Playgrounds
29 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Van Vorst Park0.2 mi from downtown
- Morris Square Park0.2 mi from downtown
- Paulus Hook Park0.3 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Jersey City with kids
7 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Jersey City, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Liberty Science CenterScience museum
- MORA Museum of International ArtArt museum
- Museum of Jersey City HistoryLocal history museum
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Jersey City Public Library472 Jersey Avenue
- Pavonia Branch326 Eighth Ave.
- Lafayette Branch307 Pacific Ave.
Bakeries
7 local bakeries in Jersey City.
- Le Four Bakery & CafeJersey City
- Dulce De Leche BakeryJersey City
- Angel Azul Bakery CafeJersey City
Book stores
3 local book stores in Jersey City.
- WORD BookstoreJersey City
- Dungeon BooksJersey City
- Àbákẹ́ Books & CafeJersey City
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument1 mi south
- Governors Island National Monument2 mi southeast
- Statue Of Liberty National Monument2 mi south
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- National Parks of New York Harbor4 mi south
- Camp Gateway - Staten Island8 mi south
- Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook19 mi south
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Visit The Liberty Science Center
An activity Short shared by Strides & Scenes.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Water’s Soul in Jersey City
An activity Short shared by NJ.com.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Jersey City with kids?
Playgrounds (29), Indoor fun (24), Libraries (10), Bakeries (7), Book stores (3), Picnic spots (11), Wildlife and nature (15). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Jersey City for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Jersey City when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.