21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Montclair: A Guide

Looking for an active bubbling town with sights and interesting places to visit?

Then you should give the interesting town of Montclair a chance! 

Montclair is an urban and active town located in New Jersey and is home to many professionals like writers, media personnel, musicians, artists, and a lot more.

Things To Do In Montclair

To help you achieve this, I have compiled a list of 21 nice things to do and Places to visit, during your vacation to Montclair.

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1. Theatre Alexander Kasser

Montclair State University owns and manages the Alexander Kasser Theater. 

This theatre serves as a venue for outstanding contemporary performances, allowing students to present dance, drama, and music.

The theatre is designed in the Spanish mission style, similar to the University’s historic buildings. 

With a massive arcaded loggia and a sweeping plaza, this venue is both intimate and modern.

2. Visit the Montclair Historical Society

The Montclair Historical Society (MHS) was founded in 1965 to appreciate, preserve, and promote Montclair’s local history.

The MHS comprises two significant historic sites: the 1818-built Nathaniel Crane House and the Israel Crane House built in 1796 by a local entrepreneur.

Both Crane Houses are historic museum houses that are open to the public and exhibit the history of the surrounding town and its buildings.

There is also room for lectures, classes, and educational workshops for both students and the general public.

3. Visit Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve

The Township of Montclair owns the Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve, which spans 20.68 acres.

After a citizens group lobbied to protect the woodland in the 1970s, it was purchased with NJDEP Green Acres funds and named after a resident, Bonsal. 

Except for an old sewer line built in the early 1900s, this preserve has remained in its natural state. 

The Third River is surrounded by remnant uplands and wetlands (a tributary of the Lower Passaic River watershed). You can also go exploring these wetlands.

4. The Montclair Public Library

you should Visit the Montclair Public Library. Established in 1893 and provides quality services to the people of Montclair, as well as visitors.

The Montclair Library Association was founded in 1869, and this library grew from there. Israel Crane led this 30-person subscription-based organization.

On April 12, 1893, Montclair residents voted to establish a free public library.

This library got its station on the second floor of Dr. John J.H. Love’s office on Church Street.

They went on to buy an abandoned inn, the Munn Tavern, which became the Library’s new home in 1898. More progress has been the order of the day since then.

5. Have Fun At The Montclair Film Festival 

The Montclair Film Festival is a community-focused film festival that promotes filmmakers from all over the world while also putting Montclair on the map.

This film festival began in 2012 and is now in its eighth year.

Montclair Film Festival also draws thousands of film fans, aficionados, and critics to the town as they try to see over 80 films shown at various venues in and around Montclair.

The festival also offers an expanding schedule of changing public events and educational programs for both children and students. 

This includes the Free Summer Series under the Stars, free screenings during African American Heritage Month, and the Kidz Shortz Filmmaking Competition.

6. The Van Vleck House And Gardens

The Van Vleck House & Gardens began as a personal estate of Joseph Van Vleck Sr, a successful businessman, over 142 years ago. 

This fantasy became a reality after he moved to Montclair in 1868.

Despite significant changes and modifications to this property over the years, the landscaped grounds and the exceptional U-shaped Italianate villa have remained unchanged.

The majority of the plants in these gardens are ericaceous plants that have matured over several generations, such as hybrid azaleas and rhododendrons.

You can visit this private garden on any day of the year because it is open to the public from dawn to dusk.

7. Our Lady Mount Carmel’s

If you’re in Montclair and looking for a Christian place to worship, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church is a good option. 

The church, which was founded in 1939, is a historic place of worship for all Christians.

They are a faith community that celebrates everyone, regardless of age or race, and they also engage in humanitarian projects because they are committed to positively impacting people’s lives. 

As they put it, they are a “Small Parish with a Big Heart.”

You’ll adore the church structure, which was built in the delightful Italian Gothic style.

The open nave, supported by scagliola columns, provides a clear view of the sanctuary.

8. Visit The Wellmont Theatre

The Wellmont Theater opened a theatre in 1922, but it was converted into a motion pics theatre in 1929. 

One of its haloed guests included the famous inventor, Thomas Edison.

