Looking for something fun to do without breaking the bank?  Not a problem! We’ve compiled 10 ideas free activities in Jersey City that you and your friends will love doing without spending a dime or traveling outside of Hudson County.

1. Picnic Near the Newport Lighthouse

Any local will recognize the red and white striped lighthouse in the Newport area of Jersey City. Load up your picnic basket with lots of goodies and bring along a comfortable blanket to sit on as you take in the beautiful New York City skyline from the Hudson River waterfront. 

Address: Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City, NJ 07310

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lefrak-Point-Lighthouse/419778961373984

2. Visit Liberty State Park

On a beautiful Jersey City day, visitors can walk along the Hudson River and take in breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from this sprawling public park.  Bike riding and kite flying are two great, free activities in Jersey City that we see visitors enjoying frequently.

Address: Freedom Way, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html

3. Catch a Movie

Head over to The Heights Branch Library and catch a movie during the winter and spring months! Every week they play a different PG-13 rated film that you’re sure to love.  Once the weather starts getting warm, Jersey City invites you to its ‘Movies in the Parks’ series, which takes place in parks across the city.

Address: 14 Zabriskie St., Jersey City, NJ 07307

Website: http://www.jclibrary.org/

4. Catch Up On Some Reading

Remember that book your friend recommended? Head over to your local Jersey City Free Public Library branch and dive right in. In case you need a little helping finding your next read, here’s a quick online generator.  It’s amazing how quickly you can immerse yourself in a good book or book series!

Address: Check out the website below to find your local branch

Website: http://www.jclibrary.org/main-library-branches

5. Go for a Run

It’s never too late to get back into a routine.  Grab one of your friends or go for a solo run along the Hudson River or through your favorite part of town. To keep from getting too comfortable with routes, check out ‘Map My Run’ for different paths to take each time.

6. Go on a Jersey City Photo Scavenger Hunt

Gather a group of friends and break into teams.  Come up with a list of places and a point system for each photo.  In addition to the must-see spaces of Jersey City, come up with a few generic pictures and give out extra points for creative ideas! Find an example of a city scavenger hunt list here.

7. Volunteer

There’s no greater feeling than being able to give back to your community. Talk to a local food shelter or outreach group for opportunities. In Jersey City, there are plenty of organizations looking for volunteers. We’ve provided a link below to a website the shows all of your options.

Website: http://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=Jersey%20City%2C%20NJ%2007097#k=&v=false&s=1&o=distance&l=Jersey+City%2C+NJ%2C+USA&r=20&sk=&na=&partner=&usafc

8. Visit the New Jersey Naval Museum

Looking for a day of history and fun? Check out the New Jersey Naval Museum, home to the USS LING 297. This war museum offers a great collection of war boats and other war memorabilia from World War II.

Address: 79 River Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Website: http://www.njnm.org/

9. Visit the Birthplace of Frank Sinatra

Although the original building no longer stands, you can take a self-guided tour of Hoboken, with Sinatra’s birthplace as one of the stops.  Pick up a map at the Hoboken Historical Museum and find out what the city has to offer!

Address: 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Website: http://www.hobokennj.org/visit/what-to-do/

10. Take the Hudson by Boat

Looking to get away from the main land? From May to September, weather permitting, take a kayaking trip on the Hudson and explore Hoboken from the outside.

Address:  Intersection of Frank Sinatra Drive and Maxwell Place, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Website: http://www.hobokencoveboathouse.org/

Now that you’ve got 10 new ideas for low budget activities in Jersey City, get your family and friends together and head out the door! Check out other Jersey City attractions and local NJ events happening in Jersey City today!