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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.

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 a massive trick-or-treating event.

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.

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 at Little Glow Society, where they can be pampered with 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 skater.

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.

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 at Village Tree House, 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.

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Enjoy a sweet treat from the Cupcake Carriage, a mobile bakery in Hoboken. Photo courtesy of the bakery

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 cannoli.

33. Fresh Mozzarella

Taste the fresh mozz 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. Main Street Pops

Browse homemade handicrafts at Main Street Pops, a semi-regular artisanal market. 

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.