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Free Things To Do in Northern New Jersey with Kids

1. Warinanco Park — Roselle Park

Warinanco is perfect for bike rides and walks on the long winding paths through picturesque lawns. There's a great playground and a sprayground that will keep little ones busy.

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

2. South Mountain Fairy Trail — Millburn

This half-mile trail 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. 

3. Morristown National Historical Park — Morristown

If you visit historic Morristown, plan a trip to Morristown National Historical Park and 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.

4. Frelinghusen Arboretum — Morristown

Have a picnic lunch on the Great Lawn and spend the day walking the gorgeous grounds of the Frelinghusen Arboretum.

5. Promenade at Liberty State Park — Jersey City

See spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline on the 2-mile riverfront walkway at Liberty State Park.

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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.

9. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park — Paterson

Come see majestic Paterson Great Falls, which flows over a 77-foot cliff. 

10. 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.

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

11. 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. 

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Hoboken Historical Museum — Hoboken

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

17. Van Saun Park — Paramus

Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day at this huge park, which boasts a massive playground, a walking trail, and a zoo. The zoo is free before April.

18. Teaneck Creek Conservancy — Teaneck

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

19. 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.

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

20. 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.

21. 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.

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. Raggamuffin Parade — Hoboken

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

25. Succeed2gether Montclair Literacy Festival — Montclair

From April 26-May 3, 2025, this festival offers student readings, book talks, children’s activities, and a poetry café.

26. 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.

27. 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 15th, 2025.

28. Public Art Tour — Westfield

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

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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 for Free in Central New Jersey with Kids

32. Duke Farms — Hillsborough

Enjoy a walk on the paved paths lined with manicured lawns at this free private park. You'll find statues, an orchid enclosure, and a waterfall.

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

33. 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.

34. New Jersey State Museum — Trenton

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

35. 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.

36. Princeton University Art Museum — Princeton

While the main museum is being renovated until fall 2025, there are some free gallery spaces (like Art@Bainbridge on Nassau Street and Art on Hulfish at 11 Hulfish St.) to enjoy. Keep your eye out for free Zoom drawing workshops, too, that teens may enjoy.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.

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

41. 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. There's a small fee to park. 

42. Rutgers Gardens — New Brunswick

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

43. 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. 

44. Colonial Park — Somerset

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

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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 

51. 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.

52. Columbia Trail — High Bridge

Hike or bike the trail starting in High Bridge and you might see some fairy houses along the way.

53. 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.

54. Drumthwacket — Princeton

Take a tour of “The People’s House” on Wednesdays and see the collections on display.

55. 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.

56. 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.

57. 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.

58. Hunterdon County Holiday Parade — Flemington

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

59. 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.

60. Amazon Tour — Edison, Robbinsville

Ever wonder how an Amazon warehouse works? Find out at a free tour of the Edison or Robbinsville sites.

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

61. Highlands Beach — Highlands

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

62. 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.

63. Cape May Zoo — Cape May Court House

Grab your binoculars and spy more than 550 animals at this fantastic free zoo. See lions, giraffes, snakes, monkeys, cheetahs, and more.

64. Cohanzick Zoo — Bridgeton

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

65. Atlantic City Beaches — Atlantic City

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

66. 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.

67. All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey — Bridgeton

This free museum is home to early 20th-century uniforms, equipment, trophies, medals, and more. Two gems of the museum are Willie Mays's Golden Glove and a mitt owned by Mickey Mantle.

68. Island Beach State Park — Seaside Park

This beach is free to visit (parking fee for NJ residents is $5-$10, depending on the day), and is perfect for bundling up and flying a kite. 

69. Barnegat Lighthouse

Climb the 217 steps of this historic lighthouse and get a panoramic view of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island. You can also experience it virtually at the Interpretive Center.

70. Asbury Park Boardwalk

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

71. 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.

72. 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.

73. Thrilling Thursdays in Margate

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

74. 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 free to kids under 5.

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

Don't miss seeing the biggest parade in NJ on March 2, 2025. 

76. Twin Lights — Highlands

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

77. 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.

78. 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. 

79. 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.

80. Cattus Island County Park — Toms River

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

81. Mount Holly Fire & Ice Festival — Mount Holly

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, stroll the streets of Downtown Mount Holly to see amazing ice sculptures and sample delicious chilis entered in the Chili Cook-Off.

82. 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 who participate.

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

83. Wildwoods International Kite Festival — Wildwood

Watch kites dance across the sky on Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood on May 24-27, 2024. Some days include special events like the Night Kite show and silent and loud auctions.

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

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

85. Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center — Beachwood

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

86. Ride a Steam Train at Jersey Shore Live Steam — Bass River

This non-profit is open on weekends to give visitors the chance to ride small trains built on a 1/8th scale. These locomotives are built by their members and maintained by the donations of visitors.

87. 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.

88. The Woodruff Museum Of Indian Artifacts — Bridgeton

Visit this spot on Wednesday afternoons for the chance to see over 30,000 Native American artifacts on display such as arrowheads, pots, bones, pipes, and more.

Statewide: Free Things to Do in New Jersey with Kids

89. 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.

90. Easter Egg Hunt

In the spring, take the kids to a free Easter egg hunt.

91. 4H Fairs

In the summertime, 4H clubs shine with huge county fairs featuring demos and entertainment. Look for great free admission fairs in Somerset, Morris, and Hunterdon counties. Some fairs charge a small fee for parking.

92. Culture Pass

Check out the culture pass at your local library and score free passes to places like the Morris Museum and Imagine That!

93. Summer Concerts

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.

94. High School Concert

See your town's next generation of musicians at a winter or spring concert.

95. See Fireworks

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.

96. Museums of Us

If you have a Bank of America credit card, the cardholder can get free admission to certain places like the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City or the Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton on the first weekend of every month.

97. Be a Maker

Check out the free monthly building and craft classes offered by Lowes, Home Depot, and Michaels.

98. Play on a Sprayground

Check out one of NJ's awesome sprinkler parks this summer, many of which are free to enter.

99. See the New Jersey Symphony

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.

100. See holiday displays

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.