The sun is shining and after 2 months of being cooped up, everyone is itching to get outside. Myself included. The thing is, we are still in quarantine and we need to continue to practice social distancing and keep ourselves safe.
I asked my social media followers for recommendations on outdoor activities I could do with my little Mia that were safe and family friendly. Check out 17 activities/places you can go to with the fam to get out and enjoy the outside world.
Please wear a mask and be cautious of course.
Urban Paddle Sunday
Jersey City, NJ
Urban Paddle offers guided kayak tours daily as well as lessons and yoga sessions. They’re open 7 days a week, and all sessions must be booked online in advance.
Parking: Yes
Website: https://www.urbanpaddlejc.com/
Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat Light, NJ
The Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is open daily through Labor Day. You can walk to the Lighthouse and check out the visitor center for more information.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 2 hours by car
Parking: Yes
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnlig.html
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Boonton, NJ
Brookhollow’s Barnyard is offering a drive-through farm experience. Tickets go on sale every morning at 10AM for the following day. Tickets are $10 per car on weekdays, $15 on weekends.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hour by car
Website: https://brookhollowsbarnyard.com/
Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
Sandy Hook is open daily with a $15 charge per day for beach parking. Visitors can also enjoy the trails and shorelines of the Gateway National Recreation area.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hour by car
Parking: Yes
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook-hours.htm
Pocono Mountains
Mount Pocono, PA
Rent a cabin in the Pocono Mountains, explore local parks, or shop through local neighborhoods. There are several free activities including trails, bridges, biking paths, birdwatching, and scenic drives through historical towns.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 2 hours by car
Website: https://www.poconomountains.com/
Mount Tammany
Knowlton Township, NJ
Located along the side of the Delaware Water Gap, Mount Tammany is a peak of the Kittatinny Mountains. Walk through trails or hike to the top for great views.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hr 30 min by car
Parking: Yes
Website: https://www.njhiking.com/mt-tammany/
Sherwood Island Park
Westport, CT
Have lunch on the grass, walk through the park to get a look at marsh life, or try saltwater fishing.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hr 30 min by car
Parking: Yes – $22 on weekends, $15 on weekdays for out-of-state cars
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Sherwood-Island-State-Park
Lambertville, NJ
Lambertville is located by the Delaware River and is a great scenic town for a drive or relaxing walk.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hr 30 min by car
Parking: Street parking
Website: https://lambertvillenj.org/
Sea Bright Beach
Sea Bright, NJ
Sea Bright Beach is great for a less-crowded beach experience. You can stop by with the kids for a quiet beach day on the shore.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hour by car
Parking: Yes. $1 per hour on weekdays, $2 per hour on weekends
Website: http://www.seabrightnj.org/sbnj/
Keansburg Beach
Keansburg, NJ
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAq6VgCpcBQ/
Take a walk along the water or get local food to-go for a day on the beach. It’s hardly packed and offers a great view of the sunset.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hour by car
Parking: Yes
Website: http://keansburgnj.gov/
Verona Park
Verona, NJ
Verona Park in Essex County is open for passive recreation. You can enjoy a walk along their nature paths and sit by their 13-acre lake.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 40 minutes by car
Parking: Street parking
Website: https://www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/verona-park
Island Beach State Park
Island Beach, NJ
Island Beach State Park has trails, access to the Barnegat Bay, recreation areas, and biking trails. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle for NJ residents on weekdays, $10 on weekends.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hr 30 min by car
Parking: Yes
Website: http://www.islandbeachnj.org/
Cape May, NJ
Enjoy a day trip on the seaside at Cape May. Their beaches are open and swimming is permitted starting May 30. You can park your car and walk around Cape May for a relaxing day out.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 2 hr 30 min by car
Parking: Street parking
Website: https://www.capemay.com/
Ramapo Valley
Mahwah, NJ
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAq0R1IJ8r6/
Walk through one of the several trails at the Ramapo Valley County Reservation or walk along the reservoir with the family.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hour by car
Parking: Yes ( Go EARLY)
Website: https://www.nynjtc.org/park/ramapo-valley-co-reservation
Natirar Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CATLUc1JQFg/
Enjoy an afternoon by the river, walk past historic buildings, sit on the lawn, or walk along a trail through the meadow at Natirar.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 45 minutes by car
Parking: Yes
Website: https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksFacilities/natirar/Natirar.html
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain, NY
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvaEi5nwSm/
Go on a hike with the family at Bear Mountain and enjoy the great views. It’s $10 per vehicle to enter the facility.
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hour by car
Parking: Yes
Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/13/details.aspx
Warwick Drive-in
Warwick, NY
Bring the family for a drive-in movie night in Warwick, NY. They’re open daily and tickets are $12 per adult, $8 per child (free under 4).
How far from Jersey City: Approx. 1 hr 30 min by car
Website: https://www.warwickdrivein.com/
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