Whether you have kids of your own or are babysitting someone else’s, we have you covered when it comes to fun things to do in Hudson County for kids. Here are some ideas for activities in Hoboken and Jersey City that are guaranteed to entertain your little ones this summer {and possibly you, too!}.
1. Eat some ice cream.
Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot summer day? Grab a cone from your local Mr. Softee truck or a dairy-free treat from Amanda Bananas. We also love Rita’s for a traditional Italian Ice, Bucket & Bay for gelato, or MilkSugarLove in Jersey City for an organic scoop.
2. Build a sand castle.
You don’t need to head to the beach to play in some sand. Enjoy the giant sandbox and water features at Pier C or at Newport Green.
3. Go Swimming.
Take your little one to the pool! For an indoor option, check out the family swim hours at the Sky Club or at Steven’s University. Or else, you’ll need to befriend someone living here.
4. Visit a playground.
Meet up with friends and burn off some energy {or the ice cream from item #1} at one of the many parks in Hoboken and Jersey City. In Hoboken, check out Elysian park which has communal toys or Church Square park which has different playgrounds for older and younger kids. We also love Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park in Jersey City.
5. Run through a sprinkler.
Pack your bathing suit and head to Jackson Street Park or Madison Street Park to play in the water features.
6. Join a soccer league.
Super Soccer Stars has drop-in classes at different locations around Hoboken almost every day of the week where you can practice your soccer skills with your kids.
7. Check out Hoboken Summer Enchanted Evenings.
This includes Family Fun Nights in Shipyard Park every Tuesday from 7-8pm.
8. Watch a movie under the stars.
Hoboken sponsors free outdoor movie screenings on Pier A in June, July and August at sundown. Check out the lineup, dates, and times here.
9. Beat the heat (and the rain).
When you need to get out of the mid-summer sun (or a summer downpour), plan some indoor fun like visiting Liberty Science Center or a puppet show at Puppetonia.
10. Go kayaking on the Hudson.
Visit the Hoboken Cove Boathouse for free kayaking on the Hudson. Open to kids of all ages as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
11. Visit a farmer’s Market.
Inspire your kids to eat Jersey Fresh at the Hoboken Farmer’s Market. Open Uptown every Thursday from 2-7pm and Downtown every Tuesday from 3-7:30pm. View a full list of markets in Hoboken and JC here.
12. Eat some BBQ.
Summer means grilling! And even the pickiest eaters can get on board with some summer BBQ. Visit House of Que on Sundays from 12-3 for some delicious food and live music.
13. Drink a glass of wine.
Okay, maybe leave the kids at home before you pick up the glass of Pinot Grigio. But after spending the day entertaining children, you deserve to treat yourself! Cheers!
There’s no doubt your Jersey summer will be packed with family fun activities. What did we miss on our list?
