Jersey City has amazing playgrounds and parks for children of all ages. So step out and enjoy the sunshine with the little ones.

Watch A Movie At A Local Drive-In Movie Theatre

Drive-in movies have become a real hot spot since the pandemic. This is a fun activity with the family and a safe way to enjoy another move to get you and the kids out of the house. Luckily, a few drive-in movies near Jersey City continue to play your favorite movies! Here is a complete guide to them.

Experience A Drive-thru Safari Experience

As theweather improves, we know it is critical to keep the kids busy and venture out to do different activities with the entire family. If you are interested in a fun activity for the kiddos, drive-thru zoos are must go. The kids will enjoy this animal-filled experience. Check this guide out on our website.

Have Fun With Farm Animals

If you have small children who love animals or you’re interested in having an animal-filled experience to remember, a petting zoo or pony ride might be the perfect place to take your little ones!  You will create unforgettable memories of feeding and learning about all types of animals. Then, have fun with farm animals by checking this guide. 

Take Your Furry Friend To The Park

As the weather changes, our furry friends need fresh air. So take your pup to a local dog park.

Check Out A Garden Near Jersey City

Are you looking for an activity where you can connect with nature this summer? Near Jersey City, gorgeous and luscious gardens are open to the public. We have created a complete guide on it here. 

Head to Governors Island

We know that families are always looking for new, fun, exciting places to visit during summertime. Governors Island, New York, is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. So if you want to escape the daily city life without going too far, check out Governors Island, New York. With a ton of exciting activities for the family, beautiful views, good food, and so much more, you can have a perfect weekend here. More information here. 

Get Some Baked Goodies From A Local Bakery 

When it comes to fresh baked goods or the most delicious desserts, Jersey City bakeries do not disappoint! One great thing about a city as vibrant as Jersey City is that within each neighborhood, there’s a great bakery filled with an array of bread and pastries. Therefore, we have created this list of the best 15 bakeries you have to check out.

Check Out A Local Zoo or Aquarium 

You don’t have to travel very far to find educational and fun activities near Jersey City; there are many great zoos and aquariums nearby to keep your family entertained all season long. Check out our list of some of the best ones to spend quality time with your family while also learning about wildlife!

Check Out A Beer Garden

Sometimes there is nothing like sitting outside, drinking a beer, and enjoying a fantastic view on a warm summer day or evening. Luckily, we have several Beer Gardens in Jersey City to choose from. Each has some great beer and delicious foods; most are kid and family-friendly! Check the list here.

Visit A Beautiful Lake

We know how much families want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors as the weather gets warmer. Luckily, there are endless opportunities to make unforgettable memories and experiences. New Jersey has some of the best lakes and clean water for swimming, sailing, fishing, paddle boarding, and even kayaking. Check out the list we’ve created for you of New Jersey’s most beautiful lakes.

Play Mini Golf

Nothing screams summer like mini-golf! It is the perfect activity to do with the family and kids. Luckily, there are a ton of mini-golf places that you can visit near Jersey City. Make a full day out of it as most businesses have lots of other activities like swings, games, vending machines, food, and some with gorgeous views. Pick one from our guide here.

Visit Furry Alpacas

There is nothing cuter than going and visiting these furry, adorable alpacas with the kids. There are many petting zoos and zoos around Jersey City, but if you want to meet these beautiful creatures, check out these farms. We have created this guide of the ten alpaca farms to visit near Jersey City.

Visit a Waterpark

There are heaps of indoor and outdoor water parks around Jersey City. But did you know that an hour or two of driving will land you in some fabulous water park getaways? We have a complete guide here.

Ride A Carousel

There are many exciting things for kids to do, like mini-golf, thrill rides at amusement parks, and waterparks, but there is something unique and magical when you hop on a pretend pony and ride a carousel. Even babies love an excellent merry-go-round! The Jersey City/New Jersey area offers some of the dreamiest carousels.

