Hudson County NJ Indoor Things to Do with Kids and Teens

The Grammy Museum Experience at the Prudential Center in Newark

During a recent visit to Newark, we had the most incredible experience at the Grammy Museum Experience! My 14-year-old son and I pretended to be rock stars as we sang along with Ray Charles and the Beatles, learned to play the drums with Bruce Springstein’s drummer, and even went into a sound booth to rap. Those are just some of the highlights. I was surprised and pleased by how much this museum had to do.

The Grammy Museum Experience at the Prudential Center, at 165 Mulberry Street in Newark, is best for tweens and teens and their grownups who enjoy not just learning about music but also enjoy having engaging musical experiences. Visit their website or call (973) 757-6300 for more information.

Newark Museum of Art

As incredible as the Grammy Museum Experience is for teens and tweens, the Newark Museum of Art is for kids. I can not believe I’ve been in Jersey since I was a tween and never knew about it before.

One of the most amazing ways to play in this Newark Museum of Art is in their Animal Kingdom. There are full-size mural videos playing picturesque scenes like the beach and the forest.

There is a cave with cave paintings and when you walk inside you and your child can play a match the animal with the cave painting game.

My favorite spot in the Animal Kingdom was the Sketch Aquarium. Children, tweens, teens, and adults can design their own sea creatures and then bring them to life in a moving mural-like ocean that spans two walls.

Throughout the museum, there were other interactive exhibits and interesting art. There’s even a small planetarium that features daily shows included with admission. Visit their website or call (973) 596-6550 for more information.

RPM Racing in Jersey City NJ

If you want your adrenaline to pump in excitement, then this is the place for you. RPM Racing offers 3,000 feet of track with three levels of turns and ramps. If you are a thrill seeker, then join the race at 99 Caven Point Rd. Call 201-333-7223 for more information.

The Gravity Vault in Hoboken NJ

Are you looking to burn some energy and have fun along the way? Climb into action with many different levels of rock climbing. Drive on over to 1423 Clinton St. Have questions, then call 201-740-1423 for more information.

Puzzle Out Escape Room in Hoboken NJ

Do you like figuring things out? How about the excitement of being timed? Compile all the clues to see if you can escape from 1 Newark St. #22. Call 201-565-3332 for more information.

Hoboken Fire Department Museum in Hoboken NJ

One of my absolute favorite places I’ve ever taken my kids when they were little is the Hoboken Fire Department Museum. This little gem in Hoboken is every wanna-be firefighter’s dream. There are multiple areas for kids to dress up and pretend to be firefighters, but the best is the shiny red Ahrens Fox fire engine. And yes, kids can climb up and ring the bell and ‘drive’ this classic fire truck. Read all about it in Firefighters for a Day at the Hoboken Fire Department Museum.

Restaurants with indoor playgrounds

• Chuck E. Cheese in North Bergen, NJ  201-861-1799
• McDonald’s in Bayonne, NJ  201-858-9054
• McDonald’s in Union City, NJ  201-866-6777
• McDonald’s in Jersey City, NJ  201-333-7888
• McDonald’s in West New York, NJ  201-205-1242

More Hudson County indoor playgrounds

• Urban Jungle Play in Hoboken, NJ  201-653-4212
• My Gym in Hoboken, NJ  201-758-8390
• Funzy Play in Jersey City, NJ  551-256-3773
• Village Tree House in Hoboken, NJ  201-267-0729
• The Great Story in Ridgefield, NJ  201-496-6252

More Indoor Things to do in Hudson County NJ

Indoor play doesn’t have to be limited to indoor playgrounds or the top attractions with lots of indoor activities. Play can also look like skating at the rink, building with Legos at the library, jumping on trampolines, trying to escape at escape rooms, rock climbing an indoor mountain, battling an opponent in laser tag, or facing off at a video game in an arcade. When you’re looking for fun things to do for the entire family on a rainy day consider one of these activities.

Hudson County Library

In Hudson County, the Jersey City Public Library is the largest library system. The Jersey City Public Library Event Calendar shows several indoor events scavenger hunts for teens, children’s movie days, and guitar lessons. The library offers over 10 branches, there’s sure to be one nearby that’s the perfect place for indoor fun.

Hudson County Roller Skating Rinks

You can’t go wrong with spending the day indoor roller skating at this Hudson County roller skating rink.

• Multi-Service Center in Hoboken, NJ 201-420-2054

Hudson County Indoor Ice Skating Rinks

Ice skating is another fun indoor thing to do. Sadly it’s becoming harder to find indoor ice skating in New Jersey, but we found these spots in Hudson County NJ.

• Secaucus Ice Rink in Secaucus, NJ 201-330-0273
• Rich Korpi Ice Rink in Bayonne, NJ 201-858-5566

Hudson County Bowling Alley

Rack up the pins! Pick out bowling balls for the kids! Slip into the bowling shoes and take the entire family out for bowling at these Hudson County bowling alleys. Find more bowling alleys in our guide to New Jersey Bowling Alleys.

