Top Free Family Attractions in New Jersey You Must Visit
Enjoying a fun day out with the family in New Jersey doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. There are plenty of free things to do in NJ, with a wide range of options perfect for kids and parents alike. Some attractions ask for a small fee for special exhibits or parking, but most let you explore at no cost. Here’s a roundup of free NJ attractions across the state to make planning your next family outing easy and budget-friendly.
Northern New Jersey’s Best Free Family Attractions
Historic Landmarks and Parks
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ
Step into history at this former gateway for immigrants. From 1892 to 1954, millions arrived here on their way to new lives across America. The terminal is open every day, and the hours vary with the seasons.
Great Falls National Historic Park
65 McBride Ave., Paterson, NJ
Experience the beauty of a 77-foot-high waterfall formed at the end of the last Ice Age. The walking trails and educational displays bring New Jersey’s early industry to life.
Washington’s Headquarters – Morristown National Historical Park
30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ
Tour the home where George Washington planned strategy during the tough winter of 1779-80. The museum and mansion offer surprises for kids who love history.
Free Museums in North Jersey
African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers
23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly, NJ
Explore art from sub-Saharan Africa, including sculptures, paintings, and textiles. It’s one of the only museums in the country with this focus.
Dr. William Robinson Plantation & Museum
593 Madison Hill Road, Clark, NJ
Step back into colonial times in this original farmhouse from the 1600s. Marvel at the structure, giant fireplace, and woodwork.
Museum of the Historical Society of Bloomfield
90 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ
While there is a low annual fee, the museum has fun displays of old furniture, vintage clothes, newspapers, and toys from the area’s history.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ
Discover rooms filled with Federal-era furniture and art, including rare Thomas Nast drawings. The peaceful gardens are always free.
North Jersey Nature Centers
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
443 Van Nostrand Avenue, Englewood, NJ
Walk over three miles of nature trails, surrounded by streams, forests, and meadows at this 150-acre reserve.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
32 Pleasant Plains Rd., Harding, NJ
Spend the day in nearly 8,000 acres of protected wetlands. Pick up the latest bird sightings at the visitor center and see if you can spot a fox.
Hawk Rise Sanctuary
1811 Lower Rd, Linden, NJ
Family-friendly trails make this 95-acre mix of woods and wetlands a great spot for kids of all ages.
James A. McFaul Environmental Center
150 Crescent Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ
Nature trails, bird-watching spots, and pondside relaxation are all free at this wildlife sanctuary.
Kay Environmental Center
200 Pottersville Rd, Chester, NJ
Hike through 1,600 acres with well-marked paths that connect to Patriots’ Path and the Blue Spur trail.
The Raptor Trust
1390 White Bridge Rd, Millington, NJ
Home to nearly 50 rescued birds, including eagles and owls. Visitors can walk the aviary and learn about bird care and rescue.
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
11 Hardscrabble Rd, Bernardsville, NJ
Stroll along wooded trails and watch birds from special viewing areas. Kids enjoy interactive exhibits and a peek at nesting birds.
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly, NJ
This 400-acre forest features seven miles of hiking and educational nature events for all ages.
Central New Jersey’s Top Free Family Attractions
Central Jersey Parks and Historic Places
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
20 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ
Walk the site where the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Monmouth took place. Enjoy the restored farmhouse, peaceful fields, and hiking trails.
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park
Various access points
This long canal park follows old towpaths through historic bridges and lock houses, perfect for biking and walking.
Drumthwacket
354 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Push open the doors of New Jersey’s governor’s residence, a striking mansion open for weekly tours.
Fort Hancock & Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark
128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ
Climb the country’s oldest working lighthouse or tour old military buildings by the beach.
Historic Walnford
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ
See more than 200 years of family history, barns, and a working gristmill at this scenic estate.
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ
Watch how farming was done in the early 1900s. Kids can see horse-drawn plows, barn tours, and special events.
Updike Farmstead
354 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ
This historic farm site invites families to explore its fields, barn, and farmhouse.
Museums: Free for Families
Hopewell Museum
28 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ
Browse thousands of artifacts from local families, spanning colonial times to today.
National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey
100 Camp Drive, Sea Girt, NJ
Explore military gear, vehicles, and the quirky “Intelligent Whale” submarine.
New Jersey Museum of Boating
1800 Bay Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ
Hands-on family programs teach about boat building and safety, fitting for the Garden State’s boating history.
New Jersey State Police Museum & Learning Center
1040 River Road, West Trenton, NJ
See the evolution of the state police with interactive exhibits and uniforms.
New Jersey State Museum
205 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ
Kids love the dinosaur fossils and science displays. Admission is free, though planetarium shows have a small charge.
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
View both ancient and modern works from around the world.
Rutgers Geology Museum
85 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ
Check out minerals, fossils, and rocks, plus hands-on kid activities.
Somerville Fire Department Museum
15 N. Doughty Avenue, Somerville, NJ
This old firehouse is packed with antique fire engines and firefighting gear.
Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ
Explore global art and photography exhibits, plus creative workshops.
Free Lighthouses in Central NJ
Navesink Twin Lights
2 Lighthouse Road, Highlands, NJ
Climb the north tower for sweeping shore views and discover maritime navigation displays.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ
This is America’s oldest working lighthouse; soak in ocean views from the top.
Sea Girt Lighthouse
9 Ocean Ave, Sea Girt, NJ
Visit the last manned lighthouse in the US and learn its history on a guided tour.
