With its old-school history, modern-day vibes, walkable downtown, and cool monthly events, a day trip to Somerville, NJ, will have your family finding a sweet spot for fun to visit time and again. Originally a farming community with a tiny population, Somerville’s Main Street has morphed into a place with a serious foodie cred (think artisan donuts and Latin-fusion empanadas), a vibrant arts scene, and plenty of places that give it a small-town feel with a big-city edge. You can’t go wrong exploring the charming downtown, visiting Revolutionary War relics at the Somerville Fire Department Museum, stopping into Blue Sheep Bakery, enjoying a delicious meal, and making time for play. Keep reading for what to do when you visit Somerville. (featured photo credit: @downtownsomerville)
Things To Do In Somerville
Spend time downtown
First stop is the charming Division Street in Somerville, NJ, where the short walkable area has plenty to explore. Start your walk with a bite at Division Cafe (8 Division St) — a cozy spot with Latin-inspired dishes, like delish empanadas that’ll kick things off right. Music lovers will want to stop by Division Street Music Shop and browse through the variety of guitars, drum sets, and sheet music. Just a few steps away, you’ll find Blue Marble Studio, where you can sign up for an art class or shop their curated selection of home gifts; Tea’s Up for a refreshing drink; Monty and Milo for books, and Dolce Gelato — because obviously, your kids will beg you for a scoop. Keep heading up the street to check out Personalized Paraphernalia (hello, custom gifts) and then finish with a little self-care shopping at Soul Trip, where you’ll find crystals, candles, and calming energy.
Tour the Somerville Fire Department Museum
Got kids who love a firetruck? The Somerville Fire Museum, built in 1888, transports you back in time as soon as you step inside. Originally, the museum housed only a hand-pulled hose reel and a horse-drawn hose wagon. A few years later, it added the first motorized fire pumper. With two floors of exhibits and artifacts, including a pre-Civil War hand pumper, equipment, hoses, ladders, helmets, and uniforms, be sure to set aside ample time to take in the rich history of this building. Want to feel like you were there during the 1800s? Let your little ones operate the hand pumper and a restored alarm box system. The museum is open every Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM for guided tours.
Enjoy playtime in nature
Sure, the town is known for its bustling downtown and events, but when you need some time in nature, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds. At the Carol Pager Sports Complex, you’ll find a picnic area, playground, bathrooms, and ample space to explore. Another place to stop by is Lepp Park, where you will find a spray park for the warmer months, a swimming pool with a pavilion, and a playground. Long Park also has a spray park for those hot days when your littles want to get the wiggles out and cool off at the same time. If you’re looking for a spot to take family photos or host a special event, visit Van Fleet Gardens and take in the picturesque setting that is great for the whole family.
Challenge each other to a retro game
Feeling competitive? When you walk into Yestercades, it’s like stepping back into your childhood with all the games you loved and can now share with your kids. The place is packed with retro favorites, including NBA Jam, Battle Zone, Defender, Monopoly, and, of course, Pac-Man. As you wander around, you’ll stumble upon a whole section of pinball machines that’s guaranteed to bring back those kid vibes. Once you’ve had your fill of nostalgia, you can play some pool, grab a controller for some retro gaming, or check out all the cool memorabilia, from Trolls to action figures.
Find new spots for dinner and drinks
The restaurant scene in Somerville is a hidden gem, known to attract diners from all parts of the state. You can even take a food tour to sample the diverse eateries and hear from the chefs. Stop by Verve for bistro food with a French vibe that’s cozy and inviting; the Oink and Moo BBQ Market for smoked meats and Tex-Mex specialties; or stop by the Blue Sheep Bake Shop and Creamery for delectable cupcakes, macarons, cookies, and brownies. The best part? They also have gluten-sensitive cakes, ice cream cakes, and decorated cookies, so if you have a gluten sensitivity, this is the place for you. When you mention NJMOM, you will receive 10% online orders of baked goods, excluding signature or custom cake orders, at checkout!
What to know before you go
Somerville is located just an hour from Manhattan and offers a vibrant downtown that combines the city vibes with the feel of a small town. Many of the restaurants are well-known and popular, so making reservations, especially on the weekends, is recommended. The city is situated near major highways and has a train station, making it easily accessible from all parts of the state. Somerville hosts numerous downtown events, featuring live music, food, and markets. Be sure to check the calendar of events before visiting Somerville to avoid missing out on the fun. Downtown Somerville is entirely walkable, and metered parking is available on Main Street, as well as municipal parking lots at various locations, allowing you to park your car and take those steps.
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
