Are you looking for fun, free ideas that are close to home? New Jersey offers many attractions that fit the bill. I have compiled a list of some wonderful free things to do in New Jersey this summer.
Outdoor Activities
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is the perfect place to go for a stroll. Download their Atlantic City Boardwalk Walking Tour and learn more about the heart soul and backbone of Atlantic City. It's also a great place for bicycle riding.
The Cape May County Park Zoo is a medium sized zoo housed on 85 acres. It is located in Cape May, NJ. It features over 200 species including monkeys, tigers, bobcats, leopards, prairie dogs, raccoons, exotic birds, and reptiles. There is a picnic area on the premises as well as a playground. Admission is free, however, donations are greatly appreciated.
Cattus Island County Park is housed on approximately 530 acres of land in Toms River, NJ. It’s not a real island, however, it features walking trails, a butterfly garden, picnic areas, a playground and an environmental center.
The Cohanzick Zoo, which was established in 1934, is considered to be New Jersey’s first zoo. It is somewhat small. It sits on 15 acres of land and is home to approximately 100 animals.
Ponderosa Farm Park Sprinklers
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Swamp is not all swamp land. Instead, it is a mix of meadows, marshes, and woods. It is home to more that 200 different wildlife species. It is a great destination for nature lovers and photographers.
The great falls in Paterson are one of New Jerseys hidden wonders. It’s not often you find waterfalls right in the midst of a city. These 77-foot-high falls are the second highest falls in the Northeast.
The Hopewell Living Farm is a real working farm that portrays how a farm would operate in the early 1900’s. The staff wears period clothing as they demonstrate how to work on a farm was done in that era. Admission is free, however, there is a small fee for some activities.
Johnson Park Zoo
Johnson park zoo is really a small petting farm housed within Johnson Park in Piscataway, NJ. It is open daily from dusk until dawn and admission is Free.
Thompson Park Zoo
Thompson Park Zoo is another small petting farm/zoo. It is housed within Thompson Park. It is open from sunrise until sunset, all year long and admission is free.
The New Jersey Shore is a great place to go for a day trip. While most of the beaches charge a fee, Wildwood, North Wildwood and Atlantic City are FREE!
Museums
Princeton University Art Museum
The Princeton University Zoo is located on the campus of Princeton University. They have a large collection that dates back 128 years. Admission is free.
Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey
The Aviation Hall of Fame is a small museum that is jam packed with all types of air and space artifacts, including model airplanes.
The New Jersey State Museum is comprised of four museums. Its features include Archaeology/Ethnology, Cultural History; Fine Art; and Natural History. The museum also houses an 150 seat planetarium.
The Heritage Glass Museum has taken on the task of preserving and promoting the legacy of South Jersey’s glass-making history.
I am hoping that this list of free things to do in New Jersey is helpful. If you know of any more please feel free to share them in the comments below.
