While Essex County is frequently discussed as a great place to raise a family or to be based for an NYC commute, it’s also a fun place to be a teen. There are so many activities for people of all ages, including teens, in Essex County. Whether your teen wants to try something new or explore a favorite hobby, there is no shortage of choices. We’ve compiled a list of activities that can peak the interests of teens, from those interested in the outdoors to those who want to express their creative side in the Montclair area.
Montclair
Montclair Art Musuem Classes | 3 South Mountain Avenue
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For the creative types looking for a new outlet or those who want to try something new, the Montclair Art Museum hosts classes for teens looking to explore different art techniques. With classes in drawing, oil, and acrylic painting, wheel throwing poetry, graphic design, and life drawing, there are options for teens to explore a variety of artistic styles. Class sign-ups usually coincide with the season, so new sessions and art options are available every couple of months. Classes typically cost $370 for members and $295 for nonmembers.
Montclair Film | 505 Bloomfield Avenue
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There is programming year-round for teens through Montclair Film. From classes in filmmaking, screenwriting, animation, editing, and podcasting, to peer film critique groups, there are many ways teens can get more involved with the world of visual arts. Montclair Film also offers a Summer Academy for teens, as well as mentorship programs.
Read More: Your Guide To Bowling Alleys In Montclair + Beyond
School of Rock | 125 Valley Road
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For those interested in music, School of Rock offers music classes that range from singing, piano, bass guitar, drums, and ukulele. All lessons are taught by professional musicians and classes that range from beginner to advanced. In addition to regular lessons, The School of Rock also has special workshops typically themed to teach students about the music of a particular artist, like The Beatles or Nirvana.
Bloomfield
Amazing Escape Room | 281 Liberty Street
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Escape rooms are one of the trendiest activities to date. For teens, this is a great activity that will exercise their brainpower and put their teamwork skills to the test. Amazing Escape Room has four themed rooms to choose from: Down The Rabbit Hole, Search For The Grail, Gold Rush, and Lost In Space. Each room has its own pitfalls and challenges, and can each be booked in advance depending on the group’s size. It typically costs each participant $30 to enter the escape room.
East Hanover
Hanover Lanes | 119 State Road
Bowling alleys have been a teen hangout spot basically since they came into existence. And Hanover Lanes is a classic bowling alley that offers 32 automatic lanes and can accommodate large groups. It has a snack bar serving up classics like fries and chicken tenders, and regularly offers discount days throughout the month.
Fairfield
Monster Mini Golf | 194 US 46 East
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Mini golf is usually an activity that is reserved for an afternoon while spending a week at the shore, but Monster Mini Golf is an indoor spot that has blacklight fun, an arcade, and a laser maze. The golf course has 18 holes where putters will face off against the colorful and zany monsters that align the course. In addition to mini-golf, there is an in-house arcade with classic games from skeeball to Pac-Man. For an extra challenge, teens can try to beat the clock and test their agility in the laser maze, a laser obstacle course that tests strategy and flexibility.
Tag Optics Laser Tag | 373 US 46 W, Suite D110
Tag Optics brings laser tag to the next level. For those who are fans of video games and adventure, Tag Ops aims to bring roleplay-style combat adventures to real life. With customizable difficulty levels, this laser tag experience will make teens feel like they have stepped inside their favorite video game. It typically costs $30 per person to play, with the option to purchase profile upgrades, a customized dog tag, or a T-Shirt.
Newark
Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Rink | 7th Avenue + Clifton Avenue
Roller skating might seem a little retro at first but the popular pastime of the 1970s has recently made a reemergence. Branch Brook’s Roller Skating Rink is one of the best spots in North Jersey, with theme nights, games on the rink, and neon decor. This is a great spot to burn off some energy and get some exercise in. Public skate sessions usually cost $15 for admission and skate rental and $10 for admission with your own skates.
Wayne
Rockin Jump | 77 Willowbrook Boulevard
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While Rockin Jump is technically located just outside of Essex County, this trampoline park is one of the best in the area. It has everything from an open jump area where friends can jump around like on a backyard trampoline, o obstacle courses, dodgeball, jump basketball hoops, and a foam pit. For teens that have a lot of energy to expel, this is the place. General admission costs $24.99 and a day pass costs $29.99 on weekdays and $34.99 on weekends.
See More: A List Of Fun Outdoor Activities In New Jersey
West Orange
Eagle Rock Reservation | Eagle Rock Avenue. and Prospect Avenue
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will love spending an afternoon, or a day exploring the trails of Eagle Rock Reservation. This park has over 400 acres to explore located right between West Orange, Montclair, and Verona. There are over 40 miles of trail to explore, with trails varying in length and difficulty. One of the best parts about the activity option is that it is completely free.
Essex County Treetop Adventure Course | 560 Northfield Avenue
Visitors to the Turtle Back Zoo have probably seen the web of ziplines and high ropes courses located right next door. The Treetop Adventure Course has over 30 elements to climb and slide around on. It takes about 90 minutes for a group to complete the course, making it a great afternoon activity that doesn’t take up too much time and will feel like a workout. All participants must sign a waiver before participating and wear closed-toe shoes. The adult course costs $30 and the junior course costs $20 with an extra $15 to take a ride on the zipline.
