Playgrounds
19 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Jackson Park1 mi from downtown
- Independence Park1 mi from downtown
- Riverbank Park1.1 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Newark with kids
7 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Newark, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Akwaaba Galleryart gallery
- Crozier Fine Artsart gallery
- Index Art Centerart gallery
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Springfield Branch150 Newton Street
- Van Buren Branch140 Van Buren Street
- Roseville Branch99 Fifth Street
Bookstores
3 local bookstores in Newark.
- Source of Knowledge Book StoreNewark
- NJIT BookstoreNewark
- Hudson BooksellersNewark
Toy shops
3 local toy shops in Newark.
- Fortress of SolitudeNewark
- LEGONewark
- Rumi LifeNewark
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument7 mi east
- Statue Of Liberty National Monument7 mi southeast
- National Parks of New York Harbor8 mi southeast
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- National Parks of New York Harbor8 mi southeast
- Camp Gateway - Staten Island11 mi southeast
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge19 mi west
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
50 FREE, Year-Round Things To Do in Newark, New Jersey 👇
A local activity Short shared by Planmyweekend.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Newark in a Nutshell: Top 5 Must-Dos
A local activity Short shared by UltimateUtopia5.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Newark with kids?
Playgrounds (19), Indoor fun (9), Libraries (8), Bookstores (3), Toy shops (3), Picnic spots (11), Wildlife and nature (15). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Newark for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Newark when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.