10 Fun Things To Do Near Kearny, New Jersey (Hudson County)

If you live in Kearny, NJ or you’re planning a visit, you might be wondering: “Okay… what is there to actually do around here?” The good news? A lot. Kearny sits in a great spot in Hudson County. You’re close to Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, and you can see the New York City skyline from many spots. That means day trips, great food, parks, history, and easy travel without needing to drive for hours. Below are 10 fun things to do in and around Kearny—all within a short drive, Uber, or public transit ride.

1. Stroll, Picnic, and Play at West Hudson Park

West Hudson Park is one of the best-known green spaces near Kearny, right on the border with Harrison. If you’re looking for something simple and relaxing to do, this is it. You’ll find:

Walking and jogging paths
Open fields for tossing a football or frisbee
Playgrounds for kids
Shady spots that are perfect for a picnic blanket

It’s the kind of place where you can spend an easy Sunday afternoon. Bring a sandwich, grab a coffee from a local Kearny bakery, and just enjoy being outside. Tip: If you like photos, go around golden hour. The light over the small lake and trees can be surprisingly pretty for a “regular” neighborhood park.

2. Catch a Soccer Match at Red Bull Arena in Harrison

Just across the Passaic River from Kearny sits Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls soccer team. If you’re a sports fan—or even if you’re not—the energy here is worth experiencing at least once. What to expect:

Loud, passionate fans (especially in the supporter sections)
MLS soccer matches and occasional international games
Food stands and beer vendors throughout the arena

You can easily get there from Kearny by car or rideshare. On game day, the whole area around the stadium feels alive. Travel tip: If you’re staying in Kearny and planning to visit New York City too, Red Bull Arena is a nice “in-between” adventure that’s close by but still feels like a big-league event.

3. Ride the PATH from Harrison or Journal Square into NYC

One of the biggest perks of being in or near Kearny is how close you are to New York City without paying NYC prices. From nearby:

Harrison Station (right across the river)
Journal Square in Jersey City (about a 15–20 minute drive)

You can hop on the PATH train and be in Manhattan in roughly 20–30 minutes. It’s an easy day trip for:

Seeing Times Square
Walking the High Line
Exploring museums
Or just wandering and people-watching

This is perfect if you’re staying in Kearny, NJ for cheaper hotels or to visit family but still want a full NYC experience. Local hack: Try going into the city in the late afternoon, have dinner there, and come back after the rush hour crowds die down.

4. Explore Liberty State Park in Jersey City

If you want waterfront views without NYC chaos, Liberty State Park in Jersey City is a must. It’s about a 20–30 minute drive from Kearny, depending on traffic. Here’s what makes it special:

Iconic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline
Wide-open lawns and walking paths right along the Hudson River
Picnic areas and plenty of space to relax

You can also catch ferries from here to:

Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island

Both are great if you’re interested in U.S. history or if you have kids learning about immigration in school. Photo tip: On clear days, sunrise and sunset over the skyline are absolutely worth the early wake-up or late drive.

5. Eat Your Way Through Kearny Avenue

You don’t have to leave town to have a good time. Kearny Avenue is a bit of a local main street, packed with small businesses and restaurants. You’ll find:

Portuguese and Brazilian bakeries and BBQ spots
Pizza places and classic American diners
Cafés for coffee and pastries

Kearny has a strong Portuguese and Brazilian community, so if you like:

Grilled meats
Pão de queijo (cheese bread)
Fresh pastries

you’re in the right place. Sometimes the best “thing to do” near Kearny is just to walk, window-shop, and try somewhere new for lunch or dinner.

6. Visit Newark’s Branch Brook Park (Especially During Cherry Blossom Season)

Just across the river in neighboring Newark, Branch Brook Park is a beautiful escape that many visitors don’t even know about. It’s known for:

Having thousands of cherry blossom trees
Walking and biking paths
Bridges, ponds, and scenic spots for photos

If you’re in Kearny in the spring, usually around early to mid-April, the cherry blossoms are incredible. Think of it as New Jersey’s answer to Washington, D.C.’s famous blooms. Even outside cherry blossom season, it’s still a peaceful and pretty park that’s just a short drive from Kearny.

7. Discover Hoboken’s Waterfront and Nightlife

About a 25–35 minute drive from Kearny (traffic depending), Hoboken offers a fun mix of:

Walkable streets
Waterfront views
Bars and restaurants

Along the Hudson River waterfront, you’ll get:

Stunning views of midtown Manhattan
Wide paths perfect for walking, jogging, or biking
Benches where you can just sit and watch the boats go by

Later in the day, Hoboken is a hotspot for:

Happy hour
Casual date nights
Live music and bar hopping

If you’re visiting Kearny with friends, a night out in Hoboken is an easy and lively option nearby.

8. Check Out Local History at the Kearny Museum

Want something low-key and local? The Kearny Museum is tucked inside the Kearny Public Library and focuses on local history. Inside, you’ll see:

Old photos of Kearny and Hudson County
Artifacts from early residents
Items related to the town’s Scottish roots and industrial past

It’s not huge, but it’s a neat way to understand the story behind the town you’re walking through. Good to know: This is a nice, short stop if you’re traveling with older relatives or kids who are curious about how places change over time.

9. Shop, Dine, and People-Watch at Newport in Jersey City

If you’re in the mood for malls and waterfront views in one place, head to the Newport area of Jersey City. You can:

Shop at the Newport Centre mall
Walk along the waterfront with direct skyline views
Grab dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants

This area feels more modern and polished, with high-rise buildings, glass towers, and clean riverfront paths. It’s about a 20–30 minute drive from Kearny. If you’re staying in Kearny and want a city vibe without actually going into Manhattan, Newport is a comfortable middle ground.

10. Catch a Concert or Game at the Prudential Center in Newark

For big events close to Kearny, the Prudential Center in downtown Newark is your go-to arena. It’s only a short drive away. You’ll find:

NHL games (home of the New Jersey Devils)
Major concerts and tours
College basketball and special events

Pair a show or game with dinner in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood—known for great Portuguese and Spanish food—and you’ve got a full night out, all within easy reach of Kearny.

Why Kearny, NJ Makes a Great Home Base

Kearny itself feels like a friendly, everyday New Jersey town—nothing too fancy, but that’s part of its charm. What really makes it shine is its location:

Quick trips into New York City via PATH
Easy access to Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken
Plenty of parks, restaurants, and local spots within a short drive

Whether you’re:

Visiting family
Staying in Kearny to save money vs. Manhattan hotels
Or you just moved here and want to explore

you’ve got a lot of options for day trips and nights out without going far.

Share Your Favorite Things to Do Near Kearny

Have you spent time in Kearny or around Hudson County?

Did we miss your favorite park, restaurant, or hangout spot?
Do you have a go-to brunch place or café on Kearny Avenue?
Any local tips for first-time visitors?

Drop your suggestions and experiences in the comments so other travelers and locals can discover new spots too. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Kearny, NJ or looking for fun things to do near Newark and Hudson County.

New Jersey Directory

Search This Blog

Kearny, New Jersey: 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby