With great restaurants, sweet shops, and wonderful theaters, there are so many things to do in Red Bank, making this Monmouth County destination a day trip the whole family will love. Nestled against the picturesque Navesink River, it oozes charm and exudes a laid-back city-meets-shore vibe. Kids will love it for the playground and spaces to hang out (oh, did we mention a chocolate candy store?), and you’ll like strolling the sidewalks with quaint storefronts, exciting restaurants, and, of course, the Count Basie Theatre. Ready to head to Red Bank? Scroll down for what to do when you’re in town, and check out our guide to NJ downtowns for other places for kid-friendly fun. (featured photo credit: Nicole Todd)
10 Things To Do In Red Bank With Your Kids
Take in a show
Introduce your kids to the thrill of live performances at one of the theaters in Red Bank. Count Basie Center for the Arts has events throughout the year, including shows for kids, a lineup for the whole fam, and concerts and comedy shows for an adults’ night out. If your family isn’t up for the bigger productions, there’s a more intimate space in The Basie called “The Vogel,” which also features shows for every age. Two Rivers Theater in Red Bank is another ideal spot for a performance, and they even offer free child care for ticketholders during certain performances.
Monkey around at Marine Park Playground
Marine Park Playground has two playsets that cater perfectly to different age groups, plus a set of swings, plenty of benches, and gorgeous steps-from-the-river views. The ample surrounding trees provide cool shade for little ones as they explore (and parents can take a break), making the park a welcome respite in the heat of summer.
Picnic at Riverside Gardens Park
Pack a lunch, spread a blanket, and feast on a scenic picnic in Riverside Gardens Park. With a wide-open green space and gorgeous views of the Navesink, everyone will have ample room to run, play, and relax. Bonus: Kids will have a blast scoping out the boats and marine life on the river using any of the viewfinders staggered along the park.
Visit the Red Bank Public Library Story Walk
The Red Bank Public Library is a town treasure designed to spark an early interest in reading for kids of all ages with a children’s room. The top-notch librarians put together a Story Walk on the west side of Riverside Gardens Park so kids can read stories piece by piece as they walk along the pretty path. Start at the beginning and follow along to the very end—it feels like an adventure for everyone involved. Stories are changed monthly, so you can always find something new to explore.
Kick it old school at Yestercades
Take your kids (and those young at heart) for an afternoon of retro video games at Yestercades. Featuring 100 different arcade and pinball games, including favorites like Pac-Man and Mario Brothers, a pool table, Skee-ball, and more, the 80s-style arcade will bring out the kid in you and introduce your kids to gaming before X Box. Plan to spend some time here—all games are included with the price of admission.
Get fresh at the farmers market in Red Bank
The Red Bank Farmer’s Market pops up every Sunday from Mother’s Day through mid-November at the Galleria. It features farmers and purveyors selling plenty of locally grown baked goods for a picnic or at home. Working up an appetite as you shop? No problem—food is always available nearby.
Stroll the sidewalk shops and eateries
Moms and dads aren’t the only ones who can shop in this town. Send your little ones on a candy shopping spree at Chocolate Works, introduce them to vinyl at Jack’s Music Shoppe, peruse comic books at Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, or craft pottery at A Time to Kiln. After all the treats, stop by The Good Karma Cafe for a healthy smoothie (we’re partial to the peanut butter and banana Elvis) or vegan baked goods, or fuel up on coffee and classic diner treats at the popular Toast. Kids can also take a class at Taste and Technique and learn how to cook their own special treats.
Take in an afternoon of culture at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center
One of the most historically significant properties in the United States, the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center is the former home of T. Thomas Fortune and a national historic landmark. T. Thomas was born into slavery in 1856, later becoming one of the most influential American journalists and newspaper publishers, fighting for social justice and equality. Your family can learn more about Black history and social justice in our country at his home-turned-museum, open on weekends only. They also host special events and exhibits throughout the year and offer group and school tours.
Skate any time of the year
You can ice skate, take lessons, or even join a hockey program at a former military training facility turned ice skating rink. The Red Bank Armory Ice Complex housed the cavalry and mechanized units until 1988. Now, this Red Bank ice rink is home to the Red Bank Generals travel hockey team, and if you don’t want to skate, you can watch a game.
Get out on the water
Spend the day on the water at the Red Bank Marina on the Navesink River, an ideal spot to rowboat, kayak, motor boat, paddleboard, or try out a pontoon. Once you are out on the water, test your luck and see if you can catch a blue claw crab (they are well-known in the area).
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
