Growing up in a small town in Ohio with only 4,000 people, if you had told me that each subsequent move I made (except one) would be to a bigger city than the prior one, I wouldn’t have believed it.  I subsequently moved to 1) Columbus, Ohio, 2) Chicago, Illinois, 3) Mexico City (yes, the one in Mexico) and then 4) Hoboken, New Jersey.  Hoboken, to me, is a wonderful combination – we are right next door to one of the greatest cities in the world and yet the pace of life is a bit slower than Manhattan and although there is a thriving night-life Hoboken is also very family-friendly.  Driving up the West Side Highway in New York, you can look across the river to Hoboken. If you haven’t popped over for a visit, armed with your Google map, you should!  There are many summer activities put on by the city that you can enjoy.  I took my kids on a big circuit of the Hoboken river-front in our double stroller and you and your family can either do the entire circuit or stop anywhere along the way.

Getting there:  The easiest way to get to Hoboken is to take the  PATH train, but the most scenic way is to take the NY Waterway ferry.  Both the PATH train and the ferry will bring you into Hoboken Terminal.

First stop:  Pier A  Pier A is a park that juts out into the Hudson River and is adjacent to the Hoboken Terminal.  Having both a shady section and a sunny section, there are ample opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking or sports.  A shaded gazebo at the water’s edge is a terrific place to watch boats go by.  On a recent visit, we were surprised to see a class from the Parsons School gathered around the gazebo painting the spectacular views up and down the Hudson River.  There is also a fountain where children can cool off on a hot day.

Next stop:  Stevens Park  Walk north along the water until the walkway ends.  You’ll see on your right the new Pier C park that is under construction.  Take a left and walk one block.  On the hill on the right-hand side above the ball field, is Stevens Park.  It’s a small neighborhood park but complete with slide, swings and a small fountain.

Next stop:  Elysian Park and/or Maxwell Park Hudson Street runs along the eastern edge of Stevens Park.  Walk north on Hudson Street and you’ll come to Elysian Park just north of 10^th Street.  Elysian Park is a nice spot if you’re looking for shade.  If you keep walking on Hudson Street, cross over Sinatra Drive and angle off to the right, you’ll find Maxwell Park which is a nice, sunny gated park right on the water’s edge.  Both parks have grassy areas for picnicking.

There are several nice spots to eat close to the water along this circuit:

The Melting Pot – a fondue restaurant on Sinatra Drive (along the water) adjacent to Pier A.  The restaurant is somewhat upscale, but there are more casual tables outside.

Trinity – a restaurant on Sinatra Drive a couple of blocks north of the Melting Pot.  Again, it’s an upscale restaurant but there are outside tables.

The Crepe Grill – a casual cafe on the water adjacent to Stevens Park and the new Pier C.

Walking southbound on Hudson Street from either Stevens Park or Elysian Park will bring you back to the Hoboken Terminal.  If you’re still in the mood for some exploring, you can walk back on Washington Street and enjoy the shops, restaurants, bars and cafes along our main street.