Your Guide to Outdoor Activities in Jersey City
As the weather warms up, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Jersey City offers a variety of outdoor activities, from parks and picnics to kayaking. So, whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a romantic date, we’ve got you covered with a list of local activities you can enjoy while being outdoors. So, grab your summer bucket list and start checking off these fun local ideas!
Start Your Garden or Join a Community Garden
Jersey City has many community gardens looking for volunteers to help. Check out our Exploring Community Gardens in Jersey City article and get ready to get your hands dirty. From tree planting to maintenance, there are many options to get involved, no matter your experience level. Many of the gardens are also open to the public, so if you’re interested in grabbing a coffee and exploring a garden, feel free to stop by during their open hours.
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Visit Jersey City’s Farmers Markets
Strolling through the farmers market while enjoying a coffee or tea is a great way to spend a weekend morning. You never know what you can come across from the unique vendors you can find. Find fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, local artisanal products and more while strolling through the markets. Check out the various farmer’s markets that are open here.
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Bike Along the Waterfront
We are lucky to have access to miles of waterfront along the Hudson River. So, take your bike or rent a Citibike and enjoy a bike ride along the waterfront or Liberty State Park. On a beautiful day, you can soak in the sights and stop and enjoy lunch along the way. If you’re interested in joining a local bike group, check out Bike JC! They are a citizen-based advocacy organization that aims to make Jersey City streets safe and organize many group rides. Also, check out their upcoming Jersey City Ward Tour.
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Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
There are many options for kayaking in Jersey City to soak in city line views or kayaking through the Lincoln Park West wetlands. Check out Urban Paddle, as they are making kayaking accessible through kayak and paddleboard rentals. If you’re looking to make exciting plans, they have sunset, night LED, and Liberty adventure kayak tours you can book!
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Birdwatching
There are many places in Jersey City to enjoy birdwatching. Here in Jersey City, you can spot owls, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, many species of Hawks, Shore birds and more! Of course, it requires patience, but if you’re interested in identifying bird species, check out Lincoln Park West and Liberty State Park Caven Point! There is also a Facebook group called Jersey City Birds if you want to join a community of bird lovers who share photos, bird sightings, and more! And if you aren’t aware of the wildlife found in Jersey City, read our Wild Side of Jersey City article! You’ll be surprised by the diverse wildlife species that call this city their home too.
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Attend Movies and Concerts in the Park
During the summer, many parks in Jersey City host free outdoor movie screenings and concerts to provide a fun family activity. Check out the Jersey City Cultural Affairs website for upcoming events and where you can plan your movie in the park!
Take a Tour and Explore Street Art
We all appreciate the vibrant murals across Jersey City, making our neighborhoods vibrant. Taking a tour on foot or bike to explore the murals across the different wards is a great activity with family or friends. Across the 21-square-mile city, we have over 100 unique murals and many more to come. The Jersey City Mural Arts Program has done an incredible job transforming our city into a true outdoor art gallery. For the exact mural locations and to help you plan your tour click here.
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Have a picnic in the park.
We are lucky to have many great parks near us, making great picnic spots with friends or family. Check out our article on the 10 Best Picnic Spots in Jersey City to help you plan your next picnic. Whether you want a view of the New York City skyline or a park with a great playground for kids to burn their energy after lunch, we have you covered!
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Get ready for an exciting summer of outdoor fun! Don’t forget to tag us @everythingjerseycity when you try out our recommendations. We can’t wait to hear about your favorite activities and see what you’re up to in Jersey City.
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
