Fun Things to Do in Nj With Family
Every year I love having a saucepan list: a list of places I want to visit with the kids before the year ends. Now, I am going to help y'all with your bucket list. Here is our list of costless or inexpensive places for family fun in and around New Jersey. There are some truly amazing places in New Jersey expanse that the family tin can go for free, or at a very pocket-size toll. I have been to the majority of these with my family, and enjoyed it. The ones I haven't been to (you lot can tell by the lack of photos for the listings that we oasis't been to) are on my wish list of places to visit. Notwithstanding, please contact each place before going with any questions you might take! These are but a few. Each place is amazing and fun, definitely worth a visit!
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First here are the places with, to the best of my cognition, no admission fee at all, though I am certain that donations are very much appreciated. Some of the places further along the list have days with either gratis admission or highly discounted admission prices, so brand sure to pay attention to dates and times!!! Some of the places below exercise have a modest admission fee. Most of them are nether $10.00, some are between $x.00 and $20.00 for the family.
Recently I institute us traveling without a few essentials, which fabricated our trip much more difficult. Whenever you go somewhere outdoors in the summertime fourth dimension, don't forget to wear a HAT, bring a WATER BOTTLE, and make sure to keep your belongings safety from water in a WATERPROOF POUCH! Don't forget to listen the heat and the sun! Too, a uncomplicated PAIR OF H2o SHOES very helpful on many trips, especially to protect feet of your little ones.
Here they are: Free Or Inexpensive Places For Family Fun In And Around New Bailiwick of jersey
1. Howell Living History Subcontract.
Howell Living History Farm is always a wonderful identify to visit. Located in Lambertville NJ, it is adequately easy to get to. We have attended some classes and festivities there, as well as simply came to relish the farm when no ane is there. It is free to come, the classes do have a pocket-size fee. I highly recommend it as a mean solar day out with kids. To read more about our experience click HERE, and to run across the classes, accost and directions get to their website HERE.
2. Doylestown Castle
Doylestown Castel is located just outside of NJ, in Doylestown, PA. Why is it worth a visit? Well, simply because it's amazing. The castle is a huge wooden castle playground. The pictures don't do information technology justice, you really take to exist at that place to believe how big it is. Even the most jaded playground goers will exist amazed. Click HERE to read more about our trip, and Here for the Doylestown website section most the castle.
3. Environmental Education Center
Located in Basking Ridge, NJ, Ecology Education Center offers great hiking trails, an educational activity center with some interesting displays. What I especially liked about this place is the hiking trails were even, and you tin make the hike equally long or every bit short as you like, which is a big deal when the littlest kids are on board. They besides offer some amazing depression cost classes. Environmental Education Center is actually located in Basking Ridge, NJ on Lord Stirling Road around the corner from Lord Stirling Stables. It lies on the border of the Slap-up Swamp National Wildlife Refuge which includes miles of hiking trails and wildlife observation. Have a wait at our visit Here, and their website with directions HERE. The next place is right downwards the road from the Basking Ridge Environmental Education Center.
4. The Peachy Swamp and Raptor Trust
The Basking Ridge Environmental Education Eye, Raptor Trust and The Great Swamp each had their own listing in the last year's list. However, they are all downwards the road from each other. The Great Swamp is a national wild fauna refuge and covers a large expanse, and is a great place to go out and encounter some amazing wildlife. Before heading out there make sure to encounter their website Here for visitor information.
Raptor Trust was information technology's own listing, but I decided to combine information technology together with the Great Swamp, they but fit then well together. You could visit Raptor Trust on the same solar day equally the Environmental Center or Cracking Swamp. It is a bird rehabilitation eye located in Primal New Jersey. They are open up to public seven days a week, and while the admission is free, a small donation is encouraged. We have been in that location several times, y'all can read well-nigh our visit Hither. Information technology has always been an interesting experience. Y'all tin find out more than nearly them, including hours and directions HERE.
v. Trailside Nature Eye
Located in Watchung NJ. This place is very like to the heart in Basking Ridge. Their nature museum is much more extensive and the kids will really bask it. The admission to the museum is free. They likewise offer many great classes. There is a great big playground a short walk away, and the Watchung Stables just around the corner. There are a ton of hiking trails, some are more challenging, and many atomic number 82 to some curious spots, like the Deserted Village or Lake Surprise. We get at that place quite often, at some signal nosotros were practically at that place on a weekly ground. Y'all can read virtually our visits there HERE. Find out more than well-nigh this place on their website Hither.
6. Duke Farms
Located in Hillsborough Township, NJ. It is a gem of a identify. The admission is free. You can also hire bikes for two hours at $five.00 a person for teens and adults, simply bring a helmet or utilize one of theirs. Bird watching, historical value, hiking, biking, walking, classes, workshops and and then much more. We take been there many times, and yet take not explored the unabridged identify. Bring your own bikes, or rent theirs, or walk, or even take the tram, but exercise come and explore this amazing place. Read about our experience Here, and visit their website Here for the latest visitor information, including hours, days off then along.
7. Ringing Rocks Park
Ringing Rocks is a fascinating park in Upper Black Eddy, PA. At that place is a giant field of boulders that ring when hit with a hammer. There is also a beautiful waterfall, and many hiking trails. We accept been at that place on more than than one occasion, and are planning on coming back again. Information technology makes a lovely destination on a twenty-four hour period off. Read nearly our visit right HERE. Park website with more than information is right HERE.
8. Reeves Reed Arboretum
We went in that location final summer. We loved it! Information technology is non besides big, merely beautiful and repose. There are a few hiking trails, some lovely gardens, and places for a walk. The place is free, and we are definitely coming dorsum again. Information technology is located in Summit. HERE is our visit to this beautiful identify, and y'all tin can also take a await at their website right HERE. They as well offering classes, camp, and workshops in that location, as well every bit a concert serial.
9. New Bailiwick of jersey Land Museum
I can't tell you how amazing our visit to NJ Land Museum, and the Capitol has been. Admittedly wonderful. This place will have a full day and is guaranteed to have your breath away. Located in Trenton, information technology is such a great identify to visit. Their admission is small: $v.00 for adults and children 12 and nether are free (I believe that is a suggested donation). There is also a tour of the capitol building that y'all could go on, that is as well free, and The Quondam Barracks that you could visit. It is definitely a full solar day. You lot tin read more than about our visit HERE. HERE is their website with all the information.
10. Rutgers Gardens
It has been a long fourth dimension coming! Our visit to Rutgers Gardens that is. It had so many areas to explore: great hiking trail, tall grass maze, an astonishing pine forest, complete with forts, various cultivated garden areas, great old trees, and then much more. It is like shooting fish in a barrel to be there all day and not notice the day go past. The kids had a blast too, and want to go back there over again soon. They also have many diverse activities and fun throughout the year! It is such an amazing place to spend the twenty-four hour period with family, I tin can't wait to do it again. Read about our visit to Rutgers Gardens right Here. Meet the directions, visitor information and more on their WEBSITE.
11. Morris Museum
Morris Museum is, well, in Morristown, NJ. Information technology is a lovely museum. They house an amazing drove of music boxes and automaton. Nosotros accept gone in that location using our library passes and attended the lecture on automaton. The kids were fascinated, as was I. The museum does have an admission fee is $ten.00 for adults, and $seven.00 for kids. Nonetheless on the 2nd and 3rd Th of every month from four to viii pm they have free admission! Read most our visit Hither, and the link to their website is HERE.
12. Spruce Run
Bandbox Run is one of NJ Country Parks. NJ has then many amazing and cute state parks. Each with something great to offer. Through out this listing, you will discover many state parks, some of my favorites, and those I really felt like needed to be mentioned. One of my favorites is Bandbox Run in Clinton, NJ. We beloved to become camping in that location, or just for a relaxing day at the beach. State Parks usually have an admission fee per car. Last fourth dimension we were in Bandbox Run, it was $five.00 for NJ car, $10.00 for out of country during the weekdays, and $10.00 for NJ car, $20.00 for out of state during the weekend. Read more nigh our visit there HERE. The website for the park info is right Hither.
xiii. High Betoken
High Point State Park is in Montague NJ. It is definitely chosen High Signal for a reason, as it's the highest point in NJ. Home to many hiking trails, a beautiful lake, and some of the most amazing vistas I accept e'er seen. Information technology is most certainly worth a visit. Over again, it is a country park so in that location is a small fee per motorcar, the same fee as for Spruce Run ($5.00 for NJ auto, $10.00 for out of state during the weekdays, and $10.00 for NJ auto, $20.00 for out of state during the weekend). You can read more well-nigh our visit HERE, and of course they have a website with all the latest info right HERE.
fourteen. Sandy Hook Beach
NJ is full of lovely beaches. Sandy Hook is a national park. There is an admission of $15.00 per motorcar. However, if you come up after 5 pm, in that location is no charge. Non only is Sandy Hook a great beach, it is home for the historic Fort Hancock. We have gone to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, on a tour, and it was wonderful, and free! Read most our visit Here. Sandy Claw as well has some cracking free beach concerts brought past The Sandy Hook Foundation. Every Wed on beach East at 6 pm. You tin discover the concert schedule Here. You could visit the Twin Lights Lighthouse nearby on the aforementioned day. We pass it by every time we make our fashion to Sandy Hook. One of the years I would love to make information technology out early in the day, go to the Twin Lights Lite Business firm, then the embankment, and then for some delicious water ice cream. Here is the website on the Twin Lights Light House. You tin also read more than about our visits to Sandy Claw HERE.
