People love to say that having kids is priceless—but entertaining them certainly isn’t. Thankfully, New Jersey has plenty of cost-free ways to captivate kids without spending a penny.
Known for its walkable streets lined with eclectic retailers, delightful ice cream shops (like The Bent Spoon!), and diverse eateries catering to the multicultural tastes of both academics and residents, Princeton consistently charms both day-trippers and out-of-town visitors alike. What some don’t realize is how much family fun can be had at no cost.
Free to see: Stroll Princeton University’s gorgeous grounds, taking in the ivied Gothic-style halls, outdoor sculptures, a stunning chapel, serene botanical garden, and always gratis Princeton University Art Museum (it’s currently closed but set to reopen in a new home on October 31). Then head to the Princeton Public Library for assorted literacy, STEM, and art-inspired activities, including the very cool Library of Things. This borrowable collection of non-traditional circulating If you plan your visit on a Wednesday, a free guided tour of Drumthwacket, the governor’s mansion, is a must. Advance registration is required, and parking is also free. Palmer Square, the town’s historic heart, offers unparalleled people-watching, weekly story times, and frequent free events.
Visit: Hours vary by location.
Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary
Mays Landing
For more than 20 years, Funny Farm has provided food, shelter, grooming, medical treatment, and freedom from abuse and neglect for more than 600 farm, domestic, and exotic animals. One of the Northeast’s largest rescues, it was founded by Laurie Zaleski in honor of her animal-devoted mom who never let financial struggles get in the way of helping creatures in need. In that spirit, Zaleski never charges families to visit (though donations are always graciously accepted).
See for free: On any given visit, guests may encounter goats, pigs, horses, sheep, donkeys, and other classic farm animals, or spy feathered friends such as geese, an emu, a cockatoo, and a bonded pair of swans. There are also adorable dogs and a 2,500-pound steer wandering the property. Every animal has a story; visit the website to read about how some of the residents went from lost to deeply loved.
Visit: Tuesday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum
Oradell
Set high on a hill overlooking the Hackensack River, this museum specializes in wildlife art, boasting one of the most extensive collections of its kind in the United States. Founded in 1957 to honor its namesake philanthropist, conservationist, and collector, education and preservation remain essential to the museum’s mission. Works from Blauvelt’s personal collection share space with contemporary pieces from current and past artists-in-residence.
Free to see: There are wild things everywhere, in a range of art styles from life-sized bronze lions to paintings of exotic game straight from the Serengeti. Visitors can explore two floors of paintings, illustrations, sculptures, and more from approximately 100 celebrated artists, including Carl Rungius, George E. Lodge, Frederic Remington, and prolific bird illustrator John James Audubon. Kids will especially love the upstairs collection of vintage taxidermy and the chance to see animals and nature brought vividly to life through art.
Visit: Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; weekends, 2 – 5 p.m.
Mount Tabor
Parsippany-Troy Hills
Did you step through a time portal? It’s not unusual for visitors to Mount Tabor to feel like they stumbled upon a scenic secret from a quaint bygone era. The hilly terrain, dotted with ornate Victorian buildings as well as various rustic structures, showcases architectural styles dating back to the mid-19th century. These structures were built during the early years of the unincorporated community, originally founded as a Methodist Church camp in that same era.
Free to see: Take the kids on a self-guided walking tour using your phone to scan QR codes at 20 signposts. Frolic in the community playground. Then hike the mile-long trail that stretches from the pond to the Parsippany Rock House, a massive, craggy formation featuring rare- petroglyphs. Prefer to plan ahead? Pop in for a kid-friendly activity hosted by Mount Tabor’s Garden Club or the small but mighty library. Visitors are also invited to attend one of the many free events hosted throughout the year, including the jubilant Children’s Day festival held each summer.
Visit: No set hours, but be mindful that it’s a residential community. The library is open Tuesday to Saturday; hours vary.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Morris County
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, located in Morris County, is a 7,700-acre, 12-square-mile sanctuary boasting wetlands, forests, and waterways. It was established in 1960 to provide a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Families can hike the swamp looking for all things soaring and slimy, including turtles, frogs, bugs, and birds (including the occasional Bald Eagle).
Free to see: The Wildlife Observation Center showcases exhibits, information, and up-close opportunities to explore the diverse habitats of the swamp’s many residents, while the assorted trails and springtime vernal pools mean endless opportunities to see amphibians and other seasonal residents. The just-for-kids Nature Detective Trail is a self-guided short loop path with 11 educational stops encouraging kids to tap into their senses. Rainy day blues? The Helen Fenske Visitor Center showcases exploring the refuge’s history, a children’s corner featuring crafts, coloring, and games, and a faux-real black bear that puts the roar in refuge.
