10 Fun Things to do this Summer in (or Near) Newark
From history and sports to arts and entertainment, Newark is a blossoming city where you're sure to find something fun and exciting to do. Newark, also known as the ‘Brick City’ is New Jersey’s largest city and the third oldest city in the United States. The city is widely known for its tourist attractions and in fact, some of the best spots to visit are located in the downtown area.
NJIT’s campus is located just minutes away from many interesting attractions in the ‘Brick City’ so read on to start planning your next Newark adventure.
10 Fun Things to do this Summer in (or Near) Newark
Newark is home to many elegant museums, restaurants and other forms of entertainment. But the fun doesn’t stop there. If you’re looking for a thrilling evening out, or a daytime activity, check out these to-do’s just moments away from NJIT.
1) Newark Museum of Art
The Newark Museum of Art, which is located in the city’s Newark Arts District and only 10 miles from New York City, is New Jersey’s largest museum. The museum will introduce you to art and culture through a fascinating immersive experience. Established in 1909, the museum
holds a vast collection of American art, contemporary art and decorative art from all around the globe including Africa, Asia, the Americas and the ancient world.
The museum also has various programs available for young children and families. If you’re visiting with children, they can discover the interactive arts and natural science exhibit where they’ll experiment with materials and processes artists utilize. They’ll also enjoy the science exhibit that has over 170,000 objects ranging from exotic minerals and seashells to various animal specimens.
However, if you’re interested in all things outer space, you can visit the Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium. This spectacular theater features a captivating show to learn about space, astronomy and planetary science. Other shows feature the origin of life on Earth, exploration on Mars and the Solar System.
Lastly, the Ballantine House, the last 19th century mansion on Washington Street and located adjacent to the museum, is open to the public to tour as part of the Newark Museum of Art. The building, which is designated a National Historic Landmark, was owned by John and Jeannette Ballatine of the Newark beer-brewing family. The brick, sandstone structure has 27 rooms and thematic galleratics displaying the building's decorative art collection.
Photo Credit: https://newarkmuseumart.org
2) Branch Brook Park
While the Garden State has no shortage of parks, Branch Brook Park is certainly one that you’ll want to visit. The park, which is over 4 miles long, is Newark’s largest Park and is filled with playing fields, pools, lakes and winding paths. You can also play tennis, skate in the roller rink or jog on the park’s pathways.
However, the most attractive trait of the nation’s first county park is its blossoming cherry trees. The park attracts thousands of people to participate in the yearly Cherry Blossom Festival.
If you decide to visit Branch Brook Park on another day, you can always enjoy the gorgeous views on a nice stroll. In fact, you can go to Branch Brook Park Station if you ever want to easily enter for a serene day outside.
Photo Credit: https://essexcountyparks.org/parks/branch-brook-park
3) Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is another wonderful option to catch the fantastic view of the Passaic River on the orange boardwalk. As the only green space near a waterfront in the city, Riverfront Park offers tons of amenities including tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, a baseball field and playgrounds. During the summer, the park has various events and activities for residents and tourists from festivals and art shows to Zumba classes and boat tours. The park is another addition to the city’s revitalized community — there is something for everyone to explore at Riverfront Park!
Photo Credit: Photography by Wing Wong
4) New Jersey Performing Arts Center
If you're interested in world-class performances, theater or music performances, then the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is a must in The Brick City. NJPAC, one of the largest performing art centers in the country, is located downtown near the Newark Museum of Art, the Newark Library and the New Jersey Historical Society.
NJPAC hosts music, theater, poetry and comedy performances in their venues. You can also appreciate live performances by the New Jersey Symphony, outdoor concert series and jazz festivals. You can then grab a bite to eat at the center’s outdoor bar while you enjoy the festive atmosphere!
Photo Credit: NJPAC https://www.njpac.org/
5) Prudential Center
Visiting the Prudential Center to see the New Jersey Devils on the ice has become a staple for people passing through the Garden State, or on summer break. This multi-purpose indoor arena was built in 2007 and has since become one of the best attractions in Newark.
The arena is located in the central business district of the city and has hosted the McDonald’s Gospelfest, sporting events —as well as performances from Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake. Transportation is easily accessible as “The Rock” is a convenient walking distance away from Newark Penn Station, so you’ll have no excuse to skip out on the fun!
Photo Credit: Prudential Center https://prucenter.com/
6) Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Because Newark is just a train ride away from New York City, you can easily explore both cities and landmarks that are in between. Take a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island to immerse yourself in history and culture. The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island, is one of the most recognizable monuments in the country and you can climb to the top of the statue’s crown to view New York City’s breathtaking skyline across the Hudson River.
Right next to Liberty Island is Ellis Island and after being dropped off by the ferry, you can see a red brick and limestone building where over 12 million immigrants arrived from the 19th to 20th century to establish new lives. The former immigration station has been transformed into the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about immigrants’ journeys to America.
Photo Credit: https://www.statueofliberty.org/
7) Newark Symphony Hall
The Newark Symphony Hall is the city’s oldest showcase facility for arts, education and entertainment. Originally known as the Saam Temple, the facility has operated since 1925 to provide the city with educational programs and outreach.The 220,000 square foot hall includes a 2,800 seat concert hall, ballroom and a black box theater.
Many entertainers have performed at Newark Symphony Hall over its 90 years open including Queen Latifah, Richard Pryor and Gladys Franklin. Visitors can enjoy other events including ‘Salsa Night’ and ‘Soul Line Dancing.’ There are also other community programs where you can learn about the city’s rich history.
Photo Credit: https://newarksymphonyhall.org/
8) Thomas Edison National Historical Park
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange is a national landmark dedicated to preserving the laboratory and residence of one of the nation’s most notable inventors. The laboratory offers a glimpse at the various instruments and machines that Edison used back in the late 19 century. The historical collection of the national park is vast, housing over 300,000 items from Edison’s career.
Visitors can follow an audio tour path and explore the laboratory where you’ll find Edison’s library, music room, machine shops and other exhibits. If you’re looking for summer activities in New Jersey, visiting Thomas Edison’s National Historical Park is one stop you’ll have to put on your list.
Photo Credit: ThomasEdisonNHP Facebook page
9) Shop at the American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall is not only the New York tri-state area’s biggest mall, but the second biggest mall in the country. The mega-sized mall, located in East Rutherford, has a myriad of stores and attractions where you can shop ‘till you drop. The top attraction is the DreamWorks Water Park, the largest indoor water park in North America. The water park has an indoor wave pool, multiple water slides and a DJ booth where you can enjoy music.
The mall also includes entertainment venues such as the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, an indoor ski rink and snow park and mini-golf courses. There are also plenty of dining options at the mall where you eat at more casual food spots or elegant restaurants. The American Dream Mall offers several transportation options so that your trip is the most convenient for you.
Photo Credit: Rendering from Triple Five Group
10) Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center is a learning arts facility located in Jersey City and only a short car ride away from Newark. The center, which is over 300,000 square feet, has a 3D theater, 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection, classrooms and labs. However, the most interesting aspect about the Liberty Science Center is the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the largest planetarium in North America. You can explore the astronomical objects within our solar system and observe the distant universe. After you finish completing all the exhibits, you can go to the souvenir shop and get a special gift to end your trip.
Photo Credit: Liberty Science Center
Visit Newark Today!
Newark is a vast and culturally diverse city filled with arts and entertainment, history, performance venues, restaurants and parks. Given its close proximity to New York and multiple airports, you can explore the Brick City’s attractions. There is much to do in Newark, so come visit the places and people this summer!