New England Family Fun Finder

Free and low-cost family activities in New Jersey

16 entries for New Jersey (2 programs and places, 14 Museums for All participants) plus the multi-state programs below. Last verified 2026-10-17. Coverage is growing; this is not a complete list.

Verify before you go. Free days, prices and eligibility change; confirm with the organizer.

Parks, places and programs in New Jersey

New Jersey state parks: daily entrance fees and no-fee sites

Low costOutdoorsNew Jersey

Per NJ DEP, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, daily entrance fees are charged per vehicle at listed areas, with different resident and non-resident rates by area and by weekday or weekend (for example, Atsion Recreation Area lists $5 resident and $10 non-resident on weekdays). Island Beach State Park also charges a daily fee from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day ($5). Some sites, such as Fort Mott, list no entrance fee (admission free; program fees may apply).

Who it's for: Everyone

How: Check the NJ DEP fee table for the specific area and the park's own page for hours.

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.

New Jersey State Park Pass (annual) and senior/disability passes

DiscountedOutdoorsNew Jersey

The State Park Pass is $50 for New Jersey residents and $75 for non-residents and gives free entrance for one calendar year to state parks and forests that charge daily walk-in or parking fees. A second family vehicle pass is $25 (residents) or $35 (non-residents) if bought at the same time; a $3 administrative fee applies per pass. It does not cover camping fees or special events or guarantee entry when a facility is full. New Jersey residents age 62 or older, or who are disabled, may be eligible for a Senior Citizen or Disability Pass with free entrance (NJ DEP says these passes are being updated).

Who it's for: Individuals and families (paid pass); NJ residents 62+ or with disabilities for the free pass

How: Buy online or contact the Division of Parks and Forestry (800-843-6420 or 609-984-0370).

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.

Museums for All participants in New Jersey (14)

Per the official participating-museums list (retrieved 2026-10-17): visitors showing a SNAP EBT card and photo ID get reduced admission from free to $5 for up to four people per card. The official list does not state each museum's own price, so confirm hours and prices with the museum before you go.

Programs that apply in many states

Some of these list examples from specific libraries or states; check that the program is offered where you live.

Museums for All (SNAP EBT card admission)

Low costProgram / passMultiple states

Free to $5 admission for up to 4 people per SNAP EBT card at participating museums (1,600+ nationwide). EBT cards from any state are accepted.

Who it's for: EBT cardholders

How: Bring your EBT card and a photo ID. No registration. Each museum sets its own rate and some ask for walk-in purchase, so check the museum page.

Participating list by state: see source. Rates vary by museum.

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.

Bank of America Museums on Us

Free days / free for someProgram / passMultiple states

Free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders at participating museums. Next weekend: Nov 7-8, 2026.

Who it's for: Bank of America / Merrill cardholders

How: Show your active card and a government photo ID. One general admission per cardholder; special exhibitions excluded. Check the museum's listing on the Bank of America map.

Not a Bank of America endorsement; this is an informational listing with no affiliation.

Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.

Every Kid Outdoors (4th grade pass)

FreeProgram / passMultiple states

2026-27 school year pass: free entry at federal lands and waters (national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.) for the 4th grader, all children under 16 and up to 3 adults in one private vehicle. Expires Aug 31, 2027.

Who it's for: Families with a 4th grader

How: The 4th grader completes a short online activity and prints a paper voucher at EveryKidOutdoors.gov (we never collect any information). Does not cover state parks, parking, camping or tours.

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.

Library museum and park passes

DiscountedProgram / passMultiple states

Many public libraries lend or reserve free or discounted passes for museums, zoos, farms and parks. Examples: Boston Public Library lists Boston Children's Museum at $12 per person for up to 4; Oxford (MA) and Athol (MA) list free-admission passes to several museums; Attleboro (MA) lists a free RISD Museum pass.

Who it's for: Library cardholders (rules vary by library)

How: Search your own library's website for 'museum passes'. Each library has its own pass list, reservation system and return rules. Passes are limited and set by the participating attractions.

Example pages only; your library's list will differ.

Source: official page · more · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.

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