Visit: Daily, dawn to dusk. Visitor Center: Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
William D. McDowell Observatory
Lyndhurst
Opened to the public in 2008 in partnership with Bergen Community College, the William D. McDowell Observatory welcomes up to 15 would-be stargazers (age 10 and up) each Wednesday evening on a drop-in basis. Come on the early side and dress for the weather—access is first-come and the observatory is neither heated nor cooled.
Free to see: While waiting to enter the observatory, the staff will talk about astronomy and dish about the handmade, research-grade Classical Cassegrain telescope on deck (it’s super cool). Once the observatory’s six-meter dome retracts, depending on the day and weather conditions, guests may spy nearby celestial sights such as our moon, planets, and even the space station, along with star clusters, galaxies, nebulas and other deep-sky objects millions of miles from home.
Visit: Wednesdays, weather-permitting; hours vary by season (call the hotline at 201-460-4001).
Children’s Regatta Playground
West Orange
Ahoy, there! Part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, the Children’s Regatta Playground and adjacent waterfront area offer something the complex’s other fantastic attractions (i.e., Turtle Back Zoo, Treetop Adventure Course) do not — the fun is totally free! Located within the expansive 2,000-acre South Mountain Reservation, the nautical-themed space is both a local favorite and a destination for families looking for an elevated playground with a side of outdoor adventure.
Free to see: The ship-shaped play equipment includes slides, climbing walls, telescopes, tunnels, swings, seesaws, ropes, spinners, and more, catering to kids of various ages and abilities, while nearby Adirondack chairs allow for proper parental watch-keeping. Step to the Clipper Pavilion for a family picnic, then rally for a nature walk around the 1.7-mile loop that circles the Orange Reservoir.
Visit: Daily, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Riker Hill Art Park
Livingston
Riker Hill Art Park exemplifies New Jersey’s often quirky history. Dinosaurs once roamed the land. Colonial-era squatters were accused of practicing witchcraft in its woods. And in the 20th century, the Cold War was fought from here, as it was one of several missile launch sites throughout the country. Today, the land has something far less spooky or scary — a colorful, self-supporting, 30+ studio artists complex offering classes, events, and a bi-annual open house allowing the public to purchase art and watch the artists at work.
Free to see: Visit the observation deck — the highest point in Essex County — for spectacular sunset views and info about the park’s military history. As you explore the winding walkways and open green spaces, you’ll spy the numerous stunning large-scale sculptures and installations that dot the park. Visitors can also check out the 16-acre fossil site with its preserved dinosaur tracks, the lush community garden, and this must-see: a stenciled walking labyrinth designed by Artist Asha Ganpat that reveals itself on dewy mornings or after rainfall.
Visit: Daily, dawn to dusk.
At first glance, Big Brook Park may seem like an ordinary, if idyllic, green space with diverse habitats and recreational options. Assorted nature trails offer a range of terrains that cater to a wide spectrum of hiking and biking abilities. What makes it truly special, however, is that the park’s namesake waterway cuts through the 400+ acre property in just the right way to continually reveal an abundance of vestiges from 70 to 100 million years ago.
Free to see: Fossils! Guests wielding sifters can gently search the stream bed and gravel bars to uncover small Cretaceous-era items, including fossilized shark teeth, ammonites, marine reptiles, shells, and even the rare remnant of land dinosaurs. Major paleontological finds and modern items of value must be reported and turned in, otherwise it’s finders keepers — or, at least what can fit into a sandwich-sized bag (per-day limit; check the website for all rules). For a certain kind of dino-devotee, this will be the best day ever.
Visit: Park opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes from 8-9 p.m. depending on the season.
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center
Madison
For more than 80 years, St. Hubert’s has been at the forefront of helping animals in need by facilitating adoptions and fosters, and helping families with their pets needs. Programs are supported by doggie daycare and training, a drop-in sniff spot, kids’ camps, and more, but our favorite fun (and free) way to support St. H is through their “field trips” program. Founded in 2018, the program clocked 900 outings in 2024.
Free to see: Dogs in need of a break! Sign up to take a rescue on a joy ride or a trip to the dog park, or simply a snuggle on your couch — it’s totally up to you. Field trips are offered daily 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (just in time for adoption hours) and size preferences are taken into consideration (but please step up and take a big dog). Best part? The socialization and personality feedback make pup participants more likely to find a forever home.
