Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Newark, Delaware

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Almost none of this asks anything of your legs. Main Street is flat, and the antique mall, the escape rooms and the gastropubs all sit close together. Glasgow Regional Park is a 4.2-km paved loop that takes a little over 45 minutes at a stroll. White Clay Creek State Park is where the ground rises, with more than 37 miles of trail. Xtreme Zone and the ice arena are both indoors, which is what you want when the weather turns.

Newark is a small college town in Delaware known for its Great American streets, its iconic eating and its festive downtown.

Its outskirts hold miles of forest trails, parks worth a whole morning, and historic sites, including the 18th-century mansion of Judge Morris.

Sitting 12 miles west-southwest of Wilmington, Newark is one of the places in Delaware worth the drive. It runs a suburban feel with a diverse, welcoming community.

While it counts as a small city, Newark ranks as the third largest in the state. It is home to the award-winning research school, the University of Delaware.

Newark also celebrates its culture through a calendar of community events and downtown activities covering art, music and performance.

The things to do and places to visit in Newark, Delaware are eclectic and worth the drive. From quaint comic and jewelry shops to one-off restaurants, this city of culture and class covers a lot of ground.

You can ask the locals about more fun things you can do in the city. For now, work through the following list of things to do and places to visit in Newark, Delaware.

Aunt Margaret’s Antique Mall

Just a little off Newark’s main street, you can spot the quaint antique mall of Aunt Margaret.

Its upper and lower floors hold rare antiques, vintage and primitive items at better prices than any antique store in Delaware. Aunt Margaret’s Antique Mall runs a walk into the past with its collection of history and olden items.

It is a strange feeling walking into the mall’s rooms and individual booths. Each is filled with hard-to-find pieces, running from chest drawers and vintage furniture to jewelry and handstitched art.

You never know what is waiting once you step into the mall. It could be the 60s and 70s type of craft, or a vintage kitchenware set. That is what makes it such a strong place to buy a gift.

Looking for a missing item, or a replacement piece for a set or collection, Aunt Margaret’s may well have it.

With over 30 dealers, leaving without something to bring home is close to impossible. You could spend all day in there and not get tired of looking. Something shiny or catchy turns up in every corner.

People from across the state do not mind driving to Newark to shop at Aunt Margaret’s Antique Mall. Their staff make the visit work, with good service and solid recommendations.

Address: 294 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, United States

Axxiom Escape Rooms Newark

Delaware’s largest and first escape room runs the strongest fun in town, with exciting and demanding entertainment.

Axxiom Escape Rooms deliver the most advanced build in Newark, Delaware. It runs a top-tier experience that is demanding but rewarding, across multiple themed rooms with proper storylines.

Every room is its own thing, with a touch of mystery and tradition. It needs a real escape plan while you race the clock.

Find your way out with the right puzzle-solving and pick up clues as you go. Bring a family, a friend or a loved one and set off on it together. Axxiom Escape Rooms is also a strong venue for special occasions, whether a birthday or a corporate event.

Moreover, the escape room facility can tailor your session to suit your event and taste. The Pirates Cove, Sorcerer’s Quest and Christmas rooms are some of its top-rated rooms.

You can try another attraction on every visit, at different levels of difficulty. The amount of craft and thought put into every room is unmatched. You will walk in with absolutely no idea what is coming. But your Game Masters will walk you through the guidelines first.

If you have what it takes, put your skills to the test and visit this destination in Newark, Delaware.

Address: 280 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, United States

Bob Carpenter Center

This multi-purpose arena, known as The Bob, is a venue for many concerts and events in Newark, Delaware.

Sitting on the University of Delaware campus, Bob Carpenter Center is home to Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and women’s basketball. The 5,000-seat sports center is also a primary location for UD’s convocations, banquets, homecoming ceremonies and more.

The Bob is a strong arena with no bad seats and wide concourses. It runs well-maintained facilities, from the main arena and comfortable seating to multiple restrooms, concessions and convenient parking.

In addition, the 20,000-square-foot arena has an unusual setup with good acoustics and lighting, and it stays easy to get around.

