Things to do

20 Alluring Things To Do In Montclair, New Jersey

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Montclair is an active town in New Jersey. It is located near New York City, which makes it convenient to get to. The town is also home to Montclair State University and thus is always vibrant.

Montclair Center has plenty of shopping centers and eating joints. The town also has a historical background and supports events such as the Montclair Film Festival.

Here's a list of fun things to do in Montclair, especially during your stay as the town is known to be friendly to families.

1. Take A Stroll Around The Van Vleck House & Gardens

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It is a small, intimate, delightfully landscaped garden, perfect for dates, hangouts, and self-care days. The Mansion built in 1916 with its Mediterranean Revival Architecture and a fabulous facade is not open to the public except for special events.

But, the 6-acre Gardens are free to enter and are gorgeous, especially in this springtime with their abundance of wisteria, azaleas, and rhododendrons, and chock full of other pretty flowers.

This place makes you feel like in an enchanted forest. There is a visitor center at the back of the house. It has a lot of information there with maps, brochures about their cell phone tours, and extremely clean bathrooms.

2. Catch A Show At The Wellmont Theater

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This is a historic theater well-kept. It has beautiful architecture around the stage and the roof. The venue holds a good variety of shows throughout the year.

The main entrance is well-placed away from Bloomfield Avenue traffic which is highly appreciated. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area in case you show up early and need to kill some time.

Moreover, people find this theater very comforting. It has lots of open space with a small section of seats between the bar and the large open space in front of the stage. Staying here is among the best things to do in Montclair NJ.

3. See Collections At Montclair Art Museum

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This Montclair museum is beautiful and small yet wonderfully full of great stuff. There is a large parking lot with free parking and it is located right off Bloomfield Avenue which has many shops and restaurants.

With $15 to enter, you get access to an entire floor with a couple of galleries. A permanent collection of George Inness' works is alone worth the visit; another interesting exhibition is Siona Benjamin's art.

They also have a fascinating exhibit of Native American art from prehistoric times to the modern age. The exhibit features jewelry, pottery, weaving, and clothing construction from different eras and each is complex in its way.

4. Take A Quick Walk Around Edgemont Park

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This is a decent park for a quick walk around the perimeter. It was constructed on the site of an old golf course and features an artificial lake.

One can see stairs and benches dating back to the 1900s around the lake. The most significant feature is the WWI memorial on the island. This large folded stone has an erect pillar with engravings of the names of the veterans who perished in the great war.

Other war memorials include World War II Korea and Vietnam. The park itself is full of wide paved paths, ideal for a leisure stroll. You can bring your dogs but they must be on leash. This is one of the things to do in Montclair New Jersey best for history lovers.

5. Attend Events At Montclair Public Library

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If you are asking yourself what to do in Montclair NJ, sit and read during one of the afternoons at Montclair Public Library. The seating area on the second floor is abundant with table space to set your laptop.

It is better than trying to get work done at Starbucks. The third floor is dedicated to kids and when you walk up the stairs, the colorful drawings on the wall transport you to a colorful world.

Moreover, this library is beyond just books, it holds many events focusing on the education of people. November has a list of events going on. Check the Montclair Library website and get detailed information on each event.

6. Experience The Nightlife At Montclair Brewery

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This is the staple of things to do Montclair NJ. Montclair Brewery makes a ton of well-crafted beers, but they distinctly excel in their super-fuited beers.

Right now, they have 3 baobab-based beers on draft, and they hit the spot perfectly. There is an outdoor area for good weather days. They don't serve any food, but you can bring your food.

Karaoke nights every Thursday and live outdoor music on Friday night is an electrifying experience. Live DJ on Saturdays makes this place a must-visit for someone looking to experience nightlife in Montclair.

7. Offer Prayers At Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church

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It is a historic, beautiful church with traditions that date back 100 years. Please stop in and experience the spiritual faith this church has to offer.

The church was built by Italian immigrants back in 1937 who were seeking a place of their own to worship their Christian faith. Today it is frequented by many immigrants of diverse nationalities.

This attraction itself is popular and has been placed in the Pine Street Historic District, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This is a church where all can go and pray and sit, or just talk to oneself.

8. Take A Holiday Tour At Kip's Castle Park

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The estate at Kip's is beautiful and the grounds are good for photos. The building is only open to tour for a holiday decor display.

From here you have a beautiful view of the New York skyline. Visit the site to witness the Historic Holiday House Tour on 7th December 2024. One can also rent the castle for private events, which makes it a popular venue for weddings and gatherings.

Some of the Montclair NJ things to do here are walking, bird watching, and witnessing local wildlife. Since NYC is somewhat clearly visible from here, you might also plan a visit soon. Here is a list of Christmas things to do in NYC.

9. Visit The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

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The zoo is built on a hilly tract of land, so expect a lot of going up and down hills. There are no paper maps, but you can scan a QR code and get one on your phone.

The zoo is a good size for walking around and has a good variety of animals that seem well cared for. Parking is free in the garage, steps away from the entrance.

If you are going there it is more than just a zoo. From mini golf to fishing and also swan boat rides, be prepared to look around for the other tons to do. They also serve wine and beer at the cafe after a long day.

10. Learn Interesting Facts From Thomas Edison National Historical Park

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Located in West Orange, the park is a treasure trove of a place. It's an incredible preservation of industrial work in the late 1800s as well as an inside look at Thomas Edison's life and work.

You'll see so much more than his lightbulb patent. His love for chemistry, motion picture-making experiments with natural rubber, and his colleague's work with X-ray machines among other things.

