-friendly beer garden and food truck destination with a breathtaking view of Manhattan.
29. Jun's Macaron Gelato
After dinner, head over to Jun's Macaron Gelato for homemade gelato and macarons. If that wasn't enough, you can get your gelato scooped inside a macaron for a unique cookie sandwich or into a fresh crepe instead of a cone.
Stop by The Cupcake Carriage, a boutique mobile bakery delivering chic treats. Photo courtesy of The Cupcake Carriage
30. The Cupcake Carriage
Snag a yummy treat from The Cupcake Carriage, a mobile bakery that is usually parked at 770 Jackson Street.
31. Baking Mama
Enjoy a perfect macaron at Baking Mama, a tiny local bakeshop known for mouth-watering cookies, cakes, and macarons—including green tea, pistachio, and red velvet. Order in advance.
32. Carlo's Bake Shop
No trip to Hoboken is complete without a stop at Carlo's Bake Shop. Indulge in one—or two—of its delicious lobster tails, cookies, and cannolis.
33. Fresh Mozzarella
Taste the fresh mutz at Fiore's, Vito's, Biancamano's, or Luca Brasi's.
34. Alessio's
Head to Alessio's for apps, pizza, and sandwiches. They even serve breakfast sandwiches in the morning.
Best Places to Shop with Kids in Hoboken
36. Hoboken Clique
Shop Hoboken Clique for cute and unique fashions perfect for your mini trendsetter.
37. Hoboken Art Walk & Craft Market
Browse homemade handicrafts at the City-Wide Art Walk & Craft Market in May. A holiday craft fair at City Hall is usually held in December, too.
38. Symposia Community Bookstore
Enjoy author visits and book readings at Symposia Bookstore.
39. Hoboken Farmers Market
Find fresh produce, dairy, sweets, gift items, and more at the Farmers Market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays across the city from June through late fall.
40. Emme & Max
Pick out the cutest clothes and accessories for infants, toddlers, and kids at Emme & Max.
Where to Stay in Hoboken with Kids
41. W Hoboken
This beautiful hotel is located right on the waterfront and offers amazing views of the river and New York City.
Originally published 2011.
Places featured in this article:
Hoboken Public Library
Shipyard Park
Elysian Cafe
Castle Point Skate Park
Hoboken Cove Boathouse
Hoboken Historical Museum
Symposia Community Bookstore
City Hall
Downtown Farmers Market
Uptown Farmers Market
The Bunny Hive
The Hive
The Little Glow Society
Gravity Vault
Emme & Max
Pier C Park
Harborside Park
Hoboken Terminal
Elysian Park
Jun's Macaron Gelato
Baking Mama
Carlo's Bakery
Hoboken Clique
W Hoboken