Fun, Free, and Low-Cost Day Trips Near Jersey City: A Parent's Guide
- Melanie Nerland
- Oct 22, 2025
- 7 min read
Introduction
Living in Jersey City gives us incredible access to all the excitement New Jersey and New York City have to offer. While it’s easy to drop a fortune on attractions, you don’t need a huge budget to find amazing, memory-making activities for your family.
We’re here to share some of our favorite free and low-cost things to do, broken down by how you get there—whether you’re loading up the car or taking advantage of our excellent public rail and ferry options. Get ready to explore!
Free Nature Escapes (Car Recommended)
These destinations require a car for easy access from Jersey City, but they offer huge payoff with zero admission fees—just plan for gas and tolls.
Duke Farms (Hillsborough, NJ)
Duke Farms offers free admission and parking (though a parking pass reservation is required for peak-season Saturdays). The grounds are ideal for families, featuring a mix of paved paths, which makes pushing a stroller easy, and manageable gravel trails.
We particularly enjoyed the architectural interest of the Hay Barn and Coach Barn along the trails. A highlight is the beautiful Orchid Range and tropical plants housed in the greenhouse. We were able to park the stroller outside, and Rose loved walking through the lush space. We made a necessary stop at the Farm Barn Cafe for coffee and water before starting our walk, though they also have sit-down and grab-and-go food options if you don't pack a picnic. Next time, we might get adventurous and try out the bike rentals they offer!
The historic Coach Barn is a stunning piece of architecture you'll discover right along the trails. We loved the break from the sun inside the Orchid Range, which is bursting with beautiful colors.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Summit, NJ)
Reeves-Reed Arboretum offers free admission to its grounds (donations are always encouraged). It's a short, easy drive from JC. This spot is defined by its beautiful formal gardens, seasonal floral displays, and quiet woodland paths perfect for connecting with nature. On one of the trails, we stumbled upon a tiny, enchanting fairy garden that completely captured Rose’s attention.
The open spaces, like the Herb Garden, are perfect for letting little ones run off some steam. Tiny, magical stone paths surrounded by incredible plant life (and maybe a hidden fairy garden!) Even the rock garden, with its tiny waterfall, was a show-stopper for Rose!
Untermyer Gardens (Yonkers, NY)
A car is essential for this trip, but the destination is absolutely worth the drive, especially since admission and parking are free. The gardens are spectacularly beautiful, and the unique architecture and horticulture make this a surprisingly quiet gem in Yonkers.
We've visited twice over the last year, and it feels criminally underused! The Persian Pool at the start of the garden walk is magnificent, and the Woodland Trails offer a nice respite from the sunny earlier walks as you make your way toward the Temple of Love, which is a real showstopper.
The Temple of Love is a real show-stopper, offering breathtaking views that make the entire drive wo The Persian Pool is the first and most criminally beautiful, sight you'll see upon entering. Don't forget your carrier! The shady Woodland Trails offer a nice respite and lead to the Temple.
Liberty Nature Center & State Park (Jersey City, NJ)
Our favorite free local activity! The Liberty Nature Center is great for a quick, educational visit, or you can stretch it into a full day in the State Park. Inside the Nature Center, you can check out fish tanks, learn about the local estuary, and see animals native to New Jersey. They also have a wonderful free playroom filled with puppets, nature-based puzzles, games, and books that Rose loves.
We love this little tree cave! It lets kids get hands-on with nature even when they're inside. The best part of the Nature Center: the bookshelf filled with nature books! The indoor playroom is stocked with puppets, puzzles, and animal friends—perfect for escaping rain.
Getting a closer look at all the wild things! I wonder what she sees out there. 👀 Learning all about the amazing creatures that live where the river meets the sea! Searching for squirrels and birds! The world looks a lot more exciting through these magic glasses.
If the weather is nice, take time to explore the State Park. Behind the Nature Center, a pond and gravel path lead to a paved path with stunning views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. A longer walk or a short drive in either direction takes you to a playground where kids can burn off energy. Pro-tip: Use the full restrooms at the Nature Center, as the rest of the park often relies only on portable facilities.
Low-Cost Car Day Trips (Budget-Friendly Fun)
These destinations offer great value with minimal entry costs, especially compared to their NYC counterparts.
Bergen County Zoo (Paramus, NJ)
Now, I’m sure most people talk about Turtle Back Zoo, but it can be extremely crowded on weekends, making parking a nightmare. We stumbled upon this smaller zoo, housed in Van Saun County Park, which is a real gem. The Bergen County Zoo is low cost (with discounts for residents), and the parking is free.
The zoo is the perfect size for toddlers, focusing on animals native to the Americas. After visiting the animals, the park offers amazing playgrounds, splash pads, a carousel, and a miniature train ride (all three rides are a small, separate fee of around $3 each). It’s easy to spend a whole morning and afternoon here for a low overall price.
This playground is massive, and we could spend hours here alone! Rose taking the helm. The miniature train ride is a MUST-DO. Such a fun, low-cost way to get a new view of the park. So many zoos have fun holiday lights, but this one's Chinese Lantern Festival was truly stunning!
Snug Harbor & Staten Island Children's Museum (Staten Island, NY)
This destination requires crossing a bridge from NJ, but Snug Harbor Cultural Center Grounds are free to walk, with free parking. Only certain attractions within the Grounds have a low cost of admission.
Staten Island Children's Museum: This is a fantastic hands-on experience spread across three levels. We loved building a house, putting on a show, tending to small animal exhibits, and playing big games. Even Grandma got in on the fun! Admission is around $8 per person.
Checking out the Bugs & Other Arthropods exhibit (or just finding something tiny to inspect)! Future hero in the making! Moments like this are why the low admission fee is worth it.
Chinese Scholar Garden: For Father’s Day, we paid the low admission fee for adults to visit this stunning garden. The beautiful wooden construction, bridges, and lovely water features make for incredible photo opportunities and a peaceful walk.
Gazing out over the water features and the beautiful architecture. A surprisingly quiet gem. The entire garden is a peaceful escape—you feel like you've been transported to a different world.
American Dream Mall (East Rutherford, NJ)
The American Dream mall is a short drive from Jersey City, but be sure to check the sports schedule—parking can be challenging if there’s a game at Met Life Stadium. Parking is typically around $5, but there are plenty of options for free fun inside.
Free Activities:
We typically park in Lot D and head up. If you walk toward the luxury shops, there is plenty of space for kids to roam. Near Saks Fifth Avenue is a koi pond that Rose adores.
Burning energy and appreciating the art! The extensive walking helps toddlers stay busy. That moment when a fish swims by! This area is surprisingly quiet and a perfect place for toddlers.
The Atrium in the center often has seasonal displays and a fountain, great for photos and exploring.
The Atrium is always decorated beautifully and gives us a great excuse for a walking break. The seasonal displays in the Atrium are always so creative and perfect for a photo op. The displays here are so eye-catching that even a stroller ride turns into an activity!
Window shopping itself is an activity here, as the displays are eye-catching and the extensive walking helps burn energy.
The Big Snow indoor ski resort has a free viewing window with a seating area where we often rest and snack.
Low-Cost & Paid Attractions:
Arcade: You can make the arcade a free activity by letting toddlers pretend to play on the cars and push buttons without spending money. For slightly older kids, the mall runs specials (like unlimited play deals) or you can set a low limit for a card to spend, making it manageable.
Free activity, pretend to play on the cars and push buttons without spending money. Racing to the nearest snack! The driving games are perfect for quick, low cost fun.
Aquarium: Our favorite paid activity. Though it’s located in the mall’s basement, the displays are surprisingly effective, and the flow works perfectly for little ones. There’s a touch tank at the start and a small playspace near the exit for kids to enjoy before you hit the gift shop.