15. NJ Botanical Garden
Located in Ringwood, NJ, it is one of my favorite places to visit. The gardens are great: quiet, shady and beautiful. In the warmer months make sure to stop at the Shepherds Lake for a swim. NJ Botanical Garden is a State Park, thus there is an admission fee per car. I think last fourth dimension we were there information technology was $5.00 per motorcar for NJ residents, and $vii.00 for out of state between Memorial Mean solar day and Labor Day, all other months the parking is free. Read well-nigh our visit HERE, and visit the NJBG website Hither for more data.
sixteen. Zimmerli Museum Of Art
In the center of Rutgers University, Zimmerli is a wonderful art museum with so much to explore! Their admission is rather minor to brainstorm with, only $six.00 for adults, and kids under xviii go gratuitous. When I took my boys, it only cost us $6.00. They do have a gratuitous access 24-hour interval on the Get-go Dominicus of every calendar month. On that day they also do a scavenger hunt for the kids. Nosotros enjoy visiting this museum, and plan to come up there once again shortly. Hither is our final visit, and Here is their website.
17. Colonial Park in Somerset NJ
Located on 156 Mettlers Route, Somerset, NJ 08873, this park is a must. Complete with hiking, biking, a dandy playground, a beautiful gardens, and fifty-fifty paddle boats! Nosotros take gone there several times this year. You can spend your day in this park and never go bored. We went once during the Rose season, and the garden is cute. The 2nd time we went it was a chilly November twenty-four hours. Nosotros rode our bikes there, and played in the playground, still plenty to do! HERE is their very informative website. HERE is more most our visit there.
18. Big Beck Park Fossil Site
We went to Large Beck to look for fossils terminal summertime. It was an astonishing adventure filled 24-hour interval. Big Brook is a stream that runs through Monmouth County, NJ. The specific location we went to is in Marlboro NJ, but there are other spots. It is a nifty spot for a hike, simply look, in that location is more! On the outside it looks like a very ordinary stream, but on the inside it is filled with fossils from the belatedly Cretaceous Period. The kids and adults all had fun being archeologists for the day and looking for real fossils. You lot can read about our visit HERE. Y'all can also find more than info about the location Here.
xix. Rutgers Geology Museum
Rutgers Geology Museum is a fairly large hall filled with all sorts of archaeological and geological treasures to explore. At that place are many fun family events that happen in that location too. Not only that, but the museum is only a short ride away Big Brook Park Fossil Site (#nineteen), and you tin get in into a day of adventure. Information technology is also correct across the street from the Zimmerli Museum (#16). They have a fantastic WEBSITE that lists all the events and hours of performance. Also, it is free to visit, but donations are much appreciated. If you would similar to read about our most contempo visit there, click HERE. Nosotros always have a skillful fourth dimension there.
twenty. Double Trouble State Park, Lacey Township NJ
We went to this lovely place this summer, it is a smashing place to cool off on a hot summer mean solar day. It has an agile cranberry farm, a creek to canoe or kayak in, lots of shade, excellent hiking trails and a historical village. Here is their website with all the data for the park. HERE is more about our visit in that location. I highly recommend a visit there on a hot summertime day. When we go, the kids had a great time going down the stream using their little body surf boards, and just splashing in the h2o. Plus, we sat right under a wild blueberry bush-league.
21. Bowman Hill Wildflower Preserve and Bowman Colina Belfry
Located in New Hope, PA, this place has been on my list to visit for a long time, and this year we finally made it. It makes for a great day, a wonderful place to hike! Right across the street you tin also visit Washington Crossing State Park, and the Bowman Belfry. They do have a website with directions, hours, tours and prices. Take a look at their website HERE. You lot can read nearly our visit HERE. Bowman Colina Wildflower Preserve is also minutes outside of New Hope and Lambertville. For ideas on what to exercise there, check out THIS Folio Information technology has a very small access fee (Adults: $6.00, Seniors (65 and older): $4.00,
Fulltime students (with ID): $4.00, Children (3 through 14): $3.00, Children under 3: Gratuitous). I don't mind paying admission to this place at all. Interestingly enough I found a Groupon Deal (sponsored link) for this identify.
22. Thomas Edison Center in Menlo Park, Edison
This museum was recently renovated. We went on a tour there this February (2015). It was a great educational experience. The staff was knowledgeable and the tour interesting. They practice accept regular museum hours: Thursdays – Saturdays ten:00 AM – four:00 PM. Yous could besides schedule a group tour in advance during other times. Which is what we did. The general admission to the museum is free, but there is a suggested $5.00 donation per person. The bout lasts about ane hour, maybe a only footling bit longer. They have an fantabulous WEBSITE with all the information you could maybe want earlier your visit: hours and directions, virtual tours, history, and more, or you lot could always call them at 732-549-3299. Yous can read more about our visit HERE.
23. Thomas Edison National Celebrated Park
This is another Thomas Edison place nosotros would like to visit. The admission is $7.00 for adults, and since kids nether xvi are costless, for us that would just exist the $x.00. They accept a bang-up website with so much information before you caput there, I highly recommend you take a look HERE. We have recently visited this place, and found it to be very interesting. Be sure to bank check out more about our visit HERE.
