Top Things to Do Near the Newark Airport | Visit Elizabeth, New Jersey

Whether you have a long layover or a day to spare before your next flight, Elizabeth, NJ offers a delightful array of fun and exciting attractions to make your journey even more memorable. With great shopping and dining, historical sites and cultural experiences, Elizabeth has something special for everyone. Don’t miss these top things to do near Newark Airport!

See a Sensory-Friendly Show at Union County Performing Arts Center

Along with featuring a variety of musical performances and film screenings, Union County Performing Arts Center offers sensory-friendly theater events, which are geared for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Children are welcome to chat and vocalize as much as they'd like! Complimentary fidget and stress-sensory toys will also be available for borrowing. For more information, visit the official website of the Union County Performing Arts Center here. | Location: 1601 Irving St | Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Wednesday (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), Thursday - Friday (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Tour the Historic Boxwood Hall

Calling all history buffs! Boxwood Hall is a Colonial landmark, showcasing the early years of American aristocracy. This Georgian edifice was a visiting place for Founding Fathers like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Boxwood Hall recommends visitors with special considerations to contact the phone number (908-282-7617) of the historic site as the staff can help with arrangements. The first floor of this landmark is ADA accessible for all visitors. | Location: 1073 E Jersey St | Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Boxwood Hall

Envision Dream Home Projects at IKEA

IKEA is brimming with budget-friendly furniture, home goods, and so much more. Spending the day with the little ones? Småland is a free play area for children and features a ballroom play area! IKEA in Elizabeth also features a wheel-chair accessible entrance, parking lot, and elevator. Complimentary manual wheelchairs are also available at the entrance. Don't miss trying IKEA's iconic Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce at the onsite restaurant. | Location: 1000 Ikea Dr | Hours of Operation: Sunday - Friday (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.), Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

Shop 'til you drop at The Mills at Jersey Gardens

Before jetting off, seize the opportunity to explore The Mills at Jersey Gardens, the ultimate shopping destination within easy reach of the Newark Airport. Enjoy TAX FREE shopping (no tax on clothes and shows) at New Jersey's largest indoor, high-end outlet mall with over 200+ brand name stores. Unleash your inner shopaholic, treat yourself to a last-minute shopping spree and score some fantastic deals before catching your flight. | Location: 651 Kapkowski Rd | Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.), Sunday (11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.)

Warinanco Park

Spend time relaxing in nature

Take a moment to unwind and connect with nature at Warinanco Park, a serene urban oasis offering a multitude of amenities and activities to unwind before your flight. Warinanco Park, an authentic Olmstead Park designed by the same renowned landscape architect as NYC's Central Park, showcases many iconic features reminiscent of its famous counterpart.

Traveling with kids becomes a delight at Warinanco Park, offering both a Sensory Playground for those with special needs and a Children's Spray Park to keep kids entertained and engaged. Enjoy a peaceful stroll amidst lush greenery, immerse yourself in various leisure activities, let your little ones play on the playground, and savor the serene atmosphere for a rejuvenating travel experience. | Location: Warinanco Park Roadway | Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday (6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.), Saturday - Sunday (6:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.)

Liberty Hall

Learn about our past at popular historic sites

Uncover the rich stories of the past between flights by visiting historic sites like Liberty Hall Museum. Located less than 15 minutes from Newark Airport, come visit the home where Alexander Hamilton lived when he arrived in the US from the Caribbean. Walk among history and take the self-guided “Elizabeth at the Crossroads” Walking Audio Tour through historic Midtown Elizabeth. Immerse yourself in captivating stories and explore significant landmarks, transforming your time between flights into a fascinating and educational journey. | Liberty Hall Museum Location: 1003 Morris Ave | Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Sunday (11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Ritz Theatre

Explore the arts at galleries and venues

Discover the vibrant art and music scene of Elizabeth, NJ, where creativity flourishes. Enjoy mesmerizing shows at Ritz Theatre and Kean Stage and explore the burgeoning street art scene in-town by taking the self-guided Street Art Mural Tour to indulge in an eclectic artsy escape during your layover. | Ritz Theatre Location & Hours of Operation: 1148 E Jersey St & Tuesday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.), Saturday - Sunday (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) | Kean Stage Location & Hours of Operation: 1000 Morris Ave & Monday - Friday (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

Noches de Colombia

Set out on a culinary adventure

Leave the Newark Airport and discover a world of flavors in Elizabeth, NJ. Treat your taste buds to a delightful array of dishes from popular restaurants featuring mouthwatering Colombian, Portuguese, Peruvian, Italian cuisines and beyond. Looking to grab a bite before a red-eye? Check out these late-night restaurants.

Portugal Day

Check out exciting cultural events and festivals

As a bustling cultural hub, Elizabeth, NJ hosts a multitude of exciting events and cultural festivals throughout the year. Plan some extra time around your flight to engage in the excitement of lively festivals and captivating celebrations for a memorable adventure.