With its wide-open spaces, historically significant and interactive museums, and a zoo home to 200 native and exotic species (hello giraffes and lions), Essex County has plenty to keep the whole family busy all year long. Admire the largest collection of cherry blossoms in the United States at Branch Brook Park in Belleville, take a trip around the world with lions, giraffes, bears, and reptiles at the Turtleback Zoo in West Orange, or take a walk on the South Mountain Fairy Trail in Millburn. Keep reading for our top kid-friendly things to do all over Essex County. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Top Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Essex County
Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve
Bonsal Preserve is a hidden gem when you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature. While you are there, explore scenic walking trails, spot local wildlife, and take in beautiful views of the woodlands and wetlands, making it a great place for a leisurely hike, nature photography, or simply reveling in the outdoors.
33 Marquette Road, Montclair, NJ 07042
Branch Brook Park
This park is a beautiful destination any time of the year, but it’s especially breathtaking in the spring when thousands of cherry blossom trees burst into bloom. Beyond the famous blossoms, enjoy walking and biking paths, playgrounds, open green spaces, lakes, and plenty of room for picnics or a relaxing day outdoors with the kids.
Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark, NJ 07104
Eagle Rock Reservation
This scenic destination offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and one of the most spectacular views of the New York City skyline in northern New Jersey. Make sure you have enough time to explore the wooded landscape, spot local wildlife, and stop at the 9/11 Memorial overlooking the skyline for a meaningful and memorable experience.
Prospect Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Essex County Environmental Center
Connect with nature at this environmental center through hands-on educational programs, scenic walking trails, and interactive exhibits. Explore the surrounding wetlands and woodlands, enjoy guided nature activities, or sign up for family-friendly workshops and camps that make learning about the environment fun for all ages.
621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068
The Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair are an oasis of calm in the middle of a busy area. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Montclair
When you want a city kind of day without crossing the Hudson, head to Montclair, an eclectic town with an urban vibe. Stroll the sidewalks for unique boutiques and ethnic restaurants, and be sure to head to Church Street, where you can hit up spots like Doin’ Dishes, a ceramics studio, and stop for a bite at the popular Raymond’s, known for its upscale comfort food like baked mac and cheese. And don’t miss the gardens at the historic Van Vleck House and Gardens, where you can see gorgeous wisteria in bloom and the Children’s Butterfly Garden.
Montclair Art Museum
Since 1914, this museum has been a hub for American art and features an impressive collection of Native American art—one of the best in the Northeast. With over 12,000 pieces to explore, including classic and contemporary paintings, intricate basketry, stunning sculptures, and beautiful pottery, you can help your kids familiarize themselves with art genres and concepts.
3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Want to take in a show or event with the family? New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) sits in the center of Newark and is the premier theater experience in New Jersey. You’ll find everything from family programs to art education programs and free cultural events, plus classes and summer camps for the kids. A few of the shows you can see include performances by the New Jersey Symphony, up-and-coming poets at the Dodge Poetry Festival, and shows across NJ during the North to Shore Festival, which celebrates our area’s incredible diversity and creativity.
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Newark Museum of Art
This beloved spot has more than just art—with fun interactive exhibits that let kids be a part of the learning, a family-friendly planetarium, and engaging cultural programs for kids and their parents, it’s a place where your family can enjoy a day filled with wonder and curiosity. Check out their calendar before you go for their Family Days, filled with art and science projects as well as performances.
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
Known as one of “The Best Public Gardens In America”, this unique garden comes to life from mid-May to the first week of June when Mountainside Park transforms into a rainbow of colors with over 14,000 irises in about 3,000 varieties. In that brief season, families flock to the park for picnics, photo sessions, and peaceful strolls to take in the beauty of these blooms.
474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Regatta Playground
With an imaginative nautical-themed play area with a giant pirate ship-shaped jungle gym with all the nautical bells and whistles—steering wheels, telescopes, ropes, and ‘sails’ to climb—surrounded by swings, seesaws, playground games, and more, this play area’s worth a drive. The fenced-in area offers beautiful views of the Orange Reservoir, and its location within the South Mountain Recreation Complex makes it easy to add on other activities, like renting a paddle boat, or visiting nearby attractions like Turtle Back Zoo and Mini Golf Safari.
Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 07052
South Mountain Fairy Trail
Discover a fairy wonderland at the South Mountain Reservation on a half-mile loop adorned with mystical miniature houses and castles made of natural materials. The enchanting homes have details that delight kids and adults—a peek inside reveals teeny couches made from fungi, acorns used as chairs, and twigs made into beds.
197 Glen Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041
South Mountain Reservation
South Mountain Reservation is a great spot for your family to spend time outdoors, with miles of scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, peaceful streams, and breathtaking overlooks. Make sure you explore popular spots like Hemlock Falls, enjoy wildlife and beautiful wooded landscapes, or take advantage of the nearby South Mountain Recreation Complex for even more family-friendly fun.
South Orange Avenue and Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 07052
South Orange
This vibrant village blends historic charm with a lively downtown, offering your family an easy place to spend the day exploring together. In the walkable village center, enjoy a mix of local restaurants, cafés, shops, and community events, along with cultural attractions like the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). Beyond downtown, make sure you don’t miss the nearby parks, playgrounds, and quick access to outdoor spaces.
The Mall At Short Hills
One of the top malls in the country, The Mall at Short Hills, is like having Fifth Avenue on this side of the Hudson, with designer boutiques and posh, marble surroundings. Kids can enjoy throwing pennies in the globe fountain and feasting on macarons and pastries at the Parisian spot, Lauduree. Make sure to stop by Indigo, where there are toys and books within the massive kids section, an animatronic dino, and a slime-making station. After, pick up a fresh-baked focaccia bread or dine on delish pizzas and gelato at the first NJ outpost of Eataly, the famed Italian marketplace, eaterie, and cooking school from NYC.
1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ 07078
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Take a step back in time at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, where you can tour the famous inventor’s laboratory and Glenmont Estate while discovering the groundbreaking inventions that helped shape everyday life. Check out the interactive exhibits featuring the first motion picture studio, original machine shops, and Edison’s home, a 29-room Victorian mansion with original furnishings.
211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052
Turtle Back Zoo
This NJ gem of a zoo is home to animals from all seven continents, including a red panda, lions, sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays, giraffes, barnyard animals, bears and wolves. Kids love the classic choo-choo train and merry-go-round, as well as the pony rides. And even if you’ve been here a bunch of times, there’s always something new—the Shores of Africa, an indoor exhibit of African penguins and pelicans, is the latest addition, and features a hatchery.
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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