In Westfield
Laura's local edit
The most social-media-worthy, family-friendly and photogenic things to do — starting right in town and widening out from there.
01
Retro arcade
East Broad Street
A retro arcade filled with classic games, pinball machines and gaming consoles. Unlimited play makes it one of Westfield's most fun and social-media-friendly activities.
Best for: groups, dates and a high-energy indoor afternoon
02
The town green
East Broad Street
A beautiful local park with a pond, gazebo, gardens and picturesque walking paths. Especially photogenic during fall.
Best for: a short walk, playground time and town events
03
Shop, stroll & celebrate
Elm, Quimby & East Broad Streets
Spend an afternoon shopping, finding public art, visiting cafés and walking along Quimby Street. Seasonal concerts, festivals and outdoor events make downtown especially lively.
Seasonal concerts, festivals and outdoor events year-round
04
Fields + playgrounds
East Broad Street
A spacious community park for walking, sports, picnics and family time, with ball fields, playground circuits and room to run.
Best for: teams, long afternoons and active families
05
Living history
614 Mountain Avenue
A restored 1740 farmhouse offering colonial cooking demonstrations, gardens and seasonal events that bring early Westfield to life.
Best for: families and local-history lovers
06
Saturday ritual
South Avenue train-station lot
A fun seasonal stop for local food, flowers, small businesses and Saturday-morning social content.
July–October · Saturdays, 8:30 AM–2 PM
Hours and availability can change. Check directly before a time-sensitive visit.
Minutes from Westfield
01
Escape rooms
Garwood
Immersive escape rooms where groups uncover clues, solve puzzles and complete themed challenges against the clock.
Approx. 10 min from Westfield
02
Trails + nature
Mountainside
More than 2,000 acres of woodlands, streams, picnic areas and scenic trails, plus the Trailside Nature and Science Center.
Best for: hiking, trail runs and a change of pace
03
Gardens & blooms
Summit
A historic 13.5-acre estate with gardens, walking paths and highly photogenic seasonal blooms.
Best for: garden walks and spring blooms
04
Family day out
West Orange
Animals, a miniature train, carousel, seasonal butterfly exhibit and treetop adventure course make this a strong family-day-out destination.
Best for: kids and a full family day
05
Golf, dining & games
Edison
Climate-controlled golf bays, games, music, food and drinks. It works for date nights, families and groups regardless of golfing experience.
Approx. 25 min from Westfield
06
Interactive science
Jersey City
Interactive exhibits, giant aquariums, live animals, virtual-reality experiences and the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
Best for: curious kids and a rainy-day outing
Worth the short drive
01
Mega attraction
East Rutherford
One of the strongest social-media-famous choices, with DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe, Big SNOW, indoor mini golf, ice skating and numerous interactive attractions.
Approx. 40 min from Westfield
02
Sculpture park & gardens
Hamilton
A 42-acre sculpture park, museum and arboretum filled with larger-than-life artwork and beautiful gardens. One of New Jersey's most photogenic destinations.
Best for: art lovers and a slow, photo-filled afternoon
03
Estate gardens & trails
Hillsborough
A sprawling 2,700-acre property with gardens, trails, historic structures and natural landscapes that are ideal for cycling, walking and photography.
Approx. 50 min from Westfield
