9 Activities to Keep Cool from the Summer Heat

Jersey City is no stranger to green spaces, and with many new projects coming up in the area, we have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in our city. In recent years, the city has undergone what some have called a “city renaissance”. While Jersey City is now known for its abundance of restaurants and bars, adventurous fun is still to be found, whether it’s miles of nature walks, hiking, biking trails, or museums. Check out our round-up of the best activities to do this summer to keep cool in Jersey City! If your looking for events in Jersey City, be sure to check our event listings to stay up to date on what’s happening in JC!

 

Outdoors

 

Liberty State Park

A great option is always Liberty State Park. This spacious park located on the East Side of Jersey City provides a remarkable view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island all along the Hudson River. The grounds hold a two-mile promenade walk, several picnic areas and playgrounds, a nature center, and the Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Find a shady spot under a tree for a breezy picnic!

liberty state park
Liberty State Park’s two-mile-long promenade, Liberty Walk.

 

Morris Canal Park

Enjoy a nature walk along Morris Canal Park overlooking the NYC skyline!  This spot has not only become really popular among the pet parents of Jersey City where they bring their pups to roam and socialize but also to those looking for a shaded area to picnic and enjoy a summer day.

These are just two of the many parks in Jersey City. If you’re looking for one closer to your location – check out our parking listings here! 

morris canal park
Morris Canal Park overlooking the Downtown Manhattan skyline.

 

Museums and Memorials

 

Liberty Science Center

Spend a day at one of Jersey City’s most famous museums, Liberty Science Center. It’s home to the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, and includes interactive exhibits like The Touch Tunnel, where you have to crawl through a pitch black tunnel, relying on your other senses to get to the other side, as well as Skyscraper! where you walk across narrow beams 18 feet above the ground, trying not to fall. They also have rooms on every science topic possible – water, energy, insects, and more! You can find out more details here.

Liberty Science Center, Photo Courtesy of mlcvb.com

 

Museum of Russian Art

Appreciate the stunning artworks of Russian artists who have worked on an extensive collection of pieces and learn about Russian culture and history. Check their schedule for pop-up live Jazz showcases, museum parties, and other events.

museum of russian art
Museum of Russian Art located on Grand Street in Jersey City.  

 

Water Activities

 

Sea the City Jet Ski

Enjoy an adventure on the Hudson River overlooking the city on a jet ski tour! This local agency offers jet ski and boat tours where you can spend your day gliding through the water or relaxing in a hot tub in the middle of the river, all while enjoying the scenic views.

sea the city jet ski
Sea the City Jet Skis on the Hudson River. 

 

Liberty Landing Marina

If you want a boat-load of activities to do – head over to the Liberty Landing Marina. Get on a jet ski or boat tour and afterward, head over for a nice dinner at any one of their many waterfront restaurants. 

liberty landing marina
Photo Courtesy of LibertyLandingMarina.com

 

Lafayette Pool 

Lafayette Pool’s location is very convenient to downtown Jersey City and Liberty State Park. The pool offers a kiddie pool with water features and a slide, a larger pool, and a snack stand.

Lafayette Pool, Photo Courtesy of NJ.com

 

Indoors

 

Puzzle Out Room

If you want to escape the heat check out the Puzzle Out Room! Puzzle Out is an escape room location where you’re on a mission to get out of the maze using the given clues. It’s perfect for a friend’s night out, couples activity, or a family outing!

A Puzzle Out room, Photo Courtesy of RoomEscapeArtist.com

  

RPM Raceway

Make a reservation and have a blast with your friends in this indoor raceway! Whether it’s a rainy day (we’ve been having so many!) or to escape the scorching heat – this is the perfect way to still have fun. 

rpm raceway
RPM Raceway indoor go-carting.

 

Stay Cool Jersey City 

Keeping cool in the humid heat can be difficult, but Jersey City residents have a large variety of options available to enjoy indoors and outdoors. Whether it be spending a day in the water or simply enjoying the many spots in this great city, there are endless options to take a break from the sun.

Shirley Davila
Author: Shirley Davila

Shirley Davila is a freelance writer living in New Jersey originally from Lima, Peru. She is a travel junkie and food aficionado whose always looking for new things to try!