Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Linden, NJ

  • Published 2022/12/27

When visiting the state of New Jersey, the city of Linden in Union County might go under the radar.

However, once you check out this quaint city, you’ll soon realize why many tourists consider it a hidden gem in the Garden State.

With proximity to other points of interest like Rahway, Carteret, and Elizabeth, Linden is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a tranquil experience.

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city, here is a list of the best things to do in Linden, New Jersey:

Commune with Nature at Hawk Rise Sanctuary

Marsh at Hawk Rise Sanctuary

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Hawk Rise Sanctuary is one of the unique nature preserves you can find right in the middle of the city.

This ecological paradise features 95 acres of wetlands, meadows, and uplands that provide a home for many wildlife species.

This sanctuary is open daily to the public and offers educational programs and guided tours.

Visitors can explore 1.5-mile trails, observe various bird species, or join one of the many educational programs.

An egret at Hawk Rise Sanctuary

Mad Hare Imagery / Shutterstock.com

With various forks, the trails allow you to choose which way to go.

You can choose whatever path you want; don’t worry about missing anything since you can go back and check the other tracks.

Hawk Rise Sanctuary is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the environment and appreciate nature in its purest form.

If you want to reconnect with nature, visit Hawk Rise Sanctuary during your stay in Linden, New Jersey.

Spend a Family Day at John Russell Wheeler Park

John Russell Wheeler Park is a popular community park for locals and tourists.

Located in the heart of Linden, John Russell Wheeler Park has plenty of activities to entertain the family.

Spanning 3,600 acres, this park has many attractions and outdoor activities that will keep the entire family occupied for hours.

This community park features a public pool, multiple playgrounds for kids, a snack bar, a skate park, several sports fields, walking trails, a picnic area, and public restrooms.

The most popular attraction would have to be Spray Park, a fun water park for kids of all ages.

The John Russell Wheeler Park has plenty of things that will keep your family entertained and is one of the best things to do in Linden.

Meet the Locals at Linden Memorial Park

The Linden Memorial Park is another destination filled with many outdoor activities.

Located in downtown Linden just a few minutes from John Russell Wheeler Park, this park is well-known for its softball field and other sports facilities.

The Linden Memorial Park promotes recreation and physical activities for adults and children.

The park includes a playground for kids, ball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and an open area for other field sports like frisbee.

It also has an ice skating rink, a field house, and lighted handball courts.

You can also picnic with the family from one designated picnic area.

Other amenities include well-maintained restrooms, a seasonal snack bar, and benches to rest on.

The Linden Memorial Park is another excellent place to spend time with the family in Linden, New Jersey.

See a Movie at AMC Aviation 12

AMC Aviation 12 is the premier movie theater in Linden, New Jersey.

This theater has the latest technology and movie-viewing amenities to make your experience unique.

If you want to see the latest films, AMC Aviation 12 provides them.

In addition to watching movies in this luxurious theater, you can enjoy other amenities such as delicious snacks and beverages.

The theater also has a spacious lobby and comfortable seating for moviegoers.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your night in Linden, a trip to AMC Aviation 12 must be a must.

Get your popcorn ready, choose your seat, and get ready for a movie night that you won’t soon forget.

Watch a Football Game at Tiger Stadium

Tiger Stadium at Cooper Field is one of the most popular sports venues in Linden, New Jersey.

The stadium hosts games for both local and college teams throughout the year.

The fields are well-maintained, and the stadium is designed to provide an optimal fan experience.

This venue also has a snack bar and other amenities to ensure a pleasant experience for spectators.

Tiger Stadium becomes a training ground for local youth football and soccer teams during the off-season.

The local sports clubs also host tournaments and events throughout the year, so check out what’s happening when you’re in town.

No matter what you’re looking for, a trip to Tiger Stadium will entertain the entire family.

Book a Once-in-a-lifetime Experience with Heliflights

Heliflights is an exciting opportunity you should take advantage of when in Linden, New Jersey.

This company provides helicopter tours designed to give you a bird’s eye view of the city and its surrounding areas.

You can choose from different packages that include an aerial tour of New York City and the Jersey Shore.

Take off from Linden Airport and soar through one of the most beautiful skylines in the world.

You don’t even have to worry if it’s safe.

With over a decade’s experience, Heliflights will help ensure your safety and provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The crew at Heliflights have the knowledge and expertise to make your tour truly special and unforgettable.

Heliflights is an unforgettable experience you can share with friends and family.

If you want an exciting adventure in Linden, don’t miss booking a helicopter tour with Heliflights!

Go Sightseeing with Passion Airplane Tours, Inc

If Heliflight offers tours on a helicopter, Passion Airplane Tours, Inc. provides sightseeing services on a plane.

This company will take you up to the sky and show you some of the most beautiful views around New Jersey.

Passion Airplane Tours, Inc. offers small plane flights from Linden to the different boroughs of New York: Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

You can also take a trip over the famous Jones Beach or Long Island before returning to Linden Airport.

Flying at an elevation of just 1,500 feet, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the City that Never Sleeps.

You can also choose a more extended flight, taking you to places like Liberty State Park, Sandy Hook, and the Statue of Liberty.

With Passion Airplane Tours, Inc., you can enjoy a spectacular view of New Jersey and nearby New York City.

With their experienced pilots and comfortable planes, Passion Airplane Tours, Inc. will guarantee a memorable experience during your Linden trip.

Bowl the Night Away at Jersey Lanes

Jersey Lanes is the perfect place to get active at night if you’re a night owl.

Located in Linden, this bowling alley offers midnight bowling and is an excellent place if you’re looking for something to do late at night.

