By now, if you live in the NY/NJ tri-state area, you’ve probably seen the New Jersey “Stronger than the Storm” commercials and can’t get the catchy jingle out of your head! While the majority of New Jersey beaches have reopened since Superstorm Sandy, there’s plenty of fun activities off the beach throughout the state! The best part is, many of these activities are FREE of charge! There’s no need to plan expensive day trips or weekend getaways when there are plenty of fun and frugal attractions to enjoy right in-state. If you’re looking to enjoy more fun and experiences on a budget, take a look below at the list of free things to do in New Jersey that you can explore this weekend!
Whether a museum, art, nature, or historic sites interest you, you’ll find a little of each below. Everyone is sure to find something to enjoy while keeping some money in their pocket. Take a look.
Free Family Activities in New Jersey
Museums
Atlantic City Historical Museum (Atlantic City) – If you love exploring a variety of ever changing history exhibits, live presentations and more, The Atlantic City Historical Museum is open every day from 10 a.m .to 4 p.m. It’s free to the public.
Discovery Seashell Museum (Ocean City) Children and adults alike will love seeing some of the rarest seashell specimens available in the world. Pay a visit to the Shell Yard and rest your eyes on over 10,000 varieties of seashells. Admission is free.
Sea Life Museum Marine Stranding center (Brigantine) – Children love getting up close with the animals. At the Sea Life Museum you can see marine animals up close and personal. This museum works to rehabilitate injured animals so they can be released again. Come see those animals and learn about them for free.
Nature Experiences
The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens (Montclair) – Can you appreciate some beautiful botany samples? See over 4,000 varieties of Irises at the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. In fact, the Iris Gardens have been designated a National Historic Site. The best time to visit is between May and June and admission is free.
Howell Living History Farm (Lambertville) – Want to take a step back in time? Visit the Howell Living History Farm and you can help build a barn or even bake a fresh loaf of bread. Kids will enjoying playing with the farm animals. Admission is free.
Cattus Island County Park (Tom’s River) – Come explore the 500 acres of nature and hiking trails. You can enjoy bird watching and many of the other activities available for guests. More activities are available on Saturdays than any other day of the week, so that is an ideal day to swing by! Admission is free.
Warren E. Fox Nature Center (Mays Landing) – The Warren Fox center offers a huge variety of free presentations that cover a variety of nature topics such as bird watching and herb growing even! All events and displays are free to enjoy.
Art Opportunities
Noyes Museum of Art (Oceanville) – If a collection of American fine and folk art and the works of regional and national artists interest you, the Noyes Museum of Art is a must see. If you become a member of the museum for a nominal fee, then admission and free. If not, admission is $3.00 and children under 12 are free. This is still a great value!
Atlantic City Art Center (Atlantic City) – Come and enjoy the exhibition galleries that change change monthly featuring a variety of original artwork. You can enjoy local artists or regional all in one place. Admission is free. Open 10 AM – 4 PM, 7 Days a Week.
Princeton Art Museum (Princeton) – Come and experience quality art up close. This is a comprehensive museum with tons to see. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and some major holidays. Admission is free.
Historic Sites
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse (North Wildwood) – Come and enjoy the gorgeous Lighthouse Cottage and accompanying Herb Gardens. This site has won many awards and is a visual site to see. Admission is free.
Fort Hancock Historic District (Sandy Hook) – If you enjoy lighthouses, The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is still in use today, and is the nation’s oldest lighthouse. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset and is free.
Are you ready to experience some of the best that New Jersey has to offer? And are you ready to enjoy it all for free? Make note of the many free attractions above and take advantage of them this summer when boredom sets in! Nothing is more exciting than being able to enjoy all of these attractions without spending a dime.
What free family activities does your family enjoy on the weekends?
Ryan Preston is the founder of Ultimate Coupon Club, a frugal living blog helping others learn how to live better, spend less, and save more. He is also a Savings.com DealPro and teaches Savings Nation workshops in New Jersey that help people learn how to save up to 50% off their grocery bills.
