Zoos provide an amazing chance to connect with wildlife that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to see without traveling across the world. Most of them do their best to provide habitats that give animals humane treatment and a safe place to roam with as much space as possible. Designed as part of the South Mountain Reservation located in West Orange on just 20 acres, Turtle Back Zoo is managed as part of the Essex County Park System. Tickets were easily gotten by visiting their website for a Saturday visit. Upon arrival as first-timers, parking was well organized and free. The zoo is not huge, but there is a decent amount of walking, so if one goes, be sure to wear comfy shoes. Water misters were set up throughout the park to help cool off on hot days. It’s recommended to start at the top of the zoo or top of the hill and work your way down. There were plenty of interesting animals to see from all continents except Antarctica, such as flamingos, condors, bald eagles, penguins, giraffes, etc. Seasonal exhibits (butterfly and bird tents) require an additional fee. They have a touch tank featuring stingrays. My partner and I stopped by Savanna Cafe for lunch (no outside food allowed inside). The food varies from burgers, hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, and chicken tenders to salads and ice cream. We decided on chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, ice cream, and water. It was decent, served its purpose, but was pricey. This is a must-take fun for any age classic New Jersey day trip, which we can recommend.

Had a fantastic time at the turtle back zoo!!! i went with my brother. we hadn’t been since we were little children and it was so much fun to rediscover the zoo as adults. i recommend getting there early, parking was free and we drove right in. no lines! which was fantastic. they had lots of different areas to see and it was a great time overall. a lovely day activity for any animal lovers.

You cannot beat the price per person on a weekend to enter this Very nice zoo! Stop by if you love animals and take a look at all the beautiful wildlife that lives here !! The zoo is very clean and the staff is so helpful and kind , consistently walking around the property to make sure the animals are good and the customers have any questions or concerns there is always a staff member near by , you can also pet and feed the cownose stingrays which is very cool! I highly recommend stopping in to this amazing zoo!

Great zoo! Parked in their garage for free. The animals were beautiful, and the design of the facility and habitats is very impressive. Very kid and stroller friendly. The staff we came upon throughout the park were very nice and friendly. The kids burned some energy at the cool prehistoric playground. Definitely looking forward to coming back!

Super hilly, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes! Both times we went we saw a bunch of different big cats, which are my favorite so I was very pleased! I love how many different angles you can see each exhibit from. And the attractions are so reasonably priced - only $3 for a pony ride, and $3 for a carousel ride.

Had a wonderful time! Just don't go during afternoon in the summer. Most animals would be taking a nap or hiding in the shade to cope with the afternoon heat. Make sure you have water with you, you also need to cope with the walking and afternoon heat. A lot of folks brought outside food and snacks, which I thought was a great idea as there's not many options. Not as many exhibits or diversity as Bronx zoo but still very lovely, less crowded and charming. My favorite was the Giraffe and red panda exhibit. You can also feel the giraffe and the birds for couple extra bucks, if you choose to.

I made my second trip back to Turtle Back Zoo recently after quite a long break, and it was a mix of nostalgia and new discoveries. The layout has expanded, and there’s definitely more to see but also more walking! Each themed area feels like its own little world, which makes the journey between them fun, even if your feet start to protest by the end. I remembered the peacocks roaming freely last time, so it was a bit surprising not to see them this time around. Still, the variety of animals is impressive from big cats to reptiles. Depending on the weather, a lot of them were lounging in the shade, which made spotting them a bit tricky. One of the highlights was feeding the giraffes such a cool, up close moment that made the visit feel extra special. There are also plenty of spots to grab snacks, rest, and take photos, which came in handy since I was snapping way more pictures this time. Whether you're going with family, friends, or just looking for a peaceful day outdoors, Turtle Back Zoo offers a great mix of education, entertainment, and nature. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth the visit especially if you haven’t been in a while.

This historical park is definitely worth the visit if you find yourself in this area of New Jersey! The site includes Edison’s old house and property as well as a museum where huge bulk of his work was done. If you come here, you will learn that Edison “invented” more than just the lightbulb! Tickets were $15 which are a little high tbh, but go to a good cause. It is also important to note that you MUST go to the visitor center before you can go to the museum or to the house. The house is in a gated community.

Ok.. This is a tough one... Because of the cost of admittance. Maybe 10 to 20 other people there when we visited. Campus is big so much of the time in the space with my own family. There is a chemistry lab... You stand at the end and look down. It's your basic lab. Very cool to see a historical lab though. The main building has 3 floors. Walking through basically a machine shop, wood shop, drafting room, audio room... Lots of his innovations and inventions around (a museum). Standing there you wonder how loud this work environment would have been with all the belt driven machinery running. I walked away knowing a bit more about Edison and have derived different conclusions about the man. Not sure at the price of admission... It's for everyone. Would really have to be into this. Grounds WELL maintained.

