10 Fun Things to Do for Free in NJ

New Jersey is a state full of natural beauty, vibrant cities, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a day trip in the city or a weekend getaway in nature, you can find something to do in NJ for free. From thrilling amusement parks to peaceful walks in the woods, here are 10 fun things to do for free in NJ.

1. Visit Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is one of the most popular parks in New Jersey, and is a great place to visit for a day of free fun. The park is located in Jersey City, and offers stunning views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and Ellis Island. You can take a walk along the 1.5-mile waterfront promenade, explore the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, and spend the day picnicking and sunbathing on the grassy lawns.

The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and biking. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great spot for families.

Liberty State Park is open year-round, and is a great place to spend a day outdoors without spending a dime.

2. Explore the Grounds of a Historic Mansion

New Jersey is home to many historic mansions, and many of them have sprawling grounds that are open to the public free of charge. One of the most popular mansions is the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, NJ. It is the former home of inventor Thomas Edison, and visitors can explore the grounds and view the historic buildings for free.

The grounds feature a variety of gardens, including a formal rose garden, a wildflower meadow, and an herb garden. Visitors can also explore the historic houses and laboratories on the property, and learn about Edison’s inventions and experiments.

The grounds are open year-round and offer a great way to explore NJ’s history and the life of Thomas Edison for free.

3. Take a Stroll Through a Nature Preserve

New Jersey is home to many nature preserves, offering visitors the chance to explore the state’s natural beauty. One of the most popular preserves is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, located in Morris County.

The refuge has over 6,000 acres of swamps, forests, and meadows, and is home to over 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can take a self-guided hike through the trails, or take a canoe trip on the Passaic River.

The refuge is open year-round, and offers a great way to explore NJ’s natural beauty without spending a dime.

4. See a Movie at the Beach

New Jersey is home to many beaches, and many of them offer free movies during the summer months. One of the most popular free movie nights is the Belmar Beach Movie Night, which takes place every Thursday night from June to August. Visitors can bring their beach chairs and blankets to the beach and enjoy a free movie under the stars.

The movies range from family-friendly to adult-oriented, and are sure to provide plenty of entertainment for everyone. Movies are shown on a large inflatable screen, and the beach also offers concessions and restrooms.

Belmar Beach Movie Night is a great way to spend an evening outdoors without spending a dime.

5. Take a Self-Guided Tour of a Historic Town

New Jersey is home to many historic towns, and many of them offer free self-guided tours. One of the most popular tours is the Historic Smithville Tour, which takes visitors through the streets of Smithville and showcases the town’s history and culture.

The tour takes visitors past historic homes, churches, and public buildings, and offers insight into the town’s history and culture. Visitors can also explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and galleries, and take a stroll along the boardwalk.

The tour is free and open to the public, and offers a great way to explore a historic NJ town without spending a dime.

6. Try Your Luck at the Casino

New Jersey is home to many casinos, and many of them offer free gaming activities such as slots, blackjack, and poker. One of the most popular casinos is the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The casino offers free gaming activities, as well as live entertainment, restaurants, and bars.

The casino also offers free tournaments and prizes, as well as free concerts and comedy shows. Visitors can also take a tour of the casino and learn about its history and culture.

The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is a great place to try your luck without spending a dime.

7. Visit a Local Museum

New Jersey is home to many museums, and many of them offer free admission. One of the most popular museums is the Newark Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits, including art, natural history, and science.

The museum offers a variety of educational programs, as well as interactive exhibits and activities for children. Visitors can also explore the museum’s gardens, which feature a variety of plants, trees, and flowers.

The Newark Museum is open year-round and offers a great way to explore NJ’s culture and history without spending a dime.

8. Spend the Day at a Beach

New Jersey is home to many beaches, and many of them offer free admission. One of the most popular beaches is Long Beach Island, which is located on the Jersey Shore. The beach offers a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

The beach also offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a boardwalk and an amusement park. Visitors can also take a stroll along the beach and take in the stunning views of the ocean.

Long Beach Island is open year-round and offers a great way to spend a day outdoors without spending a dime.

9. Take a Hike in a State Park

New Jersey is home to many state parks, and many of them offer free hiking trails. One of the most popular parks is Stokes State Forest, which is located in Sussex County. The park features over 15,000 acres of forests, streams, and lakes, and is home to a variety of wildlife.

The park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails, as well as camping and fishing areas. Visitors can also take a self-guided nature walk and explore the park’s many flora and fauna.

Stokes State Forest is open year-round and offers a great way to explore NJ’s natural beauty without spending a dime.

10. Take in the Views at a Lighthouse

New Jersey is home to many lighthouses, and many of them offer free public tours. One of the most popular lighthouses is the Barnegat Lighthouse, which is located on the Jersey Shore. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history and importance. They can also explore the surrounding area, which includes a nature trail and a bird sanctuary.

The Barnegat Lighthouse is open year-round and offers a great way to explore NJ’s coastline without spending a dime.

Conclusion

New Jersey is full of activities, and there are plenty of fun things to do for free. From exploring a historic mansion to spending the day at the beach, visitors can find something to do in NJ for free. So if you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to enjoy NJ, be sure to check out these 10 fun things to do for free in NJ.