60+ Budget-Friendly Things to Do in New Jersey This Season (and Year-Round)

Life in New Jersey is full of so many things to do, with festivals, markets, events, and more. However, we all have those moments where the bank account feels a bit thin — but don’t panic. From pop-ups and outdoor activities to exhibits and more, Team MG has put together a guide to budget-friendly activities that are not only cost-effective but unique and fun year-round, as well. Read on to find out exciting things to do and see for free in Montclair, Essex County, and beyond in New Jersey.

Your Guide to Free Activities

1. go diner hopping via this list
2. ride the carousel at Van Saun Park when it reopens
3. walk the trails at Palisades Interstate Park
4. explore the Grounds for Sculpture
5. get ice cream at Torico’s or Milk Sugar Love
6. walk around the Ridgewood Duck Pond
7. spend time shopping + dining in downtown Ridgewood
8. enjoy a night of live music at the Highlawn Pavilion
9. walk the gardens at Frelinghuysen Arboretum
10. explore the fairy trail at South Mountain Reservation
11. hike the waterfall at Paterson Great Falls National Park
12. get a scoop at Van Dyk’s Ice Cream in Ridgewood
13. explore the shops and cafés of downtown Montclair
14. hike to the summit at High Point State Park
15. watch the sunset from Eagle Rock Reservation
16. watch an outdoor movie using this list
17. hike the trails at Ramapo Valley County Reservation
18. walk the waterfront in Hoboken
19. try a new café in Jersey City Heights via this list
20. take a bike ride along the Hudson River Waterfront
21. spend the day exploring downtown Lambertville
22. grab lunch at Rat’s Restaurant
23. sit outside at Rutt’s Hutt and “tailgate” with your Ripper
24. explore the South Mountain Fairy Trail
25. peruse the shops on the main street of High Bridge, NJ
26. walk around Princeton University’s campus
27. do a rooftop bar crawl in downtown Hoboken + JC
28. go for a scenic walk at Sayen House and Gardens
29. explore the trails at Schooley’s Mountain Park
30. walk around downtown Chester and visit the local shops
31. grab drinks outside at Redwood’s Bar + Grill in Chester
32. visit the Somerset Patriots in Bridgewater
33. try tomato pie at DeLorenzo’s Tomato Pies
34. take a spring bike on the Delaware & Raritan Canal Trail
35. visit the historic village at Allaire State Park
36. find a Trinket Trade Box 
37. spend an afternoon exploring downtown Red Bank
38. walk the boardwalk in Asbury Park
39. catch live music at The Stone Pony
40. bike the boardwalk in Ocean City
41. have a picnic using this list
42. watch the sunrise over the ocean
43. take a spring walk along the Spring Lake boardwalk
44. visit the shops and cafés in downtown Cape May
45. go whale watching off the Jersey Shore
46. walk the quiet beaches in Avalon before summer starts
47. visit the lighthouse at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
48. take a spring bike ride around Long Beach Island
49. join a local club in North Jersey
50. watch surfers in Manasquan
51. visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo
52. spend the day browsing shops in Point Pleasant
53. explore the trails at Wharton State Forest
54. paddle through the Pine Barrens on the Batsto River
55. visit historic Batsto Village
56. walk the shops and restaurants in Collingswood
57. explore downtown Haddonfield
58. visit wineries along the South Jersey Wine Trail
59. explore the trails at Belleplain State Forest
60. go antiquing in Mullica Hill
61. take a walk at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
62. visit the Cape May Lighthouse
63. go birdwatching in the Cape May wetlands
64. explore the trails at Parvin State Park
65. visit the farms and roadside stands in Salem County

See More: Montclair Spots That Have Stood the Test of Time

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