10 Things to Do With Families in Morristown, NJ

Morristown, New Jersey, is home to several exciting places filled with fun things to do. Known as the Capital of the American Revolution, this part of the country offers countless ways to get the family out of the house and make memories together. If you're looking for some fun family-friendly activities, here are 10 options to explore in and around Morristown, NJ.

 

This majestic 127-acre botanical garden on East Hanover Avenue offers an exclusive place to learn about horticulture and wonder at the beauty of nature on their self-guided nature trail. The arboretum features a remarkable colonial mansion surrounded by elegant gardens.

 

Apart from the nature trail, you can enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn or take memorable family photos under the Rose Garden Arbor. You can also view some historical horse-drawn carriages with a tour of the Carriage House. Finally, visitors can see the home demonstration garden and visualize their dream garden.

 

There are many horticultural activities and education programs with comprehensive botanical literature to be found at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. This includes lectures, demonstrations, and various hands-on activities.

 

Morristown National Historical Park is home to four crucial American Revolutionary war sites: the New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site, Fort Nonsense, Ford Mansion, and the Jockey Hollow. Known as the place where America Survived, this hallowed site offers the opportunity to learn about the experience of the Continental Army during one of the coldest winters on record. Check out their experience in the museum and library collections related to these encampments and George Washington's experience.

 

This 1,678-acre park also features a 3-mile tour road and over 24 miles of hiking trails. Engage in activities such as hiking and biking on the paved tour road, bird watching, and horseback riding. There's something fun for everyone in your family.

This 1,200-acre area was home to over 12,000 members of the Continental Army during the 1779-80 winter war. Located at the Morristown National Historical Park, this spot offers a wealth of displays and exhibits used by the Continental Army soldiers during the Revolutionary War. 

 

Don't miss the Wick House, which housed Major Arthur St. Clair, a commander of 2,000 Pennsylvania soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Here you’ll have the chance to experience the perspective of a typical general headquarters during this momentous war.

 

Additionally, you can visit the Grand Parade, a two-room log cabin that served as the camp administrative center where Commanders issued their orders and court-martials were held. Complete your visit by taking photos alongside the two cannons stationed close to this cabin used to alert the camp during attacks.

In this multi-faceted, 420-acre sports complex, you can engage in various outdoor activities with your family. The complex includes two regular-size in-line hockey rinks, multi-use turf fields, a fully-accessible Challenger League ball field, and more features that are suited to a family day out. 

 

There's also a dog park area where you can take your canine for some fun in the fresh air. The park’s all-access playground, sponsored by the New York Jets, offers slides and swings where your kids can play as you listen to a live concert on the music stands.

Sunrise Lake offers the perfect water adventure for every member of your family. From a crazy inflatable obstacle course known as Wibit to paddle boats and camping, you’ll never run out of fun things to do during your visits.

 

If you want to test your balance, Wibit offers the perfect obstacle course to build your skills.  Sessions are available daily when the facility is open to the public. Wibit explorers should be 7 years or older and must pass a swimming test.

 

If you’re interested in camping, pack your bags and set off for the Beach Clubs' annual campout. Be sure to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy. Once the sun sets, don't miss the gathering at the roaring campfire as you listen to stories while roasting delicious s'mores. There are also fun games throughout the night for all age groups.

 

Finally, come right at dawn or dusk and experience fishing like never before. Sunrise Lake will reward you with different types of fish, including pike, catfish, sunfish, and bass, all year-round. Ensure that you have your New Jersey Fishing License, which is required for anyone 16 years or older.

As one of the oldest museums in New Jersey, Morris Museum is home to one of the country’s most aged arts and cultural institutions. Here you can learn about various programs such as history, science, symposiums, theater, and arts, all at the same place. 

 

This award-winning museum was established in 1913 and has remained the second-largest museum in New Jersey. It hosts the Stanford White-designed Georgian-style Frelinghuysen Mansion, the home of permanent and rotating exhibitions exploring humanities, science, and art.

