Kids’ Indoor spaces in Jersey City, Secaucus, Elizabeth and Manhattan

While winter has its own charm and associated romance, it also has some challenges. As any parent of young kids will lament, when it gets too cold outside, there’s only so much one can do to keep the kids engaged in activities. Staying home is not a recommended option all the time, what with the energetic kids and the exhausted parents.  Here are some ideas to keep you and the kids busy. Check out the list of places with kids’ indoor spaces in and around Jersey City

Kids’ Indoor Spaces in Jersey City

Liberty Science Center

We know that Liberty Science Center is a great place to bring the kids to. LSC Winter Fest is in full swing! Glide around the expanded and improved Sock Skating Rink, with fluffy “snowball” fights every hour! Enjoy shows in America’s biggest planetarium. Seasonal labs and science shows are included with your admission.  It’s a perfect kids’ indoor play area in Jersey City. They also offer regular birthday parties for children ages 1 – 12!

Jersey City Public Library

The Vincenzo Domenico Bonetti II Room at the main branch of Jersey City Public Library (472 Jersey Avenue in downtown JC) offers many free events and activities for older children. There are always crafts, art, movies and so much more going on! Take your kids in to get their free library card.

Letting them choose books on their own and being responsible for bringing them back on time is great practice for them! Children of any age can get a card, but children under 14 need a parent with them. For residents of Jersey City that are high school-aged and older, you must show a photo ID and proof that you live in Jersey City (an official bill addressed to you at your JC address). Parents may apply for a card for their child. Click here for an application and bring it into any branch with the proper identification. Plus, there are computers available for children to use.

Free Swimming at Pershing Field Pool

Pershing Field Pool is located in Pershing Field Park. It’s an indoor pool starting at 3.5 feet to 12 feet deep. We are a 6-lane pool, 25 meters (1 lap) distance. A small Parking lot is available. Please check online before visiting since inclement weather might result in the pool being closed.

Saint Peter’s Swimming Pool

Children of all ages can sign up for lessons or you can get a family pool membership and children can swim during the designated swim times all year long at the Saint Peter’s Swimming Pool. Swim lessons are available. Please check their website. They have some restrictions, which include –
No child under the age of five years is allowed in the pool.
Children between the ages of 5 and 10 years old may use the pool, but must be accompanied by an adult who is in the water with them at all times.
Children over the age of 10 must still be accompanied by an adult. The adult however, does not have to be in the water, but must be present on the pool deck.
Only the low board is available for use by anyone under the age of 18. The high board is only opened at the discretion of Recreational Life Center management.

Pole Position – This location has Closed

If you have a child who feels the need for speed this is the place for you! Pole Position is an indoor go-kart racing facility located on Caven Point Road right here in Jersey City. The facility offers a snack bar and arcade, in addition to non-stop racing fun! Stop in for Arrive and Drive racing.

You walk in on a first-come, first-served basis. They offer a Youth Race for children 58 inches or taller ($20/member and $25/non-member) and Junior Races for children 48 inches – 56 inches ($18/member and $22/non-member). Each racer must purchase a temporary race license for $5.

They also offer birthday party packages for children between the ages of 8 and 18 years. They offer two party packages and some customization options, plus they can customize your entire event. The Rookie Package starts at $40/person and each racer gets one standard junior race, pizza, soft drink, invitation, and $5 arcade card. You will receive 1 hour of use of the private party room and a free t-shirt for the birthday racer.

Kids’ Indoor Spaces in East Rutherford

American Dream is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Feel the excitement of making memories at this place for indoor family entertainment. Discover endless excitement with unique attractions and family-friendly activities to experience! This place can keep kids entertained for the whole day.

Kids’ Indoor Spaces in Elizabeth

IKEA

And you thought it was just for buying furniture! IKEA is a great place to take the kids for an outing on a cold winter day. Kids can jump out some energy and play on the toys in the kid’s area. The Ballroom Play Area is supervised and kids of heights 37” – 48” who are potty-trained can play. Kids can stay for up to an hour (sometimes a 30-minute time limit if they are busy). Plus, IKEA offers convenient parking for families and the restaurant is great for families with kids of all ages.

The restaurant faces Newark Airport, so you can keep the kids busy by watching the planes as you eat. There is also a kiddie eating area complete with little chairs and tables and a TV that sometimes shows children’s movies. Plus, there are affordable kid menu options and don’t forget the frozen yogurt by the checkout before you leave!

Jersey Gardens Outlets

Not far from IKEA, Jersey Gardens outlet mall has a bunch of kid’s stores, a huge food court, play areas for younger kids, and an arcade with games and rides for older kids. The arcade called Jeepers has games, rides, and food (mainly for older kids). Plus there is a play area with rides. A huge bonus is that 16 Handles just opened up a location here. Kids of all ages (including me) love to choose their frozen yogurt flavors and all the toppings! They also have events for kids throughout the year, so check their website for information.

Kids’ Indoor spaces in Newark

Newark Museum

Newark Museum is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Jersey City and they offer events and exhibits for kids of all ages and families throughout the year. Drop-in art and science programs are offered for various age groups. There are various activities in the galleries, including look/touch/learn exhibits and the Planetarium Gallery.

They have a teen program. The Explorers Program is a college, career, and life readiness program that enables Newark-area high school students to build essential skills and self-confidence through a curriculum that draws upon the Museum’s unique collections, resources, and staff. Check their website for details including timings and running programs before visiting.

Kids’ Indoor Spaces in Manhattan

American Museum of Natural History

NYC offers some of the best museums around. If there is one museum that enthralls children, it will the American Museum of Natural History. Any kid who is into dinosaurs will revel in the numerous Fossil Halls. Experience the Butterfly Conservatory and walk through a garden surrounded by butterflies!

See an IMAX or 3D movie like Mysteries of the Unseen World, which is now playing. Or check out the space show currently showing at Hayden Planetarium. (You must purchase a “General Admission Plus” ticket for Butterflies or Planetarium). The museum offers several on-site dining options, parking, and several gift shops throughout. There is even a link on the website to tailor your visit for various age groups here.

CompletePlayground

30 Broad St, New York

CompletePlayground is revolutionizing neuro-inclusive support by merging play, evidence-based practices and cutting-edge STEM learning, ensuring every child, regardless of ability, can develop and thrive. By uniting children through play, we advance the transformative evolution of Neuro Inclusion.
This is the first Inclusive Playground In Manhattan for Neurotypical and Neurodivergent children of all ages. CompletePlayground is a 40,000-square-foot facility designed for all children, with no boundaries—mental, physical, or genetic. This family center has Open Play, classes, and Birthday party options.
Join Complete Playground as a member and enjoy big savings on Open Play, exclusive class and event discounts (hosted by them), and the ability to bring guests along for the fun!
Best of all, 100% of proceeds support their mission to create the first and unique playgrounds uniting neurodivergent and neurotypical children all over the US.

There are so many Indoor Places to Play For Kids in Jersey City, if you want to plan a day with more activities and fun. After a day of activities, a visit to a cafe or restaurant is warranted. If parents wish to wind down by visiting a nearby bar, there are some kid-friendly bars is Jersey City.

Updated: Feb 3, 2025