William J. Guarini

All ages are welcome at the Branch Brook Roller Skating Center, a state-run roller-skating rink in the park. Come for a skating lesson, watch the Garden State Rollergirls practice or just enjoy some fun public skating. Perfect for parties and themed events, this skating rink is open seven days a week during the daytime and evenings, as well as several late night events each week just for the adults.

The East Coast Greenway, or ECG, spans almost 3,000-miles along the Atlantic coast, linking several major cities with its urban path. The section that runs through New Jersey is 97 miles long and encompasses many major metro areas like Newark and Jersey City. Get a taste of this enormous path while enjoying recreation at the popular Weequahic Park.

Enjoy a variety of live performances–theatre, music and dance–as well as a variety of films–independent, foreign and family-friendly–at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. One of the premier entertainment and performing arts centers in the region, SOPAC also hosts a wide range of community events and educational programs for every age bracket.

Escape to the Eagle Rock Reservation in Essex County. This forest reserve and park takes up more than 400 acres of land in this densely populated metro area. The park is filled with rolling hills, valleys, streams and an extensive trail system. The rustic view of the great outdoors is not all that will take your breath away, however. The Essex County 911 Memorial provides an unparalleled view the New York City skyline.