Montclair is a beautiful, walkable, family-friendly New Jersey town nestled at the foot of the Watchung Mountains and situated just 12 miles from Manhattan. Known as the place where motley arts meet a hip downtown, Montclair has been home to well-known individuals like Yogi Berra and Buzz Aldrin. It’s a vibrant college town too with a youthful feel; Montclair State University, New Jersey’s second-largest university, is a public research institution that draws over 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. 

Loved by kids and adults alike, Montclair offers the best in NJ dining, arts, activities, education, and shopping. So, if you’re looking to spend a few hours with your children, head over and try these 5 fun things to do with kids in Montclair:

1. The Montclair Art Museum has an array of monthly activities

The Montclair Art Museum offers plenty of fun events for kids and adults each month like Family Art Adventures, Sunday studio drop-ins, and monthly Homeschool Days. The Homeschool Days have a theme each month and include a studio art project and gallery visit led by teaching artists. While you’re visiting, be sure to check out the interactive Learning Lab on the 3rd floor and take part in self-guided art activities. Enjoy free admission on the first Thursday of the month, October through June (excluding January). Kids can also take art classes at the Montclair Art Museum in a broad range of subjects such as Drawing and Painting, and Lego Animation. If you want to join in the fun, take a class with your children such as Parent/Child Digital Photography or Parent/Child Ceramics.

2. The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center offers programs and summer camps

The campus of Montclair State University houses the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. In addition to a stunning atrium with beautiful views, it has a skybox that overlooks the Yogi Berra Stadium, home to the New Jersey Jackals. The permanent exhibits include artifacts from the life of Yogi Berri, the legendary baseball player who was a 10-time world series champion. Less well-known is the fact that Yogi Berra was a decorated navy veteran who served at D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy. The museum offers a program for 5-12 grade school visits as well as baseball and softball summer camps which focus on skills training.

3. Watchung Booksellers is a Montclair community favorite

The Watchung Booksellers is an iconic bookstore in the heart of downtown Montclair that includes a children’s room and teen corner. Part of the store collection draws from 60 published local authors, and Watchung Booksellers offers a full schedule of events, readings, and writing programs. Kids can participate in storytime, while adults can join discussions about global issues or take part in different book groups. On Saturday mornings from September through April, the Watchung Booksellers showcases authors and illustrators for different picture books, typically no reservations required.

4. Edgemont Memorial Park has wonderful recreation facilities

Recently renovated Edgemont Memorial Park is a delightful place to spend time with children. The park underwent $900,000 in updates and has lovely walking trails, a children’s playground, a pond, and a fieldhouse for activities. Residents enjoy the variety of birds that can be seen on the pond in warmer weather which includes ducks, geese, and heron. The park also has a baseball field, softball field and grassy areas where children can often be seen playing soccer or football. As part of the recent renovation, benches were installed so whether it be near the walking trail or by the playground, parents or caregivers can sit and enjoy the sunshine while their children play.

5. Clary Anderson Arena has ice skating for the whole family

If you like ice skating, the Clary Anderson Arena has public ice skating sessions, equipment rental, and a snack bar. Open from September to mid-May, there are public skating times for the whole family during the week and weekends, youth hockey practices, and private or group skating lessons. For holidays and school breaks, the arena offers public skating times, and if your child is having a birthday, there are birthday party packages available that include food, balloons, goodie bags, and a private party room. If you live in the Montclair area, you can purchase a season pass for the arena or blocks of passes that can be used year-round. 

Are you interested in learning more about Montclair, NJ, or any of the other towns along the Midtown Direct train line? I would love to assist you. Contact Victoria Carter at (973) 220-3050 or email victoria@victoriacarter.com.