When you travel to New Jersey, you probably wouldn’t think of visiting Linden. Little did you know that away from the central area of New Jersey, you will find a city that is perfect for entertainment and nature. With great public transportation, Linden is easily accessible even when visiting nearby cities such as Rahway, Carteret, and Elizabeth. With many neighbourhood parks and entertainment centres to keep locals and tourists busy on the daily, it is no surprise that Linden is one of the best suburban cities to live in the state of New Jersey. With tons of activities to choose from in Linden and its neighbouring cities, let’s start by introducing the best things to do in Linden, New Jersey.
1. Have a fun time with family at John Russell Wheeler Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
First on the list of the best things to in Linden is to visit Linden’s favourite community park, John Russell Wheeler Park. A popular place for families with kids, this area has everything you could wish for in a community park: a waterpark, playground, skate park, snack bar, sports fields and picnic area. The best part is that the waterpark is free for all! If you’re visiting John Russell Wheeler Park during summer, get there early as you wouldn’t want to be waiting in a long line to get into the waterpark under sweltering heat.
John Russell Wheeler Park
Address: US-1, Linden, NJ 07036, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 7pm
2. Experience midnight bowling at Jersey Lanes
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Experiencing jet lag? Instead of tossing around in your bed, head to Jersey Lanes and bowl your night away! Jersey Lanes is a huge bowling alley in Linden with 42 lanes suitable for beginners and league pros, making it to the list of top things to do in Linden especially at midnight. If you don’t like losing, choose the automatic bumper lanes and you don’t have to worry about getting gutter balls. After a round of bowling, head to the game room where you will find classic arcade games. At Jersey Lanes, expect the best bowling experience as they have a great reputation for friendly service.
Jersey Lanes
Address: 30 Park Ave, Linden, NJ 07036, United States
Website: Jersey Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 12am; Fri: 10am - 1am; Sat: 9am - 1am; Sun: 9am - 12am
Price: 25 USD
3. Reconnect with nature at Hawk Rise Sanctuary
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Hawk Rise Sanctuary is one of the few things to do in Linden that is bound to take your breath away. Highly recommended as an excellent place for a leisure stroll, the sanctuary is an ecological preserve open to the public to reconnect with nature. At the entrance of Hawk Rise Sanctuary, you will stumble upon Hawk Rise information centre where visitors can learn about the different trails, animals, and plant species that live within this preserve. Portable toilets can only be found at the entrance, so make sure you relieve yourself before venturing further into the sanctuary.
Hawk Rise Sanctuary
Address: 1811 Lower Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
Nearby things to do
4. Take a sneak peek into American history at The Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum
While in Linden, make full use of your trip and explore the nearby cities for things to do. In Rahway, a city right next to Linden, you will find one of the most historical marks of this neighbouring city. The Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum offers a historical experience and tells the story of how it has stood the test of time since the 1790s. A visit to the museum today gives you an insight into what an American bar, taproom, travellers’ accommodations, and tavern life looked like in the 19th century.
The Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum
Address: 1632 St Georges Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
Website: The Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum
Opening hours: Thu: 10am - 4pm (closed on Fri - Mon)
5. Go on a scenic urban hike at Rahway River Park
As the seasons change, Rahway River Park becomes an endless charm to explore. One of the best nature spots in Rahway, Rahway River Park is a picture-perfect place to visit especially during autumn. However, this park is so popular that people visit for more than its scenery. You can find a running track, playgrounds, beautiful lakes, a football field, and even a swimming pool! Rahway River Park is also a safe place to take a stroll or cycle because there’s a shared-use path for both walking and cycling.
Rahway River Park
Address: St Georges Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
6. Play outdoor sports at Joseph Medwick Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another city worth exploring near Linden is Carteret. Although less scenic than Rahway River Park, Joseph Medwick Park has vast football fields, baseball fields, and tennis facilities, making it a popular recreational park for active people. You can find many locals spending a laid-back day at the park by having picnics in the open picnic groves.
Joseph Medwick Park
Address: Carteret, NJ 07008, United States
7. Find the best views all year-round at Mattano Park
Another park to visit for every season is Mattano Park. In spring, stroll along with blossomed trees and flowers while occasionally spotting friendly squirrels in the park. In summer, seek shelter from the sun under the tall trees and go on a picnic. If you prefer to remain active in summer, play a game of basketball or baseball with locals. In autumn, the weather is perfect for a game of soccer and kids come out to play on the playground. For a breathtaking view of the park, visit during winter. Mattano Park looks magnificent when covered in white snow, posing for the perfect Instagram-worthy shot.
Mattano Park
Address: 360-484 5th Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, United States
Website: Mattano Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Spend a day playing outdoor activities at Warinanco Park
If you’re looking to spend a day at only one location, visit Warinanco Park in the city of Elizabeth. About a five-minute drive from Linden, Warinanco Park is a huge playground for both kids and adults. Taking a stroll in Warinanco Park is a treat for the eyes, especially at Chatfield Garden. When it comes to things to do other than strolling, there’s plenty. At Warinanco Park, you will find a basketball court, cricket field, soccer fields, track field, pedal boat, and the best of it all, an ice skating rink. You don’t even have to worry about your meals when spending a day at Warinanco Park because there’s Warinanco Café serving classic American food.
Warinanco Park
Address: Roselle, NJ 07036, United States
Website: Warinanco Park
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 10:30pm
9. Admire the diverse flora and fauna at Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve
About a 15-minute drive from Linden is a great place for true nature lovers. Not only will you be surrounded by greenery at Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve, you will also be surrounded by wild animals such as birds, turtles, and snakes, to name a few. Nonetheless, since this preserve is still an unexplored gem to many, you will get to experience the best of Mother Nature.
Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve
Address: Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve, Woodbridge Township, NJ, USA
10. Unwind after a busy day at Carteret Waterfront Park
Away from greenery and closer to the waters, Carteret Waterfront Park is a scenic place to go on your daily stroll or cycle. Aside from that, this waterfront park is an ideal setting for dates. With benches lined along the waterfront, find a spot to watch the sunset and dive into a heart to heart conversations. Alternatively, you can also visit Carteret Waterfront Park for some quality alone time.
Carteret Waterfront Park
Address: 200 Middlesex Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008, United States
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 24 hours; Fri: 12pm - 6:30pm
Surround yourself with entertainment and nature in this hidden gem
Linden may be a small city in New Jersey but there’s still lots to discover. There’s really no limit to an age group when it comes to visiting Linden as there are activities for all. For those who prefer a laid-back getaway, this suburban city is perfect for your itinerary.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of Jersey Lanes and The Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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