Spring Kids Activities in Montclair, NJ!

By Rachele Cohen

March and the official start of Spring 2023 is just about two months away! That means that it’s time to start thinking about what your children are going to be doing after school hours once the days grow longer and they’re full of energy. We’ve compiled a list of activities that are local to the Montclair, NJ area and will get your young ones active, learning, creating, and of course, having tons of fun!

1. Tennis Classes

Tennis is a great sport and after-school activity all parents should consider for any kids who haven’t already set their hearts on another sport. A classic game that your kids can enjoy well into their adult years, tennis promotes physical fitness, enhances hand-eye coordination, and is a great game to play with friends. It also teaches patience, precision, communication, teamwork, and so many other important life skills. Beginning on April 3, your child can learn to play tennis or take their skills to the next level with First Serve Tennis Kids’ Clinics based Montclair, NJ! First Serve Tennis serves tennis programs to players of all ages and levels. Kids programs cover children ages 5 to 17 (beginners and advanced), while adult clinics are also held for all levels in both the mornings and evenings. Bonus: the First Serve Tennis coaches (many whom are Montclair High School alums!) are known for their talents on the court as well as for their great personalities - kids and adults love them!

2. Hiking

Montclair, NJ and the surrounding area boasts some of the best hiking trails for kids in the state! Your children can enjoy the outdoors this spring while exploring nature and getting some exercise too. The kids might even see some local wildlife, like deer, foxes, butterflies, and all types of New Jersey birds - keep an eye out for red hawks! In Montclair, NJ you can visit Mills Reservation, located off of Normal Avenue. Mills is part of the Lenape Trail and features several walking and jogging trails, including one that leads to an overlook with spectacular views of the NYC skyline. South Mountain Reservation in neighboring West Orange, NJ features a trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall, a fairy trail, and access to paddle-boating and a nautical-themed playground. In nearby Clifton, NJ, check out Rifle Camp Park, which also offers fantastic views of New York City and was once a lookout for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Wherever you’re hiking with your kids, it will be a day to remember for everyone!

3. Art Classes

Creative kiddos can explore painting, drawing, clay sculpture and design, and digital media art at the Montclair Art Museum, located at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair, NJ. Montclair Museum students also have access to art camp during the summer and are invited to check out the museum’s permanent collection, which includes incredible Native American art and artifacts found in and around Montclair, NJ. The museum’s seasonal exhibitions often include the work of local Montclair, NJ artists. The Montclair Museum also offers family memberships that can make this cultural experience one that can be appreciated by all. 

4. Pickleball Clinics

It’s no secret that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, and now is the perfect time to get your children involved in this exciting, fast-paced game. Pickleball can be played all year round in Montclair, NJ and pretty much anywhere with the right equipment - it’s also a super fun game to play with family and friends of all ages. Montclair Pickleball, an academy based in Montclair, NJ and run by two Montclair natives, is offering kids’ clinics beginning April 3 (and hey parents - Montclair Pickleball has clinics for you, too!). With Montclair Pickleball, your young pickleball players will learn the rules of the game, participate in drills and skills work, and begin to participate in open play matches. Your children will surely become the pickleball’s newest enthusiasts and learn a sport that they can play for years to come.

5. Coding Classes

There are many options in and around Montclair, NJ for your little science aficionado to learn to code. Game-U is a hub for coding, robotics, and game design classes located at 28 Valley Road in Montclair, NJ. A STEAM-based curriculum is offered in the spring and throughout the summer for kids who are new to the world of coding as well as those who want to sharpen their tech skills for next-level programming. The school also hosts fun-filled events such as game nights, game showcases, birthday parties, and camps - the perfect combination of learning and spending time with family and friends! Another local place for kiddos to learn to code is theCoderSchool, a year-round coding center located in Upper Montclair.