Free Things to do in New Jersey

New Jersey is a state filled with plenty to enjoy! From lighthouse chasing at the Jersey Shore to walking along the scenic Hudson River in Hoboken and Jersey City, you’d be amazed by how many free things there are to do in NJ.

New Jersey is in the Northeast of the United States and part of the Tri-State region. It is also considered a Mid-Atlantic state featuring 130 miles of coastline. Abraham Browning gave New Jersey its nickname, the Garden State. New Jersey is diverse with beaches, cities, countryside, suburbs, museums, cultural centers and more.

Even though New Jersey isn’t cheap, there are plenty of things to do when you’re on a budget! In this article, discover the best things to do in NJ for free during the summertime.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.

Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

Traveling to Visit Free Places in NJ :

Traveling to and around the Garden State to experience the best cheap things to do in NJ can easily be done via public transportation through NJ Transit or your own vehicle.

The main airport to fly into New Jersey is Newark Liberty International Airport. Other airports in the Tri-State area to fly to and from are Atlantic City International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.

Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.

Fun Things to do in NJ for Free:

Hike Ramapo Valley County Reservation:

Hiking at the Ramapo Valley County Reservation is one of the best free activities in Mahwah, New Jersey, off Route 202 in Bergen County. The parking lot for the reservation is right off the main road and is a short walk to the main hiking trails. In fact, it’s one of the top things to do in New Jersey in the summer!

During the summer, Ramapo Reservation thrives with locals and visitors. It’s 3,313 acres and includes 13 hiking trails that can be enjoyed as a day hike or a small adventure. What is excellent about Ramapo Valley County Reservation is that it connects to Ringwood State Park to the west, Ramapo Mountain State Forest to the southwest and Camp Glen Gray to the south.

The reservation has lakes, ponds, waterfalls, overlooks and incredible biodiversity to admire. It’s one of the best free things to do in North Jersey. The best trails to enjoy at Ramapo Reservation are the Ramapo Valley Ridge Overlook, an easy trail; Vista Loop Trail, a moderate trail; and Ramapo Schuber and Ridge Loop Trail, which is a challenging trail.

In addition to hiking, there are a lot of recreational areas at Ramapo Valley County Reservation. You can go camping, fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Please note that if you go camping, you must have a permit and all fishers must be able to present a NJ State Fishing License. The Ramapo Reservation also has canoe and kayak access to the Ramapo River.

By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child

Visit Weehawken Dueling Grounds:

One of the best free things to do in New Jersey is to visit the Weehawken Dueling Grounds in Hudson County. Facing the Hudson River, with beautiful views of New York City, you can walk around and see where Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s infamous duel took place in 1804.

Throughout the 1700 and 1800s, duels were fought at this spot to defend one’s honor. Hamilton and Burr had long been political rivals. The reason for the duel was supposed to be negative comments Alexander Hamilton made about Aaron Burr.

Today, the Weehawken Dueling Grounds are marked by a small, gated area and bust of Hamilton. Within the gated area is the boulder Hamilton’s head rested on after his duel with Burr.

Additionally, the view of Manhattan from the dueling grounds is spectacular! It’s situated on a hill that offers sweeping views of the entire western side of New York City. The view alone is worth a visit to this site.

The Weehawken Dueling Grounds are accessible from New Jersey and Manhattan by public transportation. They’re also accessible by car and parking is easy to find. It’s located off Route 495 on Kennedy Boulevard. You can also take the Light Rail and NY Waterway to Weehawken. Enjoy your free visit to this historic site!

By Chelsea of Adventures of Chels

Make Memories in Asbury Park:

Asbury Park is a beach town in Central New Jersey in the Northern part of the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County. You must take Exit 102 off the Garden State Parkway to reach Asbury Park. (There is also a train that goes to Asbury Park.) Back in the day, it competed with Atlantic City as a resort town, but now its boardwalk and beach are a chill and fun place to spend a free day out.

Walking the boardwalk is one of the best free things to do in NJ. Start at the Asbury Park Convention Hall at one end, stroll past the beachfront with numerous shops and restaurants and conclude at the lovely copper-clad Carousel Building.

