20 Best & Fun Things To Do In New Brunswick, NJ
Are you planning a trip to New Brunswick, New Jersey, and searching for a fun experience in this vibrant city with a blend of rich history, cultural diversity, and a thriving arts scene? Look no further, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore the top activities and the best things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, for an unforgettable vacation.
New Brunswick is a city in and the County seat of Middlesex County and home to Rutgers University. New Brunswick is known for its historical landmarks, prestigious academic presence, and diverse cultural offerings. The city’s deep ties to colonial America and its modern development create a unique atmosphere that delights visitors from all walks of life.
Whether you’re strolling through historic districts, exploring local parks, attending performances at world-class theaters, or savoring international cuisine at its renowned restaurants, New Brunswick promises memorable experiences. Join us as we explore the best ways to make your visit to New Brunswick unforgettable.
20 Best And Fun Things To Do In New Brunswick, NJ (2024)
1. Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University
Begin your New Brunswick adventure with a visit to the Zimmerli Art Museum, a renowned museum, and home to a diverse collection of 20th-century art and many fun and educational things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, for everyone.
Established in 1966, the museum houses over 60,000 works of art including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and notable collections, such as the Norton and Nancy Dodge Collection of American Art and the Jane and Leonard Korman Collection of American Realism.
What’s more, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works from its collection and loans from other museums and offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures.
Address: 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
2. State Theatre New Jersey
One of the many fun and unique things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, is catching a live performance at the State Theatre New Jersey, a historic performing arts center for a wide range of performances.
Founded in 1988, the art center boasts a stunning Art Deco architectural style, and offers a wide variety of performances, including Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, and comedy shows catering to diverse tastes and interests.
Additionally, educational programs, outreach initiatives, and guided tours are often offered at the center. Visitors can expect to enjoy top-notch performances, explore different genres of music, theater, and dance, and art of a vibrant cultural community.
Address: 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
3. Rutgers Geology Museum
Explore Rutgers Geology Museum, a natural history museum that houses a diverse collection of geological specimens and offers an array of fun and educational things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, for people of all ages.
The museum boasts a wide range of geological specimens, including minerals from around the world, fossils of ancient creatures, and meteorites that have fallen to Earth.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures, for students of all ages and serves as a research facility for scientists and students studying geology and related fields.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that allow them to learn about geological processes, such as plate tectonics and mineral formation.
Address: 85 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
4. Stress Factory Comedy Club
Relieving a long day of stress with laughter at Stress Factory Comedy Club, a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere for comedy should make your bucket list of fun things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, at night.
The club features a wide range of comedic styles and genres, from observational humor to stand-up comedy to sketch comedy, and offers a variety of shows, including weekly open mic nights, themed shows, and headliner performances.
What’s more, the club offers a full menu of food and drinks, including appetizers, entrees, and alcoholic beverages with comfortable seating.
Address: 90 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
5. George Street Playhouse
Enjoy an array of fun and thrilling things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, at George Street Playhouse, a professional theater known for its programs and commitment to developing new plays.
Nestled within the New Brunswick Performing Art Center, the playhouse presents a wide range of plays, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and new works, and offers educational programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives.
A visit to George Street Playhouse offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to enjoy professional theatre performances in a welcoming and accessible setting.
Address: 9 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
6. Kirkpatrick Chapel
Kirkpatrick Chapel is a historic Presbyterian church known for its beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, and serene atmosphere perfect for exploring some of the unique things to do in New Brunswick, NJ.
Established in 1873, the chapel served as a spiritual center for generations of Princeton students, faculty, and staff. The chapel’s peaceful and contemplative environment makes it a popular place for weddings, memorials, and religious services.
Visitors can learn about the history of Princeton University and the role of the chapel in the community, or have a peaceful and contemplative time to reflect and pray.
Address: 81 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
7. Monument Square Park
Enjoy a plethora of fun and thrilling things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, when you visit Monument Square Park, a popular destination for visitors and locals offering a variety of amenities and attractions.
The park features a large monument dedicated to George Washington, beautiful fountains, landscaped gardens, and walking paths, providing a pleasant and relaxing environment.
A visit to Monument Square Park offers visitors opportunities to learn about the history of the American Revolution and the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence, enjoy a tranquil escape from the city’s noise and crowds, and explore the nearby museums and cultural institutions.
Address: 2 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
8. Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Explore fun and educational things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, for people of all ages at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, a public research institution and one of the oldest universities in the United States.
The campus features numerous historic buildings, including the Old Queen’s College Building, the oldest college building in the United States, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports teams.
Visitors can explore the university’s historic campus, learn about its rich history, and engage in the diverse and multicultural campus community, energy and excitement of campus life, including sporting events, concerts, and other activities.
Address: New Brunswick, NJ, United States.
9. Buccleuch Park
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers can explore fun things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, for people of all ages at Buccleuch Park.
The park features beautifully landscaped gardens with a variety of plants and flowers, a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the park’s natural areas, offering scenic views and opportunities, multiple athletic fields, and designated picnic areas with tables and grills.
Experience the beauty and tranquility of the natural environment, including the park’s trees, plants, and wildlife, enjoy a variety of physical activities, such as walking, running, biking, or playing sports as you visit the park.
Address: 321 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
10. Catherine Lombardi
Dine at Catherine Lombardi, a renowned Italian restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine, warm atmosphere, and exceptional service.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of classic Italian dishes, including pasta, seafood, and meat entrees, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and boasts an extensive wine list featuring both domestic and international selections, to complement the Italian cuisine.
Grab a bite of a delicious Italian meal before or after a day of exploring unique things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, with families and friends.
Address: 3 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
Exploring other attractions near New Brunswick? Why not check out some fun things to do in Edison, NJ, and fun things to do in Bloomfield, NJ?
