15 Free Ways to Enjoy This Summer in Hudson County!
Don't let inflation ruin your summer
Finding ways to be social and have fun this summer doesn’t have to bust your budget! Beyond great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, Hudson County offers many budget-friendly activities for you and your family to explore this summer and all year round. Read on to check out the exciting things to do and see for free in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Fitness & Outdoors
NJ State Parks, Forest, and Recreation Areas (throughout New Jersey)
From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, all NJ state parks, forests, and recreation areas will be free of charge for the duration of the summer. To check out the Swimming Schedule or make a camping reservation in one of New Jersey’s State Parks, visit here.
Fitness and Yoga in the Park (Hoboken)
A free sample of classes by local fitness and yoga studios is offered Monday through Thursday at Pier A Park, 7th & Jackson Resiliency Park, Southwest Park, and Under the Viaduct. Wear sneakers and loose-fitting clothing. Bring a mat, if needed, and water. In case of inclement weather, call the fitness or yoga studio for updates. Check out the full calendar here.
Free Paddle Days at Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse (Hoboken)
At the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, locals can enjoy free kayaking and paddleboarding all summer long. There is no minimum age, but each minor must have an adult guardian present. *Basic swimming ability is required.* No reservation is required, just show up! You can find more information here.
Hudson Pickleball (Hoboken)
Come play and learn pickleball! Pickleball is an easier version of tennis and anyone with any athletic ability can learn and play on the first day. Located at the Southwest Park Pickleball Courts at 64 Harrison Street. Guests can expect free use of paddles during drop-in sessions on Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM. For more information on the weekly schedule, follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@hudsonpickleball).
Arts & Music
Concerts in the Park (Hoboken)
The city of Hoboken offers a concert series from June-August. Come enjoy the music of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Fleetwood Mac, and the Beatles. Click here for the full schedule.
Summer in the City Concert Series (Jersey City)
Jersey City is hosting the Summer in the City Concert Series in three parks throughout JC. The Berry Lane Park concert series is Thursdays from 6-8 PM. The Liberty State Park concert series is Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM. The North Cove Field concert series is Sundays from 6-8 PM. For the complete schedule, click here.
Movies Under the Stars (Hoboken)
The city of Hoboken offers free movies every Wednesday at sundown through August. This year’s lineup includes
In the Heights
West Side Story
Sing 2
Encanto
To view the full schedule, visit here.
Movies in the Park (Jersey City)
Jersey City offers free movies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays at sundown through August. This year’s lineup includes
Raya and the Last Dragon
Encanto
Space Jam 2
Spiderman No Way Home.
To view the full schedule, visit here.
Jersey City Mural Tour
The Jersey City Mural Arts Program has created 200 murals with 138 participating artists in the past 9 years. Click here to view the interactive map and plan your own walking tour!
Reclining Liberty Sculpture in Liberty State Park (Jersey City)
Reclining Liberty is a 25-foot-long sculpture styled after the Statue of Liberty and designed by artist Zaq Landsberg. The sculpture recently relocated from Harlem to Liberty State Park. The sculpture is available for viewing until April 2023.
Water’s Soul Sculpture (Jersey City)
Water’s Soul by artist Jaume Plensa stands 80 feet tall and is positioned on the Newport waterfront looking across the Hudson River.* Water’s Soul *is open to public viewing between dawn and dusk. The sculpture is located next to Newport Green and right off the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. For more details about the sculpture, visit here.
Museums & Culture
Hoboken Historical Museum (1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken)
Established in 1986, the Hoboken Historical Museum collects and displays artifacts in themed exhibitions on Hoboken history and offers educational programs, lectures, tours, and hosts films and plays. The museum welcomes visitors six days a week, Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is $5 and free for children. To check out their upcoming events and family programs, visit here.
Hoboken Fire Department Museum (213 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken)
Visitors can drop by the Fire Department Museum any weekend between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. On display is the Ahrens Fox fire engine, circa 1932, that has been fully restored and available for photos, as well as fire gear and memorabilia documenting the evolution of tools and techniques used in battling fires in Hoboken. Admission is just $3 for adults (children under 12 are admitted free).
Hoboken Public Library (500 Park Avenue, Hoboken)
It’s more than just books! With your library card, you can request free passes to many of the area's museums including the American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and the Guggenheim. The library also offers a variety of free classes and events including cooking classes, improv nights, crafting lessons, and writing groups. Click here for the full calendar of events.
Jersey City Public Library (472 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City)
As with the Hoboken Public Library, the Jersey City Public library also offers museum passes and tickets with your library card. They also host events and workshops throughout the year. To access the full event calendar, click here.
Rather than swiping your card this summer, save up for times when it really matters. From fitness classes and watersports, to concerts and movie nights, to museums and art installations, there are plenty of wallet-friendly activities right here in your neighborhood. Save money while also giving some of these unique experiences a try. Let us know if you did - we’d love to hear from you!