Newark is the most populated city in New Jersey, therefore, a wonderful place to learn English and experience the American culture. This metropolitan hub is only a 15-minute bus ride away from NYC, but trust us, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Newark before even planning a visit to the big apple.
With this in mind, we asked our Harvest Newark Campus students about their favorite places to visit during their free time and got some very interesting answers. The city offers an option for every taste, from relaxing walks in the park to a vibrant nightlife.
Check Out These Fun Things to Do in Newark
- Cheer for your favorite team at the Prudential Center
If sports are your passion, Newark is the place to be. For starters, it is home to the Prudential Center, a large sports stadium located right in downtown Newark. You can watch a football game and cheer on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the football team from the local university that is frequently one of the top ten teams in college football. There are also NJ Devils hockey games, men’s and women’s volleyball teams, and, if you are a soccer fan, the New York Red Bulls play just outside of Newark in Harrison, New Jersey. Bonus: The Prudential Center also hosts concerts from popular bands, including Pitbull, Bruno Mars, and Kendrick Lamar.
Keep an eye on the Prudential Center’s website so you don’t miss any upcoming events
- Listen to great music at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is the place to go if you love music. The NJPAC is a beautiful music venue in downtown Newark with performances from every genre of music. You can go and sing along to your favorite rock and pop music, move to the beats of electronic dance music, or listen to great hip hop artists from around the world. Learn about your dream job at one of the Performing Arts Center’s NJ Speaker Series, where famous people come to talk about their profession, including former United States president, Bill Clinton!
- Check out Newark’s growing art scene
Among all things to do in Newark, exploring the art scene is a must! With new art studios and galleries opening around the city. Start at the Newark Museum, which is the largest in New Jersey. Art lovers can spend all day walking through the exhibits, or you can check it out for a few hours during a rainy day. Don’t miss the planetarium where you can see shooting stars in the night sky. From there, check out Glassroots, where you can learn to make glass works of art, including jewelry. You can also see exhibits at City Without Walls, an art gallery that features work from new artists.
- Experience Newark’s nightlife!
With so many things to do in Newark, there is, of course, something for nightclub and party lovers. Visit the local restaurants, bars, and lounges and experience American food and culture. Head to Market Street or Edison Place to eat dinner with your friends and maybe grab a drink afterward. There are many different types of food there for every budget, including BBQ restaurants, Irish pubs, and quick places to get an authentic American burger. Halsey Street is also the perfect place to relax with friends after a day of English classes.
- Jog, bike, and relax at Branchbrook Park
Everybody loves beautiful Branchbrook Park, a large 360-acre park with lakes, bridges, and fields. During the spring, the 4,000 cherry trees bloom and turn pink, turning the whole park into a breath-taking photo opportunity. You can walk and rent bikes to explore the park or get a group of friends together to play basketball, soccer, or bocce ball. If you are interested in a new experience, try roller-skating at the indoor roller-skating rink.
- Visit 2 Countries in 1 Day at the Ironbound!
Okay, so while the Ironbound neighborhood is not technically a different country, it is the official Portuguese district in Newark. Travel to the Ironbound and experience authentic Portuguese restaurants and Brazilian steakhouses. Or shop at local Portuguese boutiques to find the perfect, unique souvenir. To end your night, you can experience salsa and samba music (and even join in the dances!) at one of the Ironbound’s exciting bars or night clubs.
Check out this great video by DreamPlay Media and take a look at all the stunning views of the Ironbound.
- Soar to new heights at the Sky Zone
If you need a break from city life, but still want an adventure, you can sign up for an experience like no other just 40 minutes outside of Newark. Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park in South Plainfield, New Jersey with wall-to-wall trampolines. You and your friends will never forget jumping on the trampolines, flying into the foam pit, and playing trampoline basketball.
- Watch knights joust AND eat a giant turkey leg at Medieval Times!
Travel way back to the 15th century in America to see knights, sword-fights, and jousting with horses at Medieval Times, a dinner-theater show 25 minutes from the heart of Newark. You will learn about the Middle Ages, a time period in American history while cheering for your favorite knight compete in Medieval games like jousting—a competition where two knights riding horses try to push each other to the ground with large poles. And don’t forget about the food. You are served a traditional Medieval meal, complete with potatoes and a turkey leg the size of your head!
Having Fun While Learning English is Possible!
With such a wide range of things to do in Newark, it is not hard to see why studying English here will be a memorable experience you will talk about for years to come. Contact our team through the form on your right and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.
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