Wellmont Theatre had a triplex in the 1970s, first on Bloomfield Avenue and then on Seymour Street, with the original now being used as a restaurant.

The Wellmont Theatre underwent multi-million dollar renovations and is now a well-known concert venue. 

A dance floor, flexible seating, and new bars in the mezzanine and orchestra area distinguish this venue.

9. Visit The Prudential Center

The prudential center which opened in 2007, is a multi-purpose indoor arena designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) and its exterior by Morris Adjmi Architects.

The Prudence Centre is the official home of Seton Hall University’s men’s basketball team, the Seton Hall Pirates, and the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).

During hockey games, this arena has 16,514 seats, and close to 18,711 during basketball games.

Music by bands, and live singers, concerts, recreation, Seton Hall basketball, New Jersey Devils hockey, and exciting family shows are among the activities and events held here.

10. Grab a book Watchung Booksellers

Watchung Booksellers, founded in 1991 by Kathy Links, is the Montclair community’s favorite bookstore.

This bookstore is located directly above Bradner’s Pharmacy and specializes in general collections of biography, history, fiction, and nonfiction books.

Their selections are centered on poetry and the arts, travel books, and educational materials.

The selection of books here is meticulously guided, with the help of local readers, to reflect the values, ethics, character, and norms of the Montclair community.

Over 60 local authors’ published works are displayed on the shelves, making this the epicenter of New Jersey’s literary community.

11. Edgemont Memorial Park

Edgemont Memorial Park is a popular destination for children.

They have a large children’s playground with structures that provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages.

A rubber ground is set up for the little one’s safety, and another kid’s favorite is a massive spider web structure with various slides.

Moving to the park’s eastern end, you’ll come across a peaceful pond. 

This pond receives water from the fountains and discharges it into Toney’s Brook.

Edgemont Memorial Park is well-known for its popular World War I memorial.

Charles Keck built this monument in 1924 and it is located on an island in the middle of the pond.

12. Last Minute Escape Montclair Exit Strategy

Exit Strategy is a real-life whodunit run game that keeps players focused until they solve the mystery.

 The game, formally known as Last Minute Escape, is entertaining and takes place in well-detailed settings.

The game is intended to be played in groups of two to eight people. 

With a variety of scenarios, concepts, classic themes, missions, and teams, the teams must devise a way to escape in under an hour.

There are hints for escaping with your friends/team.

Exit Strategy aids in the development of team spirit. Exit Strategy is usually entertaining. You can play this with your friends so don’t miss out on it. 

13. Relax at the Park In Branch Brook

Branch Brook Park, the nation’s first county park, is located in Newark’s North Ward.

This park is located between the Roseville and Forest Hill neighborhoods. Within the township of Belleville, there is also a parking port.

Branch Brook Park, famous in the United States for having the largest collection of cherry blossom trees, is not short on activities.

14. Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Thomas Edison National Historical Park protects and preserves Edison’s home and laboratory in Glenmont, West Orange, New Jersey.

Edison’s residence and laboratory transport us back in time.

 The laboratories were in operation for more than 40 years, back when music was played on phonographs and machines were powered by belts and pulleys.

The development of phonographs, motion picture cameras, silent and sound movies, sound recordings, and the Ni-Fe alkaline electric storage battery all began here.

The kids will enjoy it because they will have access to training materials, videos, and existing inventions, and they will be challenged to create something as well.

15. Iris Gardens At Presby Memorial

The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens were founded in 1927 to honor the renowned horticulturist Frank Presby.

It is the world’s largest non-commercial irises garden, spanning more than 6.5 acres. 

The garden, which has a park-like setting, is located on Upper Mountain Avenue in Montclair.

The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens showcases a world-class collection of over 10,000 plants representing six different species and over 3,000 individually named irises.

The Walther House, which is located adjacent to the gardens, is also worth a visit.

This building is the headquarters of the Citizens Committee in charge of the garden, and it perfectly captures the Victorian architecture style.

16. Taverna In Greece  

While in Montclair, take a culinary journey to Greece by visiting the Greek Taverna on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.