When I went weeks ago, I was amazed how well preserved Thomas Edison’s laboratory was. There are so many rooms to tour in it. Some of my favorites include the drafting room, the music room, the library, and the photography room with the section to develop photography. They also have a replica of the first movie studio called the Black Maria. I recommend giving yourself 2-3 hours here and make some time to also check out the gift shop in the visitor center and watch one of the free movies they provide, to give you even more context on Thomas Edison and his work.

A very cool historic park! The buildings are quite expansive and there is a lot to see! There is a dedicated parking lot for the visitor center as well. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in the area.

Very interesting facility that was Edison’s lab, machine shop and office. Great exhibits on his work and businesses. Should make a very interesting family trip stop. I stopped in to buy my lifetime senior national park pass and only had time for about 90 minutes to see everything but it could easily be a half day stop if you see everything. Note that you need to sign up for certain exhibits, phonograph, movie studio and more. All the spots were taken when we arrived.

The park is perfect for bringing children, offering a great opportunity for learning and exploration! Inside, you can visit Edison's workshops, laboratories, library, study, and more. After the visit, I learned a lot about Edison. It turns out he wasn't just a scientist and inventor, he was also a business savvy!

Very interesting. Preserved labararory spaces and machine rooms. Informstive film. Lots to see and learn. Friendly, knowledgeable Park Service emoloyees. Well worth a visit.

This beautiful nature preserve offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The miles of scenic trails are well-marked and range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, making it enjoyable for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. The peaceful waterfalls, lush forests, and stunning overlooks create a tranquil atmosphere that feels far away from the city. It’s the kind of place you can return to again and again, each time discovering new trails and experiences. Whether you’re out for exercise, photography, or just a peaceful day outdoors, South Mountain Reservation is an absolute must-visit.

Absolutely! South Mountain Reservation is a gem for nature lovers and families alike. 🐦 • Birdwatching Paradise: With its mix of forest, streams, and open meadows, the reservation is home to a wide variety of birds—from woodpeckers and warblers to hawks and herons. Bring your binoculars and you might spot something special! • Scenic Waterfalls: The Hemlock Falls trail is a highlight, leading to a beautiful waterfall tucked into the woods. It’s especially stunning after a good rain. • Kid-Friendly Adventures: Trails like the are perfect for little explorers. It’s an easy, whimsical walk where kids can spot tiny fairy houses hidden along the path. Other gentle trails near the reservoir are also great for young hikers. Whether you’re out for a peaceful solo hike or a fun family outing, this place really delivers. Want help picking a trail based on how much time you’ve got or how far you want to go?

Love the beautiful and peaceful sceneries. Perfect location for a one-day trip! Yellow trail has significant slopes and is very rocky, a bit more demanding to hike than expected; blue trail on the other hand is perfect for me! Will definitely come back for another visit in the future!

Spent a mid week afternoon at South Mountain reservation and was pleasantly surprised. Like others have said I basically had the trails to myself and was able to meander along in total silence except for the sounds of the birds which is exactly what I needed. Well-maintained visible trailhead maps. Very nice trail system for an afternoon hike. Did the yellow Loop and had some spots where I was catching my breath just with the incline of some hills. Once you're in the trail you can dissect and crossover to the Red Trail or the green trail. They have picnic spots, tables and built-in BBQ Pits in some if rge open areas.

Really great spot. Alot of trails to follow, so much green that enchants to the beauty of this place. Heads up bugs will be a meanace and will continuously bothersome, wish the flow of water was much stronger the falls would have been amazing if it was.

Really long hiking areas. They got a cool waterfall here. Can walk on the top of it also. Got in so many steps in. Some trials go pretty steep also. Came the day after a pretty big storm!!!! Trees fell everywhere.

A very quite nice and beautiful place. we did the yellow trail, the trail markers are painted instead of stickers , and hence washed out at many places, so need to be little careful or one can get lost and get out of loop. We had a perfect weather and the hike was easy.

If you like your food brought to your seat without missing a thing, this is the place to go. I could recommend, however, I would avoid peak movie times and wait until a movie is in dooters for a few weeks before going to see as if you go to a busy theater. People will be getting up and walking in front of you multiple times throughout the movie. Ruining your experience other than that this is the place to go. Enjoy!