This bowling alley offers 42 traditional bowling lanes, a fully stocked snack bar, and an arcade with over 30 games.

They also have special deals on food and drinks that make it much more affordable than other bowling alleys.

The bright interiors and lively atmosphere will keep you awake and entertained for hours.

If you’re looking for a place to hang out at night, head to Jersey Lanes.

Other Things To Do Nearby

Linden makes up for its lack of attractions with its proximity to many beautiful places in nearby cities.

You can easily take a bus or train from Linden and explore the following nearby attractions.

Check Out Warinanco Park

Lake at Warinanco Park

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Warinanco Park in Roselle, New Jersey, is a great place to spend the day.

Spanning 205 acres, this park has a lot of things to offer visitors.

The park features numerous amenities that locals and tourists can enjoy.

From splash pads, and paddle boat rentals, to playgrounds for kids and picnic areas, Warinanco Park is the perfect place to spend the day with your family and friends.

Cherry blossom trees at Warinanco Park

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Other amenities in the park include a running track, plenty of walking paths, beautiful gardens, a sports center with several ice skating rinks, and a large turf field.

All of these features are the reason why Warinanco is a favorite destination among locals and visitors.

If you want a peaceful yet entertaining day in Roselle, then Warinanco Park is the perfect place to spend quality time with friends and family.

You can find this park seven minutes from Linden.

Visit the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum

If you love visiting historical landmarks or are curious to learn more about the history of New Jersey, then the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum is worth checking out.

Located in nearby Rahway, New Jersey, this museum was once a historic tavern and a place for trade, dating back to the 18th century.

You can explore their artifacts, documents, and furniture, all a part of early American life.

You can also attend workshops or lectures hosted by the museum to learn more about the history of Rahway and New Jersey.

The knowledgeable staff will provide you with all the information you need to know about the museum and its history.

If you want to discover the culture and history of New Jersey, then a trip to Rahway and the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum is an absolute must.

This museum is eight minutes from Linden.

Go Birdwatching at Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve

Wetlands at Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Birdwatching is a highly underrated outdoor activity you should consider doing during your Linden visit.

Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve, located in nearby Woodbridge, New Jersey, is home to over 100 species of birds, including swans, ducks, geese, and even hawks.

The preserve offers a variety of birdwatching activities that you can do with your friends or family.

You can take a stroll on long trails that wind through the marshes and woodland areas or take a canoe ride through the open waters for a better view of the birds.

Other wildlife at Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve includes turtles, frogs, snakes, and deer.

If you want to do an afternoon activity with your loved ones, check out Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve.

Go Ice Skating at Warinanco Sports Center

Located within the historic Warinanco Park, the Warninanco Sports Center is known for its public ice skating rinks.

The newly renovated Warnanco Sports Center features ice skating rinks open to the public for recreational and competitive ice sports.

From figure skating to hockey, Warinanco Sports Center has it all.

Not only do they have a full-size NHL regulation rink, but they also offer lessons to those interested in learning more about ice skating and hockey.

If you’re feeling chilly and want to warm up, you can visit an onsite cafe and get a hot cocoa or a steaming bowl of soup.

The Warinanco Sports Center is ideal for visiting with your family and friends, especially during the winter.

This sports center is eight minutes from Linden.

See a Live Performance at the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)

Exterior of Union County Performing Arts Center

PeterMac13, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Union County Performing Arts Center, or UCPAC, is Rahway’s premier performing arts theater.

Formerly known as the Rahway theatre, this nonprofit performing arts center offers a diverse selection of live performances ranging from music and theater to stand-up comedy, film screenings, and more.

The grand theatre was built back way back and has seen its fair share of fantastic performances over the years.

Their shows also range from different genres and eras, from classical to contemporary and from Broadway musicals to country music.

If you are looking for a special night out, check out Union County Performing Arts Center and its regular performances and events.

You can find this theater seven minutes from Linden.

Exercise Your Brain at Escapology Escape Rooms

If you’re looking for something exciting and intellectually stimulating near Linden, a trip to Escapology Escape Rooms in nearby Garwood, New Jersey, may sound like a great idea.

You can play in private teams of three to ten, work in pairs, or go solo.

Escapology Escape Rooms offer players exciting games.

They must search carefully for clues, solve complicated puzzles and try to escape their chosen room within 60 minutes.

Escapology offers a variety of escape rooms.

Some of their notable rooms include Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure, Saving Santa, Mansion Murder, Budapest Express, and so much more.

Each room offers a different challenge and overall experience.

Whatever room you choose, you should have an absolute blast with family and friends at Escapology Escape Rooms, 15 minutes from Linden.

Enjoy the Views at Carteret Waterfront Park

Aerial view of Carteret Waterfront Park

James Nesterwitz / Shutterstock.com

Carteret Waterfront Park is one of those places you want to go after a busy day exploring Linden and its surrounding areas.

Located in nearby Carteret, New Jersey, this park offers a breathtaking sight and a chance to relax and unwind.

With benches lined along the waterfront, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.

You can find a spot and have a lovely date with a loved one or come solo and enjoy the scenes.

You can also stroll along the boardwalk, admire the beautiful landscape, or sit and enjoy peace.

Whatever you want to do, Carteret Waterfront Park is the perfect spot to take in some views and relax.

The waterfront park is 14 minutes from Linden.

Final Thoughts

With many parks and entertainment centers to keep tourists and locals busy every day, it’s no wonder Linden is one of the best suburban cities in New Jersey.

If you want a change of scenery and to explore some of New Jersey’s hidden gems, then Linden is worth a visit.

This list of the best things to do in Linden, New Jersey, will help you make the most of your trip, whatever your tastes.

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