New additions to The Bob are a pair of full-size basketball courts and an entrance plaza in 2010.

Catch an event at the Bob Carpenter Center, whether a sports event, a concert, a comedy show, WWF wrestling or a graduation. It can take any type of event without giving up quality or comfort.

Bring your family or friends and work through a deep bench of food, drinks and solid concession stand accommodations.

Bob Carpenter Center does justice to every show and event, and gives the audience the full thing.

Address: 631 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19716, United States

Christiana Mall

Experience tax-free shopping in Newark with plenty of affordable and quality options.

With over 130 shopping stores, Christiana is your shopping and dining destination in Newark, Delaware. Conveniently sitting off of I-95, the mall houses your favorite big brands like Sephora, Mac, Pandora, H&M and more.

It runs many restaurant and fast-food chain options, including Popeye’s, The Grill, Rubi Thai, Chick-Fil-A and Master Wok. You can stop by Starbucks, Cinnabon or Jamba Juice for pastries, coolers and refreshments.

Head to Cinemark in Christiana Mall’s premises near the Cabela for family entertainment. The 17-screen cinema theater is Newark’s motion picture exhibitor, where you can comfortably watch upcoming movies.

Christiana Mall is northern New Castle County’s super-regional shopping center, pulling over 20 million visitors every year. It was named after basketball player Charles Barkley’s daughter.

A combination of individual and anchor stores, Christiana Mall runs a broad shopping experience in the Delaware Valley area. It is every shopaholic’s happy place, especially for its size and its range.

You can count on well-maintained and sanitized facilities as you walk. The complexes are also laid out sensibly, so you never feel lost.

It is the place for residents wanting to get out of the house or travelers looking to shop. There is always something to do and stores to visit in Christiana Mall.

Address: 132 Christiana Mall, Newark, DE 19702, United States

Fred Rust Ice Arena

Enjoy sports on ice in Delaware’s ice arena on the University of Delaware campus.

Fred Rust Ice Arena is a multi-purpose, Olympic-sized arena that runs multiple ice sports and recreation in Newark, Delaware.

Formerly known as The Blue Arena, Fred Rust is home to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens ice hockey team. It is also home to UD’s Figure Skating and Synchronized Skating Clubs.

Although the facility is mainly used for professional ice sports, it also takes public skating sessions and private events. The rink is consistently praised for being well-maintained and clean after heavy use.

Burn some calories and take a family weekend at Fred Rust Ice Arena. This attraction gets crowded mostly during winter breaks and school breaks. It is a strong indoor activity, especially when the weather outside has stopped cooperating.

You can buy admission online or at the ticket window at varying rates.

If you are only passing through Newark without skating equipment, the facility will happily rent you some. Lace it up and skate the stress off on the smooth ice with the other skaters.

You can also work through plenty of freestyle options or ask for coaching assistance. The music and the colored lights are a real addition to the facility.

Address: 549 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19716, United States

Glasgow Regional Park

Work through a country park with everything you need for outdoor recreation inside Newark’s woodland.

Glasgow Regional Park runs a 4.2-km paved walking path following a loop trail. The route is easy to reach, and you can complete it in a little over 45 minutes. With roughly 8 feet of paved asphalt, the park runs dog walking, hiking and biking.

Open 365 days a year, Glasgow Regional Park runs the strongest nature view in Newark, Delaware. It has a fenced dog park, a skate bowl, a bank barn and a fishing pond. It also has several playgrounds for family recreation and children’s play.

Moreover, the park houses basketball and tennis courts, pavilion rentals and a sledding hill. Glasgow also holds the annual Farmer’s Market featuring local vendors who will haggle.

Check out a few stands carrying various Newark products, including fresh produce, baked goods and homemade crafts.

Glasgow is popular for the crowd it pulls, as well as for being the only park in the area.

Nonetheless, it is a strong park with high ground that can still hold a crowd across its amenities and open spaces.

Spend some quiet time outdoors without spending money. The drive to Glasgow Regional Park does not take much gas, either.