When this place 1st opened it was awesome with the diner in theme. The food was great as was the selection. Now the food is average at best and the selection horrible. They used to have 7 different burgers now just 1 or 2 . The building is in disrepair with broken recliners and restrooms always has urinals or toilets out of service. Such a shame

This theater was nice for where it is. The theater was clean and the workers were friendly. The only 2 things was one the theater was a little hot, barely any AC on and there should be the option to order your food from actual people and not a kiosk. The amount of time people took to order was a little longer than I would want to wait.

This is my favorite theater. I love that I can bring my kids here and they can see the movie clearly without a booster because the theater seats are as if you are in a stadium every row is elevated. The seats are recliners and cozy a big plus .

Went to watch the new conjuring movie! First time checking out this theater too! Didn’t know they had a whole bar inside and their drinks were delicioussss and a strong so I didn’t feel like I was paying too much for my drink! Food was also a solid 8/10! Definitely would go back!

The theater itself was nice and clean. Bartender was nice. Food delivery person, not so much. Missed an item that was ordered and it was never brought to me. I'd definitely return, but I'd get my own food next time.

I LOVE IT!! It is entertaining and engaging. I like to hear the audience laugh and cheer at the big screen. I love the snacks and drinks, the quality of the movie posters, and the sound of the speakers inside the theater. The 3D segments are amazing when I wear 3-D glasses. I remember the first time I went to the theater to see Mr. Peabody & Sherman when I was just 4.

Hiking Trail Review Eagle Rock Red Trail Loop - 3.4 Miles The entrance to the trail offers a 9/11 memorial with gorgeous views. By far the best part of this trail. If you pull in further you will find the trailhead with plenty of parking. Trail is a decent length and very easy. It is well marked. The trail itself was very wet and muddy. The water was ankle deep at some points. The views themselves weren’t the best. A good place to walk but semibland.

Eagle Rock Reservation is a beautiful spot offering sweeping views of the New York City skyline. It’s a great place to visit with family, especially children, thanks to its open spaces and scenic surroundings. Parking can be limited, so planning ahead is recommended.

Beautiful view of North New Jersey and New York City. Easy rambling trails but the view is where everyone gathers. The park abuts The High Lawn Restaurant which adds grandeur.

This is a interesting hike. We could not find the trail that leads to the view of the NYC skyline. However, you can drive up there. The train was not really paved-not great if raining. Limited bathrooms. Park near the bottom then walk up.

A beautiful place to see the skyline of New York City, it is also a memorial of those who died on September 11, 2001. They should always be remembered.

A very sensitive location where there is a memorial to the heroes who fell in the WTC attack. Stunning view of New York City

Probably one of the best views of NEW YORK City. It's a must visit 9/11 memorial.

Great Place to have a pond/lake side trail where you can even do boating

This park is very nice and clean, with ample free parking spaces for more than 50 cars. It has a play area for kids and a lake where you can enjoy a walk or a boat ride. There are also several BBQ stations available in the park, but you may want to bring your own just in case. I have attached the rate chart for boating for your reference.

We went to paddle boating here. They have many white and few black swan paddle boats. It is a beautiful place for a day trip. We saw turtles sitting on the log and different kind of bird on the way from turtle back zoo to the water front. There was a long line infront of us so we had to wait for 30 mins approx for our boat.

Beautiful spot to exercise, take a stroll, walk the dog, and enjoy nature. The 2-mile loop is flat and easily walkable with plenty of benches and Adirondack chairs along the way. The loop offers some “off roading” for people who like a more rugged and challenging hike. There is also an expansive child's playground, a large waterfront restaurant, and The Turtleback Zoo for additional passive entertainment.

Beautiful area to chill and enjoy nature. There’s a picnic area, kids playground and wooden chairs scattered around the water. There’s a great path around the water and paddle boat rental.

Really nice experience very clean nice view they have swan paddle boats for rent and a kiosk for snacks and drinks and the best part they have parking spaces it’s free

They gave us a faulty boat and we got stranded in the middle of the lake for 30 minutes. A pregnant mom was on the boat and they didn't come to tow the boat until 30 minutes later and even after all that refused to refund. Never come here. Unsafe and unfriendly.

Hiking Trail Review Eagle Rock Red Trail Loop - 3.4 Miles The entrance to the trail offers a 9/11 memorial with gorgeous views. By far the best part of this trail. If you pull in further you will find the trailhead with plenty of parking. Trail is a decent length and very easy. It is well marked. The trail itself was very wet and muddy. The water was ankle deep at some points. The views themselves weren’t the best. A good place to walk but semibland.

Eagle Rock Reservation is a beautiful spot offering sweeping views of the New York City skyline. It’s a great place to visit with family, especially children, thanks to its open spaces and scenic surroundings. Parking can be limited, so planning ahead is recommended.

