Piscataway is an appealing township in New Jersey’s Middlesex County, 35 miles from New York City.
It has a vibrant history, leaving rich marks that made the progressive community it is today.
Piscataway was founded in 1666 and is believed to derive its name from the earliest European pioneers from Piscataqua, New Hampshire.
Although the name’s meaning is uncertain, it possibly came from the Lenni Lenape Indian language and was interpreted as “great deer river” or “dark,” perhaps referring to the soil’s color.
Piscataway ranks as the fifth-oldest municipality in New Jersey and one of the nation’s 50 oldest towns.
The township offers numerous beautiful parks, scenic attractions, and historical sites that attract residents, history buffs, and visitors.
Are you thrilled about what this charming township has in store?
Check out some of the best things to do in Piscataway, New Jersey:
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The Metlar-Bodine House Museum is a historical and cultural museum that houses preserved historical artifacts, exhibits, and documents.
Historically, Peter Bodine built the house in 1728, making it the older of two remaining structures from Raritan Landing’s colonial port in New Jersey.
It was then purchased and owned by different persons at different times until New Jersey bought it in the 1970s.
In 1979, the Fellowship for Metlar House and the Township of Piscataway established this museum.
Before the fascinating museum became what it is today, it underwent major renovations following the destructive fire.
The fascinating museum houses preserved historical documents and thousands of artifacts and exhibits, including its centerpiece—the wall preserved from Ross Hall, where George Washington celebrated Independence Day in 1778.
It also has several programs and events for the public, including tours of the museum, educational lectures, seminars, reenactments, and more.
Before leaving the museum, you can browse for souvenirs from their gift shop.
You can find the Metlar-Bodine House Museum along River Road.
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The two-story Cornelius Low House is captivating from the outside and inside.
Also known as the Middlesex County Museum and Ivy Hall, it’s located on River Road.
It is one of the most expensive manor houses in East Jersey.
Constructed in 1741 for Cornelius Low, a wealthy merchant of Raritan Landing, it is one of two remaining buildings from New Jersey’s early settlement of Raritan Landing.
Verious persons bought and owned this house at different times before Middlesex County became the last to purchase and take ownership of this house in 1979.
Now, the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission maintains the museum, which presents art and history.
The museum exhibits artifacts from over three centuries ago, historical maps, documents, ceramics, furniture, reads about the Cornelius family, and other items significant to New Jersey’s history.
Like other museums, the Cornelius Low House has yearly workshops and events dedicated to students, history buffs, and visitors.
Piscataway has numerous parks in store for its residents and visitors.
One example is Irishtown Park, located on Mountain Avenue.
You and your family can share a bonding experience by having a memorable picnic on a few picnic tables under a pavilion.
There is a hockey rink, basketball, baseball, and tennis court should you play or practice these sports.
Kids will have fun in the playground with swings, slides, and hanging bars.
At this community park, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of rich green grasses and standing trees while appreciating nature.
You can also watch Piscataway Little League games at Irishtown Park, known for hosting such games.
If you’re seeking a golf getaway in the township, Raritan Landing Golf Course welcomes you.
It’s one of the best spots for playing golf in the state, nesting on Sidney Road.
This 3,300-yard, par-58, 18-hole golf course is short but challenging enough to keep one on their toes.
It also features a clubhouse with a restaurant, locker rooms, and a pro shop.
A driving range, a practice facility, and camping sites are available on-site.
Book your tee time and show off your skills at Raritan Landing Golf Course.
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East Jersey Old Town Village is a remarkable attraction along River Road.
Reconstructed and replica structures from the 18th and 19th centuries comprise the site, with a schoolhouse, barracks, a tavern, blacksmith shops, a church, homes of early settlers, and many more.
History buffs will especially love it here.
The old village provides a unique experience that makes you feel like you’re living in the past.
You’ll also be able to picture the architecture and the standards of life that filled the Raritan Valley during the village’s earliest times.
East Jersey Old Town Village also offers exhibits, living history shows, educational programs, and other seasonal programs.
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Johnson Park sits on River Road, which runs along the Raritan River’s northern banks.
The neighborhood park has 473 acres of land, making it one of the town’s largest parks.
Historically, it derived its name from the Johnson family, the founder of Johnson & Johnson, a pharmaceutical company that donated 100 acres of land to create the park.
Afterward, Middlesex County preserved additional land that made it large today.
Johnson Park offers plenty of facilities, including playgrounds, picnic groves, reservable gazebos for gatherings, sports fields, and hiking and biking trails.
Located on Fairview Avenue, Quibbletown Park has a breathtaking landscape that sparks your eyes.
It offers a paved, flat, and smooth loop trail best for walking, running, hiking, and biking.
Likewise, bring your kids and let them play in the playground area while you sit and relax on one of the benches or soak in the verdant park.
