Visit Ford Mansion, where George Washington spent the winter of 1789-1790.

Things to Do In Morristown, New Jersey with Kids

1. Washington Headquarters

Morristown National Historic Park has a lot to see and is spread over several miles. Start with Washington's Headquarters Museum (small fee) and go on a guided tour of Ford Mansion to see where Washington spent the winter of 1789-1790. It's a historical gem that's a fun and educational experience for kids. 

2. Mayo Performing Arts Center

Check out one of the many kid-friendly shows at Mayo Performing Arts Center. This family-friendly venue is easy to access from major North Jersey highways and has convenient parking, which is a huge a plus for families with kids! It's also one of several NJ theaters that regularly presents sensory-friendly performances.

See dinos, trains, animals, and lots more at the kid-friendly Morris Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

3. Morris Museum

Spend an afternoon at the Mommy Poppins–approved Morris Museum. This fantastic museum not only provides art, culture, and history. It also offers some amazing family events throughout the year. While you're at the Morris Museum, take in a children's show at the Bickford Theater.

4. Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Stroll through the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, which has an impressive collection of trees and shrubs, as well as an Education Center. It also offers a variety of classes for children and families.

The Morristown Green is decorated in holiday cheer for the Winter Festival in December.

5. The Green

Stop by the Morristown Green for a picnic lunch or visit during one of its great festivals, like the Fall Festival on the Green in September or the Winter Festival in December. The Green also hosts the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival in August, as well as a free concert series co-produced by Mayo Performing Arts Center. And celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the family-friendly St. Patrick's Parade on South Street.

6. Farmer's Market

Fill up on the season's bounty at the Morristown Farmer's Market on Sundays from June through November. The outdoor Winter Market is open Sunday mornings, December through April, at the Convent Train Station in Morris Township. Kids can participate in drop-in storytime two Sundays a month, scavenger hunts, games, and more at the information tent.

Walk the trails, see the soldiers' encampment, and learn more about life during the Revolutionary War at Jockey Hollow. 

Best Places to Learn About History in Morristown

7. Fort Nonsense and Jockey Hollow

These sites are part of the Washington Historical Park. Fort Nonsense is about 10 minutes away from Washington's Headquarters and is situated high above the town of Morristown. On a clear day, you can see NYC from the top trail. At Jockey Hollow—about 15 minutes away from Washington's Headquarters—walk the trails, see the soldiers' encampment, and learn more about life during the Revolutionary War. 

8. Macculloch Hall

Visit Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, a Federal-style mansion built in 1810 that features nine period rooms and two galleries with rotating exhibits. The museum also houses the nation's largest collection of works by political cartoonist Thomas Nast, who used to live across the street. Check out children's programming, including storytimes, workshops, and a summer gardening series; or wander the estate's garden, which is open daily and free to enter.

9. Schuyler-Hamilton House

Fans of Hamilton (the musical and the man) won't want to miss the Schuyler-Hamilton House, where Alexander Hamilton courted Elizabeth Schuyler in 1780. Open Sunday afternoons.

11. Historic Speedwell

Learn all about the birthplace of the telegraph and participate in great family programs at Historic Speedwell. Note that this site closes in the winter.

Hike through the woods, play in the water and explore the Loantaka Brook Reservation. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Best Places to Play in Morristown

12. Morristown Game Vault

Spend the afternoon playing classic arcade games at Morristown Game Vault.

13. Kid and Caboodle Play

This sweet indoor play space has sensory toys, pretend play, Hinoki beads, and a three-story soft climbing structure. Plus, there's a cafe so you can relax with a cup of coffee.

14. Loantaka Brook Reservation

Have a picnic at Loantaka Brook Reservation. This park provides a lovely shaded spot for dining, and there's a great playground where the kids can play. It's also fun to ride bikes or walk on the miles of paved (and fairly flat) shaded trails.

15. Seaton Hackney Stables

While you are at Loantaka, check out the horses or take a riding lesson next door at the Seaton Hackney Stables.

16. Seeing Eye Institute

Learn all about seeing eye dogs at the Seeing Eye Institute or watch them train the dogs around town. The Institute holds public programs every Thursday as well as the first Saturday of the month.

17. Mennen Ice Rink

Get your ice skating fix at Mennen Ice Rink. It offers lessons for skating novices, as well as open skating and DJ nights on Fridays.

18. Glass working

Morristown has a couple of great glass studios: Have a party or drop in at Glassworks to create beautiful pieces from fragments of glass, or visit Morris County School of Glass to see a free glassblowing demonstration.

RELATED: The Best Lakes for Swimming with Kids in New Jersey

Play on the beach and go for a dip in Sunrise Lake. Photo courtesy of Morris Township

19. Sunrise Lake

No need to trek to the shore on a hot day—head to Sunrise Lake for swimming, hiking, or its annual overnight campout on the beach.

20. Grow It Green

Visit the Grow it Green Urban Farm at Lafayette to see a farm in action and learn all about agriculture. During the summer months, there are Grown-up and Me classes and produce sales.

Best Places to Eat In Morristown with Kids

21. Famished Frog

Stop and grab a burger or sandwich at this casual restaurant located in the heart of Morristown.

22. Enjou Chocolat

Marvel at the amazing creations at Enjou Chocolat, and indulge your sweet tooth with some of its fantastic chocolate.

23. Ice Cream

If you're in the mood for ice cream, stop in at Beanie's. It'll be a tough decision with flavors like Glazed Donut, Minecraft, Nutella Pretzel, Golden Oreo, and Chocolate Lovers. Or try South Street Creamery. This ice cream and gelato parlor also serves up a menu of crepes and sandwiches.

Best Places to Stay In Morristown with Kids

24. Hyatt Regency Morristown

This hotel is right in downtown Morristown, so you can easily walk to the Green, restaurants, and shops. There's also an AMC Theatres right next door.

25. The Madison Hotel

This hotel is about 2 miles from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Morristown and very close is the Morris Museum. This beautiful hotel looks like a big old mansion and has amazing eating options, including GK's Red Dog Tavern, where you can eat in an old train car. 

This post was originally published in 2011 and has since been updated. 

Unless noted, photos by Kaylynn Chairello Ebner

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