Beautiful view of North New Jersey and New York City. Easy rambling trails but the view is where everyone gathers. The park abuts The High Lawn Restaurant which adds grandeur.

This is a interesting hike. We could not find the trail that leads to the view of the NYC skyline. However, you can drive up there. The train was not really paved-not great if raining. Limited bathrooms. Park near the bottom then walk up.

A beautiful place to see the skyline of New York City, it is also a memorial of those who died on September 11, 2001. They should always be remembered.

A very sensitive location where there is a memorial to the heroes who fell in the WTC attack. Stunning view of New York City

Probably one of the best views of NEW YORK City. It's a must visit 9/11 memorial.

Elvira was a fantastic tour guide who kept us well-informed throughout the journey, sharing insights about each site while we were on the bus. Her assistant, Trudy, added helpful details that enriched the experience. Elvira went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt at ease and had a genuine, immersive experience. She was attentive to individual needs, even accommodating a few unexpected stops along the way. A talented photographer, Elvira was enthusiastic about helping guests capture great photos. The itinerary was excellent, and we would definitely recommend this tour to others. While there was quite a bit of driving involved, the wonderful group we traveled with made the time fly by.

Took the 3-Day Sedona, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Valley of Fire trip with Elvira as our tour guide. Elvira was very accommodating, answered all our questions, and was so fun to be around. The trip was well planned with lots of stops along the way and a comfortable bus that made the long journey worth it. My favorite part was visiting Monument Valley on the jeep tour with the Navajo. Made some great memories and left with some amazing photos to look back on.

So fun!! I joined the Grand Canyon 3 days tour. Our tour leader Roberto is a professional and excellent guide. He would explain the surroundings as the bus goes by, remind us when there are scenery. He knew what he was doing and provided a great experience with us. My Chinese tour guide Susan is also wonderful. I am very grateful to have her as my guide. Whether it's the hike on Bryce canyon or Zion national park she gave us detailed background information and knowledges. I enjoyed chatting with her and loved her humors. She is passionate to assist and guide us. I am also satisfied with her photo taking skill! Our driver, Jose did a great job for delivering us to our destination. I didnt get carsick from any of those 3 days. He is nice and helped us with loading luggages. Always had a smile on his face. After all, i was a little disappointed by the hotels, the first one didn't have soap and the second one didn't have elevators. After a long day, these small things did irritate me. I still enjoyed this road trip and will recommend to my other friends.

I did the Viator 3 days Sedona, Monument Valley, Horseshoe bend and Antelope Canyon tour with a friend. It was an amazing experience! The places we visited were stunning, but our guide, Elvira, and the bus driver, Shameca, made it a 6 stars experience. Elvira was simply nice and kind, always trying to accommodate everybody’s needs. She was well-prepared on the places’ history and always gave us a great background before getting to the different landscapes. I gave her the nickname “ElviROCK”. It’s not my first experience with Viator, the company is great, this tour was probably the best I’ve taken so far. Highly recommended.

Fantastic tour NYC to Niagara and Toronto and 1000’s Islands the guide Peter was fantastic and our driver as well also just completed the Washington Philadelphia tour which was jam packed with sights and the knowledge of Carlo our guide was fantastic

This tour is so good, we are so happy we joined this. Thank you to our fantastic tour guide - Roberto - for making this tour extra special. He was just so kind and patient with all of us.

