Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City in this Fall (that you didn’t think of!)
Families who live in Jersey City are fortunate to be a stone’s throw away from many Fall activities. You can find everything from an apple-picking orchard along the road, a corn maze, or an expansive Pumpkin Patch. Below, you will not find a list of these typical activities, but rather a list of Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City, that are a little less typical, but just as fun!
Keansburg Amusement Park
First on the list of Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City is a place that is 40 minutes away from Jersey City, but worth the drive. Fall is the perfect season for families to visit this amusement park. It is the closest boardwalk to Jersey City. From go-carts to toddler rides, and even a thrilling roller-coaster. This amusement park is not crowded during the offseason, and fall temperatures make it perfect for families to enjoy a day trip. Be sure to check their fall hours here before you leave home, as they may not be open in inclement weather, or if there are too few people at the park. What better way to visit an amusement park than for families to have a ride all to themselves?
Ramsey Farmers Market
Approximately 30 minutes from Jersey City, this is not your mother’s farmers market and is not to be missed. The market’s size and variety make it unique among farmers’ markets and earn it a spot on the list of Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City This Fall. This market boasts abundant fall produce, arts and crafts, and delectable food cooked on the spot. Even the furry four-legged members of the family will find something to eat (dogs are allowed and encouraged). Yes, Jersey City has its own market, but this one is worth the short drive every weekend through November.
Liberty State Park
What’s the best time to visit? Hands-down, the answer is, in the fall! What compliments picturesque views of New York City and Harbor? Why fall foliage of course, and cool refreshing temperatures? The playground alone, with its vast and accessible structures, and panoramic New York City views would be enough to make this trip worth it any day. Be not discouraged if you have been here many times already, there is more to be discovered: For example, the Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area offers several nature hikes along its well-preserved estuary that are walkable even for the youngest members of the family.
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale NJ
Its charming placement on a picturesque hillside or the scent of fresh-made doughnuts mingled with warm apple cider. Demarest is one of the best things to do for families near Jersey City this season. Needless to say, it is worth the 30-minute trip from Jersey City. Not only is it a standout farm, but easily makes our list of the Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City this Fall.
Rutgers Gardens
Approximately a 40-minute drive from Jersey City. The picturesque botanical garden makes a special place on the list, not only because of free admission but because of its many flower-lined paths; the perfect antidote to the crowded streets of downtown Jersey City! Fall at Rutgers Gardens renders spectacular colors and unrivaled foliage. There are secret spots for picnics, Frisbee throwing, and perhaps a family game of hiding and seek.
Echo Lake Park
This Union County gem makes the list of Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City this Fall because well, it is brimming with live Turtles! It’s unique and charming and about 35 minutes from downtown Jersey City. Echo Lake Park’s fall foliage is beautiful. Activities for families include paddle boating, (through October), hiking trails, a playground, and walks around a waterfall and large stream, (that boasts turtles and fish). This is definitely one of the 7 Best Things to Do With Families Near Jersey City this Fall!
Palisades Interstate Park
This well-known, but perhaps under-appreciated park makes our list of Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City This Fall, simply because it offers some of the best views in the Northeast. The area is surrounded by tree-lined cliffs that paint an indelible and beautiful picture. It takes about 30 minutes to get here from Jersey City. In addition to the views here, there are a plethora of things to do for families, adaptable for any age. The vast greenery of ‘Ross Dock Picnic Area,’ perfectly perched by the foot of the George Washington Bridge, or for the ornithologists in your family, check out the annual Hawk Watch from September to November.
Now that it’s October, maybe already had your fill of Apple Picking excursions. Perhaps you have enough pumpkins in your house to last a lifetime. If any of that sounds familiar, consider our list of the Best 7 Things to Do with Families Near Jersey City This Fall. Let us know what you thought!
Updated September 20th, 2022
