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New Jersey has many free family activities, including zoos, parks, museums, science centers, and farms. If you’re looking for budget-friendly family fun in New Jersey, these suggestions should help you plan your visit.
1. The Cape May County Park and Zoo
The Cape May County Park and Zoo is an excellent venue for family entertainment. The zoo houses the Ankole-Watusi, a domesticated cattle breed originating from central and eastern Africa. This modern American cattle breed has very long horns. Other animals include American bison, alpaca, black bear, and cotton-top tamarin, one of the smallest primates recognized by the white “cotton-top” on its head. This primate is tiny, weighing less than 0.5kg.
2. Sourlands Mountain Preserve
Sourlands Mountain Preserve near Hillsborough Township is a perfect nature center for a family hike. Choose a family-friendly short walk of less than 1.5 miles around the Maple Flats or enjoy a longer hike through the boulder formations of just less than six miles over the boardwalks.
3. Duke Farms
Duke Farms, also in Hillsborough Township, has over 1,000 acres of land, and entry is free. The farm focuses on preserving native species, natural beauty, and ecological sustainability. It has a farmer’s market, walks around the orchid gardens, and many interactive displays and exhibits.
4. Wildwood, NJ Beach
Wildwood beaches have free access for visitors. Your family can enjoy splashing in the water, picnicking on the beach, and walking the 38 blocks of the boardwalk. The beaches have numerous family-friendly activities, including hotels, bars, and restaurants.
5. Liberty State Park and Liberty Science Centre
Liberty State Park has a two-mile promenade, playground areas, parks, restaurants, and an outdoor music center. It also has a ferry service—the only one in New Jersey. At the northern end of Liberty State Park is the New Jersey Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial.
If the kids enjoy science, visit the family-friendly Liberty Science Center inside the park, and entry to this state-of-the-art venue is free. It has one of the biggest planetariums in the U.S. The family will enjoy the museum exhibits and a 110-species live animal collection.
6. Rutgers Garden
Rutgers Gardens in North Brunswick Township is open to the public all year round. It has free parking and free admission to the 180-acre botanical garden. Enjoy the stunning flora and fauna, including a flower garden, a bamboo forest, and a lily pond. The family is welcome to hike around the beautiful trails, picnic, and visit the pottery shops and farmers’ markets.
7. New Jersey Botanical Gardens
New Jersey Botanical Gardens in Ringwood State Park has 1,000 acres of woodland and 96 acres of gardens open all year round to the public. The entire family can wander around the numerous gardens, visiting the Lilac Garden, stunning rhododendron displays, and the Magnolia Walk. For a more structured visit, join a hiking guide to tour the gardens or visit the historic Manor House.
8. New Jersey State Museum
The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has more than 2 million artifacts in collections, including natural history, archaeology, cultural history, ethnography, and fine art. Learn about New Jersey’s history, including the Civil War and the Delaware Native American tribe. Entry is free, including a visit to the stunning ultramodern planetarium.
9. Atlantic City Boardwalk
You can’t visit New Jersey without walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, with its many shops, amusements, and the sound of the roaring sea in the background. Originally built as a permanent fixture in the 1870s to prevent sand from damaging hotel carpets, the boardwalk remains a popular tourist attraction. It is 60 feet across at its widest point and over four miles long.
10. Sayen House & Gardens
Sayen House and Gardens in Hamilton Square has 30 acres of beautiful greenery, including flowering bulbs, stunning rhododendrons, azaleas, and dogwoods. The gardens are a peaceful haven for a leisurely family stroll or enjoy a picnic in the grounds. Sayen House is also available for all celebrations, including weddings, if you plan a special event.
11. Heritage Glass Museum
The Heritage Glass Museum in Glassboro celebrates South Jersey’s history of glassmaking. Its collection includes historic glass, antique glass, whimseys, bottles, demijohns, and fruit jars, proudly showcasing New Jersey’s rich glassmaking heritage.
12. Jersey Shore Alpacas
If you fancy a visit with some fluffy animals, head to the Green Greek to see the Jersey Shore Alpacas. The family-run business owned by Jim and Tish Carpinelli prides itself on providing optimum care for the alpacas. There are no visitor drop-ins. Visits are by appointment only. Book a family visit for a Saturday to feed carrots to the alpacas on a fence-line feeding tour with a group guide.
13. South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail
This quaint fairy trail in Millburn is only half a mile long. Delicate fairy houses line the trail, nestled in tree hollows and hidden in roots. The fairy “homes” are all lovingly made with natural materials, such as dried fungi, stones, and branches. It’s a magical venue for younger children or those who still believe in the tooth fairy.
14. The Raptor Trust
The Raptor Trust is a wild bird education and rehabilitation center with around 50 rescued birds, including birds of prey. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge near Basking Ridge surrounds the Raptor Trust. There is a gift shop on-site and free parking. The trust is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
15. Popcorn Park Animal Refuge
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is a must-visit for animal-loving families. Popcorn Park is a not-for-profit organization set on 7 acres in Forked River, New Jersey, and the reviews are excellent. One happy visitor to the refuge said it’s a “hidden gem; I absolutely recommend this for anybody. Up and close with rescued animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, elephants, and many more. Just a delight.”
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From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?
12 u.s. Landmarks That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
America is so huge that there seem to be endless iconic monuments and exciting places to see. It’s hard to know what is going to be worth your while. After all, taking time off work, saving up for a trip, and taking time to plan is no easy feat. These are the best U.S. landmarks worth visiting, according to a recent poll by people who have visited them. What would you add to the list?