I just joined the 3 days National park trip to Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce National Park and Zion National Park. All place was amazing. It could have been 6 star trip as the itinerary, the timing allocated for each location, including the driver and tour guide Susan that speak my language is excellent! Susan was excellent tour guide. Her cheerful, positive, pleasant and caring great personality have save my holiday. I would just give the trip 2 star (for the itinerary and driver) if without my Susan. The tour leader made me felt uncomfortable the moment I check in. He made me felt that he is my boss that have rights to speak to me without respect and communicate like giving order. Perhaps I don’t quite understand his Italian jokes, or he think I don’t understand English at all, he often talk with bossy language without eye contact. Further more, he would raise his voice and argue with another tour guide that serve Hebrew group who have equal strong characteristic in front of all of traveller in the group. That led to a very awkward ambience and sometimes cause another guide unhappy. And you could imagine, unhappy guide, unhappy customer. Similar situation happened few times in 3 days, in front all of us. That had pretty spoiled my mood. I am here for holiday and have fun, not seeing someone keep raising their voice to each other and being very emotional. Throughout the trip, he does not have any attempts to communicate to me despite I clearly shows I speak fluent English, choose different language is just for fun and I thought it is for the audio guide. It is all start from Day 1, I rejected his instruction trying to place me at last row of the bus where I am the first one report in early morning trying to secure front seat cause sometime I have car sick when seat at back row. He shows his unhappy face and start ignore me. First night, he simply give me a room with somebody else’s name where I suspect he gave my room with my name perhaps better room to somebody else in the group. But I don’t have proof for this….. But look at the key card name, and I am an Asian woman. When he inviting the group for dinner, he speak to everybody in the group including the Hebrew group, but skip me. This is clearly a bully by showing such discrimination in front of big group as tour leader. Although I might not want to go as well, but the discrimination made me felt very uncomfortable. Luckily Susan help me, she works very hard to make sure I felt comfortable. She is knowledgeable and often go extra miles to ensure we get the best out of the trip. Help us taking best photos. Make sure I know where and how to settle dinner in the stranger place that I am visit for the first time. It is really helpful. On 2nd night check in hotel, the tour leader suddenly wanted to help me with luggage. I rejected with thank you as I am not comfortable with his sudden change. Perhaps due to day 3 is the tips day…… As I am from a country that not use to have tipping practice, so I have check with Susan earlier on Day 3 while we do hiking and pass on my gratitude early and ask her kindly help me to distribute accordingly. But the tour leader is just so rude and send everybody to the petrol station before we reach Las Vegas and tell us to make sure we exchange cash and or cash out from the ATM machine to pay the tips with his loud speaker microphone in the bus! Again, if this is some kind of Italian humour. I do not appreciate, if I could I would give zero tipping next time. Honestly, I would be mad if not Susan calm me down and told me he doesn’t meant it….. Not to my surprise, even the Hebrew tour guide who had very little interaction with me, had give me a smile and said a sincere goodbye when we log off. As tour leader, he is just showing his poker face on me despite my lady tour guide told me she will share my gratitudes to him. Anyway, could have been 6 star trip if I could ignore this guy but he is the tour leader. His unprofessional and emotional miss conduct of behaviour have affect my holiday experience.

We came here with our troop, it was a fun activity for the kids. I have to say the staff is phenomenal and attentive to each and every child in the group. They helped them get through the Jr course if the child needed help and were so friendly, helpful and safe!

We had such a disappointing experience here. We booked the junior course for a 10-year old birthday party. I was told the junior course would take 45 minutes. All kids, including very different skill levels, were done between 15 to 20 minutes. We asked if the kids could have a second turn on the course and while the staff and manager were nice, they told us that we would have to pay extra. I had a long conversation with a volunteer on the phone prior to booking who recommended the junior course to accommodate different skill levels. I felt ripped off with all kids being done after such a short time and it feels like false advertisement. Especially, since the manager, mentioned that other people have the same complaint and he gave us a complaint form And told us that we could leave a bad Google review. Still, I wish we could have found a different solution.

Just finished the Junior Course this morning and had an incredible time with the family! Check in was quick for us because we already made reservations and printed and completed the forms beforehand (apart for waiting for the large group in front of us who were completing forms on the spot - it would be nice to have 2 separate lines so that people who are ready can move along a little faster). The person who checked us in was super kind! We got there 15 minutes early for a 10am reservation, no one was taking temperatures when we got there but they were setting it up while we were in line. The young women who helped us with our harnesses and helmets were super kind and helpful and answered all of our questions. The course was great for my 6 year old niece - Garry was an amazing help! When he noticed she was struggling on the 2nd obstacle, he guided her through the rest of them with incredible patience. Instead of having her do the 2nd part of the course, which is way more difficult, we had the option of doing the 1st part over again, and my niece was able to do it with total independence (I could hear her using what she learned from Garry to coach herself through). My 12 year old sped through the course - she did this one when she was 7 and has since progressed to the adult course, so this was easy for her. Overall, we had a wonderful experience that lasted maybe an hour or so, which was ideal with a 6 year old. Very well organized, and the staff are professional, helpful, and super courteous.

What an amazing experience. My son (age 11) and I did the adult obstacle course. I had no idea of how intense it would be but I liked it. It was a constant reminder that I can do really hard things. I felt really accomplished after I finished each obstacle within the obstacle. I like that the course is split into two. You can decide if you want to do part two or stop after one. I stopped many times out of fear or trying to figure out the best way to get across. Most of the workers were attentive, giving me tips for how to get across the particular part I stopped on. I never felt rushed or any pressure. Just support. When I first started, I told my son that I would never do again but now I think that I would and kinda excited about it. Lol

Amazing Experience went with my younger siblings (9 &11). We did the adult course it was a nice challenge and kept the kids engaged. One the Guides (Grover) was fantastic with my sibling (9) when they got scared on the course and helped them to complete it. The staff was very kid friendly and informative. Pricing was great as well to add the zip line experience as well.

