This July, Liberty State Park in Jersey City will host a series of free outdoor nature programs for children and their families. These events are organized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and are designed to help kids explore local wildlife, habitats, and the natural world through fun, hands-on activities.
Each event takes place within Liberty State Park, and all programs are free. However, pre-registration is required unless stated otherwise, and space is limited. No more than six participants per reservation are allowed. Children must be with an adult, and pets are not allowed, except for service animals.
To sign up or ask questions, you can call the Liberty Park Nature Center at (201) 915-3400, ext. 503, or email [email protected].
- All programs are free and provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
- Pre-registration is required, space is limited, and children must be with an adult.
- Events include beach walks, crafts, and nature exploration, all held at Liberty State Park.
Program Dates, Locations, and Activities
Let’s go over each event in detail so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Saturday, July 5 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Program: Low Tide Beach Walk
Families will meet at Lot #1, 300 Morris Pesin Drive, and walk to Caven Point Beach. The program includes a beach walk and a scavenger hunt.
- Be ready to walk over 1.5 miles.
- Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
- If it’s hot, bring sunscreen and water.
- All ages are welcome.
Friday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 29 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Program: Storytime and Craft
This indoor program takes place at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way. Children will listen to a story about local wildlife and habitats, then make a craft related to the story to take home.
- All ages are welcome.
Sunday, July 20 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Program: Mark-marking in the Park
Children will explore different habitats in the park and create art using natural materials. The art method is called mark-marking, which includes using lines, dots, patterns, and textures.
- Hosted by local author and illustrator Veronica Mang, along with Park Naturalists.
- Takes place at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and outdoor clothes.
- If the weather is hot, bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.
- Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Thursday, July 24 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Program: Nature Walk and Craft: Beach
This event includes a beach walk, a scavenger hunt, and a craft activity based on the beach theme.
- Meet at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way.
- Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent if it’s a hot day.
- All ages are welcome.
Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Program: Explore the Estuary
Families will visit Caven Point Beach to learn about the Hudson River estuary and its wildlife.
- Meet at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way, then drive your own vehicle to the beach.
- Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
- Bring binoculars if you have them.
- All ages are welcome to attend, but only children 10 and older may enter the water to seine (a method of catching aquatic life).
What You Should Know About Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive in Jersey City, New Jersey. The park has wide green spaces and views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It features trails for walking, biking, and nature watching, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and food concessions.
The park also includes boating and canoeing areas on the Hudson River and New York Bay, as well as fishing and crabbing spots. There is a marina, a visitors center, and an interpretive center. The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is located in the park, though it is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy.
A two-mile path called Liberty Walk runs along the river and connects various parts of the park while offering scenic views.
For those interested in visiting the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, ferry service is available through Statue Cruises. You can find more information at www.statuecruises.com or by calling 877-523-9849.
You can also stay connected with the park by visiting its official Facebook page at facebook.com/LibertyStateParkOfficial or following on Instagram at instagram.com/libertystatepark.
