Entertaining children does not need to cost you a lot of money. There’s no shortage of free (and fun) things to do with your family that won’t cost a cent. While many things to do with kids come with a price tag, we’ve rounded up the best activities for kids that are FREE! Put away your wallet and take advantage of these free family-friendly programs. Here is your Guide to FREE Family Fun in Central NJ.

Guide to FREE Family Fun in Central NJ

FREE Year-Round Fun

Kids’ Workshops at Home Depot
On scheduled Saturdays each month, Home Depot offers a free workshop for kids to build their own wooden masterpiece. Designed for kids ages 5-12, but all ages welcome!

DIY Kids’ Workshops at Lowes
DIY Kids’ Workshops are free, monthly, in-store events designed to inspire the next generation of builders while growing their confidence and DIY skillset.

Storytime at Barnes & Noble
National Storytime has been at the core of Barnes & Noble for over 20 years in all Barnes & Noble stores. This beloved, weekly event is a way to help bring stories alive and foster a love of reading at an early age. Families of all kinds are invited to join us to discover the joy of reading and a find a new favorite childhood book.

Make Break Events at Michaels
On the select days, Michaels hosts in-store events where you can participate in creating a free craft kit.

Free Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning
Free crafts for kids. Ages 3 and up. No reservations necessary.

Free Sessions at the Apple Store
Learn, create, and do more with the products you love. Join free sessions at your Apple Store.

Bank of America Museums on Us
The first full weekend of every month, Bank of America offers valued cardholders free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the US where customers live and work.

Free Public Library Programs
Most libraries also offer activity programs for children and adults. See what your local library has to offer and take advantage of all the wonderful resources.

Art Together at Zimmerli Art Museum
Explore the wonderful world of art on select Sundays throughout the year. Children and parents, grandparents, or guardians work side-by-side on an art project inspired by a current Zimmerli exhibition. Each session includes a brief, instructor-led tour to view the featured artwork. The interactive workshops, led by Mason Gross MFA students and teaching artists, allow families quality time to be creative together. This is a FREE, drop in program. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.) Projects can be adapted for all ages, but this program is best suited for ages 3 and up. 

Small Explorers Series at NJ State Museum
The Small Explorers Series is for children 6 months to 5 years old with their caregivers. Each month they explore a different theme through stories, crafts, and play.

Late Nights at Rutgers Geology Museum
Come to the museum to enjoy activity stations for children and adults alike on scheduled days each month. These events are free and open to visitors of all ages!

Kids Zone at JcPenney
Second Saturday every month. Kids get a fun craft, ID badge, lanyard, collector’s pin and project master medallion if they complete 6 projects.

Guide to the Best Birthday Freebies & Discounts
Get free (or almost free) stuff—just for being born! In honor of your big day, many store loyalty programs are ready to celebrate this momentous occasion by showering you with birthday freebies and discounts.

FREE Seasonal Fun

Kids Bowl Free
Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.

New Jersey’s Free Fishing Days
New Jersey’s two Free Fishing Days are a no-risk investment for an introduction to freshwater fishing in the Garden State and the perfect time for families to enjoy two days of outdoor fun for free.

Splash Parks, Spray Pads, Spraygrounds & Water Parks
There are a number of splash parks in the area to beat the heat this summer. Many are free but some have an entrance fee.

Budget-Friendly Summer Movies
Enjoy budget-friendly summer movies. Many are free or low cost.

Outdoor Summer Movies
Outdoor movies are a great way to spend a summer evening. Many are free or low cost.

Outdoor Summer Concerts
Enjoy great live music of all kinds happening all over Central NJ this summer. Many are free or low cost.

Summer Reading Program for Kids
Each summer, several organizations offer incentives to get children to read.

First Day Hike Programs
On New Year’s Day, America’s State Parks have all 50 states offering free, guided First Day Hike Programs. These hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.

Try Hockey for Free Day
USA Hockey and 350 local associations across the country will host Try Hockey for Free Day! Participating locations encourage kids, ages 4 to 9, to come try youth hockey. All locations will have limited equipment available for use.