Happy to have something closer to NYC / Jersey city and don't have to drive an hour or two. Very well made course, but for the beginners it may take 2-3 hours to complete 2 courses and zip line. Courses are challenging and does give goose bumps, however felt very safe with the harness line. Wish Zip line could be more but overall nice to finish with that. Reasonably priced.

My older kids did the adult course, and my youngest did the juniors. My youngest needed some help, and the staff was very attentive and patient. The place is nice, it was just a little too hot and you have to be aware that due to covid you must wear masks, so don’t go in a super hot day. Bring water, the vending machines were off. Overall a great outing

Took our toddler here while visiting from out of town. Very nice clean park with good parking across the seat. It was too crowded for my liking and a kid ran his scootie over my foot. Think parents should be more vigilant however the park itself is nice and there were lots of options for us to keep the toddler busy

Such a fun and well-designed playground! Regatta Playground is one of our favorite spots in Essex County. The play structures are modern, creative, and great for a wide range of ages — from toddlers to older kids. There are climbing walls, swings, slides, and unique rope features that keep kids active and engaged for hours. The surface is soft and safe, and the whole area feels clean and well-maintained. Parents will appreciate the shaded benches and the scenic walking paths nearby. Bonus: it’s right next to the waterfront and the paddle boat area, which makes it easy to turn a short stop into a full family outing. Highly recommend for a fun, active day outdoors!

Great place for family fun. Large playground with several areas, plenty of seating for parents overlooking the lake. Large parking lot, picnic areas and trails. Large clean restrooms.

We had an amazing day my children really enjoy this playground, we all had so much fun, I highly recommend it you won't be disappointed. free entrance, free parking lot.

The best place with children. I love it! Everything is near play ground, zoo, Swan ride is super exciting and relaxing. You can do picnic. 100 % recommended that place.

Essex County Park at Cherry Ln in West Orange is my ultimate escape for that perfect blend of nature and chill vibes right in the heart of NJ! Nestled in the stunning South Mountain Reservation, the 1.75-mile waterfront walking path around the reservoir is pure bliss—crystal-clear water views, shaded trails lined with autumn leaves (hello, October magic!), and spots to pause for a picnic or just breathe it all in. We brought the kids to the Regatta Playground, and they went wild on the swings and splash pads while we rented paddle boats for some family laughs on the water. Super clean facilities, ample free parking, and the rangers are friendly pros who shared insider tips on the best sunset viewing spots. Whether you're jogging, birdwatching, or seeking a stress-melt moment, this gem delivers every time—feels like a mini vacation without leaving Essex County. Pack your camera and go; you'll leave refreshed and raving!

Excelllent place to meet with friends and family for a walk, a paddle boat ride, having a drink or meal at McLoones or even using the playground area. It’s always very clean, well maintained and people are respectful of the grounds.

Tonight's performance of A Case for the Existence of God was marvelous. Excellent acting, very natural, the actors became their characters. Its a very good play with fine story development and a satisfying ending. We love the intimate venue and clever simple staging. Highly recommend it. Easy parking, and restaurants within a block or two.

AH-MAZING local regional theater with incredible artists who are able to go in and out of several characters all in one play. Love the intimate feel. Appreciate that the director takes courageous artistic risk in telling stories that need to be told despite discomfort. It is also a pay as you can model making art accessible to ALL! As a result they have recently lost some funding- because their mission is honoring our diverse stories. Definitely a theatre that needs all of our support more than ever!

Sound system and air conditioning was inoperable making it extremely difficult to hear the performers and be comfortable while trying to listen.

The costumes are always fantastic! They do amazing set work with the small space they have- very creative. The actors are amazing. The shows are often unique and sometimes written especially for Luna. There is usually an underlying meaning which is thought provoking.

I just saw "Rift or White Lies" at Luna Stage. The play was searing and soul-searching, and the acting was incredible. The themes of love, racism, and "brotherhood" were unfolded in an intimate space that added to the experience. See it if you can.

This is a great venue for black box and children's theater. My kids loved the play 'Luna' which was performed by a workshop cast of students. Their regular season puts Luna Stage in league with State Theater New Brunswick and McCarter for excellence in regional theater. Being less than an hour to Manhattan and Broadway, the bar is set exceptionally high for New Jersey regional work. Luan Stage produces and presents excellent work for those of us who are spoiled by the choices avalible from living in one of the great theater capitals of the world.

This place is a great venue. We saw the Mark Murphy Music School recital and the staff was great, the room where the performances were held was fantastic, and I'm sure other shows here are really good as well. Parking is easy and there's a nice Lounge to wait in. I would definitely go back to see a show here. I'm happy this area is flourishing with the Arts. There are also a few food options nearby.

