Parks
50 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Jackson Park1 mi from downtown
- Independence Park1 mi from downtown
- Riverbank Park1.1 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Newark
5 kinds of free outings in and around Newark.
Good days out in Newark don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Springfield Branch150 Newton Street
- Van Buren Branch140 Van Buren Street
- Roseville Branch99 Fifth Street
Historic places
72 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Newark Penn Station
- Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred HeartBuilt 1954
- St. Patrick's Pro-CathedralBuilt 1846
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- National Parks of New York Harbor8 mi southeast
- Camp Gateway - Staten Island11 mi southeast
- Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny18 mi southeast
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- National Parks of New York Harbor8 mi southeast
- Camp Gateway - Staten Island11 mi southeast
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge19 mi west
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
50 FREE, Year-Round Things To Do in Newark, New Jersey 👇
A local activity Short shared by Planmyweekend.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Newark in a Nutshell: Top 5 Must-Dos
A local activity Short shared by UltimateUtopia5.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Newark?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Newark this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.