Back during the American Revolution, George Washington knew there was something special about Morristown when he declared the stately home of one of his colonels to be his strategic headquarters for the remainder of the war. Fast forward 300 years, and Morristown still stands out, thanks to the town’s historical layout from the early 1700s, diverse activities, and vibrant culture. It’s also an ideal day trip for families, as history buffs (we’re looking at you, Ford Mansion), museum enthusiasts, Broadway aficionados, and garden lovers will all find something to enjoy here. Read on for what you need to know about planning a day trip to Morristown, one of our favorite downtowns in the Garden State. (featured photo credit: stock/Rabbitti)

Things To Do In Morristown

Walk The Green

When Washington was around, The Green was the center of the town and one of the top things to do in Morristown. That still holds today—the 2.62-acre Green surrounding the town is now a park and one of only two historical greens that have survived in NJ. It’s been a source of transformation throughout the years from a pasture for livestock to the spot of the county’s first courthouse, pillory, and jail to a meeting spot for citizens to discuss their grievances with the British.  And, of course, General George Washington lived at Arnold’s Tavern, right by The Green, during the American Revolution. Today, you can visit The Green and enjoy a picnic in the park, join a festival, see “The Alliance” statue, observe the Soldiers At Rest War Monument from 1871, or step into the historic Presbyterian Church on the Green (built in 1738-40) with a landmark graveyard that contains over 70 soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. 

Tour the town

To get your bearings and learn more about the history, sign up for a walking tour or look out for upcoming events. You can also create a self-guided tour throughout Morristown by using their maps that show historical sites, monuments, or points of interest, or follow their Morristown Public Art Map to see murals and mosaics around town.

Hats off to history

History buffs will want to make a beeline to the Ford Mansion, most famously known for serving as George Washington’s military headquarters. Today, it’s a museum with period furnishings, including the rooms where George Washington went over his war plan, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about him and the mansion. About a 10-minute walk from The Green is MacCulloch Hall Historical Museum, where you can see European and American fine and decorative art collections, historic gardens, and special events. Kids will love learning about the Industrial Revolution at the Historic Speedwell, where Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail showed people their electromagnetic telegraph in 1838, ushering in a new way to communicate messages across far distances through electric currents known as Morse Code. The 18th-century buildings, interactive museum, and park are worth checking out. If you want to see more history but don’t mind heading slightly out of town, head over to the grounds of Jockey Hollow, where the Continental Army camped out during the winter of 1779 to 1780 (the coldest winter on record) and chopped down over 600 acres of trees to build shelter and make fires.

See the arts come to life

For families that want to see a show, the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) down the road on South Street is the place to go. Now in its 30th season, MPAC has become one of New Jersey’s arts and cultural organizations, with more than 200 performances yearly, including many children’s performances during the day. Or head to the Bickford Theatre at The Morris Museum for jazz, outdoor concerts, film programs, and the Live Arts series, which emphasizes new works in theatre, dance, music, family-themed shows, and circus arts.

Explore Morristown museums

Did you know that Morristown is the only NJ museum with a Smithsonian affiliation? The Morris Museum started with a single collection in the early 1900s and grew to include exhibitions, educational programs, and live performances. Kids can learn about NJ’s Native American history, watch a model train wind through an ever-changing miniature display, and touch a dinosaur egg in the Earth Science Gallery. If museums are your family’s things, spend the time outside of town going to nearby Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, a 218-acre farm that transports guests back to the 1800s. This New Jersey and National Register Historic Site is complete with farm animals, crops, period furnishings, and machinery from the turn of the 20th century. You can visit the Farmhouse, the Gothic Revival Willows mansion, the interactive Transportation exhibit (including restored period autos), and their charming gardens. 

Shop the downtown

For shopping, strolling along South Street is where you can find clothing, wine, jewelry, and unique boutiques. Step into Just Jersey, filled with local goods with a Jersey twist, like state-shaped pasta to a “Down the Shore Everything’s Alright” Springsteen coaster. Or wander into Enjou Chocolat on a side street in Morristown to try their homemade, delectable treats with solid chocolate “I Love You” or delicious truffles. Down the road, littles will love to stop into The Learning Express & The Teaching Room to have an interactive shopping experience with a “neighborhood toy store” vibe.

Playtime for little and big kids

Need a break for you and the kids? Let littles run loose at the Kid and Caboodle Indoor Play Cafe, on Evergreen Place, which has everything from sensory toys to pretend play and climbing structures for playtime, so adults can sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee. For bigger kids looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, the Morristown Game Vault on South Street is a retro arcade open 7 days a week with over 100 arcade games and pinball machines housed in a former bank building. The Glassworks Crafting Studio down South Street is another stop for families that want to get creative. You can work on the Project of the Month or create a masterpiece that includes anything from nightlights to ornaments. At last, the Morristown & Morris Township Library, also on South Street, is another kid-friendly spot with books and various family-friendly events ranging from Baby Stories & Songs to Saturday Craft Story Time. 

Discover dinner, drinks, and desserts

When it’s time for a bite, continue down South Street to grab a coffee and fresh-from-the-oven pastry from Lokl Cafe, or head across the street from the entrance at the Green for all-day pancakes and burgers at The Committed Pig. And a must-stop for any visit is a slice at Coniglio’s—Nino Coniglio not only won the World Pizza Championships in Italy, but the shop is known for square pies (they do round too) using the freshest ingredients. Agricola near South Street is another tasty stop for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Looking for something sweet? Stop in the kid-friendly South Street Creamery with homemade ice cream flavors and a Red Sea Cafe pop-up featuring handmade East African dishes and stews.

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