24. Princeton Campus and Princeton Academy Fine art Museum
Hooray! We finally made information technology to Princeton. Equally a matter of fact, I now have to be there often with my kids. We have only began to explore this cracking town. Of course, Princeton University Art Museum was the beginning place on my listing to visit. Yous can read more nearly our visit to Princeton HERE. There is a free admission to the museum. HERE is their website. I tin't wait to explore more of Princeton University.
25. Drumthwacket Mansion in Princeton.
While y'all are in Princeton, make certain to visit the Drumthwacket Mansion. It is more of a historical stop, and non so much a fun, kid friendly spot, but if yous are in the area, it is certainly interesting to see. You can read about our visit to Drumthwacket hither. You can also see information virtually visiting Drumthwacket on their official website. Princeton itself has so much to offering, then many places to see, that you won't be amiss in visiting the town. Check out number 25 for more than information on what is around that area.
26. Willowwood Arboretum
Willowwood Arboretum is an astonishing place to visit. The kids can explore nature's wonders in a beautiful and safety environs. The walk or hike can be short and manageable or it can be as long every bit 9 miles. We recently visited this place, and fell in love with it. Our visit took place on a hot Saturday afternoon. The gardens were absurd, shady, and non crowded one information technology. Nearby you volition find Hacklebarney State Park, in fact I have been told that it connects to Hacklebarney by trail for a long hike. I am looking forward to exploring information technology even more than. Read more about our visit HERE. It is lovely. There is no admission fee on regular days, withal on special events there is. Bank check out their website HERE for more than information.
27. Leonard J Cadet Garden
This is a delightful garden located in the heart of NJ. The admission is complimentary, and the grounds are beautiful. It is lovely in whatever flavour and can be enjoyed at any age. HERE is their website for more information, and HERE is more than about our visit there. I have sneaked out there by myself several times, just to have a peaceful walk alone. It is beautiful in any flavor. I thing to call back is that the parking is limited, and on the weekend during spring, summer and fall it fills upwards very speedily. Be sure to call ahead and check for open hours.
28. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
There is only a brusk fourth dimension in May and June when yous can visit this garden in total bloom, and it'southward definitely worth it! It is a suggested donation of $viii.00, but requite what you lot tin. Nosotros visited this twelvemonth, and y'all can read more well-nigh our visit Hither. I will be back to see it over again next year. Information technology had every color of Iris imaginable. While this trip might not exist equally fun for the youngsters as it is for adults, it is piece of cake enough to combine information technology with some of the awesome places nearby, like Turtle Back Zoo and Montclair Art Museum. Also Van Vleck (31), and Kip'south Castle (32) are within a mile of Presby Gardens. You tin can discover more about them on their spider web page Here.
29. Montclair Art Museum
I can non believe that I forgot well-nigh this identify. Montclair Art Museum is a wonderful museum to take the kids to, and we have recently visited it! Information technology has costless admission for kids 12 and under, and the adult admission price was only $12.00. They have Gratuitous Offset Th Nights: a complimentary family unit event complete with a full service bar, life music and art activities. Yous tin read more about our visit. For more information nigh the admission, exhibits and events HERE is their website! Y'all can combine your visit to the Montclair Art Museum with several places on this list. Specifically numbers 29, 31, 32, 28 and 24.
xxx. Van Vleck House and Garden
I highly recommend combining Van Vleck House and Garden together with Presby Memorial Iris Garden (29) and Kips Castle (32).Van Vleck is free to visit. Their garden is lovely. But big enough to explore fully in a single visit. They also offer a variety of programs for children and adults. You lot can read about our most recent visit in that location. We have gone back to Van Vleck Business firm and Garden throughout many seasons, with various family members. It is always a pleasure to walk through the garden.
31. Kips Castle
Kip'due south Castle is a lovely place to visit. It is within a mile of Van Vleck House and Garden (31), and Presby Memorial Garden (29). Information technology is free. The castle is impressive, and they offer tours Tuesday to Friday 12 to 3 pm. The view of the metropolis from that spot can't be beat! Look for more information on their website Hither. We have visited Kips Castle equally part of a garden hopping engagement, forth with Presby and Van Vleck gardens on the same day. They are all within a mile of each other.
32. Island Beach State Park
Located in Seaside Park, NJ, this gem is not to be missed. It requires a standard entrance fee for a state park, per auto. $10.00 on the weekend, and $6.00 on the weekday for a NJ resident. Double that if the car is out of state. What a wonderful identify information technology is! I loved how wild and untamed it was, with then much to meet. With it's silky sand, lush green dunes, teeming wildlife and clear bluish waters, it has so much to offer to it'due south visitors! You lot can read more almost our visit Here. See their WEBSITE for more data.
33. Sourland Mountain Preserve
Sourland Mountain Preserve is located in Hillsborough Township, and is a wonderful place to go for a hike in NJ. Information technology has a path that explores the mount (read: goes upwards and has lots of awesome boulders), then wearable good hiking boots and exist prepared. Beautiful scenery, fun hiking trails and a good long hike awaits! Find out more than Hither and read well-nigh our visit HERE. We have gone dorsum to Sourland Mount Preserve many times over the years. It never disappoints with it'southward hiking trails.