Visit: Field trips offered daily from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; see website for adoption hours.
Van Vleck House & Gardens
Montclair
Fun fact: The Brooklyn to Montclair pipeline has been a thing way longer than you might think. Case in point, wealthy businessman Joseph Van Vleck Sr. left the city for the suburbs more than 140 years ago, building a glorious Italianate villa that is now one of Montclair’s loveliest museums and garden showcases.
Free to see: The gorgeous grounds are always free to explore. Stop by the Smith Visitor Center to pick up themed scavenger hunt printouts and check out the Landrum Butterfly Garden located right behind it. Stroll the literary-themed storybook trail surrounding the edible garden, then head for the interactive fairy trail along the upper Montclair border, where buckets of twigs, rocks, and other materials are made available for kids to add their own contributions. Self-guided audio tours can also be accessed online and include a 12-stop tour designed just for kids.
Visit: Daily, dawn to dusk.
Liberty State Park
Jersey City
Opened in 1976, the park spans 1,200 acres of green fields, beautiful waterfront, all-ages recreation areas, walking and biking paths, historical sites, and Empty Sky, New Jersey’s official 9/11 memorial. An urban respite beloved for picnics, playtime, and community events, it boasts what many would say is the best view in the world (we’re biased).Plus, it’s home to Liberty Science Center, and the only Garden State access point for visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Free to see: Learn about NJ’s immigration history at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, which sits to the park’s north. Major planned revitalization projects will soon transform LSP…including a renovation of the dilapidated train shed, so be sure to see it while you can. Stroll or bike along the two-mile promenade with a pit stop at the fabulous sea-themed playground—both offer priceless NYC skyline and Hudson River views. Stop by the Nature Center (daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) for eco-themed exhibits, then explore the unique wildlife that calls the adjacent 30-acre marsh area home. Need more to do? See what’s docked at the 250-slip marina landing and go fishing and crabbing. A free shuttle lets you explore points of interest—and give tired little legs a break.
Visit: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Batsto Village
Burlington County
Living in the past takes on new meaning at Batsto Village, which dates to 1766, and is known for both its scenic South Central Pinelands setting and its importance to New Jersey (and American) history. A once-thriving commercial and residential village — first known for iron production, then glass — continued to have residents as late as 1989. More than 30 buildings remain, giving visitors an authentic look at how we once lived, including the centerpiece, a 32-room Italianate mansion that generations of wealthy industrialists once called home.
Free to see: Stop by the museum in the Visitor Center to learn about the town and view exhibits showcasing vintage items owned by residents. You can also embark on a tour around the historic village loop. The easy mile-long trail leads to points of interest, including the old general store, gristmill, ice and milk house, farm and horse stables, Blacksmith and Wheelwright Shops. The post office is one of the four oldest still operating in the U.S. It’s so old, in fact, that it doesn’t have a zip code and mail is still hand-cancelled! Kids especially love the nature center, which hosts programs and displays on local wildlife and plant life, and exploring the lake created by the hydraulic dam. Visiting the village is always free, however there may be a parking fee depending on the day or season.
Visit: Daily dawn to dusk; Visitor Center 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
New Jersey’s very first zoo still reels in the crowds! It was founded in 1934 with just a small deer exhibit. Originally known as the Bridgeton Zoo, it was later renamed to honor the Lenape people who once inhabited the area. Today, the Cohanzick Zoo, which is located within the 1,000-acre city park, features winding walking paths and diverse habitats, with the meandering Cohansey River flowing through it. An old-fashioned water wheel adds an extra dose of retro charm, while a growing collection of animal statuaries adds a whimsical touch to the setting. Until the 1970s, the zoo was more akin to a petting zoo. It has since grown into a beloved institution known for its commitment to education, conservation, and keeping admission and parking free for all. Donations, though, are always welcome and appreciated. With no full-time concessions available, guests are welcome to pack snacks (a sure-fire money saver)—just don’t feed the animals!
Free to see: Approximately 100 animals, from exotic mammals to majestic birds from all across the globe. Visitors may see: Bengal tigers, leopards, cougars, lemurs, gibbons, a wallaby, plus pigs, hogs, a couple of owls, and a black Asiatic bear named Holly. While special events are held throughout the year, summertime brings two fan favorites: a splash pad for keeping cool, and daily interactive zookeeper-led chats that give visitors insight into the park’s most intriguing residents.
Visit: Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Spring and Summer) and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Fall and Winter). Check the website for holiday and weather-related closures.
Jennifer Kantor is a New Jersey-based parenting and lifestyle writer.
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