The perfect height for a toddler to truly get up close and personal with the fish. Making memories and learning about ocean creatures up close. It’s the perfect, engaging start. Finding all the little hideaways and tunnels in the Aquarium.
Angry Birds Mini-Golf: Children under two are usually free, which helps with the cost. The space is bright and fun, and since there’s no time limit, we were able to move at Rose’s pace and let older groups play through.
Another hole conquered! The whole family had fun with mini golf. Getting her practice in! Since the space is open and bright, it’s a great way to spend an hour.
Sesame Place: We were excited for this, but the high price of admission feels disproportionate to the value. While it’s highly interactive, the activities feel one-dimensional—for example, the bike shop lets children turn gears but misses the opportunity for open-ended tinkering and testing. It’s better for quick character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities than deep, lasting play.
Fun This Way!" Following Elmo and Cookie Monster into the Sesame Street Learn & Play Learning to scan! While the activity is well-themed, not the lasting play we usually look for. The grocery store section was a hit for role-play.
Geoffrey’s Express (Train): This mini-train is near Toys-R-Us and runs through the second floor. Tickets are required for each rider, which can add up, but it makes for a fun final activity before heading back to the car.
All aboard! The mini-train ride makes a perfect ending to our mall adventure. It’s a great way to let the little one enjoy one last bit of excitement! Ferris Wheel: We visited on a clear day with no wait. It's a long, slow trip, so be warned about the cranky toddler potential! If you’re a small group, you may be paired with another party, which can be awkward—be prepared to share your space for the ride's duration.
We visited the Ferris Wheel on a clear day with no wait! It’s a long, slow trip, but the views are fantastic. Just be warned about the cranky toddler potential! 😉
PATH & Ferry Adventures (NYC Transit)
Leave the car at home! These destinations are incredibly accessible using Jersey City’s affordable and convenient public transit.
PATH to Macy’s Herald Square
The PATH fare is low cost, and children under five ride free. Since not all stations are accessible, check before you go if a stroller is a good idea—otherwise, a child carrier or letting them walk is best. Ride to 33rd Street and walk one block to Macy’s.
On the 7th Floor is the Toys R Us section, which has a small play space with a climbing area and slide, plus displays for kids to interact with. But beware: there is a McDonald’s on this level, and escaping without buying fries is nearly impossible. We visited during the Flower Show, so Mom got her wonderful flower displays, and Rose got to run, jump, and play—a perfect win-win.
Boat Ride & Battery Park
The boat ferry terminal is located just past the Exchange Place PATH or HBLR Station along the water. Adult fare is required, but children five and under ride free (maximum two children per adult). We use the app to buy tickets, and buying a 10-trip pass saves a few dollars. Strollers roll conveniently onto the boat.
The ferry from Paulus Hook to Brookfield Place Terminal drops you right into Rockefeller Park. Stop to see the Lily Pond before making your way north to the massive Rockefeller Park Playground. This enclosed area has multiple climbing structures, baby swings, two splash zones, a sandbox, and a separate toddler section.
Taking a moment to admire the ducks and fish! This little pond is a lovely, peaceful part of the par The Battery Park City playground is worth the ferry ride alone! Hours of entertainment for free. The best way to cool down after the ferry ride! Don't forget their swim gear if the weather is warm. A perfect, simple afternoon! Making use of all the free playground equipment.
Pro-tip: Any packed snacks should be kept out of sight in a bag—the squirrels in Battery Park are quite smart and fearless when it comes to strollers! If you walk along the Battery Park City Esplanade, you’ll find additional green spaces, Pier 25, and Pier 26, all featuring playgrounds.
Conclusion
Affordable fun is truly located all around the JC metro area. While there are certainly great places to spend money, like Turtle Back Zoo or Liberty Science Center, you can find just as many places to explore without breaking the bank. The only caveat is that a car is helpful for many of the best nature spots, but don’t forget to utilize your local transit options for easy city adventures! Fun is always right around the corner!
What are some of your favorite free or low-cost spaces near JC? Let us know in the comments!
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