Heard about place from friend, stopped in to check out the scene and it is very very nice outdoor space for parties, indoors is much nicer than the surrounding area. Parking across street is solid and the bartender,Ike (tats) is very friendly and competent. Will be back with friends and to rent out the outdoor space. Edit 2019: place went to hell with new owner, guy is rude and self absorbed, complete lack of understanding what makes a good host. Wont be returning and it is a shame.

Came just for drinks, not for food. I was impressed by the ambiance and the space of the establishment. I was even more impressed by the outdoor beer garden. Unfortunately, it wasn't in season when we were there, so it was empty out there, but they still allowed my friends to sit out there if we so chose, and we did. This place seems like a bit of a hidden gem, and I will be back. There's also a parking lot right across the street, which makes things a bit easier.

From the outside it doesn't look like much, but once your inside, this place is incredibly cozy and friendly. We were warmly greeted by Antoine and also he was our server. We ordered a chopped salad (can't remember the official name) and the chicken pot pie, both delicious! Antoine was a delight. He was attentive and friendly and we enjoyed his service. Best part of the experience here. They lose one star for having prices that make you feel like you're in Manhattan, though you're actually just in West Orange. Basically all the dishes are $3-4 higher than they seem they should be.

PLEASE BEWARE OF SEVER/BARTENDER ANTIONE!!! I have frequented this establishment many times. Before the change over to Thom's while the "Pete's" were still there I was a regular boasting of their wonderful food, atmosphere and friendly staff. Unfortunately it seems once the "Pete's" moved on and they began to transition, my love affair with them and their staff began to wain. However, while in on Tuesday (9/26), I decided to stop in again and try out one of their new Happy Hour specials. Tonight(9/28), I stopped in and the bartender was friendly and familiar and I was enjoying my experience until I was approached by sever/ bartender Antione, who then claimed that one time while dining that I, "stiffed him on $10 from my bill." My previous experiences with Antione had left me very unsatisfied and he was definitely one of the reasons why I decided to try new places. He is rude and has absolutely no professionalism. If the incident he claims ever did happen it was most definitely and oversight but to approach a customer and harass them in that way is unacceptable! He was not the manager nor acting in that capacity. His behavior was totally out of line and uncalled for. Thom's / Egan's manager was alerted by her staff as to what was going on, but never offered and apology or sad anything to me while I was there. After leaving and calming down I called back to let her know what happened. That is when she explained she is new to the establishment and after speaking with her she only seemed to offer him support in his ignorance. So it is is with regret yet again I must part ways with the Egans/Thom's !! Disgusted, Shannon

Simple pub in West Orange. The indoor area is retro themed with booths and bar. The outdoor patio is pleasant. Look out for events there. If you are not in the event, you might not get the patio table.

We love this spot! Great menu, good selection of drinks and friendly staff. Good with the family during the day or with friends later at night.

Nice quite place out door seating foods good. Drinks can be cheap to pricy depends on what you order.

Web love to codey arena we love to ice skite! Advice!

Wow!!! Garden State Comic Fest Summer 2025. There was an event I'll never forget. Its unbelievable how this place held so many people, so comfortably. Before GSCF, I'd only been to west orange to visit the Edison Museum. I had no idea the kind of culture and events this town holds. In fact there was a turtle back zoo right next door. :) Thank you Codey Arena. Ill be back soon.

I had a great time. Had my blood pressure checked. Got some info regarding scams and dementia. Also info about the Urban League offering computer classes. Enjoyed the Silver Steppers and the band. Thanks for another year having this event🙂

Nice arena with good ventilation

Nice size rinks. Overall good cleanliness, clean shoes for rent. Plesant staff and great instructors, especially Mr. Scott.

Was here for a wrestling tournament (I have also played hockey here) the rinks are decently kept and the place is clean. The sound system is muffled and terrible.

Nice graduation ceremony for Sora Orange High School. Congratulations!!!

My friend and I went here on a Saturday night. We thought it would be a good time since the reviews were generally positive. But, the place was dead when we went. There were only a few patrons at the bar. Also, parking was a little hard to come by since there is no parking lot or metered spaces. Still, the bartender was great and so I'm giving this place 2 stars.