Address: 2275 Pulaski Hwy, Newark, DE 19702, United States

Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen

Meet and catch up with old friends at Grain Craft over upscale beer and food.

Grain Newark runs good nights down Main Street with live music and entertainment, including Trivia Nights and Classic Bingo. Not a regular yet? This rustic-chic gastropub will make you one.

Work through well-made food, drinks and serious cocktails in the restaurant’s indoor and outdoor dining. The Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen serves in-house and seasoned dishes in generous portions meant to be shared.

In addition, you will not run out of flavors with the pub’s 24 craft beers on draft. Pair them with Grain Craft’s bestsellers, including the Hangover Burger, Caesar Salad, Hula Bowl, Crab Cake Sandwich and French Toast.

Finally, celebrate Newark heritage, where local history meets modern American fare, through a shared table in their welcoming space. Grain Craft’s casual atmosphere makes it that neighborhood spot in Newark, Delaware.

This American gastropub is also a strong place for brunch and happy hour. Its location sits near hotels and attractions, so it widens your dining options from hotel food to upscale dishes.

Address: 270 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, United States

Klondike Kate’s has been standing on Main Street since around 1880, and the interior is still a railroad station. The saloon runs Karaoke, Quizzo and Music Video Bingo through the week for a crowd that is mostly grown up. Grain Craft down the road does Trivia Nights and Classic Bingo alongside its craft beer. Painting with a Twist puts a brush in your hand and a glass of wine beside it. None of these places expect you to behave.

Klondike Kate’s Restaurant & Saloon

Visit Delaware’s staple for famous nachos and cocktails in the heart of Newark.

Klondike Kate’s Restaurant & Saloon is your friendly neighborhood bar specializing in homemade food and American cuisine. Its homemade specialties include Angus burgers, chicken wings and top-notch nachos.

The restaurant also makes strong salads and sandwiches on top of its healthy options.

Its circa-1880 building has a porch called the spot, which is where you want to be during spring or summer.

Enjoy a rustic feel with the saloon’s vintage railroad station interior and casual atmosphere. This bar and restaurant sits close to the University of Delaware, so it is a usual hangout for alumni and students.

For daily entertainment in the heart of the city, Klondike Kate’s hosts live music and events. This includes Happy Hour, Quizzo, Karaoke, Music Video Bingo and Icon DJs.

If you need a space to host a banquet, the restaurant houses the Rockwell Room for special occasions. Their private banquet rooms can take small and large groups, with a bar and a stage.

Take a break from the chores and settle in at Klondike Kate’s place while the tunes play.

Before you leave, check out their gift store at the front desk for giftable items, merch and gift cards.

Address: 158 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, United States

Liquid Alchemy Beverages

There is nowhere in northern Delaware to find stronger honey-made wines and apple-based ciders than Liquid Alchemy.

Liquid Alchemy Beverages runs a small spot for tasting award-winning handcrafted meads and cider, just 20 minutes from Newark.

Using modern technology, Liquid Alchemy pulls old and new-world techniques together to make quality products like magic in a bottle. It is a meadery and a cidery in one industrial building.

Their mead flavors include Sweet-Nothing, Cosmo-Naughty, Pucker-Up-Baby and Overly-Hoptimistic. Try their lineup of award-winning ciders In-Core-Rigible, First State Cider and Cash-Ually-Hoptimistic.

Come to Liquid Alchemy Beverages and catch the Friday night Koi On The Go food truck for something good to eat. Their 5000-square-foot outdoor patio is where you want to be with friends or family after a long day.

If you prefer indoor seating, their bar with multiple barrel tables and stools is your spot. The place runs funky, Medieval-time decor, and it pulls locals and tourists alike.

Moreover, working through different mead and cider flights to find your local favorite will not hurt you. If you are not from the area, you might as well take some flavors home.

You can pick out a few elements in every sip, such as fresh oranges and cherries, chili peppers and other spices.

Do not miss Delaware’s first meadery and cidery, the only ones you will find in New Castle.

Address: 28 Brookside Dr, Wilmington, DE 19804, United States

Milburn Orchards

Drive 10 minutes further from Newark to pick some fresh, plump apples, and more besides.

