Picnic Perfect! Top Spots Summer Fun for Jersey City Families

Summer in the city with kids can be a whirlwind, but there's nothing quite like packing a basket, grabbing a blanket, and finding that perfect patch of green for a family picnic. As a mom, I'm always on the lookout for spots that are not just beautiful, but also easy to get to with a stroller (or a scooter!), accessible by public transport, and offer enough space for my little ones to burn off some energy.

1. Liberty State Park (Jersey City)

Why We Love It: This is our go-to for a reason! It's massive, has incredible views, and there's so much to do. We can spend hours here.

The Vibe: Sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and and the Statue of Liberty. It feels open and free, perfect for letting kids run wild.

What to Get: There are endless grassy spots along the waterfront. We usually find a quiet corner near the water, away from the main walkway. After lunch, we love walking along the promenade, visiting the Empty Sky Memorial, or letting the kids play at the playground near the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. If we're feeling adventurous, we might even take a ferry to Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty!

How to Get There:

Light Rail: Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to the Liberty State Park station. It's a bit of a walk from there to the prime picnic spots, but it's manageable (and a nice scenic stroll!).

2. Hamilton Park (Jersey City)

Why We Love It: This is our go-to for a convenient, classic park day right here in Jersey City. It’s got that charming, old-school park feel.

The Vibe: A beautiful, historic park surrounded by lovely brownstones. It's lively with families, dog walkers, and people enjoying the shade trees and open green spaces. While it doesn't have the direct waterfront view of some others, you still catch glimpses of the city, and the community vibe is fantastic.

What to Get: Find a spot on the expansive central lawn for your blanket. My kids adore the large, well-maintained playground – it’s a big draw! There are also tennis courts, basketball courts, and a dog park. We love to picnic and then let the kids play, or sometimes we just grab takeout from one of the many nearby restaurants and enjoy it al fresco.

3. Pier A Park (Hoboken)

Why We Love It: It's such an iconic Hoboken spot, and for good reason! Perfect for a quick, scenic picnic without too much fuss.

The Vibe: Lively, with people strolling, playing, and enjoying the magnificent skyline views. There's always a buzz, but still plenty of space to spread out.

What to Get: Find a spot on the sprawling lawn that juts out into the Hudson River. The views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan are absolutely stunning. My kids love watching the boats go by and then running around the open space. There's also a great playground just adjacent to the park if they need to climb!

How to Get There:

PATH Train: Take the PATH to Hoboken Terminal. Pier A Park is a very short and easy walk directly from the terminal.

4. Lincoln Harbor Park (Weehawken)

Why We Love It: This is my secret weapon for breathtaking views without the huge crowds. It's a bit of a hidden gem!

The Vibe: More serene than some of the busier waterfront parks, but still offers incredible, unobstructed panoramic views of the entire Manhattan skyline from the George Washington Bridge all the way down to the Statue of Liberty. It feels peaceful and expansive.

What to Get: The park has lovely grassy areas perfect for a picnic, and benches strategically placed for soaking in the view. There's also a playground for the little ones. It’s perfect for families who want to enjoy the cityscape but prefer a slightly quieter atmosphere.

How to Get There:

Light Rail: Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Lincoln Harbor, then walk to the park.

5. Rockefeller Park (Tribeca/Battery Park City, Manhattan)

Why We Love It: If you’re looking for the ultimate "city meets nature" vibe, this is it. It has some of the best-manicured lawns in all of Manhattan, and it’s specifically designed for recreation and lounging.

The Vibe: It feels like a massive, lush backyard shared by the whole neighborhood. You get the cool breeze off the Hudson River, views of the Jersey City skyline (wave hi to home!), and plenty of shade trees if the summer sun gets too intense.

What to Get: There is a huge open lawn perfect for a large picnic blanket. For the kids, the Rockefeller Park Playground is legendary—it features unique climbing structures, pedal car tracks, and even a "Park Office" where you can borrow games and equipment for free!

How to Get There:

PATH Train: Take the PATH to World Trade Center. It’s a flat, easy 10-minute walk through the Oculus and across the West Side Highway via the pedestrian bridge.

Ferry: The NY Waterway ferry to Brookfield Place drops you just a few blocks south of the park.