We're really lucky to live in an area where many towns don't only have train stations, but have a bunch of fun kid-friendly attractions within walking distance of those train stations. I know a lot of people think of NJ Transit as a kind of "one direction" type deal and only take it to and from NYC, but if you haven't explored our local downtowns, you're missing out on some (lower priced, lower stress, much easier) fun with kids! For each part of this series I’ll focus on a town in our territory that you can hop on a train with your kids to get to and all the places around the train station that you can explore together.
The train ride is an added element of fun for the kids, and it's nice to not have to worry about getting them in and out of car seats, traffic, and finding a parking spot! I should mention that my family (kids included) is pretty walking-obsessed and what we consider within "walking distance” might be a little more than most. That said, I am going to try to keep all these suggestions to within half a mile of the train station.
A nice downtown filled with great restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and flanked by South Mountain Reservation and Taylor Park, Millburn remains one of my personal favorites in the area. We lived in Millburn for 4 years and we still go there regularly to enjoy some of our faves. There are some really awesome date night spots in Millburn but you can also have a great day with kids there too. Here are some of my top picks for a day in Millburn with kids.
- The Fairy Trail: Nestled along the Rahway Trail of South Mountain Reservation are dozens of little fairy houses. And the entrance to this magical place just happens to be right across the street from the train station - on the library side, not the downtown side! See my tips for hiking the Fairy Trail and some photos of it HERE.
- Millburn Public Library: Right next to the train station with a cute little kids' section. Sometimes they have events on the weekends. Check the MacKid calendar to see!
- Millburn Deli: It doesn't get more classic Millburn than Millburn Deli. Grab some sandwiches (my personal favorite is The Perfect Ten), some Deli-brewed iced tea, and eat in their new adjoining space or head outside to dine al fresco on their sidewalk or at Taylor Park, right behind the Deli.
- Liv Breads: How do I love thee, Liv Breads? Let me count the ways. Honestly, I can't even start because this article would end up being 50,000 words long and I don't think you have that kind of time. Do yourself a favor and stop and get chocolate chip cookies (you'll need your own as well as one for the kids and probably 2 to take home if you're anything like me). They also have GREAT soup, sandwiches, and (duh) bread.
- The Book House: An indie bookstore with a well-curated children's collection, some games and toys, and knowledgeable, friendly staff. My kids love to curl up on the big bean bags and browse some of their favorite authors or discover some new ones! Stop in and check out the great finds for adults too.
- Taylor Park: A pond with ducks and geese, a little stream, some bridges, a baseball field, tennis courts, and a great playground to boot! Stop in Taylor Park and spread out a picnic or bring the kids to play on the equipment. The playground is fully fenced and features swings, slides, basketball courts, and climbing apparatuses for multiple age groups. Address for GPS: 100 Main St, Millburn NJ.
- The Busy Bee: An adorable indoor playground designed for ages 0-5.
- Genius Gems: The world's largest collection of magnetic tiles! Fun for all ages (parents included) with an optional slime bar, STEM classes, and more!
- Paper Mill Playhouse: Obviously this would require some planning ahead, but Paper Mill Playhouse is one of the best theaters in the area and definitely worth adding to a day in Millburn. A few upcoming kids' shows: The Magic School Bus: Lost In the Solar System, Click Clack Moo, Rosie Revere Engineer, Charlotte's Web, and The Pout-Pout Fish.
If you go exploring Millburn with your kids because of this article, send me pictures and your itinerary!
Know of something amazing in Millburn that I’m missing from this list? Drop me a line at juliel@macaronikid.com to let me know!
Other articles in this series:
| Not subscribed yet? Get a FREE kid-friendly event calendar for Summit/SOMA full of festivals, fairs, activities, events, and more! Sign up by clicking HERE! |
