Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey in 2023 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New Jersey with Kids

Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey

The accessible playground at Watsessing Park is a dream come true for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive

You may find a zoo or water feature at one of these tricked-out spots.

Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra

Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

Dying for outdoor time? Trails at NJ's state parks and forests are open to the public!

The Jackson Jungle Playground offers a maze of towers to climb and explore. Photo by Brittany Bates

New Jersey Playgrounds Cool Enough for Big Kids

These eight NJ romping spots prove playgrounds aren't just for little kids.

Toddlers love crawling through the tunnels at Colonial Park's playground in Somerset, NJ.

Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in New Jersey

These New Jersey tot lots offer tons of fun for little ones.

Outhouse orchards corn maze

Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids

Our fall guide is loaded up with farm fun, harvest festivals, and the best of the season for NJ...

Enjoy the massive playground and splash pad at Van Saun Park. Photo courtesy of the park

12 Things to Do With Kids on a Day Trip to Van Saun Park

Check out all the rec options at this Bergen County park.

Visiting the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia with Kids

Visiting the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

No matter the season, there is something to do and see in this massive garden.

Rail Explorers offers a variety of rail trail experiences to bike in New York state.

Best Biking Rail Trails near NYC: Get Your Rail Explorers Off-Road

All aboard these abandoned rail trails for an active all-ages adventure.

The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is full of springtime family fun. Video by Andre Sala.

Must-See Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey's Branch Brook Park

The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is a can't-miss spring celebration for NJ families.

Explore the easy trails at Eagle Rock Reservation and you might just find something new. Photo by Judith San Pedro Belmonte

10 Favorite NJ Parks and Reservations with Fun for Kids

Have a nature adventure with hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more!

Hike amidst the soaring hemlock trees along the river at Hacklebarney State Park, which provide summer shade and brilliant fall colors.

Hacklebarney State Park: Kid-friendly Hikes Along the River in NJ

Follow the trail by the river or hike through the woods at Hacklebarney.

Cross-country skiing is easily accessible from NYC.

Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Hit the Trails With Kids

Fresh powder means its time to slap on some skis.

Most trails at Hacklebarney State Park follow along the river.

A Dozen Easy Hiking Trails in NJ for Families to Tackle This Fall

Get back to nature with 12 NJ hikes that are perfect for little legs.

Best Nature Centers in New Jersey to Visit with Kids

You don't have to wait for warmer weather to enjoy nature; these spots offer indoor and outdoor fun...

Allaire State Park has several family-friendly hiking trails. Photo by sister72/cc_by_2.0

Explore the Past and the Great Outdoors at Allaire State Park

With natural beauty, seasonal fun, and historical charm , Allaire is an NJ family fave.

The founders of Jake's Place Playground in Cherry Hill want to bring all-inclusive playgrounds to every NJ county.

10 Awesome Accessible Playgrounds for New Jersey Kids

These all-inclusive playgrounds offer fun for kids of all abilities.

Enjoy the massive playground and splash pad at Van Saun Park. Photo courtesy of the park

12 Things to Do With Kids on a Day Trip to Van Saun Park

Check out all the rec options at this Bergen County park.

Climb the ropes at KidStreet Playground. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

14 Themed Playgrounds in NJ that Take Fun to New Heights

A farm, castle, treehouse, and more—these aren't your average playgrounds!

Great Swamp: Year-Round Nature Trails for New Jersey Kids

Walk the boardwalk through the woods at Great Swamp to see wildlife and other natural wonders.

Newport Green Park: An Urban Oasis and Playground in Jersey City

This gem includes a playground, splash pad, man-made beach, and walkway, plus postcard views.

South Mountain Reservation for Kids: Swings, Zoo, Fairy Trail

South Mountain Reservation offers easy family hikes, a mega playground, zoo, and even a fairy trail.

The Great Divide prides itself on its beautifully maintained facilities.

16 Best Family Campgrounds in New Jersey

Experience the great outdoors as a family at one of these 16 NJ campgrounds.

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is home to hundreds of plant species and almost as many migrating birds.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums With Kid-Friendly Programming in New Jersey

We're not known as the Garden State for nothing!

The playground is a highlight of the reservation.

Visiting Watchung Reservation in New Jersey with Kids

Easy nature trails, modern playground, picnic spots, and an indoor nature center make Watchung...

