Things To Do in West Orange NJ: 9 Fun Ideas for This Weekend

West Orange, New Jersey, is home to many great sights and a significant share of the top things to do in Essex County. From beautiful parks to fascinating historic sites to delicious restaurants, this city has no shortage of fun activities. Here are nine of the best things to do in West Orange.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

When planning a visit to West Orange, be sure to include a stop at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. This park provides fascinating tours of Thomas Edison's estate, Glenmont, and his laboratory complex. 

To explore the Glenmont mansion, you need to reserve tickets online in advance. Remember to arrive 30 minutes early at the Laboratory Complex to obtain your Glenmont Grounds Pass. Given the high demand and limited capacity of the Glenmont mansion tours, it is crucial to secure your tickets ahead of time, as same-day tickets are not available. 

Immerse yourself in the world of one of the greatest inventors by visiting the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange’s Llewellyn Park neighborhood. As you explore this park, you’ll gain insight into the life and work of this remarkable individual.

Richard J. Codey Arena

Nestled adjacent to the Turtle Back Zoo near a share of the townhomes in West Orange, the Richard J. Codey Arena has a range of activities and events for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this vibrant arena.

The arena offers public skating sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It's a perfect way to have fun with friends and family while getting some exercise. They also have group and private skating lessons for all ages and skill levels. 

You can also grab a ticket and watch everything from high school hockey games to figure skating competitions. You might even catch the NHL’s New Jersey Devils practicing on the ice. Don't miss out on the excitement!

South Mountain Reservation

Covering 2,112 acres of preserved wilderness, the stunning South Mountain Reservation features hardwood forests, hemlock trees, and the west branch of the Rahway River flowing through its valley. A highlight of the reservation is the Washington Rock Lookout Historic Site, which offers breathtaking views of New York, Elizabeth, Union, Staten Island, and Newark from its eastern ridge.

When visiting South Mountain Reservation, you can explore 19 miles of hiking trails—some of the best hiking trails in NJ—and 27 miles of carriage roads perfect for activities like jogging and horseback riding. Additionally, you can enjoy recreational amenities such as a fishing pond, waterfalls, paddle boats, and the Regatta Playground. This natural oasis provides a serene escape and a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Turtle Back Zoo

Located within Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, Turtle Back Zoo offers visitors a unique and immersive wildlife experience. Established in 1963, the zoo originally showcased themed exhibits based on children's stories and farm animals. However, a transformation began in 2000, leading to a major renovation plan aimed at creating larger, more naturalistic habitats for its animals. This effort resulted in the zoo's accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and its recognition as one of New Jersey’s best zoos. 

The ongoing development of Turtle Back Zoo has seen the addition of essential facilities such as a modern animal hospital, a new administrative complex with educational resources, and extra recreational offerings like a picnic pavilion and an animal-themed playground. Don't miss the chance to explore this evolving zoo and witness the fantastic progress it has made in providing a high-quality experience for both visitors and animals alike.

Eagle Rock Reservation

Perched along the Watchung Mountains ridge line in West Orange with portions extending into the neighboring Montclair community, Eagle Rock Reservation spans over 400 acres and has trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Eagle Rock Reservation has a long and fascinating history. In the early 19th century, it was known for its bald eagle population that nested in its cliffs. It attracted weekenders for its high-elevation picnicking spots and even hosted automobile races up its cobblestone roadway. 

Today, Eagle Rock Reservation is still a popular spot for hiking. The park features many lookout points that offer stunning views of the New York City skyline. While you’re here, take some time to soak in the beauty of the landscape and appreciate the natural surroundings.

Situated at Eagle Rock Avenue and Prospect Avenue in West Orange, Eagle Rock Reservation is easily accessible, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or outdoor adventure. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

Francis A. Byrne Golf Course

The beautiful Francis A. Byrne Golf Course has been meticulously renovated to reflect the classic charm of renowned Scottish courses like St. Andrews' Road Hole. This Essex County course offers challenging holes inspired by iconic designs, such as the Biarritz second hole and the Eden hole from St. Andrews. Known for its demanding layout, it features deep bunkers, hilly terrain, and rolling greens spanning nearly 6,800 yards, providing a true test for golfers of all levels. 

The course's design guarantees an exciting and competitive round, with each hole presenting unique challenges that demand strategic play. Whether you're a seasoned player looking for a challenge or a beginner excited to improve your skills, Francis A. Byrne Golf Course provides an unforgettable golfing experience in a picturesque setting.

Mini Golf Safari

Located in the northwest corner of the South Mountain Reservation near West Orange’s border with Livingston, Mini Golf Safari is an award-winning 19-hole course featuring life-size African animal sculptures, including gorillas and hippos. The course, built in 2010, offers a journey through three distinct areas: the Sahra Desert, African Grasslands, and the Congo.

Each area of the golf course features themed obstacles like pyramids and a snake sanctuary, adding an exciting challenge to your mini-golf experience. In 2012, an open-air pavilion was added, providing additional seating and an event space for rent. Mini Golf Safari is a great choice for a fun day out with friends and family.

The Highlawn

For a dining experience with breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, head over to The Highlawn. This iconic West Orange venue has panoramic vistas that set the perfect backdrop for weddings, anniversaries, dinners, and weekend brunches. The Grill Room at The Highlawn presents a diverse menu featuring exquisite culinary delights such as seafood platters, appetizers, soups, salads, pasta dishes, and wood-grilled entrées. 

Elevate your dining experience with premium cuts like A5 Miyazaki Sirloin and Prime Dry Aged Tomahawk Steak, accompanied by a selection of delectable sides. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a fine meal with a view, The Highlawn provides a sophisticated setting to indulge in culinary excellence. 

Colgate Field

Colgate Field is located at the intersection of Cherry Street and Franklin Avenue, and it has a range of recreational amenities for visitors to enjoy. This park—not to be confused with Colgate Park in the neighboring City of Orange—was donated to the Township by Richard M. Colgate in 1919; today, it holds historical significance and continues to attract locals and visitors alike. 

With a lit baseball/softball field, futsal court, and horseshoe pits, sports enthusiasts can engage in friendly competitions or simply enjoy a casual game. The park also features a playground and a pleasant walking path, perfect for those looking to spend quality time outdoors. If you want to go for a swim, the Ginney Duenkel Pool is located adjacent to the park.

Colgate Field provides a fun recreational experience for all ages.

Enjoy a Fun Day Out in West Orange

West Orange offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. From exploring the history of Thomas Edison at the National Historical Park to having a wild time at Turtle Back Zoo, there is something for everyone in this vibrant town. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures at South Mountain Reservation or a relaxing game of mini golf, West Orange has it all.