Southern New Jersey Free Family Attractions
Guide to Southern New Jersey free family attractions. Features free and inexpensive historic parks, museums, nature centers, and more.
You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a day out with the family.
New Jersey is loaded with family attractions that are free or come with very little cost.
While the family attractions listed below are mostly free, some request a small donation, or charge a small fee for additional shows, exhibits, or parking.
Southern New Jersey Free and inexpensive Family Attractions:
Historic Parks & Sites
Batsto Village
Wharton State Forest, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton NJ 08037 (609) 561-0024
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
This Pine Barrens village is composed of 33 historic buildings and structures including the Batsto Mansion, gristmill, sawmill, general store, workers' homes and post office. Batsto Village was a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867 and currently reflects the agricultural and commercial enterprises that existed here during the late 19th century. The Museum and Exhibit Gallery, housed in the Visitors Center, is an excellent place to begin your tour of Batsto Village.
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The Colonial House @ Greater Cape May Historical Society
653 1/2 Washington Street, (next to City Hall)
Cape May, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
This was originally a tavern and the family home of Revolutionary War patriot Memucan Hughes. The house is an unsung survivor from Cape Island's very beginning and thought to be one of the oldest surviving houses on Cape Island.
Double Trouble Village
Double Trouble State Park
Pinewald Keswick Road and Double Trouble Road
Bayville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
The Double Trouble Historic District is a window into past and current industries in the Pine Barrens. A succession of sawmills has been on site since the mid-1700s. As swamps were cleared of cedar trees, a new industry emerged with the planting of cranberry vines. The village has fourteen historic structures dating from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, including the restored sawmill and cranberry packing house with static exhibits and un-restored buildings including the company store, one room schoolhouse, and workers cottages.
Today, this Pine Barrens "ghost town" is the heart of Double Trouble State Park, which also is a popular park
for canoeists and kayakers, hikers, photographers, mountain bikers and horseback riders who come to enjoy the miles of marked trails through pine forests and cedar swamps.
Fort Mott
Fort Mott State Park
454 Fort Mott Road
Pennsville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Fort Mott was part of a coastal defense system designed for the Delaware River in the late 1800's. The fortifications seen today at Fort Mott were erected in 1896 in anticipation of the Spanish-American War.
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Whitesbog Village
799 Lakehurst Rd.
Browns Mills, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Whitesbog was an active 19th- and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community, founded in the 1870's by Joseph J. White. The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White.
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Southern New Jersey Free and inexpensive Family Attractions:
Museums
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Two locations:
Dr. Martin Luther King Center
661
Jackson Road, Newtonville, NJ
and Noyes Arts Garage
2200 Fairmount Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free. Donations are encouraged.
Exhibits a collection of paintings, ceramics and advertising and branding memorabilia that portrays African Americans in both a flattering and unflattering way. They may make some uncomfortable, but they also serve to start the larger conversation about the true African American experience.
Bridgeton Hall of Fame All Sports Museum
Burt Avenue Recreation Center
Bridgeton, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
This South Jersey museum is dedicated to individuals and teams of all sports in this region of New Jersey. Photos, equipment, scrapbooks, and other memorabilia of many well known men and women of national fame and regional and local renown in sports are on display in this modern and spacious facility. The large Trophy Room displays medals, cups, and trophies of John Borican, the Olympic all-around black athlete. Other local sports stars include Harvey Johnson, All Pro Football star; Major League baseball stars "Goose Goslin" and "Rube" Oldring and boxing great, heavyweight Jack Gross.
Cumberland County Prehistorical Museum
1461 Bridgeton Road
Greenwich, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Discover the world of the Indians who inhabited the lower Delaware Valley. At the end of the last Ice Age, the Paleo (Clovis) Indians were the first primitive people to penetrate this region. Many subsequent Indian cultures followed in their wake, leaving physical evidence of their passing in the earth's archives. This salvaged evidence is exhibited in the form of stone and bone artifacts, pottery and native crafts. When combined, they illustrate the evolution of the Indian societies who occupied southern New Jersey.
Heritage Glass Museum
25 E. High St,
Glassboro, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
The museum was founded in 1979 and its mission is to educate and preserve the heritage of glass manufacturing and glass blowing in South Jersey. The Museum has exhibits of historic glass, bottles and animal glass art figurines. It has an extensive library on glass blowing and education.
