When it comes to kid-friendly activities, Morristown offers up the best of both worlds: outdoors-centered sprawl and a bustling downtown.
Whether you live in the area or want to take the kids for a day trip, here are the places that families should check out.
What to Do
Morris Museum
This small but mighty Smithsonian affiliate has long held education at its core, and here, it’s fun and interactive. Upon entering, get timed tickets (included with admission) for the Spark!Lab, an interactive kids’ space dedicated to inventing and project-based discovery. Beyond Spark!Lab, a highlight is the mega model-train gallery, a 288-square-foot landscape with interactive buttons that give visitors the chance to make the tiny scenes come alive. Dinosaurs are always a draw for little ones, and the museum’s Earth Science Gallery features artifacts like a real dinosaur egg that kids can touch. The first three Saturdays of the month, at 11:30 am, are new guided Family Dino Tours (free with admission). Note that the museum does not house a cafe, so either bring snacks (there are tables) or eat lunch downtown, about a 10-minute drive away. —Julie Gordon
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
Families can experience the farm life was a century ago at this spot a short drive from downtown Morristown. Kids can get involved with old-timey tasks like corn cracking, water pumping and butter churning while enjoying the farm animals, tractor rides, grounds and meeting staffers who dress and act like they’re from days long gone. Fosterfields also holds special events throughout the year, like pumpkin picking and music nights. —JG
Glassworks Studio
Create anything from custom soap dishes to picture frames, coasters and more. With friendly staff and a welcoming environment, guided workshops are easy and fun for glass-making beginners. There are drop-in hours (check the schedule online) to pop in and create a project. Glassworks offers special options for children 3 to 6 years old and other projects for ages 10 and up. Reservations are recommended via the website. —Jessica Hammer
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Morristown National Historic Park
If your kids love history or learn best by doing, Jockey Hollow (part of Morristown National Historic Park) turns a Revolutionary War lesson into an adventure. Families can take a look at replica 18th-century soldier huts, explore the historic Wick House, and imagine what life was like during the Continental Army’s brutal winter encampment of 1779-1780. Kids can also complete activities to earn an official Junior Ranger badge (free), while seasonal programs bring colonial life to the 21st century with hands-on crafts and games. —Natalie Civadelic
Game Vault
Sometimes a PlayStation 5 just can’t compete with an old-fashioned arcade. Located on busy South Street, Game Vault is a retro arcade offering the thrill of pinball and classic games for as long as your hand-eye coordination will allow. Dozens of popular 1980s titles are available to play within the walls of an old bank, from Street Fighter II to Pac-Man and even Tron. —Ben Wasserman
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Mayo PAC hosts an impressive lineup of kid-friendly shows year-round, from beloved character tours and musicals to sensory-friendly events. The theater also welcomes school groups for educational matinees, giving young audiences a chance to experience live theater, music and dance. The best part is that Mayo PAC is located in the heart of downtown Morristown, so families can easily turn a show into a full day out with lunch, ice cream and a stroll around town. —NC
Wightman Farms
Come fall, Wightman is the place to be for families looking for apple picking, hayrides, pumpkins and more fall fun. Games are set up for extra fun, and casual fare is available. (The farm stand is worth a visit on your way out for fresh veggies and fresh baked goods.) A word of advice, the family-owned-and-operated farm can get busy on prime seasonal weekends, so arrive early. Beyond fall, there’s fruit and veggie picking during other seasons and even CSAs for anyone wanting a weekly dose of fresh produce. —JG
Sunrise Lake Beach Club
A quick drive from downtown, this lake in the middle of picturesque Lewis Morris County Park offers a small beach, swimming, an inflatable obstacle course (ages 7 and up; must pass a swim test), paddleboat rentals and a snack bar. Open roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day, the lake has day and seasonal passes, plus camps and “munchkin Mondays” from 9-11:30 am. The park also features several trails, picnic facilities and sports fields. —JG
The Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye, an organization that guide dogs and their handlers, is based in Morristown. Every spring and fall, the nonprofit opens up its doors for tours of the Morristown training facility. After the tour, visitors can walk a mile through the streets of Morristown and learn what it takes to train a Seeing Eye dog directly from recent graduates. This program is appropriate for children 12 and up. Walk & Learn is a ticketed event and will next take place on September 25.
Kid and Caboodle Play
This indoor play space, home to a three-story soft-climbing structure and plenty of sensory toys, is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. (Weekends are reserved for private parties, which can be booked online.) It’s a shoe-free facility, so be sure your little ones are wearing socks! There’s a small café on site, too. —Jennifer Finn
Where to Eat
Coniglio’s
Since Coniglio’s opened in late 2022 right on the main drag of South Street, it’s become a favorite among pizza lovers across the state; its owner, Nino Coniglio, has won several competitions. Beyond the pizza, the salads and parms at this casual, busy spot are worth ordering. Early risers also rave about the freshly baked bread and breakfast sandwiches. Coniglio’s opens at 7 am during the week and 8 am on weekends. —JG
The Committed Pig
The Commited Pig is famous for its burgers, and they don’t disappoint. The cheeseburger is big enough to share and comes with a pick of fries. Other good handheld choices are the BLT, Buffalo chicken grilled cheese, and the fig-n-brie grilled cheese. Pancakes and French toast are also popular here—try the cookie dough or the velvet pancakes, or the Nutella French toast. —Jacqueline Mroz
Beenie’s
Everyone temporarily becomes a kid in a candy store upon entering Beenie’s, where some of the best and freshest ice cream in the state comes in a range of delightful flavors, from Reese’s Withaspoon to Birthday Cake to Cookie Monster (which will stain your tongue, lips and teeth neon blue for the foreseeable future—embrace it!). An adjoining seating area with benches is great for anyone bearing unwieldy cones or shepherding sugared-up gaggles of kids. —JF
The Meltique
Want a whimsical alternative to a short stack? This breakfast-centric dessert shop goes wild with waffle, pancake and crêpe batters to create a plethora of very kid-friendly concoctions: mini-pancake bowls, crêpe rolls, canned cakes, loaded cups, shareable boxes and—most intriguingly—crêpe spaghetti. Sundae-esque toppings and fillings range from fruit and nuts to Nutella and caramel drizzle to M&Ms and crushed Oreos. Parents can also recharge with matchas, mocktails, coffees and hydration drinks. —JF
Parkside Tavern
This American spot is big and often busy, with various seating options indoors and al fresco. A large kids’ menu—all the usuals like chicken fingers and fries, plus kids’ nachos and grilled chicken with seasonal veggies—give options for the little guys, while an expansive menu of burgers, salads and “big plates” like hanger steak frites will please the adults. It’s located right near the AMC movie theater, so it’s a perfect pre- or post-theater place to dine. —JG