11. Tavern on George
One of the unique things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, is to relax at Tavern On George, a popular local eatery known for its casual atmosphere and friendly services.
The dining option offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees, as well as a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Unwind and enjoy a satisfying meal and drink in a unique and inviting setting coupled with live music performances and other special events.
Address: 361 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
12. Boyd Park
Fun and thrilling things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, await visitors of all ages at Boyd Park, a picturesque public park famous for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere.
The park features a historic mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens, including a rose garden and a Japanese garden, playgrounds for children of all ages, with swings, slides, and climbing structures, and a network of walking trails.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Boyd Park, enjoy the serene atmosphere and lush greenery of the park, connect with nature, and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area.
Address: New Brunswick, NJ 08904, United States.
13. The Frog & The Peach
The Frog & The Peach is a renowned fine dining restaurant celebrated for its innovative cuisine and lively atmosphere, and a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience among other things to do in New Brunswick, NJ, for everyone.
The restaurant boasts a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere, with a warm and inviting dining room, and offers a carefully curated wine list featuring a wide selection of both domestic and international wine, along a creative and seasonal menus, featuring dishes that blend classic American cuisine.
Visitors can experience innovative and delicious cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, or sample expertly crafted cocktails, made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients.
Address: 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States.
14. New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is a premier cultural venue and state-of-the-art facility that hosts a wide range of cultural events, including theater, music, and other fun and unique things to do in Brunswick, NJ, for everyone.
The center features a 1,775-seat main auditorium, a 250-seat studio theater, a black box theater, and a rehearsal hall. It also boasts world-class acoustics, lighting, and sound systems, ensuring an exceptional experience for audiences.
Additionally, the center offers educational programs, workshops, and community events that enrich the cultural landscape of New Brunswick and the surrounding region.
Visitors to the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center can enjoy a diverse lineup of performances by renowned artists and companies, and experience the thrill of live theater, the beauty of dance, the power of music, and the humor of comedy.
Address: 11 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
15. Bowlero North Brunswick
Enjoy family-friendly things to do near New Brunswick with a visit to Bowlero North Brunswick, a modern and family-friendly entertainment center offering a variety of activities for all ages.
This entertainment center features several bowling lanes, equipped with automatic scoring and bumpers for younger bowlers, a variety of arcade games, and a restaurant serving food and drinks, such as pizza, burgers, and alcoholic beverages.
Visitors can enjoy an entertaining experience by bowling, playing arcade games, and socializing with friends and family.
Address: 1 Carolier Lane, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, United States.
16. Topgolf Edison
Discover a plethora of unique things to do near New Brunswick, NJ when you visit Topgolf Edison, a high-tech entertainment complex that combines the fun of golf with a social atmosphere.
Located 14- minutes from New Brunswick, the venue features climate-controlled golf bays equipped with advanced technology that tracks the flight of your golf ball, a variety of delicious food and drinks, and event spaces.
Also, the venue offers a variety of arcade games and other entertainment options. Topgolf Edison offers a unique and enjoyable experience for people of all ages.
Address: 1013 US-1, Edison, NJ 08817, United States.
17. Amazing Escape Room Edison
Unearth fun and thrilling things to do near New Brunswick, NJ, with friends and family at Amazing Escape Room Edison a unique entertainment venue that offers immersive escape room experiences.
This escape room offers a variety of themed rooms with its unique puzzles, challenges, and story. The rooms are designed to create a fully immersive experience and challenge visitors to solve puzzles, crack codes, and work together as a team to escape from themed rooms within a set time limit.
Put your problem-solving skills, teamwork capacity, and innovativeness to the test in an entertaining and stimulating atmosphere.
Address: 2300 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08817, United States.
18. Supercharged Entertainment
Explore an array of fun and thrilling things to do near New Brunswick, NJ, at Supercharged Entertainment, a massive indoor entertainment complex offering a variety of fun activities for people of all ages.
With the centerpiece of the complex being the world’s largest indoor multi-level go-kart track, the center also features other activities such as a massive interactive gaming arcade with a prize center, axe throwing, virtual reality, drop and twist tower, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Visitors get to enjoy a day of fun and excitement with friends and family and experience a variety of exciting activities and attractions suitable for all ages.
Address: 987 US-1, Edison, NJ 08817, United States.
19. Rutgers Gardens
Nature lovers can explore fun and unique things to do near New Brunswick, NJ, at Rutgers Gardens, a botanical garden and popular destination for visitors seeking to explore diverse plant collection and enjoy natural beauty.
The gardens feature a variety of plant collections, including roses, perennials, annuals, and ornamental grasses, and themed gardens such as the Fragrance Garden, the Woodland Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
Additionally, the garden offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours for visitors of all ages, and hosts special events and festivals, such as the annual Garden State Festival.
Address: 112 Log Cabin Road, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902, United States.
20. Monster Mini Golf Edison
Established in 2004, Monster Mini Golf Edison is a family-friendly glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf course designed with a spooky and fun theme
The course is decorated with various monster figures, spooky props, and other Halloween-inspired elements and features various themed holes with obstacles, lights, and sound effects that create a unique and exciting experience for players of all ages.
Beyond miniature golf, the entertainment center also offers a variety of fun options like video and redemption game arcade and price center, laser tag, bowling, laser maze, virtual reality, and Stella’s kitchen.
Address: 775 US-1, Edison, NJ 08817, United States.
plan your visit to New Brunswick, nJ
New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a scenic town that offers an array of recreational activities ranging from historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, New Brunswick has something for everyone.
Whether you’re enjoying the natural beauty, or indulging in the local cuisine, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your time in this charming city. So pack your bags, and get ready to be enchanted by this beautiful city. Safe Travels.