Millville Army Air Field Museum
1 Leddon Street
Millville Airport
Millville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
This museum
preserves the history of the Millville Army Air Field, dedicated by the U.S. War Department in 1941 as "America's First Defense Airport." During WWII 10,000 men and women served here with 1,500 pilots receiving advanced gunnery training in P-47 Thunderbolt and P-40 Warhawk fighter planes. Located in the original base headquarters building, the MAAFM displays large collections of WWII aviation artifacts of national interest. It recognizes and commemorates all aspects of aviation history as well as documents and honors the lives of American veterans.
New Jersey Maritime Museum
528 Dock Road
Beach Haven, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
This a museum and research facility for educational purposes. It includes providing a facility for the public display of marine artifacts. The display of artifacts is intended to encourage maritime research, historical instruction by guest lecturers and promote the education of the public about New Jersey's maritime history.
Ocean City Historical Museum
1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 399-1801
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
The mission of the museum is to delight, inspire and educate the public about the story of Ocean City, New Jersey and to collect, preserve and promote items relevant to its heritage, traditions and memories.
Stone Harbor Museum
9410 Second Ave
Stone Harbor, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Their mission is to
acquire, preserve, display, celebrate, and promote archives and artifacts relevant to the development of their unique cultural heritage and to delight, inspire, and educate the present and future generations about the story of Stone Harbor, NJ.
Southern New Jersey Free and inexpensive Family Attractions:
Lighthouses
Barnegat Lighthouse
208 Broadway
Barnegat Light, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Fee to climb Lighthouse from Memorial Day to Labor Day. $3 (age 12 & up), $1 (age 6 to 11), Free (5 & under).
This is the second tallest lighthouse in the United States. You can climb to the lightkeepers catwalk. From this lofty perch there are wonderful views of LBI, the Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat Bay, Barnegat Inlet and Island Beach State Park. Besides the lighthouse, people come to the park to walk, birdwatch, learn about maritime history and fish.
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Cape May Lighthouse
215 Light House Ave
Cape May Point, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: $12 adults,
$8 children (ages 3-12),
$8 veterans. Free for members
One of the oldest operating lighthouses in the United States and is located on the southernmost tip of New Jersey. Climb up the winding 199 stairs to the top of the 157 foot-tall structure and from the watch gallery take in a fantastic view the Atlantic ocean, the town of Cape May, Delaware Bay, and Cape May Point State Park. Still an active aid to navigation, it has been restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture).
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East Point Lighthouse
10 Lighthouse Rd
Heislerville, NJ
Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for students 11 – 18 years old. Free for children 10 & under
This is the second oldest lighthouse in NJ. Built in 1849, the lighthouse is located on the east bank of the mouth of the Maurice River.
Finn's Point Rear Range Lighthouse
310 Old Fort Mott Rd
Pennsville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Located on the part of Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, visitors will be able to climb to the top of the lighthouse and view the surrounding wildlife refuge and Delaware River.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
111 N Central Ave
Wildwood, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
This is a unique historic and picturesque lighthouse, with extensive gardens, and the only one of this style on the east coast.
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The Tinicum Island Range Lighthouse
Intersection of Mantua and Second St's
Paulsboro, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Overlooking the Delaware River in Paulsboro, NJ, was built in 1880 and still functions as an operational lighthouse. The Tinicum Rear Range Light Society maintains the lighthouse and offers access to the public.
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Southern New Jersey Free and inexpensive Family Attractions:
Zoos
Cape May County Zoo
707 North Route 9
Cape May Court House, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Open Year round. The zoo features more than 550 animals, representing more than 250 species, spread over 85 acres of lush country gardens, leisurely atmosphere and the extensive natural environment to explore.
Cohanzick Zoo
45 Mayor Aitken Drive
Bridgeton, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Situated on approximately 15 acres within the city of Bridgeton's 1100 acre park. They provide a home for some larger than life animals including Holly, their Asiatic black bear! They are a sanctuary for all types of animals, not just the typical exotic ones you'd expect. Includes NJ animals and exotic residents ranging from Bengal Tigers, a raccoon, to even a common box turtle. Every animal is given specialized care to thrive in its new home, potentially even getting a second chance at life.
Southern New Jersey Free and inexpensive Family Attractions:
Beaches
Atlantic City Beaches
Atlantic City, NJ
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Cost: Free
Atlantic City is a Jersey shore resort that's quickly becoming a popular destination for families with kids offering a wide array of kids activities that cater to all ages and interests.