• Hudson Lanes in Jersey City, NJ 201-432-5900
• Bowl-Rite Lanes in Union City, NJ 201-864-2667

Hudson County Trampoline Parks

Sometimes the kids have so much energy you just need to let them bounce and jump it out. Sadly there are no trampoline parks in Hudson County, but there is this nearby one. Find more trampoline parks in our guide to NJ Trampoline Parks Near Me & You!

• Urban Air in South Hackensack, NJ 201-212-6454

Hudson County Escape Rooms

If you’ve got a tween too cool for regular indoor things to do or a teen who likes a challenge try some of these Hudson County escape rooms.

• Puzzle Out in Jersey City, NJ 201-565-3332 (recommended for 8 years and older)
• Puzzle Out in Hoboken, NJ 201-565-3332 (recommended for 8 years and older)

Hudson County Laser Tag

The fun thing about laser tag is that almost everyone in the entire family can do it! Even if you’re not as skilled at shooting (I’m not), I still enjoy trying to zap my kids with lasers. I know they enjoy zapping me. LOL. This location in Hudson County NJ offers indoor laser tag.

• Game Rider in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 201-500-7480

Rock Climbing in Hudson County NJ

Climb a mountain without going outdoors? Yes, it’s possible in Hudson County with these locations that offer indoor rock climbing.

• The Gravity Vault in Hoboken, NJ 201-740-1423
• Method Climbing Gym in Newark, NJ 201-414-9274

Hudson County Arcades

Got Pac-Man fever? Need to shoot some hoops? Craving a game of skeeball? This arcade in Hudson County NJ offers so many arcade games you may just forget that you ‘had’ to spend the day indoors. Need more arcade options? Read our guide Game On: The Best New Jersey Arcades!

• VR Arcade Thrill Universe in Elizabeth, NJ 929-274-3205

Indoor Swimming in Hudson County

Not every day can be a beach day, but it can be a pool day. When it’s a rainy day, too hot, or too cold outside visit this indoor pool for swimming or visit a local hotel with an indoor pool and see if they’ll allow you a day pass.

• Pershing Field Pool in Jersey City, NJ 201-547-6886

Art Studios in Hudson County

Create something beautiful at one of these art studios.

• Cre8Art School in Fort Lee, NJ 201-203-7010 – Painting and drawing
• 585 Studios in Jersey City, NJ 201-574-5393 – Painting
• Tiny Artisan Creative Studios in Jersey City, NJ 201-589-9144 – Painting
• Panache Art Studio in Jersey City, NJ 201-282-9072 – Painting

Hudson County Museums

Explore the artifacts, architecture, and photos at these Hudson County museums.

Hoboken Historical Museum in Hoboken, NJ

Collect a little bit of Hoboken when you visit this museum. You will learn all about the history of the city with photographs, books, drawings, and much more. Located at 1301 Hudson Street. Call 201-656-2240 for more information.

Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ

You need a whole day to explore this place. There is so much to learn and to see. They have hands-on exhibits, movies, laser shows, and even live animals! Located at 222 Jersey City Blvd Call 201-200-1000 for more information.

Learn more about the Liberty Science Center in these guides.

Hudson County Movie Theaters

As of May 20, 2023, there are a few movie theaters in Hudson County, New Jersey.

• Loew’s Jersey Theater in Jersey City, NJ 201-798-6055
• Kerasotes Show Place 14 in Secaucus, NJ 201-210-5364
• AMC Newport Centre 11 in Jersey City, NJ 201-626-3258

Hudson County Performing Arts Theaters

There is nothing like watching a story come alive on a stage before your eyes. Singers singing, actors acting, and vivid scenery, it’s fun and engaging for the entire family. In Hudson County NJ, we have several performing arts theaters.

• NJCU Center for the Arts in Jersey City, NJ 201-200-2429
• NJ Performing Art Center in Newark, NJ 888-466-5722
• Park Performing Arts Center in Union City, NJ 201-430-5067
• Grace Theatre Workshop in Union City, NJ 201-864-7149
• Hoboken Children’s Theater in Hoboken, NJ 646-339-8485
• Hudson Riverfront Performing Arts Center in Weehawken, NJ 201-430-6881
• Jersey City Children’s Theater in Jersey City, NJ 201-255-8057

Recap of the best indoor things to do in Hudson County NJ

While a visit to RPM Racing, The Gravity Vault, Puzzle Out Escape Room, The Hoboken Fire Department Museum, The Grammy Museum Experience, or the Newark Museum of Art falls among the top in our list of indoor things to do in Hudson County, New Jersey. We hope our list has shown you that there are plenty of indoor activities nearby to enjoy with the entire family. A rainy day, a snowy day, or a very hot summer day does not have to mean a boring day.

Did we leave a great place for indoor fun off our list? Let us know in the comments below.