Through the dishes they prepare, this classic restaurant conveys the feeling of a grand Mediterranean country. 

It is an open-air kitchen that specializes in meals, giving you the impression that you are already in Greece.

Signature dishes prepared with fresh ingredients include Kalamarakia Shares, Lamb Glovetski, and Ouzo Keftedes.

17. Vanillamore

Vanillamore is a lively cafe, and visiting it is one of the many fun things to do in Montclair.

Risa Magid Boyer, the executive chef, opened this restaurant in 2007 to pursue her passion for using vanilla as a flavor enhancer in unexpected and spectacular ways.

This restaurant is also an art gallery, displaying the works of artists such as Aldo Luongo, Amy Nadler, and Carrie Graber in its lovely dining room.

You can enjoy delicious entree choices like crispy skin barramundi, quinoa-infused buddha bowls, and red wine-braised short ribs for diner or lunch.

These can be paired with any of the restaurant’s special desserts and cakes.

18. Watch a Match At The Yogi Berra Stadium

The Yogi Berra Stadium, which opened in 1998, is the home of the New Jersey Jackals and Red Hawks.

This stadium, named after Yogi Berra, a New York Yankees catcher and Hall of Fame inductee, has a seating capacity of 5,000 people, with 3,784 people taking permanent sweatbands and 1,500 taking lawn seats.

The stadium, which is adjacent to the Yogi Berra Museum, has earned the moniker “the home of champions.”

19. Montclair Art Museum

A visit to The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is one of the fun things to do in Montclair. 

This museum was founded to inspire and engage the public with art through its incredible collection of Native American and American art.

This museum houses over 12,000 items dating from the present to the 18th century, including statues, sketches, pictures, and portraits.

This museum exhibits a variety of contemporary artworks that depict life on an international stage.

20. Kip’s Castle

Kip’s Castle is a 9,000-square-foot grand mansion that is a replica of a medieval Norman castle.

This castle, while not in Montclair, is well worth a visit. Verona, NJ is only a few miles away.

It was originally built as a private estate and spans 11 acres on the ridges of First Mountain, bordering the towns of Montclair and Verona.

The castle has 30 special rooms of varying sizes and shapes, each with its ornate fireplace and vaulted ceiling.

Endeavor to visit this castle; it’s one of the best things to do in Montclair.

21. Visit Yogi Berra Museum And Learning Center

Yogi Berra’s hometown of Yogi is home to the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center.

Montclair State University’s campus houses the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center. 

The establishment of this museum was inspired by Yogi Berra’s career as a world-class baseball player. 

In addition, he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The Yogi Berra Museum houses a variety of items and artifacts from Berra’s illustrious career, contributions to baseball, and history with the game.

Romantic Things To Do In Montclair For Couples or Lovers

Couples-friendly activities and destinations.

1. Van Vleck House & Gardens

Except for special events, the 1916-built mansion with its gorgeous exterior and Mediterranean Revival architecture is not accessible to the general public. 

However, the 6-acre Gardens, which are open to the public and were very stunning this spring thanks to their profusion of Wisteria, Azaleas, and Rhododendrons as well as other lovely flowers, are free to enter. 

Everything was elegantly maintained and well-manicured, with a wide range of sorts, sizes, and colors.

The surroundings are stunning. Simple but representative of the peaceful living just off Valley Road.

As a non-profit, there is no entrance fee. They do, however, have a donation box, which we happily filled. You are welcome to bring a blanket and have a picnic there.

2. Adventure Rooms

Challenge yourself to some of the world’s most renowned and acclaimed room escape games. 

Simple: beat the 60-minute time limit for the Adventure Rooms challenge! Are you able to win by solving? Try it to find out.

3. Last-Minute Escape

The immersive, real-time experience of Last Minute Escape (formerly Exit Strategy) is unlike anything you’ve had before. 

Exit Strategy quickly turns into the quickest hour you’ve ever had and the most enjoyable test of wits you’ve ever faced. 

It is advised for anyone who enjoys a challenge and can use their intelligence, observational skills, and the ability to use their brain. 

Each scenario has a straightforward task: enter, perform the duty, locate the key, and exit. Do you possess the necessary qualities to leave in an hour? Try this out couples and boast whoever wins.

4. Have Fun at Wellmont Theater

The best iconic theater keeps becoming better. 

Stunning and diverse works. some actors are well-known. 

Chazz Palminteri frequently attends. plays a range of programs.

Things To Do In Montclair For Kids

Both are enjoyable and educational locations for children.

1. Visit The New Jersey Children’s Museum

The New Jersey Children’s Museum is built on interactive, hands-on displays like a real fire vehicle and helicopter, a fossil and dinosaur cave, a medieval castle, and a ballet studio. 

Play is permitted, and the location can be used to host special events.

2. Staten Island Children’s Museum

The Staten Island Children’s Museum offers educational and artistic experiences on four floors of exhibits.

Children can study bugs, do theater skits, use tools, interact with real-life game components, and make their art.

3. Votee Park

Votee Park contains a wide variety of amenities for the community to enjoy. 

Such amenities include football, baseball, and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, a workout area, as well as several picnic spots.

4. World of Wings

An educational museum called World of Wings features a variety of interesting and fun attractions and displays that you would love.

These attractions include a vast butterfly atrium, an illusion chamber, and exhibits of reptiles, lizards, and amphibians.

Things To Do In Montclair At Night

Activities for the nighttime.

1. Spend Time at Egan & Sons

A wonderful setting for pleasant moments and memories.

The food and drinks were excellent, with good service, superb cleanliness, and good prices.

2. Uptown Art Montclair

Begin with a white canvas. After a fun-filled evening, take your artwork with you by adding some of your closest friends and your favorite wine!

You will be guided step-by-step by their expert instructors while you work in a friendly, group environment. No prior knowledge is required.

3. The Meat Locker

The Meat Locker presents live performances by local and visiting bands. You can visit for an evening of cool music.

These bands play a variety of genres, including punk, folk, alternative, and independent musicians.

4. Mexicali Live

You can have so much fun at Mexicali Live. the show features a range of rock bands while also providing live entertainment and food.

There is seating upstairs in addition to the tables by the stage. The restaurant offers a wide selection of beers together with Mexican dishes.

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5. Visit The Irving Plaza

The White Panda and Holy Ghost have both performed at the 1,025-seat ballroom-style music venue Irving Plaza.

The Hillsong Church New York holds its services at this location.

Free Things To Do In Montclair

Places that could be visited without paying.

1. Have Fun at Edgemont Memorial Park

Edgemont is a little, charming park with a lovely pond that draws waterfowl and makes people watching strange, soothing, and therapeutic.

This park’s benches, landscaping, and people-watching are sure to win you over.

You can run, walk, or play catch. incredibly well-kept, with new leaves blossoming every month. very good upkeep.

2. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

This is a place of worship where anyone can come and pray and sit quietly to talk to God, emerging a better person.

3. Visit the Montclair History Center

The Montclair History Center (MHC), a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, supports the documentation, understanding, and enjoyment of regional history.

They are the guardians of four historic homes in Montclair: the Shultz House, often known as Evergreens, the Clark House (108 Orange Road), the Nathaniel Crane House (110 Orange Road), and the Crane House and Historic YWCA (30 North Mountain Ave).

4. Montclair Public Library

Never off the mark. possess a stunning collection of artwork, sculptures, and art.

Offer both children and adults a wide variety of art classes that you would love.

At least three times a year, they have staff that is friendly.

5. Visit Brookdale Park

A 121-acre park featuring grass fields and equipment for baseball, tennis, football, and soccer, Brookdale Park is partially wooded and has these amenities.

The park has picnic areas, dog parks, walking and biking trails, a rose garden, and playgrounds.

Cheap Things To Do In Montclair

Affordable locations for you to visit.

1. Alexander Kasser Theater

You can see a movie; several daring and original plays and dance performances. 

With affordable ticket prices.

2. Visit Diamond Cycle

Diamond Cycle arouses the same visceral emotions that you may like some Beatles songs over others.

These individuals not only have the necessary expertise when it counts, but they also represent what can be called a “family” neighborhood shop.

3. Nest & Company

What a lovely shopping destination! This is a Montclair attraction not to be missed if you enjoy artifacts from the arts and crafts era. fantastic range of furniture, pottery, and household goods. 

There are a variety of things so you can pick within your budget.

4. Visit Nishuane Park

Nishuane Park is located on 17.66 acres and has two swimming pools along with tennis, basketball, softball, and football grounds and courts. 

Additionally, it offers a stage, a children’s playground, restrooms, and a forested area.

5. Anderson Park

At Anderson Park, visitors may take in a local park with lots of trees and a beautiful natural setting.

The park is ideal for picnicking, running, walking dogs, playing sports, and sunbathing.

Cool Places To Visit In Montclair

Relaxation places with interesting facts to be learned.

1. The New York Red Bulls II

There are more than 30 teams in the United Soccer League, including the New York Red Bulls II (USL).

The majority of their home games will be played at MSU Soccer Park, which is situated on the campus of Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey, starting in 2017.

The organization was founded in 2015 and acts as the second Major League Soccer franchise for the New York Red Bulls (MLS).

2. Essex Fine Arts Gallery

Visitors visiting Montclair can view local artists in a welcoming setting at Essex Fine Arts, a full-service gallery. Postcards from Montclair are also available to help you remember your trip.

Affordable miniature paintings, fair trade jewelry, and other art-related items are also offered as additional gift options.

Custom framing is offered and is reasonably priced to transport back home.

3. The Woodhouse Day Spa

The Woodhouse Day Spa is a fantastic place to unwind after a stressful day. You won’t regret treating yourself to a massage, facial, or pedicure.

The professionals are at the top of their game, and the environment is calm and clean.

4. The Eclectic Chic Boutique

Over 30 local artists from the Montclair, New Jersey, area make up The Eclectic Chic Boutique.

They are a display of all handcrafted and small-batch products, including dolls, jewelry, bath and body products, apparel, wood products, and more.

Additionally, they have a craft area where guests can swing by and make their creations with their kids.

Specialty classes and craft parties are also available.

5. Culture Couture

Culture Couture caters to the ethically conscious client that avoids mass-market trends and prefers handcrafted clothing, accessories, and gifts.

Our homages to the fashion intuitive feature simple silhouettes, useful details, and meticulous craftsmanship.

In addition, they specialize in candles, incense, sculptures, and other unique items for the house and body.

Indoor Activities To Do In Montclair For Adults

Activities are suitable for adults.

1. Visit the Montclair Art Museum

The Montclair Art Museum, a recognized, locally-based organization with an international reputation, is home to a renowned collection of American and Native American artwork that specifically highlights the three hundred years of art production in the United States. 

More than 12,000 items make up the collection, which also includes traditional and modern Native American art and artifacts that illustrate the cultural advancements of peoples from all of the major American Indian regions. 

These items include paintings, prints, original works on paper, photographs, sculptures, and paintings by American artists from the 18th century to the present. 

The education initiatives of the museum engage a large audience and frequently include artists, performers, and academics.

2. Shop at Johari

Who doesn’t love shopping???

Johari has a great collection of nightwear and intimates. 

A smaller variety of seasonal clothing is also available, along with swimming suits.

knowledgeable and courteous staff. Very welcoming.

3. Spur your Creativity at Newark Museum

The Newark Museum features diverse art history, contemporary art, and scientific exhibits that merge art and science.

Additionally, the location offers a planetarium with frequent performances and participatory kids’ programming throughout the entire museum.

4. Frick Collection

There are numerous displays from former painters and sculptors from all over the world that you would love to see in The Frick Collection.

The venue hosts seminars, school tours, studio programs, courses and dialogues, performances, and more.

5. Visit MoMA PS1

One of the biggest American organizations of its kind, MoMA PS1 is solely dedicated to modern art.

Since its founding in 1971, it has hosted both temporary and permanent exhibitions, as well as unique events like the Warm-Up and Sunday Sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We have been able to see various sights, activities, and things to do during your visit to Montclair.