Hudson County may be New Jersey’s smallest county, but it packs it in with plenty of family-friendly things to do (with bonus views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline). Visit interactive exhibits, dig for dino fossils, and see the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere at Liberty Science Center; be in awe of a towering 80-ft sculpture at the Newport Green; or get a slice of cake at the Cake Boss and take a stroll along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Hoboken. Keep reading for our top kid-friendly things to do in Hudson County. (featured photo credit: istock/Marc Dufersne)
Things To Do In Hudson County For The Whole Family
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
From 1892 through 1954, the Terminal stood alongside the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, unfolding one of this nation’s most dramatic stories—the immigration of northern, southern, and eastern Europeans, among others, into the United States. After being greeted by the Statue of Liberty and processed at Ellis Island, these immigrants purchased tickets and boarded trains at the Terminal, taking them to their new homes throughout the United States. The Terminal is open year-round, so you can enter and walk around to check out the rails and history.
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Ellis Island
Hop on the ferry to the Island that was the first federal immigration processing station in the U.S. and the initial step many immigrants took on American soil. Today, a visit includes exhibits on how immigrants came to America, as well as histories of families and people who came through the halls seeking a new beginning.
1 Ellis Island, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Empty Sky Memorial
Most people can remember exactly where they were when they first heard the news about the tragic events of 9/11. While it will always remain an unforgettable day, our children only know the story of the attack on the World Trade Center from the classroom, a passing news report, or a social media post. A visit to the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial in Jersey City may help kids gain greater insight and understanding while allowing parents to reflect and pay their respects to the many lives lost on that heartbreaking day in 2001.
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Hoboken
Hoboken is the birthplace of Frank Sinatra, and the town is beaming with local art exhibits, the famous Cake Boss, the Hoboken Historical Museum, the Fire Department Museum, and more. Explore Pier A Park, Castle Point Lookout, Elysian Park, and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, which are popular attractions. Or visit the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse to get out on the water and try kayaking, paddleboarding, and outrigger canoeing. Afterward, head to Washington Street, the heart of downtown Hoboken, where you’ll find outdoor seating at Elysian Cafe and Grimaldi’s, with menu options to satisfy kids and grown-ups.
James J Braddock Park
One of the largest parks in Hudson County, at 167 acres, the park was originally established in 1910 and renamed to honor James J. Braddock, World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and long-time resident of Hudson County. The park includes the 16-acre Woodcliff Lake, and you won’t want to miss the Manhattan skyline views. There are 45 athletic facilities that will keep you active all day long, including 21 tennis courts, three basketball courts, three bocce courts, handball courts, three football fields, six volleyball courts, a Little League field, and an exercise/cross-country course.
9003 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen, NJ 07047
Liberty Science Center in Hudson County has the world’s first suspended climbing play space for all ages. Photo Credit: NJ MOMLiberty Science Center
With 12 museum exhibition halls, 110 species of animals, hurricane-and-tornado-force wind simulators, and the Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium—Liberty Science Center is an interactive museum that makes science and physics fun. It also offers a variety of exhibits for the whole family year-round.
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Liberty State Park
This park can’t be missed, with stunning city skyline views, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island in the backdrop. Liberty State Park is a 36-acre park with a playground, wildlife sanctuaries on the trails, and the Liberty Science Center right there too. This is one of those things to do in Hudson County where you can also enjoy picnicking with sweeping views of NYC.
200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Mana Contemporary
Located in a former tobacco warehouse, Mana Contemporary offers tours of its galleries, including Andy Warhol: The Original Silkscreens and Dan Flavin: Cornered Fluorescent Light. This major arts organization and creative hub spans over 2 million square feet, and it unites artist studios, exhibition spaces, and residencies in Jersey City, Chicago, and Miami.
888 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Newport Green
A green space in the urban city, this updated waterfront park boasts an urban beach, splash park, playground, a lighthouse, and a carousel. But perhaps its biggest feature is Water’s Soul, a towering 80-foot-tall sculpture on the Hudson River waterfront pier that conveys a collective hope for humanity’s future. You can enjoy all of it with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. Be on the lookout for events like outdoor movies, live concerts, and beach parties in the summertime, plus a pumpkin festival in the fall. In the winter, Newport Skates opens with an outdoor ice rink and fun festivals.
Park Lane South & River Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Pier C Park
Not only do you get those New York City skyline views in this Hoboken spot, but there is so much to do at Pier C Park. You can fish at the fishing pier, let loose in the play area (or water play area), and walk along the promenade. This Hudson County Park also has a bird rookery.
340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Sports Illustrated Stadium
This benchmark North American soccer stadium holds 25,000 seats and is home to the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). You can catch a game with the top U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, Argentina, Colombia, and Barcelona FC. The venue also hosts concerts, lacrosse, and rugby.
600 Cape May Street, Harrison, NJ 07029
Statue of Liberty
Take a trip and climb the steps to this iconic piece of U.S. history. The Statue might steal the spotlight, but kids (and adults!) will find the ferry ride on the Hudson River to get to the Island where she stands one of the day’s highlights. On the Jersey side, board the ferry at the Liberty State Park station, a short trip to the Statue.
Liberty Island, New York, NY 12754
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