Go Camping

There are a lot of reasons to go camping. The most important one is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city but also to get a break from your wired devices to enjoy nature. A perfect activity to enjoy with your family or friends, there are many places to go camping near Jersey City that would make it an ideal exercise in June. We have a complete guide here. 

Watch A Movie In The Park

Movies in the parks are back in Jersey City and Hoboken. So enjoy a movie under the stars curled up in a blanket and enjoy a movie with the family. We have the complete guide to filming in the park here.

Treat Yourself To Ice Cream

Jersey City is filled with yummy ice cream spots you can check out after an activity-filled day. There are many ice cream places to choose from in Jersey City, and each shop offers something a bit different in taste, flavor, and shop atmosphere. Check this list here.

Visit Little Island At Pier 55, New York

Little Island in New York City is a new, accessible public Park pier within the larger Hudson River Park. They opened to the public on May 21, 2021. It is a 2.4-acre public park in Hudson River Park on the West side of Manhattan. Components of the pier, nestled among more than 350 species of flowers, trees, and shrubs, include a 687-seat amphitheater, an intimate stage and lawn space, and dazzling views of other portions of Hudson River Park, New York City, and the Hudson River.

Visit Lavender Fields

With summer comes lavender season too. Once June hits, Lavender fields are filled with beautiful and luscious-smelling lavender. Lavender farms are a must-visit; luckily, there are a few in New Jersey that you can check out with the family. There are many other activities at these farms, which would make it a great day for the whole family! Check out this list of all the Lavender fields near Jersey City.

Go Strawberry Picking 

 

If you are looking for a fun and active way to get the whole family outside in the summer sun, give strawberry picking a try! There are plenty of strawberry-picking farms around Jersey City, NJ, so you have no shortage of options. We have a complete guide of farms to visit for strawberry picking near Jersey City. 

Go Blueberry Picking 

If you are looking for a fun and active way to get outside, blueberry picking can be a perfect way! There is a ton of blueberry picking and fruit picking around Jersey City. We have a complete guide listed here.

Pick Your Own Fruits and Vegetables 

Summer is officially here, and picking your own fruits is a big part! Pick-Your-Own fruit is a fun activity to get the whole family outside and some fresh produce for your house.

Go on a Boat Ride/Cruise With Your Child

When summer hits, parents always look for unique and fun activities for kids. Cruise rides for kids are a different and memorable experience. Boat rides and cruises are not just for adults. Make an adventure out of the day with the little ones, and get on board for some unlimited fun! Check the guide out here. 

Go Pick Some Delicious Peaches 

Just like our posts about picking your own blueberries and strawberries around Jersey City, there is an abundance of farms to pick your own peaches as well. As we are entering the peach season, the fruits are super sweet, juicy, and fresh. So to ensure you are getting the freshest peaches possible, we suggest you take out the family and pick your own. Check out the guide here. 

Visit a Sunflower Farm 

Sunflowers are the happiest flowers on Earth, and they are gorgeous, especially an entire field of them. So before the peak season of sunflowers end, make sure to visit a local farm! Not only are they beautiful to look at, but you can also even get the most stunning photos and create memories with your loved ones. Some of these farms are doing tours, and some are offering pick-your-own. Check out this complete list of all the sunflower farms near Jersey City.

Go Glamping 

We have all heard of camping, but have you ever gone glamping? Glamping is the more luxurious way of camping! Why sleep on the ground when you can snuggle beneath a comfy blanket under the stars in a queen size bed? Glamping is the perfect getaway to enjoy the experience of camping but with a bit of added ease. Lucky for you, there are some great spots near Jersey City where you can go glamping. Check out the guide here. 

Thankfully, Jersey City is filled with infinite possibilities on what to do, places to see, and foods to eat. If you feel like learning about the history of winemaking and how wine is made, consider a one or two-hour excursion to one of the wineries in New Jersey. Then, capture the summertime vibe by planning a trip to a lavender farm or sunflower fields and bring home fresh lavender, sunflowers, and handmade products. Looking to stay close to home? Explore one of the many parks or dine at top restaurants in the state’s most diverse city, Jersey City. 

Updated Aug 22, 2025