If your family isinto history, the arts, or nature, put picturesque Madison, NJ, on your radar. This Morris County gemhasa quaint, small-town vibe with a tight-knit community and a thriving downtown. Nicknamed Rose City, Madison is a perfectday trip destination that offers lots of things to do,including great restaurants, nearby museums, an awesome playground, and three private colleges in close proximity. Here are 25ways to have a great day in Madison.
Fun Free Things to Do in Madison with Kids
1. Take a Walk around Drew
Take a walk around the campus of Drew University, where paved paths take you through the trees of the University in the Forest.
A reflection in a pond at Zuck Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Drew University.
2. Explore Zuck Arboretum
While on campus, check out the Zuck Arboretum, Drew's forest preserve.Take the half-mile nature trail with 19 stops along the way.
3. Take theGiralda Farms loop
Walk, bike, or jog the loop at Giralda Farms, a favorite spotamong locals. Parkon Loantaka Way for the shorter loop (about three miles), or follow the bike path signs for the eight-mile route.
4. Go to the Playground
If you grew up in the Madison area, you'll remember the very specialCastle Playgroundon Shunpike Road in nearby Chatham. While the wooden structures have been replaced with modern equipment, it's still an amazing and creative playground with some unique offerings, like giant climbing rocksand a big jungle gym.
5. Take a Historic Walking Tour
Madison is rich in history. Check out some historic sites on theDowntown Historic Walking Tour.
Places to Eat with Kids in Madison
Cool down with someice cream atMcCools.PhotobykgottalovelifeviaInstagram.
6. McCools
Grab an ice cream cone atMcCools; good luck picking one among the 50 flavors (plus milkshakes)on the menu!
7. Shanghai Jazz
If your older kids and teens are ready for an upscale dining experience, visit Shanghai Jazz,where you can chow down on Chinese food while listening to jazz musicians.
8. Crowley Cupcakes
Would you prefer a Snickerdoodleor a Raspberry Beret cupcake? The choice is yours at Crowley Cupcakes, which has tonsof delicious homemade cupcake flavors.
9. 54 Main Bar and Grill
54 Mainis acasual restaurantthat has great food and lots of options like salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees such as tacos and meatloaf.
10. Butter & Jam
Butter & Jamis a modern cafe that serves a greatbreakfast and lunch. Expect a healthy selection of coffees and lemonades, gourmet toasts, pancakes, eggs, salads, and sandwiches. There's also a $10 kids menu and a super fun selection of shareable boards featuring homemade bread,flavored butter, and jams. Open daily, 8:30-2:30.
11. Sugarlips Donut
At Sugarlips, you can pick up a delicious traditional glazed or powdered doughnut, or try a fun flavor like Java the Hut or Caramel Romance.
Top Attractions in Madisonfor Families
12.Museum of EarlyTrades and Crafts
TheMuseum of Early Trades and Craftsis an interesting spotfor kids to learn how NewJerseyanslived centuries ago. Check the calendar for kids' craft daysand special events. FREE admission for kids 6 and under.
13. Walk down Main Street
Stroll downMain Streetand check out the many local shops and restaurants. Stop in atTons ofToys toy store, The Nature of Reading Book Shop, or Dewey's Comic City.
14. Morris Museum
Minutes from Madison in Morristown is theMorris Museum,which has exhibits about animals, music, dinosaurs, rocks/minerals,traveling exhibits, atheaterwith children's shows, and more.
15. Great Swamp
The Great Swamp in neighboring Chatham has an incredible array of kids' programming, plus trails and interactive displays.
16. Go to the Farmers Market
Head over toMadison Farm and ArtisanMarketat the Prospect Street Parking Lotfor vendors, family activities, entertainment, and more (openSaturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., May 25–December14).
Goshopping for fresh, local goodies at thefarmers market on Saturdays.
Enjoy the Arts with Kids in Madison
17. Crafted in Madison
Kids can get in touch with their creative side at Crafted in Madison. Families can register kids for art and craft classes,camps, and kids' nights outwith crafts and snacks.
18. MadisonMud Clay Studio
Take your kids on a clay-date atMadison Mud Clay Studio, where they can try their hand at pottery. There are lots of weekend family projects that kids ages 7 and up can try.Call for scheduling info.
19. See a Concert
Catch a free concert inMadison's Downtown Concert Series, held on six Fridays in the summer on the lawn of the Museum of Early Trade and Crafts.And every summer, tickets are available for purchase toaNJ Symphony Orchestraconcert on the Giralda Farms lawn.
20. Go to the Theater
If your highschoolersare reading Shakespeare in school, treat them to a performance ofThe Shakespeare Theatre of NJ,located on Drew's campus.
Kids will be in sugar heaven at Sugar Rush. Photo courtesy of the store.
Unique things to Do in Madison with Kids
21.Sugar Rush
Go ahead and spoil the kids atSugar Rush,a super-cute candy and gift shop with lots of unique items. Closed Sundays.
22. Go Skating
When it's very cold outside, Madisonfloods a sunken field in Memorial Park to create the outdoorRosedale Skating Facility.
23. See Santa
In December, take some free Santa pics at the Santa Village near the train station on Kings Road. The life-size shadow boxes are an annual tradition!
24. Ride the train
Madison has a picturesque stone train station. Take the NJ TransitMorris-Essex line from here to nearby Summit and back for a fun afternoon outing.
Where to Stay Near Madison with Kids
25. The Madison Hotel
Thebeautiful hotel has lovely rooms, an upscale restaurant, and a dining room situated in an old traincar. The Covent Station train station is in walking distance.
Top photo: Enjoy the Summer Concert Series at theMuseum of Early Trades and Crafts. Photo courtesy of the museum.