Home Best of Guides The Under 21 Guide: Fun Things to Do for All Ages in Hoboken + Jersey City

The Under 21 Guide: Fun Things to Do for All Ages in Hoboken + Jersey City

by Jean Lee
wonder lofts
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Hoboken and Jersey City are wonderful places to live — and while we have a ton of awesome bars around Hudson County, there is more to do in this area than just drinking. These cities are brimming with fun things to do for all ages, but especially for those just under the legal drinking age — but of course, these activities are still fun even if you are 21+. Whether you have younger friends + relatives visiting or your yourself are just shy of 21, we’ve rounded up some awesome activities that anyone can participate in. Keep reading for a list of things to do in Hoboken and Jersey City for anyone under 21. 

Fun Things To Do Hoboken JC

Go See Comedy Shows | Hoboken and Jersey City

A good laugh makes for a great night no matter what age. Comedy shows can be a great event for a group of friends or even just for a solo laugh. There are many bars across the area that offer comedy shows on certain nights, though not all of them will let in those under 21. Brightside Tavern and The Laugh Tour at Dorrian’s Red Hand (just note it’s 18+) are two spots that have awesome comedy nights. Make sure to check the individual websites as event dates and times can change.  

Vepo Clean

Listen to Live Music | Hoboken and Jersey City

There are so many places to hear live music. Whether it’s during dinner (like the amazing jazz tunes at Amanda’s Restaurant on Fridays) or a more purposeful concert venue, an event with music is sure to be a great time — and there is always somewhere to hear music. White Eagle Hall is a local hot spot for singers and bands (and occasionally a comedian) to come and perform. It’s a fully restored historic theater that holds up to 800 people standing. It’s big enough for a good crowd, while still feeling intimate for performers. 

JK Therapy

Visit Liberty State Park | 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City

reclining liberty sculpture liberty state park

Hobbs Inc

(Photo credits: @zaqlandsberg)

This park is such a gem in Jersey City. With breathtaking views at nearly every turn, there are so many trails to explore. Right by the water, there is a 9/11 Memorial, ferry stops for the Statue of Liberty, and the historic train station. Walking farther south, there are BBQ grills sprinkled throughout the park. Cookouts are great to do with friends, but be sure to get there early on the weekends because they fill up fast. It’s also now home to the awesome Reclining Liberty statue

Read More: Ideas for a Hoboken Staycation

yoga renew hoboken

Visit the Hoboken Historical Museum | 1301 Hudson Street

hoboken staycation

For any of the history buffs in your life, this is the activity for you. From Frank Sinatra to baseball to Hazel Bishop, Hoboken is full of rich history. After all, the Hoboken Historical Museum is packed with facts, stories, and exhibits. You can pick up walking tour maps of historic sites and points of interest if you want to do your own exploring around Hoboken afterward.

Have a Picnic | Any Local Park

There are so many wonderful spots throughout both Hoboken + Jersey City to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal in the nicer weather — plus, with so many awesome delis and sandwich options around, you won’t be starved for choices for food on your picnic. Pier A Park, Pier C Park, Elysian Park, Liberty State Park, and Paulus Hook Park are just some of the many spots to visit. If you want to make it extra special, you can hire an official picnic service to help you out.

Got Out for Mocktails | Hoboken and Jersey City

Mocktails can be just as fun as cocktails. Whether it’s a date night or an evening out with the guys or gals, Hoboken and Jersey City have some great spots for libations with no alcohol. Halifax and Olivia’s in Hoboken are great spots with special mocktails. Orale in Jersey City has a great mocktail margarita, and Frankie has some great seasonal menus and mocktails to try. 

Rock Climb at The Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street, Hoboken

rock climbing gravity vault hoboken

(Photo credits: @gravityvaulthoboken)

Rock climbing is such a fun activity to do alone or with a few friends. This space offers 200+ climbing routes (where climbers wear a harness and have someone belaying the rope to protect climbers in the event of a fall), and 120+ bouldering routes (climbers don’t wear a harness). 

There is also a cross-training space with gym equipment in case getting an extra workout is appealing. Pricing depends on the package, but staff-assisted climbs start at $65 (if guests want staff to belay them), and day passes start at $17. Keep in mind that shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags are all an additional fee. 

Throw Axes at Tomahawks | 7 Sherman Avenue, Floor 2, Jersey City

For those who are over 18, axe throwing is a great way to let off steam or just get out and have a fun time with friends. Open Friday-Sunday, visitors can book a lane online for two hours at a time. This destination is more than just axe throwing — it also looks to honor the Lenape people who once lived in the area, naming the lanes after Lenape words and geographical regions. Pro-tip: make sure to wear closed-toed shoes. 