A unique feature of Asbury Park’s boardwalk is that it isn’t filled with the usual hot dog and t-shirt stands. Instead, it’s a thriving community of cute shops, good restaurants and art galleries overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The famous beach town also hosts numerous events on the boardwalk and has a yearly oyster fest called the Asbury Fest in September. The weekend event highlights the fresh seafood from the area and local vendors.

Asbury Park is famous for its music scene. Locals and visitors head to clubs like The Stone Pony for excellent live music throughout the year. Many big-named musicians like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi have played at The Stone Pony. Springsteen named one of his albums after the town – Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ.

Spending a day at the beach is much fun during a New Jersey summer, but Asbury Park is also fun for year-round festivities. The crowds at Asbury Park aren’t crazy and hearing the waves crash onto the shore is relaxing. Plus, there is no shortage of photogenic spots, from historic buildings to street art.

By Bernadette of Explorer Chick

Stroll through Hoboken and Jersey City:

Another one of the best things to do in NJ for free is to wander through Hoboken and Jersey City in Hudson County, NJ.

The walkway along the ­­Hudson River offers the most beautiful views of New York City, making a stroll along the water a popular activity for locals and tourists! The best views are from the Exchange Place area, where One World Trade towers over lower Manhattan. There are many benches and seating areas along the pathway to relax with a partner or friend during the summer months.

For morning people, walking along the waterfront during dawn provides an even more stunning view as the sunrises over the NYC skyline are often dramatic. For nighttime folks, witnessing NYC lit up against the night sky offers a different ambiance that is just as breathtaking as the daytime. It’s one of the best free things to do in Jersey City!

There are open lawns and picnic areas to relax at, such as Hoboken’s Pier C and Elysian Park along with Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. Both Hoboken and Jersey City also have incredible restaurants, food trucks and great places to shop!

Liberty State Park provides easy access to National Monuments – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These spots are in line with National Parks but have no admission fee.

Overall, this free and fun summer activity will leave you in awe. The best ways to get to Hoboken and Jersey City are by taking public transportation. You can take the NJ Transit train into Hoboken Terminal from other areas of New Jersey. Visitors can also take the PATH or Light Rail to Jersey City from there.

Those coming from Manhattan can also take the PATH train into both cities along with the NY Waterway ferry. For people who drive, you can get into Jersey City by taking Exit 14B off the NJ Turnpike and Exit 16E for Hoboken.

By Shar of Sightseeing Shar

Admire the Beauty at the New Jersey Botanical Gardens:

Another one of the best free things to do near me in NJ and a popular attraction for all ages is to wander through the New Jersey Botanical Gardens. It’s a beautiful spot for nature lovers near the historical landmark, Ringwood Manor, in Ringwood State Park of Passaic County.

The New Jersey Botanical Gardens are situated off Sloatsburg Road. You can get to this nature center by getting off at Exit 15A on I-87 in New York. You can also reach the gardens by taking Exit 55 off of I-287 in New Jersey.  

Overall, the New Jersey Botanical Gardens are some of the best flower farms and gardens to visit in the state. The best times to visit are spring and summer, when you can admire beautiful cherry blossoms, perennials, lilacs, wildflowers and more. It’s a romantic spot, making it a perfect place for an engagement proposal.

Since Ringwood State Park surrounds the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, it is a must to hike at this spot! The Ringwood Manor Trail is an easy, 3-mile loop that is a great adventure for all.

These breathtaking botanical gardens are also situated near Skylands Manor, which hosts special events year-round, from weddings to corporate parties.

By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child

Have Fun on the Atlantic City Boardwalk:

Atlantic City, located on Absecon Island in Atlantic County, New Jersey, was founded in 1853. While today, Atlantic City is best known for its gambling and grand casinos; it was initially known for its beaches and boardwalk.

To this day, Atlantic City’s 5.5-mile beachfront promenade remains the centerpiece of this summer resort and walking along it is one of the best things to do in Atlantic City, NJ for free.

Opening in 1870, Atlantic City’s boardwalk is the oldest in the United States and the longest in the world, even to this day! The boardwalk spans the area from Gardner’s Basin at the inlet to the beginning of Ventnor City.

