Family Friendly Things To Do
In New Jersey? = Not So Boring!
Enjoy your stay with museums, outlet shops, and splash pads-there’s a little something for the entire family in and around Elizabeth.
Whether visiting during summer or winter, you’re guaranteed a good time while exploring this northeastern harbor city. Be sure to include the following must-see items in your family stay itinerary.
Wildlife and Water Parks
This Jersey city features more than 45 parks offering every activity under the sun — biking, ice skating, water slides, and more!
Mickey Walker Center’s Spray Park
Here for the summer? Stay cool at this water park, which features slides, sprinklers, canons, and water arches.
860 Anna St., Elizabeth
908-820-4234
The Elizabeth River hugs this park, which features long stretches of green space perfect for playing frisbee or catch, as well as basketball courts and soccer fields for some competitive fun.
360-484 5th Avenue, Elizabeth
908-527-4000
With 205-acres to play with, your family won’t be bored at Warinanco Park, which houses a sports complex (including a seasonal ice rink), a lake for paddle boating, a splash pad, and nature trails perfect for biking or hiking. Throughout the year, families can attend special events like food festivals and duck races. Situated within Union County, Warinanco Park expands into Roselle and the City of Elizabeth.
1 Park Drive, Roselle
908-298-7849
Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park
Here you can play catch, fly a kite or fish at the pier, all while enjoying the stunning views of the harbor and the New York City skyline.
25 Front St, Elizabeth
908-820-4220
Museums and Cultural Centers
You and your family can have fun while learning about Elizabeth’s history.
If you’ve got young kiddos, you may hear tons of whining at the mention of a museum on the trip itinerary. That is until they see the fire engines. This museum, a 14-room Georgian-style house, was once home to New Jersey’s first elected governor, William Livingston, and houses artifacts more than 250 years old. The museum is open for tours of the house and the grounds (including a garden and maze). There’s also a firehouse museum that features not just one but three fire engines. There’s even a 1950s Mack fire truck on which your kids can play pretend.
1003 Morris Ave., Elizabeth
908-527-0400
Take your family on a self-guided walking tour of Elizabeth’s past. Learn about the city’s rich history dating back to 1664 via this smartphone-enabled audio tour through midtown. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. You wouldn’t want to miss any part of the 3.5-mile tour that starts at the Elizabeth Public Library and features the Bonnell House and Boxwood Hall, among other sites. To make it more fun for the kiddos, let them try to spot the tour spots.
Other Attractions
This indoor bounce house playground in Roselle near Elizabeth features huge inflatables, perfect for a birthday party or an afternoon visit. Pump it Up hosts special events and open jumps throughout the year.
158 E Westfield Ave, Roselle Park
908-245-5867
Catch the latest superhero flick at AMC in The Mills at Jersey Gardens outlets. Reserve the best recliner seats in the house and enjoy a snack and IMAX movie of your choice.
651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth
www.amctheatres.com
You can take advantage of all the summer sales while your kids lounge in the children’s play area at the largest IKEA in the tri-state area. Everyone can come together for a lunch break at IKEA’s Swedish food market that features a kid’s menu and a view of the Newark Liberty International runway.
1000 IKEA Drive, Elizabeth
888-888-4532
A 20-minute drive from Elizabeth, Watchung Stable, situated in Union County, offers horse riding lessons and guided rides along 26 miles of bridle paths. You must be over 9 years of age to ride.
1160 Summit Ln, Mountainside
908-789-3665