Learn More: 9 Indoor Activities to Beat the Heat in the Montclair + North Jersey Area

Try Out Water Activities Along the Hudson | Hoboken and Jersey City

(Photo credits: @seathecity)

There is so much to do along the Hudson (without actually swimming). From kayaking to hot tub boats, there are fun events for everyone, even those under 21 years. Urban Paddle out of the Morris Canal in Jersey City is a great afternoon activity. Guests can join in group tours that take kayakers all the way to the mouth of the canal where it meets the Hudson River. Kayaking is also free from the Hoboken Cove Community Boat House. Just make sure to bring quick-drying clothes, because it can get a bit wet. 

In case water-lovers are looking for something a bit more than paddling, there is also Hudson’s only hot tub boat that takes riders on a tour around Manhattan in, you guessed it, a hot tub! Sea the City also offers jet ski rides. Keep in mind that everyone has to be over 13 years old. 

If boating isn’t the vibe, but you’re still looking for something on the Hudson River, then head over to The Honorable William Wall. It’s a barge bar that is literally on the Hudson River (no really, it’s right in front of Ellis Island). Guests do have to take a quick boat ride from Jersey City, but it provides epic views of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and so much more. Patrons can expect ticket prices to range from $20-$30. Make sure to bring something to nosh on because the bar only serves drinks (alcoholic as well as mocktails).

Get Competitive at Play! Hoboken | 1012 Grand Street FL3, Hoboken

This family-friendly entertainment center is a 5,500-square-foot facility and is packed with fun things to do, from pool tables to ping pong tables, dart boards, foosball, board games, and more. It even features virtual golf simulators for the whole family to play golf without having to travel all the way to a course. No matter your game interest, Play! Hoboken likely has it — and this is a great under-21 spot for bad weather days when you’re looking for something indoors to do.

Do Tie-Dye at Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 1st Street, Hoboken

Tipsy Tie Dye may have the word “tipsy” in its name, however, it actually has a “Teeny Tie Dye” section that welcomes all ages to participate (the recommended age is 4 years and up). This family-friendly session is where all things tie dye come together to DIY any clothing your heart desires. Adults are welcome to BYOB and children must be accompanied with an adult.

Make a Candle at Rewax and Unwine | 2 Division Street, Jersey City

Rewax and Unwine is a candle-making experience for all — even if you’re under 21. You’ll learn how to make a candle, step-by-step. Although they have a BYOB option for adults, if under 21, book an earlier session in the day and contact the space directly. There is also an option to book a private party if there are children involved with the recommended age of 10 years and older.

Visit Liberty Science Center | 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City

Located right by Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center is an interactive science museum open for guests of all ages. There are various exhibits such as their Making Manmouths, Microbes Rule, and Cosmic Portal exhibitions, among others. Liberty Science Center is also home to their Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, which is largest planetarium in America. Shows at the planetarium are available as an add-on to the general admission ticket for LSC.   


Get Milkshakes | Hoboken + Jersey City

Milkshakes are delicious at any age, and there are some fun spots to enjoy them at — including Subculture in Jersey City. This downtown spot has a classic milkshake with flavors including vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry as well as some unique flavors.  The Obi-Wan Cannoli Milkshake, made of cannoli, vanilla, chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, and powdered sugar, is one to write homeabout. 

Another spot for milkshakes is Turning Point in Hoboken, located uptown on the waterfront. On the menu, there’s even a milkshake for coffee lovers out there — the  Caramel Coffee Shake –  made of caramel coffee, vanilla ice cream, french toast, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.

Go golfing at Hudson Golf | 16 Hudson Place, Hoboken

This indoor golf simulator is a fun spot to bring the avid young golfers for a round. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure a slot time. Hudson Golf welcomes advanced golfers and non-golfers to check out their indoor golf simulator, and each of their bays are equipped with TrackMan indoor golf technology to put golf skills to the test

Go racing at RPM Racing |  99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City

For any go-kart enthusiasts out there, RPM Racing in Jersey City gives people a chance to race indoors in a safe environment. There are different race tracks suitable for different age levels. After racing, there are other amenities such as bowling, virtual reality, and arcade games.

Go Shopping at Local Boutiques  | Hoboken + Jersey City

In both Hoboken and Jersey City, there are many boutiques to peruse and shop till you drop. Brooke and Bel in Hoboken is a women’s clothing and footwear shop with various designer pieces for a variety of styles. Kanibal + Co. is another Jersey City boutique we love — which houses home goods, gifts, custom + antique jewelry, apparel, accessories, and even some vintage furniture. It’s also right next to AMT Vintage, if you’re looking for some more shopping fun.

 

read more button

RMA

also appears in

0 comment