Tucked in between bigger and more prominent places (we see you, Morris and Essex Counties), Union County is the sweet spot, boasting over 2,000 acres of woods, Revolutionary War and Gilded Age history, and a river perfect for paddling the day away, making it a place to go when you’re looking for more unique things to do with the kids. See live animals at the Trailside Nature & Science Center, step back in time at the Revolutionary-era mansion Liberty Hall, explore the beautiful 19th-century grounds at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, or visit the railroad car Summit Diner, one of the oldest in NJ. Read on for more things to do in Union County with kids. (featured photo credit: istock/Alex Potemkin)

Things To Do In Union County

Cranford Canoe Club
When the weather warms up from April through November, head to the Cranford Canoe Club, a century-old canoe club on the Rahway River, to rent a kayak, canoe, or tandem kayak. Paddle along the river, once home to other canoe clubs, which earned Cranford the nickname “The Venice of New Jersey.”   Bonus: If you stop by on a Tuesday, you can enjoy a free ice cream with every rental.
250 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

Echo Lake Park
This Union County park spans 6,200 acres and is located in Mountainside, New Jersey. It’s a great place to fish, follow the fitness trail, ice skate, take a pedal boat, or eat in the picnic area (which you can reserve). There is also a playground, restrooms, snack bar, and a dog park. Also, look out for their September 11th Memorial.
1028 Springfield Avenue, Mountainside, NJ 07092

Liberty Hall Museum 
Tucked away on the Kean University campus, this museum, Arboretum, and gardens span over 250 years of history, rooted in a Revolutionary-era mansion home to governors, congressmen, senators, and more. Take a guided tour of Liberty Hall with period furnishings, try an educational program, or wander through the Arboretum and gardens, which highlight historical horticulture and include some of New Jersey’s oldest trees. The Museum at Liberty Hall is also part of the Passport to Your National Parks program, so be sure to bring your passport to get it stamped.  
1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083

Mindowaskin Park 
If you happen to be in Westfield, take a walk in the 12.6-acre park on East Broad Street featuring an accessible playground, a gazebo, memorial trees and gardens, and a large pond. This park is a popular spot for walks or even family photo shoots when you’re looking for a great holiday card backdrop. A renovated playground and a little duck pond are also nearby.
385 E Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
At this historic spot, which was once a country estate during the Gilded Age, you can find a 13.5-acre public garden listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Its estate and gardens represent design trends by prominent late 19th- and early 20th-century landscape architects. The Arboretum features the largest yellow-and-white daffodil bowl in NJ, with activities that celebrate everything daffodil during spring. They host other events throughout the year, including kids and family programs. You can also take a self-guided tour or visit to reflect among the flowering trees and blooms.   
165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901

Summit Diner
Union County’s Summit Diner is among the state’s oldest diners, still in its original retro, train-car-style setting. Order up pancakes or a Jersey-style Taylor Ham egg sandwich to get the full flavor of this historic spot. Go early, since the diner is small and tends to fill up with weekend breakfast crowds.
1 Union Place, Summit, NJ 07901

The Mills at Jersey Gardens
Head to New Jersey’s largest outlet destination, where you will find a mix of brand factory stores and discounted retailers for everyone’s taste, including Swarovski, Columbia, The North Face, and Pottery Barn. Beyond shopping, there’s a food court, movie theater, and special events. 
651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Trailside Nature and Science Center
If you are looking for a free family experience that combines nature and science, a visit to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Union County’s Watchung Reservation is a must. Spend time outside on the trails surrounding the center, then head indoors to interactive displays that bring together animal facts and exhibits spotlighting local wildlife, wetlands, and conservation. 
52 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092

Union County Performing Arts Center
When you want to see a show, you can bring the whole family here for less than it costs to go to Broadway. Check out their calendar of live music, theater, dance, and comedy, and many shows are sensory-friendly. Also keep an eye out for special events, like Popcorn and Pajama Movie Night, and the Festival Of The Trees during the holiday season. 
UCPAC Main Stage – 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
Hamilton Stage – 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway, NJ 07065

Warinanco Park 
This Union County gem is a 205-acre park with paddle boat rides, cherry blossom trees, the Chatfield gardens, an ice rink, and turf fields, picnic areas, and a playground.  
1 Park Drive, Roselle, NJ 07203

Watchung Reservation
This 2,000+ acre preserve is located in the northern portion of Union County and played a critical role during the Revolutionary War, protecting American soldiers from British invasion. The historical trail inside the reservation runs for 6 miles in a circle, starting and ending by the Trailside Nature & Science Center. Other points of interest include the unique Deserted Village of Feltville, with buildings dating back to the 18th century, Lake Surprise, and Seeley’s Pond Waterfall.
452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092

Westfield
Locals often refer to this Union County spot with a Main Street USA feel as Bestfield—and it’s easy to see why, with tree-lined sidewalks, unique shops mixed with brand-name ones, and a generally convivial atmosphere. Check out Baron’s Drug Store, an old-fashioned pharmacy for fun trinkets and toys. Boxwood Coffee Roasters is also a must for great local coffee and snacks, and it’s steps away from Yestercades, a vintage arcade spot where kids can work on mastering Pac-Man.