Other facilities include basketball courts, tennis courts, parallel bars, tire swings, climbing poles, and many spots for picnicking.
The fall season is the best time to visit, as you will be surrounded by gorgeous autumn foliage.
Visit Quibbletown Park and see why many people love to go here.
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SHI Stadium sits on the Busch Campus at Rutgers University.
It also overlooks the Raritan River to the South.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 52,454, with the main lower grandstand in a horseshoe form.
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There are two 5,000-seat upper decks on the stadium’s east and west sides, but a two-tier press box rests on the stadium’s west side.
On the other hand, you can see the main scoreboard on the south side.
If you want to watch the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football, Rutgers Scarlet Knights men’s lacrosse, and women’s lacrosse play, they utilize SHI Stadium for home games.
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Columbus Park is an 82-acre park with baseball and softball diamonds, tennis, basketball, and paddleball courts.
There are benches, trellis, and a lake for boating.
Staying at the gazebo rewards you with the picturesque view of the New Market Pond and scenic trees that meet the vibrant blue sky.
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The pleasant breeze in the park also relaxes you as you see ducks and geese in the pond and fountains.
What’s more interesting is that this park hosts musical performances or concerts.
Head to Columbus Park, located on Lakeview Avenue and New Market Road.
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The Rutgers University Ecological Preserve, previously known as Kilmer Woods, is located on the Livingston Campus of Rutgers University.
The Rutgers Board of Governors formed the ecological preserve in 1976 to maintain the land’s natural environmental characteristics and serve as the university’s outdoor teaching space.
The ecological preserve has 316 acres tract of land, which is part of the 425 acres tract of undeveloped woods.
It comprises various plant life and creatures dwelling in the woods.
Visitors have an excellent opportunity to see the native white-tailed deer in this idyllic place while hiking on scenic designated trails.
You can bring your pets and walk them here but keep them leashed.
The public can access the Rutgers University Ecological Preserve in daylight.
However, one must observe trail courtesy while in the area.
Wynnwood Park is a relaxing community park good to go for a stroll.
This park has a peaceful and relaxing ambiance, ideal for those who enjoy solitude and appreciate green scenery.
Get energized and improve your health by having your morning workout at this park.
There is a basketball and tennis court, a playground, and designated picnic areas.
Visit Wynnwood Park on Crestwood Street.
If you’re seeking another space to chill out, consider Day Park, a neighborhood park where you can enjoy basketball and tennis facilities.
Let your kids have fun on slides and swings in the playground or run around an ample open space.
In addition, the park features outdoor baby swings and pet-friendly areas.
There are also benches where you can chat with your friends.
You can find Day Park on Stanton Avenue.
Head to Possumtown Park on 3rd Avenue if you wish to be in a small but appealing space.
This quaint and serene park is one of the smallest parks in the township, but residents and visitors love it.
The beautiful park has a pretty pavilion, picnic tables, and barbecue grills for holding memorable picnics, parties, and special occasions.
Possumtown Park is best for a morning stroll and playing sports as it has volleyball and baseball fields.
What’s more, pets are allowed as long as they’re leashed.
Located on River Road, Riverside Park is a beautiful attraction offering scenic views.
Like the other parks in the township, it’s family-friendly, with a pavilion and picnic tables with views of the Raritan River.
Visitors can go fishing, boating, or kayaking on the river.
The park also has facilities like volleyball, baseball, and softball fields, playgrounds with toddler-sized swings, climbing structures, slides, and a seesaw.
In addition, Riverside Park often hosts baseball games and other town events.
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You can do various recreational activities at the Piscataway Community Center YMCA.
This 83,000-square-foot community center houses a three-pool aquatic center, a full-sized basketball court with an elevated racetrack, a volleyball court, two golf simulators, and a gymnasium with 202 bleacher seats.
Aside from those, they have other family-friendly facilities, such as exercise studios, a training office, studios for dance and art, a cafe, a child watch room, a youth activity room, a community room, and more.
Moreover, a pirate-themed outdoor spray park opens in the center during the summer season,
This community center offers services, programs, camps, and other events that benefit the community.
There’s no shortage of things to do with all the amenities and facilities the center has for guests of all ages.
You can find The YMCA at the Piscataway Community Center on Hoes Lane.
Perrine Park is a recreational park with a children’s playground, a basketball court, two baseball fields, tennis courts, and a hockey rink.
With all these facilities, it’s an ideal place to take the kids or spend some time with loved ones.
Aside from that, the park also has a fitness area for adults.
Whether you wish to sit, stroll, exercise, or play, you can do so here.
You can find Perrine Park on Perrine Avenue.
Piscataway is an ideal location to escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Connect with nature as you immerse in several scenic parks, picture-perfect spots, and fun outdoor recreation.
Plan your trip and explore the best things to do in Piscataway, New Jersey.
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