10 Fun Things To Do Near New Brunswick, New Jersey (Middlesex County)
If you’re looking for a fun day trip or a weekend escape in Central New Jersey,
New Brunswick in Middlesex County is a great place to start.
This lively college city—home to Rutgers University—offers culture, food, parks, and easy access to nearby attractions. Whether you’re local, touring New Jersey, or just hopping off the Turnpike for a few hours, you’ll find plenty to do in and around New Brunswick.
Below are
10 things to do near New Brunswick, NJ, all within a quick drive.
1. Catch a Show at the State Theatre New Jersey
Right in downtown New Brunswick, the
State Theatre New Jersey is a beautifully restored historic theater that feels like stepping back in time.
You’ll find:
- Broadway-style touring shows
- Comedy performances
- Classic rock and pop concerts
- Family events and kids’ shows
I once snagged last-minute tickets to a tribute concert here, and honestly, there’s not a bad seat in the house. The balcony views are great, and the sound is surprisingly crisp for an older building.
If you’re planning a trip to
New Brunswick, NJ, check their online calendar ahead of time. A night at the State Theatre paired with dinner downtown makes for an easy date night or friends’ outing.
2. Stroll Across Rutgers University’s Historic Campuses
New Brunswick is a true
college town, and Rutgers gives the city its energy.
Start on the
College Avenue Campus:
- Walk past Old Queens, one of the oldest college buildings in the country.
- Grab coffee from a local spot along College Ave.
- Watch campus life go by—especially when class lets out.
Then, if you don’t mind a quick bus or drive, head to the
Cook/Douglass Campus, which has more of a leafy, relaxed feel. It’s an easy way to stretch your legs and soak up some university history without needing a tour guide.
If you ever wondered what a classic East Coast college campus looks like,
this is it.
3. Explore the Zimmerli Art Museum
Still on Rutgers’ campus, the
Zimmerli Art Museum is one of the hidden gems of New Brunswick.
Inside, you’ll find:
- American and European paintings
- Modern and contemporary art
- Special rotating exhibits (often featuring photography, prints, or local artists)
The museum is a great option for:
- Rainy days in New Brunswick
- Quiet afternoons when you want something low-key
- Families looking for an educational stop
Plan to spend about an hour or two here. It’s just enough time to wander the galleries without feeling rushed.
4. Walk the Raritan River and Boyd Park Waterfront
Need a breath of fresh air? Head down to the
Raritan River.
New Brunswick’s
Boyd Park runs right along the waterfront and offers:
- Paved paths for walking, biking, or jogging
- Views of the Raritan River and the bridges
- Open grass areas for picnics or tossing a ball around
On some weekends, you’ll find festivals, food trucks, or cultural events set up here. It’s not a huge park, but it’s peaceful, especially earlier in the morning or around sunset.
If you’re staying in downtown New Brunswick, you can easily walk here—no car required.
5. Eat Your Way Through Downtown New Brunswick
One of the best things to do in
New Brunswick, New Jersey is simply… eat.
Thanks to Rutgers and the city’s diverse population, the restaurant scene is surprisingly strong for a smaller city. Within just a few blocks, you’ll find:
- Italian spots with big plates of pasta
- Latin American restaurants with bold flavors
- Indian and Middle Eastern eateries
- Burger joints and classic American comfort food
And of course, there’s the late-night classic:
greasy-but-glorious Rutgers food trucks and local sandwich shops.
If you’re not sure where to start, just park once downtown and wander. Look for places that are busy with a mix of students and locals—that’s usually a good sign.
6. Visit Johnson Park in Piscataway (Just Across the River)
Drive just a few minutes across the Raritan River and you’ll hit
Johnson Park in Piscataway, still in Middlesex County.
This long, riverfront county park offers:
- Paved walking and biking trails
- Playgrounds for kids
- Picnic areas and open fields
- Sports fields and courts
For families, it’s an easy place to let kids burn off energy after lunch in New Brunswick. For everyone else, it’s great for a calm walk or a casual bike ride.
Think of it as New Brunswick’s big backyard.
7. Step Back in Time at East Jersey Old Town Village
A bit farther up the river, still near New Brunswick, you can visit the
East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway.
This living history village features:
- Reconstructed and historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries
- Guided or self-guided walks
- Special events with costumed interpreters and demonstrations
If you like American history, this is a fun stop to see what life in Central Jersey looked like long before highways and malls.
It’s a nice combo with Johnson Park, since they’re close to each other. You can spend a morning here, then relax at the park in the afternoon.
8. Go Shopping at Menlo Park Mall or Woodbridge Center
If you’re in the mood to shop near
New Brunswick, NJ, you’ve got options within about a 15–20 minute drive.
Menlo Park Mall (Edison):
- Modern indoor mall
- Big national brands
- Plenty of food choices
Woodbridge Center (Woodbridge):
- Another large mall with department stores
- Casual places to eat
- Easy access from major highways
On cold winter days or hot summer afternoons, these malls are simple, no-stress places to wander, shop, and grab a bite without worrying about the weather.
9. Discover Nature at Rutgers Gardens
About a 10-minute drive from downtown,
Rutgers Gardens is a peaceful escape from the busy streets of New Brunswick.
Here you’ll find:
- Walking paths through landscaped gardens
- Seasonal flowers and plants
- Quiet spots to sit and relax
If you like photography, this is a great place to bring your camera—especially in spring and fall.
I once visited in late October and was surprised at how much color was still around. It felt like stepping into a different world, even though I was only a few miles from Route 1.
10. Experience the Performing Arts at George Street Playhouse & Crossroads Theatre
Back in downtown New Brunswick, you’ll find two strong local theater companies:
- George Street Playhouse – Known for professional productions, new plays, and engaging stories.
- Crossroads Theatre Company – A Tony Award–winning theater that highlights African American and diverse voices.
Both are located in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), which means you get modern seating, good sight lines, and a comfortable atmosphere.
If you enjoy live theater but don’t feel like heading into New York City, these stages offer a more relaxed, affordable way to see top-quality performances.
Planning Your Visit to New Brunswick, NJ
Here are a few quick tips to make your time in
New Brunswick, New Jersey easier:
- Getting there: New Brunswick sits near the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Route 1, and Route 18. It also has an NJ Transit train station on the Northeast Corridor line.
- Parking: Downtown has several garages and metered street parking. Evenings and weekends are usually easier.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall are especially nice, with outdoor events and comfortable temperatures.
Whether you’re into
food, history, shopping, the arts, or just a relaxing walk by the river, there’s more around New Brunswick than you might expect at first glance.
What Will You Do First Near New Brunswick?
New Brunswick and Middlesex County offer a little bit of everything—college-town energy, riverfront views, theater, museums, gardens, malls, and parks—all within a fairly short drive.
Which of these
10 things to do near New Brunswick, NJ sounds most like your style?
- Are you more into live shows and arts?
- Do you love exploring parks and gardens?
- Or are you here for the food?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let me know what you’d add to this list.
And if you found this helpful, please
share this post with friends or family planning a trip to Central New Jersey. It might just inspire their next day trip to New Brunswick and beyond.
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