My husband and I definitely fall into that first category – our 2 rescue pups, Stanley & Henry, lived like little princes for a good 3 years before Diana arrived on the scene and claimed her spot on the throne. And although our dogs still enjoyed the good life after Di was born, we often found ourselves separating the kid fun from the canine fun. We’d take the pups for a quick spin around the neighborhood before leaving them at home all afternoon while we brought Diana to the park for a weekend birthday party. Or I’d take our Schnauzer mix for an after dinner jog while my hubby did bath and bedtime duty.

We really started feeling like a family of 5 (3 humans, 2 dogs) when we made the effort to enjoy a weekly outing all together. For those of you that have toddlers, you know that just watching a bunch of crazy pups run around is every bit as entertaining for them as a new Dora the Explorer episode. So here are a handful of dog parks in New Jersey that will tire out both the kids and canines simultaneously, ensuring a quiet car ride home and a relaxed evening to follow. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?!

Timber Creek Dog Park (Gloucester Township, NJ)

Located in a woodsy part of Camden County along Big Timber Creek, this tree-filled nature area holds Gloucester Township’s only dog-friendly park. Sure, there are definitely flashier dog parks in New Jersey complete with agility courses and designer doggie water fountains, but the whole family will appreciate the rugged and quiet beauty of 60 acre Timber Creek. And unlike so many parks in our state that require kids to be 8 and over to enter an off-leash dog run, Timber Creek is very welcoming to guests of all ages (under adult supervision of course!). The actual section dedicated just to doggies is really a 9 acre area of fenced off woods. You’ll be surprised how many dogs love to run and romp around trees and squirrels on uneven ground instead of a freshly manicured lawn. You can also leash up your pup and take everyone on one of the many nature trails (ranging from a ½ mile to across the entire park) or let the kids explore the tree-house inspired playground that looks like it fits right into the natural landscape. And when everyone (dog included) is tuckered out, spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch before heading home. For more information, please visit the Camden County Parks website or call (856) 216-2117.

Hamilton Park Dog Run (Jersey City, NJ)

Urban pups need somewhere to run too and Hamilton Park is our pick for Hudson County residents (and visitors). Green space is at a premium in the unofficial “6th borough” of New York City and even though Hamilton Park is steps away from the bustling Holland Tunnel, you’d never know it from this picturesque brownstone neighborhood. Though many Jersey City residents live within walking distance, 2 hour street parking is free all around the square. Hamilton Park boasts one of the most popular and well-kept playgrounds in the area (including equipment for all ages, from a gated off toddler section to sky-high slides for older kids) and 2 sparkling clean off-leash dog runs directly across from the playground, one for pups under 25lbs and one for the larger guys. This park is a no-brainer because both the sections for kids and dogs are within shouting distance of each other, ensuring that mom & dad can run back and forth and keep the whole gang happy. A beautiful gazebo and fountain decorate other areas of this historic-looking square. Throw in tall trees that stay lush and green in the summer and turn vibrant shades of gold and orange in the fall and you’ve got a great year-round outing. Also be sure and check out the farmers market, which takes place every Wednesday evening beginning in late May. For more information, please visit the City of Jersey City website or call (201) 547-5000.

Essex County South Mountain Dog Park (West Orange, NJ)

The South Mountain Dog Park opened in 2006 and is without-a-doubt one of the more up-to-date canine hang outs in our state. With a 1.3 acre fenced-in run for large dogs and almost a full acre for smaller dogs, you’ll find some pretty snazzy amenities here including doggie water fountains, agility courses, a wash and spray area and even a memorial at the park entrance honoring service dogs that lost their lives during 9/11. The only catch is that while South Mountain is geared towards families, only kids and teens ages 8 and up are permitted inside the off-leash areas. But before you write it off the list if you’ve got a younger tot in tow, it might help to know that South Mountain Reservation is one of the largest parks in the county and you’ll find 19 miles of nature trails, fishing, 10 picnic areas and the local favorite, Turtle Back Zoo. For more information, please visit the Essex County Parks website or call (973) 268-3500.


Manasquan “Dog Beach” (Manasquan, NJ)

You can go by the more formal name, Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, or do like the locals do, and just say “we’re headed to dog beach.” This beautiful inlet is located right on the Atlantic Ocean where the Intercoastal waterway begins on the eastern seaboard. Dog beach doesn’t discriminate and you’ll find a super friendly, relaxed mix of all breeds and sizes of pups, as well as couples, families with kids and single pooch owners looking to mingle. People are even known to throw their beloved pets birthday bashes right on the shore! Dogs are usually kept on leashes while walking in the sand, but can frolic and romp off-leash while in the water. Since both humans and canines will work up a thirst and an appetite, dog beach veterans recommend bringing fresh water and snacks for the whole gang. And even if you don’t have a dog in tow, just the sight of the beautiful water dotted with splashing pups will be enough to make you smile. Dogs, sand, sun and surf…what more could you want? For more information, please visit the Monmouth County Park System website or call (732) 922-4080.

Ramapo Valley County Reservation (Mahwah, NJ)

Worlds away from the New Jersey we usually think of (shopping malls, views of Manhattan and overly tanned tourists down the shore), this reservation and Bergen County park is located way up north on the New Jersey/New York border. Ramapo Valley offers some of the most versatile hiking trails and breathtaking views in the state. And while there is no formal “dog park,” pups are welcome to hike right along with their families. For moderate trails that will be enjoyable for your whole group, take a short jaunt around Scarlet Oak Pond or the MacMillan Reservoir. Advanced hikers can also obtain a list of more challenging trails. Tent camping and fishing are also permitted so adventurous families can camp with their pooch in tow and make a weekend out of it. Both urbanites and outdoors types will appreciate how unspoiled this area of our state is – besides the trails gently carved out of the wooded areas and mountains, this reservation remains largely untouched, providing a home to species of animals and trees unseen in southern or eastern parts of New Jersey. For more information, please visit the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference website or contact the Bergen County Department of Parks at (201) 336-7275.

For a more complete listing of dog parks and dog runs in New Jersey, visit BringFido.com.