Things To Do With Kids in Jersey City

Affectionately known as the Sixth Borough, Jersey City is the second-largest city in New Jersey. Just across the Hudson River from New York City, Jersey City is a destination all its own with a wealth of fun and exciting things to do for kids. From the Historic Downtown to Greenville, Marion to the Waterfront, plan your picture-perfect family getaway in America’s Golden Door.

Jersey City often plays second fiddle to New York, but you don’t have to cross the Hudson River to find the best things to do. Between the Historic Downtown Area and Six Flags alone you can fill a whole vacation with exciting adventures. Check out a few of the most popular spots to visit:

  • Experience the sights and sounds of Historic Downtown Jersey City
  • Enjoy a day of thrill seeking at Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari
  • Take the ferry to Liberty Island to tour the Statue of Liberty
  • Ride the PATH train and explore the diverse neighborhoods
  • Learn about the storied history of the area at the Jersey City Museum

Jersey City is packed with educational and exciting things to do for the whole family. Whether your kids are sports fanatics or junior art critics, you will find plenty of things to do during your stay in Chilltown:

  • Watch a film or play in the restored Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theater
  • Root for the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center
  • Admire modern visual and performing arts exhibitions at Mana Contemporary
  • Stack your all-day breakfast high at Brownstone Diner and Pancake Factory
  • Catch a great new movie at the AMC Newport Centre 11

From exciting urban outings to restful walks through nature, you can choose your own adventure in Jersey City. From beautiful views of the New York skyline to great local restaurants and shops, sightseeing in Jersey City includes:

  • Visit the famous Jackie Robinson statue in Journal Square
  • Sample the best of local cuisine with Jersey Girls Food Tours
  • Soak up the beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park
  • Walk along the Erie Cut and admire the Bergen Arches
  • Take a break from the bustling city life along the Lincoln Park Nature Walk

Jersey City has many unique and exciting places to see in addition to a slew of classic family attractions. Explore all of the great family-friendly things to do like:

  • Hang out at the petting zoo and ride the train at Turtle Back Zoo
  • Play on the waterside playgrounds at Newport Green Park
  • Indulge your sweet tooth at the legendary Torico ice cream shop
  • Spend a day on the beach at Newport Green
  • Have some wet and wild fun on the splash pads at Berry Lane Park

Traveling through the city with a large group can be daunting, but there is always something exciting for your gaggle of kids in Jersey City. Thrill seekers and music lovers are right at home with activities like:

  • Visit the Farmer’s Market at Hamilton Park
  • Dance along to free live music every Wednesday at Groove on Grove
  • Take the go-karts for a spin at RPM Raceway
  • Lace up your blades for a day on the ice at Newport Skates
  • Play paintball or laser tag at Indoor Extreme Sports

With rich history and a diverse offering of museums and interactive learning centers, Jersey City is the perfect place to make learning fun. Check out some of the best educational activities like:

  • Explore the interactive exhibits and shows at the Liberty Science Center
  • Head to Paulus Hook for a tour of the Museum of Russian Art
  • Travel among the stars at the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium
  • Tour Jersey City City Hall and visit the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Memorial
  • Learn about Jersey City history at the Justice William Brennan Courthouse

It is easy to feel inspired among the bright lights of Jersey City. Help your kids get in touch with their creative side with world-class art, music and theater classes including:

  • Sign your future rock star up for a music class at A Sound Start
  • Your kids can be the star of the show during a lesson at The Acting Space
  • Explore your creative side during an art class at Tiny Greenhouse
  • Encourage your kids to explore their culinary artistry at Bambino Chef
  • Move to the beat during a dance lesson at Next Step Broadway

Rainy or cold weather do not stop the fun in Jersey City. From movies and indoor playgrounds to trampoline parks and bowling alleys, find the best of family-friendly indoor fun at places like:

  • Stop by story time or a movie screening at the Jersey City Public Library
  • Run, jump and climb through the obstacles at HudsonPlay
  • Reach for the sky at Launch Trampoline Park
  • Learn how to sew and make other crafts at Megan Avery Designs
  • Spend the afternoon bowling at Hudson Lanes