For families based in New York City, New Jersey or Philadelphia, Newark Liberty International Airport is a convenient launchpad for trips to Toronto and Savannah, or even Beijing and Dubai.
But if you don’t know the Newark neighborhood like the back of your hand, it can be tricky keeping kids entertained before boarding.
Help is at hand — here are ten Newark Airport travel tips for family fliers.
- Hotel
If you’re staying overnight before your flight, find a family-friendly hotel near Newark Airport at Trivago.com. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson has a cool pool that might make it a popular pick with kids, but there are plenty of options to choose from.
- Ice cream
To keep kids calm on the way to the airport, promise them an ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s when they arrive. The outlet at Terminal A serves classic flavors like Chunky Monkey and Cherry Garcia — yum!
- Soul food
If time permits, pop into Vonda’s Kitchen for some mouth-watering New Jersey soul food. Located at 183 W Kinney St in Newark, it serves delicious dishes like honey-dipped fried chicken salad and silver dollar pancakes with fresh berries and maple cream — simply divine.
- Parking
Travelling to the airport in your own ride is often more convenient and comfortable for families. But book secure Newark Airport parking at Looking4.com so that your vehicle’s kept safe and sound while you’re off enjoying your family vacay.
- Star gazing
Boggle your children’s minds with a visit to The Planetarium at Newark Museum. This inspirational, interactive attraction projects stars, planets and galaxies above their heads and it’s educational as well as fantastic fun.
- Kids theatre
Make a bee-line for NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Centre) to catch child-friendly theatre productions like Sesame Street Live and Paw Patrol Live. This New Jersey institution has reached 1.6 million children with cutting-edge arts education programs since it was founded in 1986.
- Comic books
If you and your kids are obsessed by the Marvel or DC universes, browse rare comic book back issues at Fortress of Solitude — true fans love this hidden gem of a shop in Newark’s University Heights.
- Roller skating
Get your fix of foot-borne wheeled transportation at Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center — this fun facility features flashing disco lights, a pulsating sound system and an awesome amusement arcade.
- Ice Hockey
Catch an adrenaline-fueled New Jersey Devils ice hockey match at the Prudential Center in Newark’s central business district. Find fixture details at nhl.com and get ready to watch that puck fly.
- Books
If all else fails, rely on the power of the printed word to prevent your preteens throwing airport tantrums. Hudson Booksellers at Terminal A has excellent reading material for kids of all ages.
These 10 Newark Airport travel tips will help any family while away a few hours before flying off on holiday and make that nervy pre-flight period a pleasure instead of a pain.
That’s our list! Can you add anything to it? Share your Newark travel tips in the comments section.
