We visited Hooks Creek Lake at Cheesequake State Park in the summer, but didn’t make it past the sand pit with our enthusiastic little diggers, so we were excited to explore more of the park last weekend. Autumn has most certainly arrived here, and the trees are dressed as stoplights, shining brightly in crimson, gold,Continue reading “Fall at Cheesequake State Park: Matawan, NJ”
Category Archives: Parks
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”
Brookdale Park and Rose Garden: Montclair, NJ
We discovered Brookdale Park and Rose Garden in June, and it’s one of our favorite places to go. Quick drive, easy street parking, shaded, paved paths, wide open fields, scenic, and clean bathrooms – this place checks off all the boxes. Designed by the Olmsted Firm (the same folks who designed Central Park), this spaceContinue reading “Brookdale Park and Rose Garden: Montclair, NJ”
Loantaka Brook Reservation: Morris Township, NJ
We discovered this gem a few weeks ago and it has quickly become a favorite respite from our densely populated urban life. Magical. Heavenly. Peaceful. Green. That’s how I would describe this place. Babbling brooks, cute little bridges, stroller-friendly trails, wildflowers, grassy fields, and tons of animals. We spotted chipmunks galore, butterflies, dragonflies, fish, dogs,Continue reading “Loantaka Brook Reservation: Morris Township, NJ”
Grover Cleveland Park: Essex Fells, NJ
We begin the day by singing a song: “Let’s go on an adventure! Time to go and explore. So much to see on our adventure. I can’t wait to see more!” Singing helps energize our boys and excites us to explore something new. I tell them about the place we’re going to that day overContinue reading “Grover Cleveland Park: Essex Fells, NJ”
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