A bike ride is one of the best ways to enjoy the AC boardwalk. Remember, though, that bikes must be off the boards by noon during the summer months. If you require a bike rental, you can get one at either Cycles of Life Boardwalk Bike Shop or North Beach Mini Golf and Bike Rentals.

Atlantic City, NJ, has become a year-round resort, but summer is undoubtedly its peak season. It boasts Steel Pier, where you can enjoy amusement park rides and arcade games, and it will soon open a water park! From May through September, visitors can take advantage of the city’s long, wide, sandy beaches that are fully protected by a professional lifeguard force. What is also great about visiting Atlantic City during the summer is that it remains one of the only free beaches on the New Jersey Coast.

You can get to Atlantic City by taking the NJ Transit bus, train or by driving. Atlantic City is located off Exit 48 on the Garden State Parkway.

By Susan of AC 365

Enjoy a Day at Cape May County Park & Zoo:

One of the most fun things to do in NJ for free is to visit Cape May County Park & Zoo located in Cape May, New Jersey in Cape May County. The County Park was created in 1963 by the government. The zoo came into the picture later in 1978.

To reach Cape May County Park & Zoo, take Route 9 towards Cape May Court House and then turn towards Exit 11 off the Garden State Parkway. Cross the traffic intersection to reach the zoo. There is free parking available in front of the entrance.

The park is located 20 minutes from the historic village of Cape May. It’s spread across 200 acres of land, which includes the zoo. The area covered by the zoo is around 85 acres. It’s home to over 550 animals with 250 species, making it one of the best zoos in South Jersey.

Visiting Cape May County & Zoo can be highly informative for children and adults interested in wildlife. The zoo became popular after the birth of snow leopards in different years. If you plan to stargaze in New Jersey, visit Cape May Lighthouse too!

In addition to animal viewing, visitors can enjoy a picnic on the park ground. There are also hiking and bike trails at Cape May County Park. It’s open year-round from 10 am to 3:30 pm. The best time to visit this park is in the summer and fall.

By Ruma of The Holiday Story

Learn about the Garden State at New Jersey State Museum:

Another of the best things to do for free in NJ is to visit the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, the capital, in Mercer County. You can get to this historical museum by taking I-95 to Route 195. From there, the museum is off Route 29.

During a trip to the New Jersey State Museum, you can admire fine art collections and learn about the Garden State and its history and archaeology. It’s an excellent place for the whole family to visit!

One of the most excellent parts of visiting the New Jersey State Museum is that you can look at data on humans that date back to prehistoric times. You can also learn about animals that have occupied the state.

The New Jersey State Museum is a great place for local NJ residents and an excellent spot to travel to from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child

Walk Around Garden State Plaza:

Another one of the best free things to do in New Jersey today through this weekend is to stroll through Garden State Plaza – one of the best malls in North Jersey.

This massive mall is in Paramus, NJ, in Bergen County and offers many activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy! Best of all, it’s completely free to visit, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.

Garden State Plaza is located on Route 17 in New Jersey, and you can easily get to it by taking the 163, 171, 175 and 709 NJ Transit buses. There is much parking at Garden State Plaza, along with garages and valet services.

Once you arrive at Garden State Plaza, you can take part in some shopping! The mall has over 221 stores, ranging from luxury boutiques to department stores and budget-friendly retailers. Whether you’re in the market for high-end fashion or want to browse the latest trends, you’ll find something to catch your eye.

In addition to shopping, Garden State Plaza boasts a fantastic food court and numerous restaurants like Grand Lux Café to Shake Shack. Most food vendors at Garden State Plaza offer free samples, making it an excellent opportunity to try new foods without spending any money on your day out.

Overall, Garden State Plaza is an excellent destination for anyone looking for fun, free activities in New Jersey. With its convenient location, renowned eateries and endless opportunities for shopping, it’s no wonder why this mall is a local favorite!

By Katie of Katie Caf Travel

Tour the Maritime Museum in LBI:

Tucked away in the quaint coastal town of Beach Haven in Long Beach Island, the New Jersey Maritime Museum is a must-visit for maritime enthusiasts. Located in Ocean County, NJ, this excellent museum features an impressive collection of artifacts highlighting New Jersey’s rich maritime heritage.

