Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than right here in Essex County! Whether you’re looking for splash pads, family hikes, movie nights under the stars, or the best local ice cream spots—this bucket list has you covered. We’ve rounded up the must-do activities that are fun, affordable, and perfect for making memories with your kids.
📌 Bookmark this post & check them off all summer long!
✅ Essex County Summer Bucket List
- 🎬 Watch an outdoor movie (Montclair, Belleville, Livingston, South Orange, & more!)
- Check out a new ice cream shop! (like Urban Scoop, Waffles & Dreams, or Absolute Zero)
- Have a picnic in the park (parks with picnic tables: Verona Park, Brookdale Park, Yanticaw Park in Nutley)
- Feed the animals at Turtle Back Zoo
- Hike the fairy trail in South Mountain Reservation
- Visit the Montclair Art Museum (check for free family days!)
- Catch a live concert in the park (West Caldwell, Bloomfield, Verona, & more!)
- Check out a new playground
- Take an outdoor class by Wondernest Play or at Van Vlek Garden
- Ride bikes or scooters on a paved path like at Grover Cleveland Park in West Caldwell
- Drop in for a storytime at your local library
- Ride the paddle boats at Verona Park or South Mountain Reservation
- Go fishing at a local pond (Branch Brook Park, South Mountain Reservation, & more!)
- Explore the Essex County Environmental Center or Presby Gardens
- Check out a play place like Smalls Play, WordPlay, Exceptional Explorers, Kids Empire, or Funville
- Visit the splash pad at Watsessing Park
- Go to a farmers market
- Take a family class at places like Kitchen a la Mode
- Watch the sunset at a scenic park like Eagle Rock Reservation
- Go to a town festival like Upper Millburn Avenue Block Party
💡 Tips:
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Most of these activities are free or low-cost
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Check our Instagram @EssexCountyMoms weekly for updated event roundups
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Tag us if you complete any! We’d love to reshare!
Print our Essex County Summer Bucket List 2025 here to keep track!