34. Stairway to Heaven Hike
This hike is part of the Appalachian trail. It is right off rt. 94 in Vernon NJ. Nosotros hiked the more difficult side of the hike that scaled a side of the mount, and it was all uphill on the fashion there. The views were worth every step. We saw an amazing woods filled the the most beautiful yellow leaves (October!), and a absurd sculpture, and of grade the views! Across the street, the trail continues North, going through farm pasture, across the railroad train tracks, and looks much easier. It can be a piddling difficult to discover where the hike starts, but if you read more near our visit you will come across how to get there. Click Hither.
35. Hacklebarney State Park
Information technology is one of the land parks that doesn't charge an entrance fee. We have been there with some friends, as well as just united states, and this park has some great hiking trails. Here is some info from their website: "The freshwater Blackness River briskly cuts its way through rocky Hacklebarney State Park, cascading around boulders in the hemlock-lined ravine. Two tributaries, Rinehart and Trout Brooks, also grade their style through this glacial valley, feeding the Blackness River. Even in the heat of midsummer, the temperature of Blackness River gorge is cool and refreshing. Today Hacklebarney is a favorite place for avid anglers, hikers and picnickers, nevertheless in the 19th century the park was a mined iron ore site. The gushing river confronting the grey boulders and dark dark-green hemlocks creates a purple dazzler in any season. Three rare and endangered institute species exist within the park: American ginseng, leatherwood and Virginia pennywort. Over a hundred bird species and wildlife such every bit black bear, woodchuck, deer and fob alive in the park."
HERE is their website. It is 1 of our favorite parks! Love the rocks and river.
36. Batsto Historic Village
We had a run a risk to cease and explore Batsto Historic Village recently. You should absolutely give this place a go! It was fantastic. At that place was and then much to explore: from nature trails to historical buildings. Hither is their website with the directions and hours of operation. From their website: " Batsto Village , is a New Jersey historic site located in the South Cardinal Pinelands, which is administered by the New Bailiwick of jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks & Forestry. This site is nationally recognized for its historical significance and beauty. The roots of Batsto Village can be traced back to 1766. Two centuries of American history are bachelor to visitors, with the Pinelands surround as a scenic backdrop."
The response to this article has been overwhelming! It is so wonderful. I included this section to make sure that the groovy recommendations past the readers are heard! Here you will discover the places folks recommended, plus a few more places that I take researched. Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to explore S Jersey extensively, and nothing beats the communication of someone that has been there. Please experience free to recommend any identify that is costless or inexpensive in NJ or the surrounding states, within driving altitude. Delight know, that I appreciate all your feedback!
37. Columbia Trail Hike
Located in High Span, The Columbia Trail has so much you tin can see. Information technology is a fairly short and piece of cake hike, but on your fashion you pass gnome homes, a celebrated bridge, and abandoned house, an fe forge, a gorgeous lake with a huge dam. It was fantastic. To discover out more about the hike delight visit the Hunderdon County website for it. We were at that place in the beginning of summer and had a groovy time. You can read near our visit HERE.
38. Greatcoat May Zoo
I have heard and then many wonderful things virtually this zoo. It is quite far from us, but I call up sometime presently we are going to accept to brand the drive down there. Take a await at their website Hither. The admission to this zoo is complimentary and it looks like a wonderful place to visit. There is a suggested donation, and the zoo needs donations to keep taking care of the animals.
39. Allaire State Park
Recommended by Kristine. It is a wonderful park with many hiking trails and a lot of history. Really, I think it's one of the few state parks that we haven't been to, and so this year I will endeavour and make it in that location with the kids. Hither is the park website with all the information, like directions and prices. It is best to visit this park during one of the wonderful events they concord, and so delight brand sure to check their website.
40. Bridgeton Hall of Fame All Sports Museum
If sports are your thing, head downwards to Bridgeton Hall of Fame All Sports Museum. Located in Cumberland County. Read more than virtually them HERE.
41. George Woodruff Museum of Indian Artifacts
Located in the Bridgeton Costless Public Library this museum houses more then thirty,000 pieces of Native American Relics. The admission is free. After I spoke to a wonderful lady there on the phone, she informed me that Wednesday afternoon is the best time to come, as there is some one there that is very knowledgeable and will exist able to help and answer all the questions. Take a expect at their website, with a LOT of data HERE.
42. Cumberland Canton Pre-historical Museum
It is run by the Cumberland County Historical Society. HERE is the website for the Society. They have several museums listed there and the Pre-historical Museum sounds very interesting. The museum accost is 1461 Bridgeton Road, Greenwich, NJ, 08323, and their phone number is 856-455-8141. From the brochure they take online, it looks like the admission is gratis equally well.
43. Noyes Museum Of Fine art
Noyes Museum Of Fine art is a part of Stockton College. I love how open they are with their artists. They have some astonishing classes and events listed on their website. Many events and classees are gratuitous with admission. Their access is non expensive: information technology is $v.00 for adults, $4.00 for students and seniors, and the kids become gratuitous. To see the listing of events look Hither, the general website is Here.
