Summer Things to Do

It's that time of year again − you have two weeks off from work, the kids are out of school and you’re looking for ways to keep them busy. Lucky for you, Elizabeth is full of summer-approved activities—from watching the latest superhero flick at AMC Jersey Gardens 20 to building up a sweat biking along the Elizabeth River Trail. However you spend your summer days, and nights, we’ve compiled a list of fun things to do to make this season easy breezy.

Daytime

Enjoy the outdoors at the many playgrounds and parks in Elizabeth. This Jersey city features more than 45 parks offering every activity under the sun like picnicking at Mattano Park or hopping on a paddle boat at Warinanco Park, which also features scenic nature trails that run through its 205-acres of land. If you prefer the breeze from the harbor, Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park is the perfect place to play catch, fly a kite or fish at the pier, all while enjoying the stunning marina views and the New York City skyline.

Explore nature and hike the Elizabeth River Trail. This mile-and-a-half-long trail along the Elizabeth River features walking and biking paths as well as artwork from local artists. The trail starts on South Broad Street and runs all the way to Clifton Street.

For more outdoor fun, splash around at a nearby spray park. Elizabeth summers can be just as rough as its winters. Luckily, the city is home to several community pools and spray parks like the Mickey Walker Spray Park, which features slides and water arches.

Too hot outside? Stay cool at IKEA in Elizabeth. It’s a win-win for the entire family. You can take advantage of all the summer sales while the kids lounge at the children’s play area. Afterward, everyone can come together for a lunch break at IKEA’s Swedish food market which features a kid’s menu, and a fantastic view of the Newark Liberty International runway.

If you want to continue your child’s education this summer and add some fun into it, go on a walking tour of Elizabeth’s past. Learn about the city’s rich history dating back to 1664 via this 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, smartphone-enabled audio tour that features the Bonnell House and Boxwood Hall, among other historic sites.

Your kids may want summer to last forever, but all good things must come to end. And when it does, you’ll want to put The Mills at Jersey Gardens on your to-do list for back-to-school shopping. With more than 200 stores, The Mills is a shopping lover’s paradise with big names like Coach and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Nighttime

End the day by catching the latest superhero flick at AMC Jersey Gardens 20 in The Mills outlets near Newark Liberty International Airport. Reserve the best recliner seats in the house and enjoy an IMAX movie of your choosing.

The Prudential Center is just a short car ride away in Newark. The large, indoor arena is busy year-round with fun hockey games and concerts.

Enjoy dinner at any one of Elizabeth’s deliciously diverse restaurants. This east coast city isn’t far from culinary mecca New York City and is itself a culinary hotspot with flavors from Italy, Colombia, and even Portugal. Pick out a dinner spot from this list, which highlights some of the best restaurants in town.

Leave the kids at home and enjoy a bit of Elizabethan nightlife. From sports bars to a self-proclaimed adult playground (AKA Barcode), you’ll be surprised at how much the city comes alive at night.