Ask about getting a pass to visit the grounds of Glenmont Home up the street. An audio tour is available and there is free parking. Also, your ticket includes 7 days of access to come back. It's a museum that will always light you up.

11. Movie At Clairidge Cinema

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The Claridge Cinema is a small, cute independent movie theater sandwiched between Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue. Great for dinner and a movie night as there are a lot of great restaurants in walkable distance like Mishmish.

It is also close to both the Montclair Book Center and the Montclair Art Museum. This is a wonderful nonprofit theater that allows you to see unusual films without making the trek into NYC.

It also carries films that can be seen at suburban multiplexes. The seats are incredibly comfortable with reclining capabilities. Moreover, concessions are cheap, and the student membership is a fantastic deal to take advantage of.

12. Shop Unique Items At Houss Freya Apothecary

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This specific store primarily specializes in energy healing and is home to some unusual items. It also has a section with crystals, candles, various oils, and balms for targeting various purposes and intentions.

The space itself is in an old church which makes for a very interesting space and with history. Houss Freya is owned by Daysi De Dios and many of the products that are sold are made by the owner.

However, Houss Freya does not only offer products for selling, but also hosts events such as readings, and workshops. They operate from Tuesday to Sunday, and they have different operating hours for each of the days.

13. Ice Skating At Clary Anderson Arena

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Clary Anderson Arena offers a wonderful cheap experience for ice skating. $12 for all-day skating is a steal. Many things go on around the place such as public skating sessions, figure skating sessions, and youth hockey games amongst others.

It can also be used to host birthday parties for the visitors. This mid-sized indoor facility is named in honor of Clary Anderson who was a well-known coach in Montclair's sports tradition.

The facility has one Olympic-sized ice and is frequently used by the local hockey clubs. Here one can find skate rent and even learn to skate in case one has no experience in that type of sport.

14. Dive Into History At Montclair History Center

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A great place for adults and children to experience history. It takes a deep dive into the treasures of Montclair's local history and provides broad, diverse exhibits and programming.

That includes African-American, women's, political, and religious history. One of its hallmarks is programs for children. Students visit the place as their field trip not only for an educational experience but as an enjoyable one too.

The film series includes commercial films such as Hidden Figures, as well as documentaries. It is run by volunteers and you can feel their passion for helping to preserve the memories of this site.

15. Dine In At De Novo European Pub

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A local gem with consistently delicious, friendly service and a lovely atmosphere. This is one of the restaurants in Montclair NJ cute little set up at the train station with a lively and eclectic crowd.

The dishes are all cooked perfectly and everything from the drinks to the dessert is sublime. There is something for everyone on their menu, which you can read online, so both vegetarians and meat/fish eaters can be happy.

The appetizers and desserts are amazing, too. Some of their favorite appetizers include calamari, margarita flatbread, and dates (stuffed with gorgonzola and almonds and wrapped in bacon). You definitely should make a reservation for dinner, and be prepared for a very busy experience.

16. Book A Room At The MC, Autograph Collection Montclair

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This is an elegant, sleek, modern, and luxurious hotel. It has a great location with plenty of great shopping, bars, and restaurants nearby if u want to go out and explore.

They also provide valet service. They text you a link to call for your car which is ready immediately. Check the MC Hotel website for special offers and packages.

The lobby cafe and market are cozy and enjoyable, but the highlight of the hotel is its rooftop bar/restaurant with gorgeous views and unbeatable vibes.

17. Play At Amazing Escape Room Bloomfield

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For those who love puzzles, this was a blast. Mathematical, geographical, and other types of puzzles are incorporated into the maze making it much more exciting.

Some of the themes you can choose are Search for The Grail, Shipwreck Escape Room, and Lost in Space Room. The rooms are a lot fun-filled with an exciting story and great interactive games for anyone and everyone to participate in.

You are allowed one hour to complete the room. There is a TV screen that is responsible for displaying hints, a timer, and any other communication. The staff are friendly and help you get a grasp of the game before entering the room.

18. Pay Respects At Eagle Rock Reservation

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This is a great place to take a drive-through, stop and admire the view, and drive on. It's also a great place to bring a picnic basket and have a tail-gate dinner

The viewpoint at the southeastern corner of Eagle Rock Reservation provides an unparalleled vista of Manhattan Island. With such a panorama it seems a fitting location for the 9-11 Memorial. It includes a steel beam from one of the towers and the engraved names of all who perished.

The gardens are beautiful and the atmosphere is tranquil and solemn. Many hiking trails are pleasant but not too challenging. Woods have paths and trails to follow as well as marks on the trees per trail color.

19. Try Haunted Games At Brighton Asylum

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Brighton Asylum is an indoor haunted theme park situated in Passaic New Jersey. It tends to draw in many clients who come to tour the site as well as experience some thrilling horrors.

There are several zones visitors can go through such as Bleeding Ground, which was a place where staff used to stay and work. Today, people can participate in different activities like escape rooms and games so, it is a great place to go at Halloween.

They are organizing activities such as Santa's Slash for engaging in holiday horror on the 10th and 17th of December respectively.

20. Indoor Rock Climbing At The Gravity Vault

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Gravity Vault is among the climbing facilities that can be located in New Jersey, especially in Hoboken. The gym boasts numerous walls and attachments such as overhangs, arches, and cracks.

It has over 25,000 square climbing space with more than 100 ropes and more than 120 bouldering. This structure also has special territories for speed climbing and training.

The gym offers choices such as rentals, formal subscriptions, and special individual training. Here are some more things to do in Hoboken if you ever plan a visit.