44. Cohanzick Zoo
Located in Bridgeton NJ, information technology is another free zoo. It is the get-go zoo of NJ. That fact lonely makes me want to visit. The admission is free, but they do have donations. They have a website and information technology is lovely, accept a look at it HERE. This place is definitely on my bucket list. Next to the Cohonzick Zoo at that place is a Splash Zone. This Splash Zone was recommended by Delores P. There is a small access fee. Here is what Dolores says about information technology: "At that place's is a 2.00 per person fee and it'due south a fun and cool place to cool down in the summer. HERE is their website.
45. Tenafly Nature Center
Tenafly Nature Center is recommended by Tim P. The admission to the center is gratuitous. From their website: "A non-profit independent member-supported nature preserve. Our mission is to protect almost 400 wooded acres, all of its inhabitants and teach the next generations to do the same. Since 1961, TNC has nurtured an appreciation for nature, been a leader in open up-infinite preservation and in environmental education for our community in Tenafly, Bergen Canton, and beyond. Tenafly Nature Center is a sanctuary for human visitors – an island of green where bonds with nature tin exist renewed. Whether you have an hour or a day, our wood offer a peaceful respite from the blitz of daily life. Trails are open up 365 days a year. We welcome visitors to accept a 10 infinitesimal stroll to Pfister's Pond or a 3 60 minutes hike in the wood. You can observe wildlife, go birding, take nature photos, snow-shoe, and much more. Stop in at the Visitor Centre for data and upwardly-to-date-trail information."
Hither is their website.
46. Estell Manor Park, Atlantic County, NJ
This great place was recommended by Crystal P. It does expect astonishing. It'south in Atlantic County, NJ. HERE is the website with all the data. In that location are so many things to do at the park, they have sports, and costless equipment rentals, you tin launch boats, rent free bikes and helmets. There is fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking and and then much more.
47. The James A. McFaul Environmental Center
Recommended by Alison B. Looks like fun, folks. Here is what Alison says: "You should check out James McFaul wildlife Centre in Wyckoff, NJ. Trails, the admission to the middle is gratis. Pocket-sized fee for some programs and classes (I believe?). My daughter loves it." More than data correct Here.
48. The Barnegat Lighthouse
The Barnegat Lighthouse was recommended by Kathy L: "Access is costless, gorgeous scenery, you tin can walk on the beach. Even has a gift store, snack identify and picnic areas." More info Here. While we have never visit the Barnegat Lighthouse, nosotros take gone many times to Island Embankment State Park, and were able to run across the lighthouse in the distance.
49. The Hunterdon Fine art Museum
The Hunterdon Fine art Museum is located in Clinton, has Art Zone, a room for kids to come in and make art. There's a small suggested fee to enter the museum. Here is their website. We have visited Hunterdon Art Museum recently. The fee is $7.00 for adults and $v.00 for students, kids 12 and nether are free. The museum is right across from The Cerise Mill Museum (66), and then it makes sense to visit them both on the same twenty-four hour period. Y'all tin can read more about our visit Here.
50. Popcorn Zoo
Located in Forked River, NJ. I have heard of it earlier, but have never been there. Please keep in listen that these sort of wonderful places need donations. It is recommended by Gina Thousand. Here is what she says: "This is great! At that place is also The Popcorn Zoo in Forked River, NJ (Ocean County). There is a small fee, simply it was merely a few dollars. I believe kids under three were free. Also y'all tin can purchase popcorn and feed to animals. And there is an on site animal hospital." HERE is a bit more info about them.
51. Lenape Indian Hamlet at Waterloo
Recommended by Eva. Sounds similar a nifty historical place, information technology is located in Northward Jersey, Sussex county, and I believe are a part of Kittatinny Valley Land Park. HERE and Here are websites with more information.
52. Holmdel park
Located in Holmdel NJ. Recommended to you past Patrice J: "Holmdel park, Holmdel NJ. This is a free park, it has a gratis working subcontract to explore, playgrounds and hiking trails. Excellent twenty-four hours trip for family. Updated bathrooms. Please cheque this one out. Not to miss."Hither is a website with the info for this cute park. From the park website: "Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired past the Park System in 1962, almost one meg visitors savour this 565-acre site yearly. This park features Celebrated Longstreet Farm , the David C. Shaw Arboretum , fishing, picnic areas, four tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, water ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails – including a ane/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with grouping picnic facilities and playgrounds." This park is on the pinnacle of my list of places to visit as before long as possible!!
53. The Roebling Museum
The admission is not expenisve, $6.00 for developed, and kids under 12 are gratuitous. It is located just Due south of Trenton. You become to larn all almost how the Brooklyn Bridge was built. HERE is their website. Recommended past Alison K.