There is no bad time to keep it local and go apple-picking in Delaware’s apple-growing region, except outside apple season.

Milburn Orchards is technically not in Delaware, but it sits only a little north and it is easy to reach. Besides being a pick-your-own-apples orchard, Milburn also grows peaches, blueberries and blackberries.

Every pick guarantees freshness, juiciness and quality taste. They make the strongest apple cider and apple cider doughnuts in the area.

Milburn Orchards celebrates over 120 years of family tradition. It is often listed among the strongest apple orchards in Delaware. Every family visit turns up positive feedback for the well-maintained facilities and friendly staff.

Enjoy a slow afternoon, long views and good ice cream from the Orchard View Deck. Milburn serves light lunches, snacks and flavorful desserts from Fridays through Sundays.

Milburn also has a farm-like Big Backyard where children and grown-ups alike can play and make new friends.

You do not want to miss the backyard’s happenings, including Milburn’s Fall Festival Weekends, Summer Pancake Breakfasts and Harvest Parties. The orchard is also a hit at Easter Festival and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.

Milburn Orchard has everything you need and more for a proper day out with the family.

Address: 1495 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD 21921, United States

Painting with a Twist

What could go wrong in a full night at Delaware’s paint-and-wine spot?

Gather the gang and make something at Painting with a Twist in Newark, Delaware. It will be your new favorite place to sip, socialize and create.

This Newark art studio runs easy-to-follow art lessons and painting classes for individuals and groups. Painting with a Twist goes by the saying, a little bit of paint, a little bit of wine, a whole lot of fun.

You get exactly that while opening up a new outlet through an art experience. Harness your inner artist with an apron, a brush and a glass of wine.

Each class lasts 2-3 hours and includes complimentary wine and beer. You can bring your own food to snack on and get something solid alongside your drinks. You will work with local pros who guide you through the whole process, and the art supplies are provided.

Do not forget to bring a camera and document your art as you go. You will take home a strong piece for certain. Your creativity cannot get more authentic than this.

Painting with a Twist runs a well-lit facility and comfortable space. In-studio events vary but often include Open Studio and Stencil Special, DIY candle, and Date Night.

They love to host private parties for special occasions like bachelorettes, baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays, seasonal celebrations, or a simple girl’s night out. You do not need a reason to request a private party room.

Address: 400 Suburban Dr, Newark, DE 19711, United States

Taverna

The heart of Newark, Delaware houses tons of attractions worth your time, including the rustic Italian restaurant Taverna.

Inspired by Italy’s warm kitchens and watering holes, Taverna Newark brings a rural touch to its cooking. They make serious coal-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and famous Italian dishes.

The wood and brick-walled restaurant sits between sophisticated and simple. Its light and casual atmosphere earns it the neighborhood gathering place in the city. The restaurant includes a long bar with a polished marble rest, which adds a bold feature to the room.

Family and friends choose Taverna for its skillet dishes and homemade pork sausages, main plates, pizza and daily specials. Their humble menu is carefully put together to please every palate.

Moreover, the restaurant pours seasonal drinks, 18 draft beers, and the first wine on draft in the state. Their flavors run from fruity and sweet to spicy and stronger.

If you are travelling through Newark and want a solid solo lunch, Taverna’s entree and main course selections have you covered. There are more than enough dishes and options to power you through the day.

Celebrate special occasions with their customized events, whether in your home or their venue. Taverna will bring your ideas to life in a way everybody will remember.

Address: 121 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711, United States

University of Delaware

Join a tour of the University of Delaware campus in the college town of Newark.

Even before stepping into the University of Delaware, you can already tell what a college town looks like. Newark’s main campus is one of the oldest universities in the US and is nationally ranked for excellence and performance.

UD’s location on Main Street sits close to cafes, restaurants and many shopping hubs.

Visit the award-winning faculty and buildings of the campus, including its cutting-edge labs and classrooms. Walk the bricked walkways of its green space and see what life is like at UD.

The University of Delaware promotes its increasingly diverse population and its programs and degrees, which rank it high among public universities.

