We all know the best things in life are free, but do you know all the ways you can spend your time—not your money—in Jersey?
If you’re a reader, music lover, art aficionado or pop culture buff, we’ve got you covered below with these free places to mix and mingle with like-minded crowds.
(Want more ideas? We’ve got plenty—whether you’re an outdoor explorer, a panicked parent, a history buff or a bargain hunter.)
Asbury Park Murals
Asbury Park
Public art is part of Asbury Park’s character and serves as a reminder that art—alongside music and restaurants—played a key role in the Shore town’s renaissance. Vibrant murals are accessible for all during a self-guided tour. The Wooden Walls Project, a public-art initiative started in 2015 by curator Jenn Hampton, is responsible for 40 pieces along the boardwalk and at the arcade and carousel buildings. Just north of Convention Hall, there are 13 murals at the waste-water treatment facility. Away from the waterfront, you’ll find art all around town, turning ordinary walls into masterpieces. —Jacqueline Larcara
Frank Sinatra Walking Tour
Hoboken
Photo: Courtesy of the Hoboken Historical Museum
No pennies from heaven needed! Grab a free map (or print one online) from the Hoboken Historical Museum and embark on the self-guided Frank Sinatra walking tour. It winds past his former homes, high school and haunts (like Lepore’s, where he reportedly adored the chocolate-covered apricots), as well as eateries that celebrate him with music and memorabilia. The tour ends at his birthplace on Monroe Street. The museum recommends allowing at least two hours for the tour. —Jennifer Finn
Arts 14C Studio Tours
Jersey City
In 2018, Arts 14C joined the Jersey City scene with this nonprofit that offers residencies, exhibitions and a range of events, including a regular roster of open studios and free exhibits. On Thursdays, guests can take a facility tour of the 125,000-square-foot building, and periodic open houses invite guests to visit artists in their workspaces. The next open house is scheduled for May 9-10. —Deborah P. Carter
Silent Book Club
Monmouth County
There’s no membership, registration or speakers. Bring a book, show up at the designated spot, and you’ve joined the Silent Book Club of Monmouth County. The monthly meetups are held at different venues throughout the county, often in coffee shops, libraries and even distilleries, but also public spaces like parks and beaches. The Monmouth club is part of a nationwide community of readers and is one of the largest and longest-running groups, with nearly 30,000 Instagram followers. Along with reading events, the club hosts opportunities to mingle with other bibliophiles, called Side Quests, that include reading-inspired fun like Bookish Bingo and crafts for a fee. —DPC
Zimmerli Art Museum
New Brunswick
Photo: Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Licensed by Artists Rights Society
Located on the campus of Rutgers University, this museum’s large and diverse holdings range from Renaissance paintings to works by contemporary American artists, including New Jersey sculptor/painter George Segal. Also featured: the world’s largest collection of Soviet nonconformist art, comprising stark and satirical pieces from 1956 to 1991. Current special exhibitions (through July 31) feature the works of Andy Warhol and New Jersey-born artist Allan Rohan Crite. —Ken Schlager
The Player Agency
South Orange
In 2023, Jesse Johnson and Billy Koester got so engrossed in board games while aboard a Caribbean cruise that they declined to venture off the ship in order to get more game play in. Their mutual commitment to games led to an epiphany: Why not open a board game shop? So when they returned home to the South Orange/Maplewood area, the pair created the Player Agency. The flagship location at Baird Community Center is packed with games like Godzilla Jenga, Monopoly: X-Men, a wide range of Dungeons & Dragons, and mahjong. The game library is free, as are the regular meetup game nights. Located inside the Baird Café, there’s food plus coffee from Paper Plane. —DPC
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Newark
Photo: Courtesy of Archdiocese of Newark
Intricately carved figures and radiant mosaics adorn virtually every nook and surface of the Western Hemisphere’s most stunning example of French Gothic architecture. Step inside and gaze up at the 10-story-high vaulted ceiling. Look back from the main altar to view the stunning rose windows. Stroll behind the altar, where small chapels pay tribute to the immigrant groups that define Newark. The cathedral is open to visitors most daytime hours (call ahead to confirm: 973-484-4600); a guided tour is available the first Sunday of every month. —KS
Bell Works
Holmdel
Photo: Courtesy of Bell Works
At Bell Works, you’re stepping inside a place that holds a spot in history (as the former site of Bell Labs) and the pop-culture zeitgeist (as the setting of Lumon Industries on Apple TV’s Severance). There’s also a ton to do. The self-described metroburb features public basketball courts, free starter pickleball classes, a walking trail and even work-ready spaces. If you cough up some cash, there are several dining options, shows, shops and more. —Jessica Hammer
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton
The impressive museum reopened last fall after having been closed for more than five years for construction of a new building to house its extensive collection, which ranges from ancient to contemporary art. The museum’s collection dates back to 1755, and it is one of the leading university art museums in the country. There’s also a lovely restaurant, Mosaic, which overlooks the picturesque campus. —Jacqueline Mroz
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
Robbinsville
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the remarkable Hindu temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, draws thousands of visitors a day. Photo: Courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
The second largest Hindu temple in the world is right in Mercer County. Vast and ornate, it may seem overwhelming at first—it’s worth many visits. The grounds are incredible. The main mandir (temple) features what is reportedly the largest elliptical dome ever constructed from stone. Reserve your free spot on the website. —J. Mroz
Noyes Arts Garage
Atlantic City
This Stockton University affiliate in Atlantic City’s arts district houses galleries, artist studios, shops and the African American Heritage Museum. The galleries feature themed art and historical exhibitions, as well as selections from the permanent Noyes collection by area artists. The African American museum offers an extensive collection of art and artifacts of the Black experience. —KS
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