54. Whippany Railway Museum
Whippany Railway Museum offers a piece of railroad history for anyone that loves trains. The general access is $1.00 for kids and $0.50 cents for adults. On the few select days that they have a themed train ride, the admission price is considerably higher and includes the ride on the train. You can see their train excursion days and themes on their website, right Hither. On any regular day you lot tin check out the museum edifice, a huge out door model railroad that operates. In that location is also a steam engine, and smaller buildings to explore throughout the grounds.
55. Wawayanda State Park
Recommended by Joyce B. :"Have been going to Wawayanda Land Park for the last 30 years. They bring in sand from the Jersey Shore. Absolutely cute. They have fishing, canoeing, hiking besides the beach. So close to Warwick, NY that most people in NJ do not realize it is in NJ."
Brandy N. : " Wawayanda State Park is beautiful to visit. It's located in Hewitt. There'due south a gorgeous lake for pond, fishing, and canoeing. You can bbq. Boats are available to rent or you tin bring your own. Trails for biking and hiking. A small camp ground. Clean public restrooms/changing rooms."
The fees for this state park are the same every bit for many others: $5.00 for NJ auto, $x.00 for out of land during the weekdays, and $10.00 for NJ car, $20.00 for out of land during the weekend.
HERE is their website for more than data.
56. Sunset Beach in Cape May
Recommended by Jacki F. : "Don't forget to add Dusk Beach in Cape May. The bay and body of water meat and you lot can look for Cape May Diamonds while waiting for the dusk. This is free."
They have an first-class website with a ton of info, click right Here.
57. Wheaton Arts and Cultural Eye
This place was submitted by Pamela West. While at that place is an admission price, the admission is free during the months of January, February and March. Last year, the Center received a grant from PNC that will allow them to have costless admission on select 3 day weekends from July to Dec, so brand sure to phone call them ahead to find out more about which days have the free admission. As well, if you choose to go on the solar day that the admission is full price, at that place is a coupon available on their website!
HERE is their website, and hither is the info Pamela shared :
"Map GPS directions to 1100 Village Dr, Millville, NJ | 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552
WheatonArts is a national cultural treasure. Located on 65 wooded acres in southern New Jersey, WheatonArts is home to the Museum of American Glass, the Creative Glass Center of America International Fellowship Program, the largest folklife heart in the Garden Country, a hot glass studio, several traditional craft studios, 5 museum stores, and a beautiful swimming-side picnic grove – a true Pineland Sanctuary! In addition to daily drinking glass blowing and artist demonstrations, WheatonArts features special exhibitions, programs, workshops, performances and several weekend festivals (including the laurels winning Festival of Fine Craft) throughout the year. PNC Arts Alive! presents Wheaton Wide Open Weekends! Admission volition be free on selected 3-day weekends July-December. Enhanced, culturally various programming volition include interactive artist demonstrations, performances, and family unit hands-on fine art activities. Visit wheatonarts.org or call 856-825-6800 for more than information."
58. InfoAge Science Center
I was contacted by Evan from InfoAge Scientific discipline Center. Doesn't this place sound fantastic. HERE is their website, and hither is what Evan said: "How-do-you-do! I'm with the InfoAge Science Center, in Wall, New Bailiwick of jersey. Nosotros're a history/tech museum located at 100-yr-former National Historic Landmark. We're open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1pm-5pm. Our suggested donation is just $5. InfoAge is a very unique identify. The campus was build 100 years ago by
the Marconi company. It was a Navy/RCA laboratory during World War one, a higher between the wars, and then a secret Army Indicate Corps electronics inquiry laboratory from Earth State of war ii until the 1990s. Now it's an all-volunteer museum. There are exhibits of estimator history, radio/Tv history, amateur (ham) radio, shipwrecks, armed services electronics, and much more. This sounds like a great place to check out ane of the days.
59. Paterson Museum
Recommended by Frank. This place does have a small fee of $2.00 for adults and the kids are costless. Here is what Frank says virtually it: "Housed in the celebrated Thomas Rogers Locomotive Building, i of the four great Locomotive manufacturers of the 19th century, all of which were located in Paterson. It has two Paterson congenital locomotives on site, equally well as the museum has several pieces of period material engineering which also includes the outset use of punch cards. This museum is too the resting identify of John Hollands first two submarines. The Holland 2 is the first submarine to be fabricated of a metal hull and have a working torpedo system. The museum is located only down the street from the Passaic Falls Overlook Park, which has the 2d largest waterfall to be plant east of the Mississippi. It'south also adequately close to Lambert Castle and Dey Mansion in Totowa Boro, as well as the Haledon Museum."
HERE is their website with lots of information for your visit.
60. Dorbrook Park
Dorbrook Park in Colts Neck NJ was recommended by Lexa, and information technology does take free admission. Here is what Lexa says: "Great park with a huge playground and a spray ground in the summer. Bring the kids scooters or bikes for the many paths as well! Bathrooms are very clean."
Website tin exist constitute Hither.
61. Paterson Cracking Falls National Historic Park
Doesn't information technology audio like a lovely and an easy day trip. The admission to the park is gratuitous, the Paterson Museum admission is $2.00 a person, and the children are free. Hither is their website with more than info. This place definitely looks similar somewhere I'd similar to visit.