The Maritime Museum in LBI has free admission and it’s a great place to visit on a rainy day during summer down the shore! Visiting the New Jersey Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in NJ for free. Here, you will discover New Jersey’s seafaring past of more than 300 years. The collection is spread over two floors and includes various artifacts. Fascinating are the exhibits on shipwrecks, coastal guards and shark attacks.

Furthermore, an entire room is dedicated to the curious case of SS Morro Castle, a disaster that struck the ocean liner heading to New York City in 1934. Other notable exhibits include ship models, dive suits and navigational equipment. There is also a library featuring several maritime books.

Regular events are also held at the New Jersey Maritime Museum, including lectures, educational programs and tours of local historic sites. The museum is managed as a non-profit organization, funded by donors and run by volunteers.

Overall, the New Jersey Maritime Museum is a great educational experience that can easily keep you engaged for an hour or two. It’s a site that both solo travelers and families can enjoy!

Long Beach Island is a barrier island that is 18 miles long. It’s located off Exit 63 on the Garden State Parkway.

By Vidyut of Nomading Solo

See the Roses at Colonial Park:

If you’re a lover of colorful florals, then one of the best things to do in NJ for free is to visit a flower garden! Remember, there’s a reason why New Jersey is called the Garden State.

Colonial Park Rose Garden is one of the best free places in New Jersey. Located in the town of Somerset in Somerset County, Colonial Park Rose Garden is the best place to get an educational experience! You can learn about roses and their varieties, and gardeners can choose different types suitable for their at-home gardens.

The Colonial Park Rose Garden and Arboretum were once part of the Mettler Estate. It was also a working farm at one point. Overall, you can find a variety of roses in the garden, from modern hybrid roses to tree roses as well as roses that were popular before WWII. Also, the park has numerous nature trails to enjoy on a beautiful summer day!

You can easily get to Colonial Park by taking Exit 12 off I-287 in Central New Jersey. During late June into early July, you can also visit Hidden Spring Lavender Farm in Skillman, NJ, which is also part of Somerset County. Hidden Spring Lavender Farm is around a 20-minute drive from Colonial Park. It’s free to enter on Saturdays and Sundays!

By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child

Take in the Nature at Cape May Point State Park:

History, nature, wildlife and loads of fun, all in one place! That’s what Cape May Point State Park offers, and the best part? It doesn’t cost anything to enter, making it one of the best free places to go in New Jersey!

Sitting on the Southern point of the Cape May Peninsula, where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet, the park comprises 224 acres of unique landscape, including meadows, ponds, forests, dunes and beach lines. The park is just a short, 10-minute drive outside the historic village of Cape May.

The best way to reach Cape May, New Jersey is by car. It’s located within a few hours of many major cities, including Philadelphia, New York City and Atlantic City. It’s also the last exit on the Garden State Parkway!

The best time to visit Cape May Point State Park is the summer, but if you’re a bird watcher, October is a great time to see different species in their natural habitats. One of the many reasons why you should visit here is because it boasts many fun outdoor activities, including hiking, sunbathing, bird watching, fishing, picnicking and more. There is also a historic WWII bunker and ranger-led educational programs.

Cape May Point State Park also has three great walking trails, including the 0.5-mile Red Trail, the 1.5-mile long Yellow Trail and the 2-mile long Blue Trail. You can stroll along the beach, but swimming is not permitted.

Another reason visiting Cape May Point State Park is one of the best things to do in NJ for free is that it features the beautiful and still active Cape May Lighthouse! The lighthouse stands at 157 feet with 199 stairs that visitors can climb. Please note that although entering the park when you first walk through the Visitor Center is free, there is a fee to climb the lighthouse.

However you choose to spend the day, Cape May Point State Park will surely be a memorable experience for all ages!

By Melissa of Navigation Junkie

Love New Jersey? Check out these other great articles!

8 Best Beaches with Boardwalks in New Jersey

A Weekend Escape to Cape May, New Jersey

60 Best Northern New Jersey Restaurants

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best things to do in NJ for free this summer. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NJ State Capital: Trenton, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my New Jersey Summer Look:

Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!