Bartenders were nice. Drinks went bad. Order drinks you get free pizza 🍕. I would of paid few bucks for... Cute thing. But nothing crazy. Bar was not packed on Saturday. Maybe 20-25 people. My going on iced tea tasted like a lot of gin unfortunately. They have 2 pool tables & some big TVs. Postedsome of the funny signs they have posted which I thought were more than humorous.I'll probably eventually go back but again nothing crazy

Bartenders are friendly. Cozy place with free pool on Mondays, Karaoke on Fridays and free pizza all night every night. Good pool players most nights. Small space in back for outdoor chilling and beer pong. Not perfect, but nice

Pour House is a great Bar to have a beer or two and enjoy Free pizza. Its not a big place but it is comfortable and the patrons are friendly. If you're in the area stop by and check it out.

I live right across the street, and I love it! They have free pizza, and great music. The weekends are the best, people really get into a party mood. If you want to have a chill night, go to the Pour House! They also have Edison technology all over, and artwork that you can purchase from local artists. There's an outside where you can sit back and have a drink. You can also take a picture on the " your face in here" painting lol. I also have a video on my Youtube Channel: Nyx Ebana. Check it out!

I love unwinding here. I'm lactose intolerant but I cannot resist the pizza! It's so thin and the sauce is so tasty! The taps are clean and I have yet to have a bad time there.

Free pizza everyday of the week. Pool tables.. Very chill atmosphere drink specials. Located in the heart of downtown west orange . Which is located next too thomas edison museum!

The whole staff is absolutely amazing…coming from Monmouth county I was afraid I wasn’t gonna find Cheer’s, but I did!! Christopher, Big Sexy, and Andrew are the best of the best!!! IAANNNNNDDDDD there happens to be a Gin cocktail named Dillon’s…OMG!!! How ironic…I’m not even a fan of Gin but it goes down so smooth and the the perfect amount of sweetness …forget the others THIS IS IT PEOPLE!!! Come to Dillon’s it’s our very own Cheer’s! Love all the guys❤️🤍💙

Had a blast here a few weeks ago. Local firemen own and operate, just an all around chill place, with chill dudes. As someone just passing through, thanks for the welcome.

Bartender was very rude and racist. He messed up all our drinks and had a bad attitude, refusing to make them the right way. We asked for a mai tai he gave us a screwdriver and didn’t not want to correct his mistake. Very poor service. He straight up told my coworker that he’s not a bartender and asked him sarcastically would be happy if he had to work here. I would never go back here again and if you’re colored you shouldn’t either

Grew up in this place. Great people, great family/neighborhood atmosphere. No frills just chills.. and great cornbeef sandwich. Cheap drinks. If ur looking for a drink after a hard days work, this is ur spot.

I love it here! The best place to start your night or even end your night! Best bartenders ever !

🫶🏽 very nice atmosphere very friendly !!! DRINKS ARE amazing

I was at the establishment on Friday, August 30, 2025. The service was terrible, the attendant was rude and racist, horrible.

Listen atmosphere is great if you love a dive bar, The food is incredibly (Ben kitchen)!!! talking smash burgers bar pies chicken sandwiches Fries seasoned to perfection…cash only atm on site ,jukebox here this place rocks

I’ve never done a review but I had to leave one for this weird random experience. I live nearby and I was just walking going for a jog and I'm just passing by and see someone take out this dog cage from the bar. Mind you I just greet them with a simple nod and I let them pass since they were carrying this big dog cage and as I keep walking I pause to think which way I want to walk since I didn’t want to hear the cars so I ended up just working out around the street but as I just thought what I'd do. I hear this guy with the dog cage say some stuff under his voice about me calling me names when I hadn’t done a single thing to him. So I start walking wasn’t going to say anything but I looked at him and asked you say something (in a calm manner just asking) and he goes off on me saying you were looking at me for too long what’s your issue what’s going on and screaming. So I just told him to calm down I hadn’t done anything to him and I was just deciding what way I'd take and he stood silent cause I spoke to him in a calm manner vs him just exploding for nothing. Really just a weird experience (also never been in this bar or in the age to drink).

Wow, so I’ve heard about this bar from Tyler who is an absolute AMAZING Bartender!!!!! Probably the best bartender I’ve encountered in a very long time … she remembers your drink and knows what you want every time unless specify otherwise. Very warm and welcoming !!!! Great attitude, and just overall the BEST!!!

Fantastic typical Dive Bar! Monday bartender is AWESOME!

Great outside bar friendly staff. Magical painted rocks keeping in them with town.

I ordered a rum and coke. I didn’t realize until I finished the drink and all the coke was gone that their we’re about 30 fruit files in the glass. It was 35 degrees out and those flies didn’t get in there after I drank the drink. I wish I had taken a picture but I was so horrified I just bolted out of there. Come here if you want to be poisoned.

Definitely your hole in the wall watering hole establishment. No mixed drinks, but the have the basics. Bartender is super sweet though, Bailey is great...