62. Buttermilk Falls
Recommended by Cathy C. : " Buttermilk falls, in Delaware water gap, Bailiwick of jersey side. Then cross on the little private toll bridge at Dingmans Ferry and see more falls in Pa.: Dingman's Falls. Some climbing, and NJ falls unsafe if kids effort to climb on them off the trail." You can notice more information nigh Buttermilk Falls HERE and HERE. While we have not been to Buttermilk Falls yet, every time we go camping in Dingman's Ferry, we visit some of the other falls in that neighborhood. Over the years we have visited Raymondskill Falls, Dingmans Falls and Childs Falls. All were great. You can read well-nigh our camping trips Hither.
63. Due east Jersey Olde Towne Village
This place looks absolutely amazing. They take diverse events throughout the year. They as well accept tours of the hamlet at i:xxx pm Tuesday through Friday and on Dominicus. The admission is free. Here is their website. Hither is a chip of information from their site about them: "The Village is a collection of original, replica and reconstructed 18th and 19th century structures. While almost of the buildings have been relocated to the site, others were synthetic here. They correspond the vernacular compages typical of farm and merchant communities, once found in central New Jersey. The Village functions equally an educational model, dedicated to teaching the history, traditions, folk arts and adroitness of the people who lived and worked throughout the region. It offers public programs in the highest standard of excellence, among them: educational workshops, seminars and lectures, in-service training for teachers, exhibitions, concerts, storytelling session, community gatherings and theme based projects."
64. Washington'southward Headquarters Museum
Located in Morristown, this museum is free to visit. Information technology is open Wed-Sunday in the spring and summer. The hours change during the other seasons. More information tin be found on their website.
65. The Red Mill Museum Village
If you visit The Crimson Factory during the weekday, your admission volition be nominal: $five.00 for anyone half-dozen and up. During the weekend, it goes up a chip, but not past much. The identify is very pretty, soaked in history and fun to explore. We have visited it recently, and it is lovely. You could combine the visit with Hunterdon Art Museum (#50), explore the Columbia Trail (#38), or just the lovely downtown Clinton township. Read more about our visit there. Y'all can visit their website for more than information.
66. Tranquillity Valley Historical Farm
I stumbled upon this identify by accident, only it looks like a lot of fun. Information technology is on my listing for this summer. The admission price is probably the highest on this listing: $10 for adults, and $five for kids, but it just looks similar then much fun! Bank check out their website for more information.
67. Branch Beck Park In Newark
We had the chance to visit this park during the red blossom flavor. Who knew that right hither in NJ, you can find a park that has more cherry blossoms that Washington D.C.. The park is large, beautiful, has many paths, a lake, a playground, and some amazing architecture around it. Worth a visit, specially in April. Meet photos and read about our visit here.
68. Deep Cut Garden
Deep Cutting Garden is a gem of a identify located in Middletown NJ. It has an piece of cake amount of infinite to cover in about an hr to an hour and a half. Deep Cut Garden looks like something that stepped out of a fairy tale, and is not in NJ at all. Information technology makes for a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, and after, go to the embankment. Information technology is free to visit, and they offering some fun programs to visitors throughout the year. Read most our visit hither.
69. The Waterloo Village
The Waterloo Village is an open air historical museum. It is tranquillity, not crowded, and overall, a wonderful place to explore. The teens, and adults enjoyed our walk through the beautiful historic grounds. Right after, nosotros took a bulldoze up to High Bespeak to swim in a lake on a hot day, and accept a bit of lunch on the mode.
Concluding Word Of Communication
Here is the final word of advice, because, yous know, unsolicited advice is fun. Brand sure to check your library. Many libraries offering museum passes that you can bank check out for free, or buy tickets at discounted prices. Make certain to check your town hall because they also sell tickets for many places at discounted prices. Don't forget groupon and other such websites. Call the place yous want to get to and find out if there are any discounts for the solar day you are going on. Get out there and have a slap-up fourth dimension!
Also, did you know about the Every Kid in The Park program? Fourth graders can get free admissions to the National Parks around the land.
An Awesome Book Of Day Trips Effectually NJ
A while dorsum my hubby got this book for us. It was right before the kids were built-in, and it has been a wonderful source of information and trip destinations in our area. I highly recommend it!
Also, please accept a look at all the comments folks left for this list of free or cheap places for family fun in and around New Bailiwick of jersey! There are some excellent suggestions there, some of which I already explored, and some are on my list of places to visit. I do, periodically, go through the comments and option places to add to the list or get to and then write about. I also am defended to updating this listing a few times a twelvemonth with new knowledge and feel, so check back presently. Thank y'all to everyone that took their time to share and leave a comment, I really appreciate all the input! Savour your travels! Mariya.
CLICK HERE TO Run into THE COMMENTS SECTION For Free Or Inexpensive Places For Family Fun In and Around New Jersey
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