Paterson · Passaic County, NJ

Cheap things to do in Paterson

Scout analyzed 72 Paterson places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.6 hr

Scout-verified spots

East Side Park Historic District

Eastside Park

Eastside Park is a free city park suitable for a 1-2 hour outdoor stroll or picnic, especially on a sunny weekend. It can be paired with exploring other local historic sites or a nearby meal.

OutdoorsViewsHistory

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Lotus

Lotus is a good spot for evening drinks and conversation, possibly before or after dinner. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $35-75 per person for a couple of cocktails and a small bite.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Saddle River County Park

Saddle River County Park is ideal for a few hours of outdoor recreation, like walking, biking, or playing with kids. It's a free activity that can be paired with a local meal or other area attractions.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Lambert Castle

Lambert Castle is a historical museum that can be visited for 1-2 hours, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life and local history. Entry is typically low cost or free, making it a good pairing with a local park or lunch.

ArtsHistoryViews

$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Duffy's Tavern

Duffy's Tavern is suitable for a casual evening out, perhaps after a local activity. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $25-$50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Arts & Culture

Paterson Museum

This museum is good for a 1.5-hour educational outing focused on local history and industry, pairing well with a walk through the nearby Great Falls. Expect a low cost of admission, typically under $10 per person.

ArtsHistoryEducational

$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Weasel Brook Park

Weasel Brook Park is a solid choice for a free family outing, especially with younger children, offering playgrounds and sports fields. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here, perhaps paired with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Catch Air Hasbrouck

Catch Air Hasbrouck is an indoor playground, a good standalone outing for families with young children for a couple of hours. Expect to spend $20-30 per child for entry.

PlayfulSocial

$20–$30 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Family

DreamWorks Water Park

DreamWorks Water Park is an indoor option for a 4-hour family outing or birthday, costing around $80-120 per person for admission. It's suitable for most weather and can be paired with other American Dream attractions.

OutdoorsSportsPlayful

$80–$120 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Van Saun County Park

Van Saun County Park is a good half-day family outing, especially for younger kids to enjoy the zoo and playground. Expect to spend a few hours exploring; it's free to enter, but activities like the carousel or zoo entry (if applicable) may have small fees.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

Ballyowen Golf Club

Ballyowen Golf Club is suitable for a several-hour outdoor sports outing, offering a scenic golf experience. Expect to spend $100-250 per person for a round of golf, typically as a standalone activity.

OutdoorsShoppingSports

$100–$250 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Shopping

MyUnique Paterson

This thrift store is suitable for a solo or casual outing, often paired with other local errands or a coffee stop. Expect to spend an hour browsing, with items typically costing $10-$50.

ShoppingRelaxedPlayful

$10–$50 typical1 hr visitmoderate parking

Wellness

BRC Day Spa & Sauna Resort

This spa and sauna resort is good for a relaxing solo or small group outing, potentially for a few hours. Expect to spend $50-$150 per person for entry and perhaps a treatment or food, suitable for a quiet afternoon or evening.

FoodCocktailsWellness

$50–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Preakness

Preakness Valley Golf Course

Preakness Valley Golf Course is ideal for a half-day outdoor sports outing, suitable for solo play or small groups. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $30-90 per person for a round.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$30–$90 typical3 hr visiteasy parking

Wellness

Taiji Oriental Massage

This massage spa is good for a solo wellness break or to unwind after a busy week. Expect to spend about an hour and $60-120 per person.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$60–$120 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Pompton Plains

Sunset Valley Golf Course

This golf course is good for a morning or afternoon round of golf. It typically takes around 3 hours and costs $30-80 per person for a round, not including equipment.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$30–$80 typical3 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

Black Bear Golf Club

This golf club is a good destination for a weekend round of golf, taking several hours and costing between $50-$150 per person for greens fees. It's best enjoyed during good weather conditions.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$50–$150 typical4 hr visiteasy parking

Oak Ridge

Bowling Green Golf Club

This golf club is good for a multi-hour outdoor activity, typically costing $50-$150 per person for a round. It can pair with a meal at its bar or restaurant afterward.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$50–$150 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Sports & Recreation

Baltusrol Golf Club

This historic golf club is suitable for a full day of golf on its championship courses. Expect a significant per-person spend, likely requiring membership or guest access, making it a planned outing rather than a spontaneous stop.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$150–$500 typical5 hr visiteasy parking

Oak Ridge

Berkshire Valley Golf Course

This is a good spot for a few hours of outdoor recreation, ideal for a solo golf game or a social outing with friends. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for a round.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$50–$100 typical4 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

SkyView Golf Club

SkyView Golf Club is suitable for a solo golf outing or a weekend adventure with friends, expecting to spend a few hours and $50-100 per person for a round. It also functions as a wedding venue, making it a potential spot for special occasions. Parking is easy, but significant walking is involved on the course.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$50–$100 typical4 hr visiteasy parking

McAfee

Great Gorge Golf Club

This golf course is good for a multi-hour outdoor activity, typically costing $50-100 per person. It can be paired with a meal afterwards and is best enjoyed during good weather conditions.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$50–$100 typical4 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Naxos Estiatorio

Naxos Estiatorio is a good spot for a sit-down meal, perfect for a family dinner or a date. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $40-80 per person on a typical visit.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$40–$80 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Patsy's Tavern & Restaurant

Patsy's is a solid choice for a casual Italian meal, especially for families or a quick solo bite, typically lasting an hour. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for pizza or pasta.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking