Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey

Have a splashing good time at the DreamWorks Water Park, the largest indoor water park in North America! Located inside the American Dream complex, you can enjoy the water any time of year, no matter the weather. Try any of the 15 slides or relax in the wave pool. Whether you prefer Penguin Plummet or Mad Flush, there is an attraction for the whole family. Details

Experience thrills and adventure at Nickelodeon Universe, the biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere! Located at the American Dream, enjoy about 30 rides and attractions, and meet your favorite Nickelodeon characters. Whether visiting for The Shredder from Ninja Turtles or Nickelodeon Slime Streak, there’s something for the whole family. Details

Experience the city under the sea at SEA LIFE Aquarium, located in New Jersey’s American Dream! Come face-to-fin with thousands of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures in 10+ interactive exhibits themed to New York’s most memorable moments. Discover the wonders of the ocean without getting wet. Details

Hop aboard a ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island with a friendly, knowledgeable tour guide. Departing from Battery Park, visit two iconic landmarks in the heart of New York Harbor. Explore the country’s rich cultural heritage as you explore two museums. Soak in the panoramic NYC views and get a glimpse into the history of immigration in the U.S. Details

Experience mini golf - Angry Bird style! This 18-hole course will offer twists, turns, and challenges that you haven’t experienced before. With life size characters, you really do get to be part of the fun. Venture through Pig Castle and putt your way through other icons of the famous game. Don’t forget to purchase some souvenirs to help you remember your day of Angry Bird play. Details

This mini-golf experience is out of this world! Whether you want to see aliens, planets, or groove with glow-in-the-dark theatrics, blacklight mini-golf has something for everyone. You will have many great photo opportunities that are sure to make you smile and glow. All ages are welcome and are sure to putt their way through a fun course. Details

Located at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ, the Mirror Maze will have guests experience amazement as they navigate their way through this unique attraction. Explore your way through a kaleidoscope of mirrored walls and halls filled with neon lights and electric beats. Make sure you are camera-ready because the Mirror Maze offers excellent photo opportunities! Details

Discover sharks, rays and birds from around the globe! SeaQuest Woodbridge is an interactive zoo and aquarium experience with tons of fun family activities. Encounter exotic creatures from five continents including the Mayan Jungle, Amazon Rainforest, Egyptian Desert, and more. This Woodbridge aquarium provides over 20,000 square feet of adventure. Details

Enjoy George Balanchine's The Nutcracker on Broadway this holiday season! The captivating New York City Nutcracker ballet tells the tale of a girl who finds herself thrust into a magical world full of toy soldiers and cunning mice. Experience Tchaikovsky's alluring music, excellent choreography, lavish costumes and breathtaking sets. Details

Step aboard the 60-minute Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise from Pier 36 for a fun-filled boat ride along the East River. Sail within 100 feet of Lady Liberty, and take in sights of Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, and the NYC skyline. Enjoy live commentary in English as you sail along, or other languages on a downloadable audio guide. Details

Explore NYC like never before on this Freedom Liberty boat tour. Marvel at the unbeatable Manhattan skyline while cruising along the Hudson River with friends or family. Sail past New York’s most iconic landmarks and take selfies with Lady Liberty and Ellis Island unobstructed on the roof deck or indoors with large windows on this Statue of Liberty cruise. Details

Step aboard the NYC sunset cruise to journey through New York Harbor with a tour guide. Departing from Pier 36, set sail for a unique perspective of the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire State Building, and more. Marvel at the world-renowned Manhattan skyline against a vibrant sunset that paints the sky while sipping cocktails from the cash bar. Details

Offered by On Location Tours, the NYC TV & Movie Tour features a fun, two-and-a-half-hour experience visiting some of the most iconic movie and television locations in NYC. Guests can enjoy seeing popular spots, like the Daily Bugle office from Spider-Man; the park featured in Glee, The Mindy Project and When Harry Met Sally; and other top spots from American Hustle, Friends, Seinfeld and more. Details

Experience the glitz and glamour of NYC with On Location Tours’ 3.5-hour Sex and the City tour. Sip cosmos and indulge in cupcakes while visiting over 40 iconic locations from the series and movies. With a NYC actress as your guide, discover behind-the-scenes trivia and explore Midtown, Greenwich Village, SoHo, and more. This R-rated tour is perfect for adults 18+. Details

Step into the world of Tony Soprano and his mafia pals on a half-day Sopranos Sites Tour. See 40+ Sopranos filming locations and recognizable sites on this sightseeing tour from NYC to New Jersey’s suburbs. Led by local actors, you'll learn fascinating behind-the-scenes facts and visit sites like The Bada Bing nightclub, The Muffler Man, Pizzaland, Father Phil’s Parish, and more. Details

Experience an enriching St. Patrick's Cathedral tour in New York City. Completed in 1878 after the American Civil War, immerse in the rich history and marvel at the stained-glass windows and ornate designs at your own pace. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture and remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the heart of Manhattan. Details

Become a pro skater on the NHL regulation-size ice rink at American Dream! Grab some skates and even rent a seal buddy support, if you’re a beginner and need some assistance on the ice to help you find your balance. Find a team member to help you feel safe and secure as you become an ice-skating enthusiast during your time at the Rink! Grab your family and friends and come make memories on the ice that you won’t soon forget. Details

Join in on an adventure that will flip your world upside down. This interactive exhibit by Tracy Lee Stum is an art experience like nothing you have seen before. Immerse yourself into multiple optical illusions and don’t forget to capture your favorite moments with a photo! Make sure to grab a coffee mug or t-shirt from the gift shop. There are unlimited ways to let your imagination run wild during your time at TiLT! Details

The multi-awarded live theater show, the Little Shop of Horrors musical, is back at its acclaimed, sold-out run at the Westside Theatre. Based on a 1960 black comedy film, the smash hit production stars Tony Award winner Matt Doyle, Joy Woods, and Drew Gehling. Let it be known that the most ravenous plant, Audrey II, has returned to Hell's Kitchen, NYC! Details

Get ready for a hilarious knightly adventure! Monty Python's Spamalot, based on Monty Python's Holy Grail, brings flying cows, killer rabbits, and catchy tunes like “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail,” and more. Don't miss this comedy gem! Details

Step aboard the Bateaux NYC for the most elegant New York City brunch cruise on the East and Hudson Rivers. You’ll be treated to a delicious 3-course plated brunch, bottomless mimosas, and DJ entertainment while taking in stunning views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and more! Details

Hit the streets while skipping the traffic on this epic NYC bike tour that takes you from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge! Every street in Manhattan has a wide range of visual and cultural attractions for you to enjoy. Make the most of your stay in the Big Apple and discover its legendary landmarks and unmatched local scenes! Details

Big Kahuna’s Water Park NJ offers island-time fun all year. Big Kahuna's, formerly Sahara Sam's Oasis, is an indoor and outdoor water park boasting perfect temperatures and a full island-themed decor. Enjoy outdoor pools (Memorial Day-Labor Day) as well as an indoor water park with attractions covering over 70,000 square feet beneath a retractable canopy. Details

Explore Central Park movie locations seen in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, When Harry Met Sally, Home Alone 2, the Avengers, and more on a guided Central Park walking tour. From the famous ice-skating rink in Love Story and Serendipity, to Bethesda Terrace seen in Second Act and Gossip Girl, this 2-hour TV and movie sites tour is a fun way to spend an afternoon in NYC. Details

Explore the sights, secrets and diverse culinary fare of Manhattan's western districts on this foodie-focused Chelsea Market and High Line Tour. This small-group food tour will take you to the best spots along the famous High Line including Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and Hudson Yards - some of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. Details

Enjoy an unforgettable fan experience on this exciting New York Mets Citi Field tour. Nestled in the heart of Queens, get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the famous ballpark. Journey through its history, architecture, and unique features like the Hall of Fame Museum, Warning Track, and Jackie Robinson Rotunda—a must-visit for baseball fans of all ages! Details

Explore iconic filming locations featured in the hit TV series, Gossip Girl! On Location Tours’ 2.5-hour Gossip Girl tour of New York offers a unique perspective of the Upper East Side and Midtown Manhattan. From the Met steps to the Empire Hotel, and even locations from the Gossip Girl reboot, you’ll experience it all on this TV show-inspired NYC bus tour. Details

Come create, build, and explore at LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey, located in New Jersey’s American Dream mall. It’s the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground. With interactive exhibits, a 4D Cinema, LEGO-themed ride, and a MINILAND of NJ and NYC landmarks, this LEGO-themed attraction is perfect for families and LEGO fans of all ages. Details

Departing from Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, NJ, set sail on a NJ Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of New Jersey. Dine on a freshly-prepared dinner buffet as you cruise along the East and Hudson Rivers. Enjoy stunning views of the New York City skyline, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building—all illuminated against the night sky. Details

Climb aboard the Spirit of New York with friends and family for a fun NYC lunch cruise. Experience the vibrant and iconic city from a whole new perspective—on the scenic waters of the Hudson and East Rivers! Savor a delicious chef-prepared buffet and delightful New York City skyline from the comfort of the climate-controlled indoor, rooftop, or outside decks. Details

Delight in a scenic New York City dinner cruise with buffet on the luxurious Spirit of New York yacht. Spend your evening dining and dancing as you cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers with the illuminated city skyline as your backdrop. This lively cruise includes music spun by a live DJ and a chef-prepared buffet dinner with unlimited tea and coffee. Details

Calling all superhero fans! Tour NYC and see locations used in your favorite superhero films. From Batman to Jessica Jones, the Avengers to Spider-Man, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at 40 film backdrops throughout the city from the comfort of a heated/air-conditioned bus. Bring your camera, grab your cape, and prepare for the most epic tour of New York City! Details

Get ready to laugh out loud with Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells in Gutenberg! The Musical. This hilarious two-man spoof is a rollercoaster of crass historical comedy, as Bud and Doug perform an uproarious backers’ audition for their wacky musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. Don't miss this uproarious comedy. Details

Experience an unforgettable musical journey with Harmony: A New Musical, at the Barrymore Theatre! Join the Comedian Harmonists, 1920s stars facing a changing world. With an original score by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, Harmony celebrates friendship, music, and love. Directed by Warren Carlyle, starring Sierra Boggess, Julie Benko, Chip Zien, and more. Details

Watch as glory, knighthood, royalty, courage, and chivalry come to life at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. You’ll cheer for your knight while feasting like a king at the nation’s top and longest-running dinner attraction. From jousting to feats of strength, will your knight come out victorious? Watch as falcons soar and Andalusian stallions perform at this epic dinner show. Details

Feel the thrill of a New York Yankees home game in the heart of the Bronx. Witness your favorite team or player score and cheer with all the fans live at the Yankees Stadium—rebuilt with state-of-the-art features and updated design without losing its rich history and charm. Grab your Yankees single-game tickets for a fun time with friends or family today. Details

Some Like It Hot Musical is a tale of two luckless musicians forced to disguise themselves as women to join a traveling all-female jazz band. Broadway’s most nominated show of the season, it’s a modern take on a classic Hollywood comedy film, brought to the stage for an exhilarating big musical comedy of a vastly talented and diverse cast in Shubert Theatre. Details