More Playgrounds & Parks

Be a princess (or prince) for the day at Kip's Castle Park.

Kip's Castle Park in Verona, NJ: A Day Trip Fit for Royalty

Make your kid's fairytale dreams come true with a visit to Kip's Castle Park in Verona. READ MORE

Newport Green Park: An Urban Oasis and Playground in Jersey City

This gem includes a playground, splash pad, man-made beach, and walkway, plus postcard views. READ MORE

The founders of Jake's Place Playground in Cherry Hill want to bring all-inclusive playgrounds to every NJ county.

10 Awesome Accessible Playgrounds for New Jersey Kids

These all-inclusive playgrounds offer fun for kids of all abilities.READ MORE

KidStreet Playground: Playdate Perfection in Bridgewater, NJ

This gem of a playground is a day trip–worthy destination.READ MORE

Pier C Park in Hoboken: An Urban Oasis for NJ Kids and Families

This day trip–worthy park will delight kids of all ages—and parents, too.READ MORE

Climb the ropes at KidStreet Playground. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

14 Themed Playgrounds in NJ that Take Fun to New Heights

A farm, castle, treehouse, and more—these aren't your average playgrounds! READ MORE

More Outdoor Fun

Settle into the reciled seats of a rail bike for a bike riding adventure with Revolution Rail Co.

Hit the Trails With Revolution Rail Company for Bike Riding Along Train Tracks in Cape May

All aboard the quad bike for this unique family adventure. READ MORE

Load up the kids and strollers, and check out these stroller-friendly walks.

16 Stroller Walks in New Jersey

Put on some comfy shoes and pack some snacks, then tackle these trails. READ MORE

Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Cream of the Crop: 15 Top Farms in New Jersey for Family Entertainment

Apple picking, animals, hayrides, festivals, games, and more await at these NJ farms. READ MORE

Johnson's Corner Farm

Pick Your Own Guide to Farms in New Jersey

Apple picking spots, hayrides, baby animals, pumpkin patches, and more fun at NJ farms.READ MORE

Nature Walks & Hikes

Hike amidst the soaring hemlock trees along the river at Hacklebarney State Park, which provide summer shade and brilliant fall colors.

Hacklebarney State Park: Kid-friendly Hikes Along the River in NJ

Follow the trail by the river or hike through the woods at Hacklebarney.READ MORE

Best Nature Centers in New Jersey to Visit with Kids

You don't have to wait for warmer weather to enjoy nature; these spots offer indoor and outdoor fun...READ MORE

Boonton's "Little Niagara" is an easily accessible waterfall in Grace Lord Park. Photo courtesy of Boonton, NJ

Easy Waterfall Hikes for Families in Northern NJ

Find the best spots to go chasing waterfalls in northern NJ with kids!READ MORE

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is home to hundreds of plant species and almost as many migrating birds.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums With Kid-Friendly Programming in New Jersey

We're not known as the Garden State for nothing!READ MORE

More Family Fun

Spring Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids

Best seasonal events and activities for kids.READ MORE

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids

Best play spaces, bowling, obstacle courses, museums, and more NJ spots for when bad weather...READ MORE

Kids' Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones in New Jersey

From bounce houses and indoor mini golf to snowboarding and ice skating, these action spots are fun...READ MORE

Photo by Liz Baill

At-Home Guide for Families: 100s of Activities for Kids

Indoor activities, games, and online fun to keep kids busy during the pandemic. READ MORE

Archives

Great Beachfront Playgrounds on the Jersey Shore

Swing, climb, and slide in the sand at these awesome oceanfront playgrounds. READ MORE

Toms River Field of Dreams Playground Brings New Park for Kids of All Abilities

This inventive new playground makes it easy for all abilities to romp and play. READ MORE

12 Things to Do With Kids on a Day Trip to Van Saun Park

Check out all the rec options at this Bergen County park. READ MORE

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive

You may find a zoo or water feature at one of these tricked-out spots. READ MORE

Visit National Parks in 2023 on Free National Park Entrance Days: Yellowstone, Zion, Acadia, and More

Get outdoors to celebrate America's natural beauty for FREE.READ MORE

Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in New Jersey

These New Jersey tot lots offer tons of fun for little ones.READ MORE

Parks & Playgrounds