 

Don't miss one of the museum’s signature exhibitions, the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata, which features more than 750 pieces of extraordinary craftsmanship.

Experience the early years of the Industrial Revolution in the "Birthplace of Telegraph." With guided tours, summer recreation programs, and youth programs, this enchanting 8.22-acre facility captures the flavor of life in the mid-19th century. 

 

Start your visit at the restored L’Hommedieu House Visitors Center and enjoy the S.S Savannah Exhibits, which cover the creation of the first steamship to conquer the Atlantic Ocean. Take a peek at its majestic wooden patterned revolutionary engine made under the supervision of the legendary ironmaster Stephen Vail. You can finish up your visit by browsing the gift shop and exploring the award-winning orientation presentation.  

 

A full range of programs awaits you at the Historic Speedwell Facility if you're into spring and summer activities. In particular, don't miss April's S.S Savannah Anniversary program and the Civil War Weekend in June. Of course, you can take a guided tour of the site any time or pay a visit to enjoy a relaxed summer evening as you take in the extraordinary architecture and landscape in gorgeous surroundings.

Spend quality time indoors at Glassworks Studio, where everyone can be a glass artist. This is a dedicated creative space of glass fusing. You and your family can enjoy your time together experiencing the beauty of glass fusing and creating your own custom glass projects. 

 

The Glassworks Studio staff will bring you some flat glass and instruct you on how to create a fused glass piece. Once you've understood how the glass fusing process works, all that’s left is to make a piece of glass art that matches your design. You don't have to be experienced to engage in this fun and creative activity. Glassworks Studio staff members will be there to ensure that you follow the required procedure, and your creation will be ready for pick up in one week. 

 

For only $23, you can choose and start your project under the guidance of the Glassworks staff. They also offer field trips, birthday parties, and other fun ways to spend your time here. 

 

With over 8 miles of cycling and hiking trails, an array of sports fields, green space, and picnic areas, Loantaka Brook Reservation offers some of the best outdoor spaces in Morristown, NJ. There are four distinct areas, Kitchell Road Loantaka Brook, South Street Recreational Facility, Loantaka Way Trail, and the Seaton Hackney Stables, that offer outdoor activities. 

 

Take your canine friend for a brisk walk along the trails as you enjoy the variety of wildlife and birdlife. If you love running, biking, or skating, there are enough bike trails for your use. Those who love horseback riding can mount a horse at the Seaton Hackney Stables and ride on the unpaved trails through beautiful natural scenery. Every bend along the track tells a different story, especially in this scenic wooded area. 

 

Finally, grab your fishing gear and enjoy an adventure alongside the 5-acre Kitchell Pond. If you're not into fishing, pack your picnic and enjoy your family day out in the fresh air along the pond or bring your camera and take photos against the picturesque background of the pond.

At this 214-acre living historical farm, you can experience farming like you never have before. Here, turn-of-the-century tools and farming techniques are still in use even after 100 years. Get the opportunity to engage in daily farming activities such as feeding chickens, collecting eggs, and grooming the horses just like they did back in the 1920s. 

 

You can also witness plowing and planting using antique machinery. Finally, wind up your day with a guided tour at the Willows, an 1854 Gothic Revival-style mansion that was once the home of the farm's previous owner.

 
Morristown, New Jersey, has a lot to offer your family in terms of activities and fun things to do. If you're planning to move here, you’ll need the service of a professional realtor to guide you through your decision and handle any unexpected issues that may arise. The Dougherty Group is your perfect partner for finding your ideal luxury home in Morristown, NJ. We always go over and above to serve you to your satisfaction. Get in touch with us today by calling Ryan Dougherty at (973) 309-6178 or Mary Dougherty at (862) 812-0962. You can also contact them by emailing Ryan at [email protected] or Mary at [email protected].