Today, I hiked 2.5 miles solo with my almost 2 year old and 4 year old without a stroller. We played “I Spy” with binoculars in hand and spotted turtles, frogs, owls, hawks, fish, cardinals, sparrows, squirrels, butterflies, and so many chipmunks that we dubbed the blue trail “Chipmunk Way”. I let my 4 yearContinue reading “Flat Rock Brook Nature Center: Englewood, NJ”
Monthly Archives: August 2020
Lasdon Park and Arboretum: Katonah, NY
My sons LOVE dinosaurs, so when a Park Mama reader recommended Lasdon Park and Arboretum for its small, but epic, dinosaur garden, we couldn’t wait to explore it! A scenic drive along the Taconic Parkway hinted of fall – golden and crimson leaves were already peeking through and the nip of cool air as weContinue reading “Lasdon Park and Arboretum: Katonah, NY”
Richard DeKorte Park: Lyndhurst, NJ
Effective 9/8/20 – Hours are 7am – 7pm daily An ecological wonder, Richard DeKorte Park is New Jersey’s first park built atop a landfill, a feat accomplished using a liner made of 400,000 recycled soda bottles. Now that’s turning trash into treasure! Boasting 3.5 miles of stroller-friendly trails, an environmental center, and butterfly pollinator garden,Continue reading “Richard DeKorte Park: Lyndhurst, NJ”
Richard Rutkowski Park: Bayonne, NJ
Situated adjacent to the Hackensack Riverfront Walkway and the expansive Stephen R. Gregg Park (both of which I also recommend), Richard Rutkowski Park is perfectly suited for leisurely strolls, biking, scooter riding, picnics, and bird watching. There are (2) quarter mile paths to explore – a paved and largely shaded biking path and a mostlyContinue reading “Richard Rutkowski Park: Bayonne, NJ”
Natirar Park: Far Hills, NJ
Spanning 4 towns (Peapack, Gladstone, Far Hills, and Bedminster), Natirar Park is HUGE and traverses hundreds of acres of fields, meadows, and woodlands, offering river access, paved and gravel walking trails, and plenty of space for running, biking, scooting, ball playing, and picnics while socially distancing with ease. Fun facts: Natirar is the reverse spellingContinue reading “Natirar Park: Far Hills, NJ”
Summer at Cheesequake State Park: Matawan, NJ
We were on the hunt for a beach-like experience without the crowds and stumbled upon Hooks Creek Lake at Cheesequake State Park. Open for swimming from 10:30am-6:00pm daily with 2 lifeguards on duty, Hooks Creek Lake is shallow enough for babies to enjoy, doesn’t have waves, and is a great place to teach young kiddosContinue reading “Summer at Cheesequake State Park: Matawan, NJ”
Holmdel Park: Holmdel Township, NJ
Home to Historic Longstreet Farm, an arboretum, pond, and 10 miles of trails, Holmdel Park is akin to Duke Farms in its design. A picnicker’s paradise, there are large swaths of shaded grassy areas, more than enough space to socially distance, play ball, walk the dog, ride a bike, scooter, go fishing, and learn aboutContinue reading “Holmdel Park: Holmdel Township, NJ”
Mill Creek Marsh: Secaucus, NJ
My local mommy group recommended Mill Creek Marsh as an uncrowded stroller-friendly walking path within a short drive and, as always, they did not disappoint. We visited on a dreary day, had the place all to ourselves, and enjoyed running and bird watching here. A flat and easy 1.5 mile loop was the perfect outingContinue reading “Mill Creek Marsh: Secaucus, NJ”
Deep Cut Gardens: Middletown, NJ
Walking into Deep Cut Gardens is like walking into your grandma’s garden – you know, the one with the green thumb. You’ll find vegetables like kale, potatoes, and peppers interspersed with a rainbow of fragrant blooming flowers serving as inspiration for home gardeners. Milkweed ensures there’s an abundance of butterflies throughout the gardens – everyContinue reading “Deep Cut Gardens: Middletown, NJ”
Duke Farms: Hillsborough, NJ
I love to drive. Fresh out of college, I took a job as a road warrior recruiting high school seniors across a 7 state territory for my alma mater. Armed with MapQuest directions (remember when that was a thing?) and keys to a state owned minivan, New Jersey was my first and longest assignment. LittleContinue reading “Duke Farms: Hillsborough, NJ”