Top Things To Do in Summit, NJ, with Kids

Summit's Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is the state's largest contemporary art institution. Photo courtesy of the center
Summit's Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is the state's largest contemporary art institution. Photo courtesy of the center

Named for its location at the top of the Watchung Mountains, the town of Summit, NJ, is worth the trip. The six square miles that make up this great town offer the perfect mix of city chic and outdoor fun. Summit boasts an eclectic downtown that's teeming with boutiques and restaurants.

In addition, the town's great parks, recreational facilities, and outdoor attractions make for a fun family trip. Check out some of our favorite Summit destinations and attractions below. 

For even more great North Jersey towns, check out our Guide to Great Small Towns in Northern NJ

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Best Things to Do in Summit with Kids

1. Enjoy Art at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey

Enjoy the arts at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, the state's largest institution dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. The Center's constantly changing exhibitions, tours, and programs offer many ways for visitors to explore and create art.  

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Reeves-Reed Arboretum : Things to do in Summit with Kids
Reeves-Reed Arboretum has a host of programs for kids and beautiful grounds to explore. Photo by the author

2. Get in Touch with Nature at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Explore the outdoors at Reeves-Reed Arboretum, a beautiful public garden with trails and greenhouses. Bring the kids to programs like Homeschool Adventures, Arboretum Afternoons, Little Wonders classes for toddlers, Discovery Saturdays, and special events like Celebrate Fall in October, Maple Sugaring in March, and Daffodil Day in April.

3. Take in a Show

Summit has several great community theaters. The Summit Playhouse offers several theater performances a year "for kids by kids." And the Stony Hill Players, located in the Oakes Memorial Center, usually offers a couple of child-friendly musical productions every season.

4. Shop Downtown

Summit's fun downtown has many great places to shop like The Red Balloon, a children's clothing boutique that offers stylish apparel up to size 14. Teens and tweens will love A to Zoom, a gift shop that provides the latest in trendy, retro gifts, accessories, and room decor. There's also the super fun Cam Jam Kids gift shop ("giddiness guaranteed") and the Toy Division, which promotes the joy of play. For a full list of stores, visit the town's directory.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Summit

5. Hit a Local Favorite

The Committed Pig serves up old-fashioned favorites with a twist. In addition to traditional burgers, eggs, and sandwiches, the menu has fun options like red velvet pancakes, pork roll sandwiches, the burgernut (a burger served on a glazed donut), and spinach & artichoke grilled cheese.

6. Enjoy Fine Dining

Winberie's Restaurant and Bar is perfect for special family celebrations and dining, offering an extensive menu that includes steaks, burgers, and pasta. They also offer a children's menu and have brunch.  

7. Grab an Ice Cream Cone

Satisfy your sweet tooth at McCool's Ice Cream and Yogurt Shop, which offers more than 45 ice cream flavors of Hershey's ice cream. Or try delightfully different ice cream rolls at Zrolls.

Fun Free Things to Do in Summit with Kids

8. Visit the Carter House for History

From September through June, visit the Carter House on Tuesdays from 9-12 or Wednesdays from 1-4 to learn about the history of Summit and its many hidden gems from the exhibits and historians.

9. Head to the Farmer's Market

The Summit farmer's market has been around for 30+ years and is open every Sundays late April through late December, rain or shine, at the corner of DeForest and Woodland in Lot 1. Expect at least 50 vendors every week and sometimes there are events like the fall family photo day.

10. Play and Picnic at a Local Playground 

Little ones will enjoy the two little playgrounds at Mabie Playground, which have bridges and slides surrounded by walkways and grassy areas for the perfect picnic. Note that the park has no bathrooms, but the Summit Library is just a block away.

11. Attend a Town-Sponsored Event

The town hosts a variety of fantastic events, including the Hot Summer Night Concerts, the Annual Fourth of July Celebration (which starts with a children's decorated bike parade), the Haunted Hike, Screen on the Green movie series, and more.

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