Hoboken might be synonymous with your BK (before kids) days, but there’s more to the mile-square city than a night out—it’s also a great spot to spend the day with the family. With a waterfront location opposite New York City and a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Hoboken feels like a city trip without crossing the Hudson. Although it’s small (the entire town is only 2 square miles), it’s mightily packed full of unique experiences, arts, events, delicious places, and stunning NYC skyline views. Scroll down for everything you need to know about visiting Hoboken with kids. (featured photo credit: istock/Thomas De Wever)
What To Do In Hoboken With The Kids
Take a walk along Pier C Park
Located along the Hudson River on Sinatra Drive, this park should be a first stop for families looking to keep the kids entertained. With so many things to do, like a fishing pier and promenade, you could stay here all day. Parents will like how the playground is separated into a section for toddlers and one for older kids, with structures for climbing and hiding, slides, sand play, water play, climbable slopes, rockers, and spinners. There’s also a path within it for riding tricycles or scooters. After spending time at the playground, plan to stroll along the waterfront, with benches to sit and admire the gorgeous Manhattan skyline views.
Play at a park
One of the highlights of a trip to Hoboken is exploring its many playgrounds—there are 14 in total, each offering something unique. Plan to spend time in Church Square Park, where a charming gazebo, mult-climbers, long slides, spray park, and ample space for kids to run around make it one of the most popular playgrounds in the area. For older kids, stop by Elysian Park, located on Hudson Street. It includes a full basketball court, two gated play areas, and a small field where kids can practice baseball skills on a piece of history since Elysian Fields is the site of the first recorded baseball match played by modern rules (don’t miss the monument commemorating this as well).
Take a step back in time
Have a history buff in your family? Then make sure you stop by the two museums in Hoboken, where you can learn more about the town’s history, among other things. One of these museums is the Hoboken Historical Museum, where you will find rotating exhibits and activities related to the city’s history, culture, architecture, and landmarks, as well as info about its most famous resident—Frank Sinatra. Kids of all ages will find the Hoboken Fire Department Museum fascinating. Take a look at the fire engine built in 1932, firefighting equipment, memorabilia, and tools. Hang around for the interactive storytime that little ones will love.
Carlos Bakery is one of the things to do while visiting Hoboken. Photo Credit: istock/iShootPhotosLLC
Grab a bite to eat
Need to take a lunch break? Strolling down Washington Street, take a seat at the retro Elysian Cafe, which originally opened in 1895 and has the honor of being the oldest continually operating restaurant and bar in Hoboken. And a trip to Hoboken wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Grimaldi’s, which serves coal brick-oven pizza that the entire family will love. Once you finish your meal, grab dessert from the legendary Cake Boss Buddy Valastro Jr, where you can sample his famous cakes and desserts from the hit TV show at Carlo’s Bake Shop, the original location (and where the show was filmed). You will find everything from cannolis, fudge cake, black and white cookies, and elaborately designed cakes. (It’s easy to find with a line that’s usually out the door!)
Stop by one of the indoor place spaces
If the weather isn’t cooperating, Hoboken is home to indoor play spaces where your littles can run around and play while you sit and relax. Village Tree House has open play each week and features lots of different activities for kids. Another spot to visit is The Hive, which is filled with wooden toys and spaces so your little ones can use their imagination while you sit back and relax.
Attend one of the many events
No matter the season, you will find an event happening in Hoboken. In the summer, check out the music festivals or concerts in the park after stopping by the farmers market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. When the leaves start to change and the crisp air returns, you will find Halloween events for the whole family to enjoy, plus the Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival. Then, when the holidays roll around, the calendar is full of fun events like holiday markets where you can shop and catch a fun show at The Mile Square Theatre. Check out the Hoboken Spring Arts and Music Festival in spring, where the streets are alive with artwork and entertainment. Check out the official calendar of events to see what’s happening.
What to know before you go
While there are sidewalks all over Hoboken where you can walk with your family, parking on the street has meters. Washington is Hoboken’s main street, and each block is packed with restaurants and stores. It’s also been the backdrop for a number of movies, most recently “A Complete Unknown” with Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, where the building facades stood in Greenwich Village in the 1960s.
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NY Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