Take a slow stroll around the campus or a student-guided one for a fuller tour. Learn about the school’s history, its milestones and the story behind each building and structure.

The UD community celebrates historical and traditional events, from a celebration of Women and Gender Studies to annual block parties.

Address: 210 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716, United States

White Clay Creek State Park

Work through the strongest trails in a Delaware state park along White Clay Creek.

With more than 37 miles of hiking and biking trails, White Clay Creek State Park runs a broad trail system. Work through the paved trails and the park with its historical Delaware monuments.

The heavily-stocked creek runs fishing and supports the river’s vegetation and spring wildflowers. Its flora along the Wild and Scenic River includes mayapple, lily, spring beauty and bloodroot.

Visit the state park’s Chambers House Nature Center for resources on the park and the creek’s long history. The creek trail itself gives you a closer look at White Clay’s views and wildlife.

For more wildlife viewing, head to Bryan’s Field Trail, while more advanced trails for bikers include Post Mark’d West.

White Clay Creek is not only a well-known Delaware state park but the largest one in the state.

Play disc golf on the park’s 18-round course or have brunch in one of their picnic spots. Its pavilion can host small to large parties for special occasions, and it suits a casual barbeque in a wooded space.

This local find in the middle of Newark runs extensive park activities that stay with you. Despite its location in a densely populated college town, you get a rural feel, peace and quiet.

Do not leave your pets behind, and take a morning stroll with long views in this Newark destination.

Address: Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd, Newark, DE 19711, United States

Xtreme Zone

Enjoy karting and axe throwing at Xtreme Zone’s state-of-the-art facility within New Castle.

Xtreme Zone is every thrill-seeker’s destination for high-adrenaline fun, including axe throwing, VR racing and indoor karting. A new addition to their facilities is the Airsoft shooting gallery.

Originally a Delaware Indoor Karting facility, Xtreme Zone brings virtual reality and adrenaline recreation into New Castle. The 20-minute drive from Newark, Delaware pays for itself with a Go-Kart track and hundreds of virtual sports cars.

Toss your stress away along with the axe at Xtreme Zone’s new range with digitally-projected targets.

Other amenities here include a snack bar and catering services for any event. Xtreme Zone takes birthday parties, corporate events, bachelorettes and family entertainment in a well-maintained space.

Moreover, the facilities are tailored to any skill level, competitive mood or simply a fun night out. It also houses pool tables and arcade machines for light games.

Established in 2005, Xtreme Zone still lands its first impressions. Their friendly and fast service gets them a wide reach. Visitors and locals alike work through everything it runs. Even its location sits conveniently away from heavy traffic.

Visit Delaware’s indoor go-kart and axe throwing center for a drive that pays out.

Address: 4060 N Dupont Hwy Suite 11, New Castle, DE 19720, United States

Frequently asked questions about Newark, Delaware

Which park in Newark is the one that gives you the most to play with?

Glasgow Regional. The dog park, the skate bowl, the fishing pond and several playgrounds all sit on the same ground, and it opens 365 days a year. The paved loop runs 4.2 km and takes a little over 45 minutes. Parking and entry there cost nothing. It is the only real park in that immediate area, so it draws a crowd.

Which trail near Newark is worth a whole morning of walking?

White Clay Creek. More than 37 miles of hiking and biking run through the largest state park in Delaware. Bryan’s Field Trail is the one for wildlife and Post Mark’d West is the harder ride for bikers. The Chambers House Nature Center will explain the creek to you properly before you ever set off. Stay for the creek trail: it earns the walk with the water, the wildflowers and a rural quiet you would not expect in a college town.

Which festival near Newark is worth planning a weekend around?

Milburn’s Fall Festival Weekends. Milburn Orchards sits about 10 minutes north, and the same farm runs Summer Pancake Breakfasts, Harvest Parties and an Easter Festival across the year. Apple picking is the draw, though peaches, blueberries and blackberries grow there too. The Big Backyard keeps children busy while the adults work through the cider doughnuts. Milburn sits over the state line in Maryland, so it is not technically a Delaware trip at all.

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