Fun with Kids & Teens

23-types of fun for kids & teens in downtown Westfield

Warm weather is here and that means kids & their parents are on the lookout for summer camps, classes and good ole' entertainment. Check out the list of ways to spice up your summer in downtown Westfield.

  1. You’ll be ready for the ‘Gram in the most Insta-happy downtown.

    Discover the favorite destination for photographers and influencers — the rainbow crosswalk, pastel buildings, the historic Ironbound building. Achieve the best-ever selfies at Selfie Station NJ, where you can sign up for summer camps each week. Snap the twinkle lights of Quimby, painted butterflies in town — on the corner of Quimby & Elm, Elm and North, at Evalyn Dunn, Alania Aesthetics, and throughout Mindowaskin Park. Discover the painted piano on Quimby and the Roig Westfield murals under the train trestle. 

  2. Life is sweet in downtown. Find your favorites on this Sweet Treat Trail.

    Family-owned Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe has been a staple of the community for over 60 years offering a variety of European-style pastries that can be paired with a coffee or an espresso for mom & dad.  //  Try something new at NY Korean BBQ. They have over 15 flavors of bubble tea with chewy tapioca pearls that you suck up through a big straw.  //   If chocolate or ice cream are your thing, you’re in luck. Check out Kilwins for their fudge, truffles and ice cream in freshly-made waffle cones. The Chocolate Bar is favorite local stop with their chocolate-covered strawberries, distinctive chocolates and homemade gelato. If you like your ice cream to be extreme the Westfield Creamery should be on your radar. Try the Extreme Milkshake or the colorful Llamalicious and Superman flavors in a chocolate M&M waffle cone. Design your signature creation with the ice cream made daily at Cold Stone Creamery. Looking for a lighter version of dessert? Don’t miss FroYo — serving up traditional ice cream as well as frozen yogurt and vegan Dole Whip. Kings Bowl Café is the perfect stop for ice cream, smoothies and acai bowls.  //  Go crazy at all-vegan Cinnaholic with oh-so-yummy Cinnabun concoctions, such as frosty Dole Whip, edible cookie dough and build your own Cinnastack.   //    Also vegan, Ono Bowls has healthy, yummy acai bowls and vegan baked goods.  //  For an eye-popping dessert case don’t miss Rock ‘n Joe coffee lounge where you can pair a decadent dessert with a frozen hot chocolate.  //  Boxwood Coffee is throwing down the gauntlet with homemade chocolate chip cookies that are chewy and deelish.  //  Discover Cadbury Flake and other candy and chips they’ve never seen — imported from Ireland to Bridget’s Irish Cottage.  //   Finally, let them shop the old fashioned candy isle in Baron’s Drug Store, a definite right of passage.

  3. Treat your little to a real tea party — dolls are invited. 

    Enjoy fresh from the oven scones, cupcakes and baked delicacies at Mulberry House Restaurant.

  4. Make magic happen at this reasonably-priced glam spa for kids.

    Glamourous Girlz is a salon for hair, nails, and kid-friendly makeup for special events. Plan a haircut, private spa party or mom & me mani and pedi.   

  5. Shop farm fresh produce and meet local farmers.   

    Saturday mornings all summer, 8:30 AM to 1 PM at Westfield’s Farmer’s Market at the North Avenue Train Station.

  6. Belt it out in three karaoke rooms,

    while enjoying legendary double-fried wings at RoosterSpin.

  7. Play old school video games, skee ball & air hockey at Yestercades.

  8. Have a pizza experience.

    Toss the dough with a pro, or take a pizza kit to go at Outta Hand Pizza.

  9. Yoga for everyone

    Saturdays & Sundays on Quimby Street. Join Satsang Yoga Studio & Brassy Buddha Yoga.

  10. Find the hottest TikTok toys at

    Learning Express Westfield — the go-to stop for wrapped birthday gifts.

  11. Get a behind the scenes tour

    of the shoe store at Best Foot Forward Westfield. 

  12. Take a walk with a purpose.

    Take a historic walking tour and find the site of the location of Westfield's first general store from the colonial era, the goddess Clio, and the building that housed Westfield's first library. Learn about local African American history, dating from 1720.   Discover public art as you stroll through downtown. You’ll find painted butterflies in town — on the corner of Quimby & Elm, Elm and North, at Evalyn Dunn, Alania Aesthetics, and throughout Mindowaskin Park. Discover the painted piano on Quimby and the Roig Westfield murals under the train trestle. Coming this summer, look for the Photography Art Exhibit throughout downtown.

  13. Visit a vibrant independent book store.  

    The Town Book Store is brimming with good recommendations and a sweet section for kids with toys and all the best books for every age.

  14. Are you more a chicken tenders or chocolate chip pancakes?  

    Get them both when you visit this shiny old school diner at Vicki’s Diner where everyone sits in a booth.

  15. Come downtown to jam to free live music

    2 to 3 nights a week all summer, Friday & Saturdays 6:30 to 8: 30 PM. Check the schedule here. In July, Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Series every Tuesday from 7 to 9 PM in various locations. 

  16. Lovely Mindowaskin Park

    has a meandering path, a duck pond, a lighted gazebo and a newly renovated playground.

  17. Shopping. 

    Teens and kids will find items that are right up their alley while shopping at Ruby & Jenna, Urban Outfitters, Beyond Trends, The French Martini, Mimi + Hill Shop, South Moon Under, Gap & Gap Kids, Banana Republic, Athleta, Jack Rabbit, Universal Lacrosse, Pegasus Sporting Goods, Claire’s, Sole, and Best Foot Forward Westfield.

 

Reserve a one-time session, class & camp at these fun locations...

  1. Get crafty 

    Drop in to AR Workshop, a crafty DIY studio that offers hands on classes, parties and camps.

  2. Makeup Camp

    Join Camp Blende.  Does your child love makeup? Do they want to be a makeup artist? Learn the age appropriate — vs scary and overdone — looks for days and parties — and a history of makeup styles through the decades. They’ll be in good company with celebrity makeup artist Keira Karlin, owner of Blende, and fellow campers, ages 10 and up.

  3. Music

    Whether they are more Broadway or more rock, Valencia School of Music will have them singing, playing and performing in a variety of summer camp programs. NJ Workshop for the Arts offers Summer Arts Workshop with music, art, dance and more starting at age 4 and up. They also provides a free a music therapy program Music Connection for kids with special needs.

  4. Dance

    Get them dancing at Summer Dance Camp at Westfield School of Dance with a variety of classes to choose from including classes just for boys, preschool and special needs programs.

  5. Get them ready for the spotlight

    Acting Out School’s Summer Camp Series, for age 4 and up. Learn acting, TV, Film and everything they’ll need to prep for auditions.

  6. Kids and adults can’t help but smile at TikTok & Instagram heaven: Selfie Station NJ

    Get snap happy in the creative photo booths. New this summer: Camp Funshine at Selfie Station NJ. Choose from a variety of weekly camps in a clean, interactive and creative space. Camp counselors are local high school theater students with a passion for performing arts. Campers will enjoy daily crafts, dancing, interactive story time, snacks, and photo shoots to create their camp scrapbook.