Fun Free Things to Do in Madison, New Jersey, 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. 

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 the Giralda Farms loop

Walk, bike, or jog the loop at Giralda Farms, a favorite spot among locals. Park on 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 special Castle Playground on 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 rocks and a big jungle gym.

5. Take a Historic Walking Tour

Madison is rich in history. Check out some historic sites on the Downtown Historic Walking Tour.

Places to Eat with Kids in Madison, NJ

6. McCools

Grab an ice cream cone at McCools; 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 Snickerdoodle or a Raspberry Beret cupcake? The choice is yours at Crowley Cupcakes, which has tons of delicious homemade cupcake flavors. 

9. 54 Main Bar and Grill

If you're in the mood for a top-notch casual restaurant, 54 Main has options like salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees such as tacos and meatloaf.

10. Butter & Jam

Butter & Jam is a modern cafe that serves a great breakfast 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 Madison for Families

12. Museum of Early Trades and Crafts

The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts is an interesting spot for kids to learn how New Jerseyans lived centuries ago. Check the calendar for kids' craft days and special events. There's FREE admission for kids 6 and under.

13. Walk down Main Street

Stroll down Main Street and check out the many local shops and restaurants. Stop in at Tons of Toys toy store, The Nature of Reading Book Shop, or Dewey's Comic City. 

14. Morris Museum

Minutes from Madison in Morristown is the Morris Museum, which has exhibits about animals, music, dinosaurs, rocks/minerals, traveling exhibits, a theater with 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 to Madison Farm and Artisan Market at the Prospect Street Parking Lot for vendors, family activities, entertainment, and more (open Saturdays, 9am.–2pm, from late May through mid-December).

RELATED: Guide to Family Day Trips in New Jersey

Go shopping for fresh, local goodies at the farmers market on Saturdays.

Enjoy the Arts with Kids in Madison, New Jersey

17. Crafted in Madison

Kids can get in touch with their creative side at Crafted in Madison. Families can register kids for arts and crafts classes, camps, and kids' nights out with crafts and snacks.

18. Madison Mud Clay Studio

Take your kids on a clay-date at Madison 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 in Madison'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 to a NJ Symphony Orchestra concert on the Giralda Farms lawn.

20. Go to the Theater

If your high schoolers are reading Shakespeare in school, treat them to a performance of The 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, New Jersey with Kids

21. Sugar Rush

Go ahead and spoil the kids at Sugar Rush, a super-cute candy and gift shop with lots of unique items. Closed Sundays.

22. Go Skating

When it's very cold outside, Madison floods a sunken field in Memorial Park to create the outdoor Rosedale 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 Transit Morris-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

The beautiful hotel has lovely rooms, an upscale restaurant, and a dining room situated in an old train car. The Covent Station train station is within walking distance.

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