Free Beaches
Keansburg Beach
275 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg, NJ
Enjoy views of Manhattan and a quiet place to relax. Keep in mind there are no lifeguards.
Island Beach State Park
2401 Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ
Stroll along miles of untouched shoreline, watch birds, swim, or picnic. There’s a parking fee during the summer.
Sandy Hook
128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ
Access the beach and picnic areas for free, though you’ll pay for parking in summer.
Family Nature Centers and Gardens
Cooper Environmental Center
1170 Cattus Island Blvd, Toms River, NJ
Enjoy trails, live animals, butterfly gardens, and engaging activities for kids.
Duke Farms
1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough, NJ
Wander or bike through gardens and woodlands. Entry is free, but a parking pass is required on spring and summer Saturdays.
Forest Resource Education Center
495 Don Connor Blvd, Jackson, NJ
Walk eight miles of trails and learn about NJ trees and wildlife.
Huber Woods Environmental Center
25 Brown’s Dock Road, Middletown, NJ
Try musical instruments, meet reptiles, and enjoy creative exhibits about the local ecosystem.
Jakes Branch County Park
1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood, NJ
Known as “Gateway to the Pines,” this park features a five-story observation lookout and hands-on nature displays.
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center
331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, NJ
Wetlands exhibits and animal displays help teach kids about native habitats.
Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Road, Cranbury, NJ
Explore 1,000 acres, five miles of trails, and an educational center with family workshops.
Rutgers Gardens
130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ
Year-round access to themed gardens and wooded walking paths.
The Watershed Institute
31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, NJ
The Watershed Institute hosts family and school nature programs and summer camp.
South Jersey’s Top Free Family Attractions
Historic Villages and Landmarks
Batsto Village
31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ
Walk through a historic village in the heart of the Pine Barrens. See over 30 preserved buildings, including the Batsto Mansion and old mills.
The Colonial House
653 1/2 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ
Step inside one of Cape May’s oldest homes, once a tavern, and get a sense of early life on the island.
Double Trouble Village
Pinewald Keswick Rd & Double Trouble Rd, Bayville, NJ
Visit a restored village once famous for cranberry harvests and sawmills. Stroll the trails and peek inside old historic buildings.
Fort Mott
454 Fort Mott Road, Pennsville, NJ
Roam the remains of an old riverfront fort built to protect the Delaware River. Great views and open spaces make it family-friendly.
Whitesbog Village
799 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills, NJ
Enjoy a walk through this charming old cranberry and blueberry farm, with historic cottages and barns to explore.
Museums
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Multiple locations
Exhibits show the stories of African American history through artwork and memorabilia, sparking good conversations with kids.
Bridgeton Hall of Fame All Sports Museum
Burt Avenue Recreation Center, Bridgeton, NJ
Local sports fans will love the trophies, medals, and memorabilia from South Jersey’s biggest sports stars.
Cumberland County Prehistorical Museum
1461 Bridgeton Road, Greenwich, NJ
Examine Native American pottery, tools, and artifacts from the area’s earliest days.
Heritage Glass Museum
25 E. High Street, Glassboro, NJ
Show your kids South Jersey’s glassmaking roots with bottles, art glass, and local finds in a compact space.
Millville Army Air Field Museum
1 Leddon Street, Millville, NJ
Learn about WWII pilots and planes at the site of “America’s First Defense Airport.” Exhibits include aircraft and uniforms.
New Jersey Maritime Museum
528 Dock Road, Beach Haven, NJ
Kids eager to learn about shipwrecks and ocean adventure will enjoy maritime finds and educational stories.
Ocean City Historical Museum
1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, NJ
Explore local history, including favorite beach activities and legendary events from this popular shore town.
Stone Harbor Museum
9410 Second Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ
Discover artifacts and photos that bring Stone Harbor’s past to life.
Lighthouses
Finn’s Point Rear Range Lighthouse
310 Old Fort Mott Rd, Pennsville, NJ
Climb the spiral staircase for marsh and river views at this lighthouse inside a wildlife refuge.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
111 N Central Ave, Wildwood, NJ
Enjoy beautiful gardens and unique architecture in North Wildwood’s working lighthouse.
Tinicum Island Range Lighthouse
Mantua & Second Streets, Paulsboro, NJ
Visit this riverfront lighthouse, still vital for navigation along the Delaware.
Zoos
Cape May County Zoo
707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ
With no entry fee, see more than 550 animals from all over the world. Large playgrounds and picnic areas make it a perfect escape.
Cohanzick Zoo
45 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton, NJ
Take the family to NJ’s oldest zoo, home to bears, tigers, and local wildlife. Entry and parking are always free.
Beaches
Atlantic City Beaches
Atlantic City, NJ
Drop by for free access to the ocean and boardwalk. Enjoy summer fireworks, concerts, and fun family events.
Upper Township Beaches: Beesley’s Point & Strathmere
Cape May County, NJ
No beach tags or fees here. Park for free and unwind on clean, quiet sand.
The Wildwoods
Wildwood, NJ
A Jersey Shore gem is known for its fantastic beaches that are second to none on the east coast. The beaches are pristine, soft, and wide. Plus, they are free - a unique feature amongst New Jersey beaches.
There’s no shortage of free NJ attractions and free things to do in NJ for families. Whether you want to wander historic sites, see unique museum collections, or just spend a day outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Grab your family and set out to explore New Jersey—all without spending much at all.