Atlantic City beaches are 100% free with no beach tags required. During the summer months Tropicana's Free Fireworks lights up the sky every Saturday night. Boardwalk Hall features free pipe organ concerts and tours. Kennedy Plaza offers free live music during the summer months.
Uppwer Township: Beasley Point and Strathmere Beaches
Located on narrow piece of beach and bay front land between Ocean City and Sea isle City.
Cape May County, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
All beaches in Upper Township are free and do not require beach tags. Parking is available at Beesley's Point and free parking on the street is available in Strathmere.
Wildwoods (includes North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest)
Wildwood, NJ
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Cost: Free
The beaches in Wildwood are 100% free with no beach tags required. Bring your bicycles and ride the boardwalk until 10 am . During the summer months Wildwood comes alive with many free concerts and fireworks displays
Southern New Jersey Free and inexpensive Family Attractions:
Nature Centers
Cape May Bird Observatory - Northwood Center
701 E Lake Dr,
Cape May Point, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free, except special events
An array of habitat types and a wealth of protected natural areas make Cape May and the entire Delaware Bayshore a birding destination for all seasons. Wind and geography conspire to direct millions of migrating hawks, seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies here every autumn.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Great Creek Road
Oceanville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: $4 per car
The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge's location in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration.
The refuge includes several scenic trails that pass through coastal wetlands, freshwater ponds, early successional fields, and woodlands. The Visitor Information Center is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10AM to 2PM
Estell Manor Park/Warren E. Fox Nature Center
Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor
109 Boulevard Route 50
Mays Landing, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Located along the Western Banks of the scenic Great Egg Harbor River, the trails explore mixed woods, tidal wetlands, mixed swamp and low growing shrubs that hosts a great selection of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, plants and mammals. Viist the nature center extremely as it offers a friendly and helpful staff and a wealth of information. The scenic quality of the Great Egg Harbor River is a bonus to this beautiful wooded park.
Marine Mammal Stranding Center
3625 Brigantine Boulevard
Brigantine, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free, with a suggested donation of $5
The Center is dedicated to responding to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress along all of New Jersey's waterways and to the rehabilitation of these animals for release back into the wild. They are committed to the well-being of marine mammals and to inspire responsible stewardship of our oceans through educational programs and collaboration.
The Sea Life Museum is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center's educational visitor center and is open to the public.
Nature Center of Cape May
1600 Delaware Ave
Cape May, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free, except fpr special events.
Located on the shores of Cape May Harbor, includes the Trucksess Welcome Center, a three-story observation tower, indoor observation lounge, three classrooms, exhibit aquaria, a small gift shop, and multiple themed display gardens.
The harbor and adjacent area provide natural classrooms that are used in the center's programs. In addition, the nature center is close to a diversity of habitats, which are easily incorporated into its programs. The nature center offers a full schedule of natural history programs for the general public throughout the year.
Palmyra Cove Nature Park
1335 Route 73 South
Palmyra, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
A 250 acre urban oasis along a highly developed area on the Delaware River. Habitats include wetlands, woodlands, meadows, wild creek and river shoreline, and freshwater Tidal Cove. They feature an interactive 2,000-square-foot space with exclusive exhibits for the public to learn about science and technology, from climate change to space exploration. It provides opportunities for exploring the park and Planet Earth!
Rancocas Nature Center
794 Rancocas Rd
Westampton, NJ
Website
Cost: Free. $2/visitor suggested donation
Located on 210 acres of the Rancocas State Park with 3 miles of hiking trails through meadows, forest, and wetlands. The Center provides the area with a year-round variety of environmental education programs for all ages,
Scotland Run Park Nature Center
980 East Academy Street
Clayton, NJ.
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Nature Center is host to live animals that are native to Southern Jersey.They offer a variety of environmental education programs for all ages. The largest of Cumberland County parks, spanning more than 1,300 acres. Eighty-acre Wilson Lake offers passive recreation opportunities including fishing, boating and nature observation. There is also a handicapped accessible fishing pier in the boat launch area.
Wells Mills County Park & Nature Center
905 Wells Mills Rd. (Rt. 532)
Waretown, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Cost: Free
Located 900 acres of pine and oak forest within the Pine Barrens. There are miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, including a "VIP" (Visually Impaired Persons) Trail. The three-story Nature Center offers a display floor, a library, and the third floor "Elizabeth Meirs Morgan Observation Deck".
