Two adventures in one? Done and done. As an NJMOM, we know you’re a master of multi-tasking, and visiting one of the many beach playgrounds in New Jersey with the littles will check off two things on your bucket list. With one eye on the kids and the other on the crystal blue water, you’ll be able to keep your toes in the sand during these excursions to some of the best beach playgrounds in New Jersey. From award-winning designs at Seven Presidents Park to the serenity of the bay at Bay Beach & Swings in Beach Haven, playtime can’t get any more beautiful than at the beach. (feature photo credit: JCFamilies)
Beachfront: best playgrounds in New Jersey
Tony’s Place is one of our top best beach playgrounds in New Jersey. Photo Credit: Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park and the Monmouth Park County System
Tony’s Place in Long Branch
Filled with slides, “rocks” for climbing, and a colorful, fun design, Tony’s Place at Seven President’s Park is an award-winning castle of joy for kids. This park is right along the beach in Long Branch and is universally accessible, which means it offers inclusive fun for all children. This playground in New Jersey is free, but you need a permit to enter Seven President’s Park. Also nearby is the Skateplex skate park, making this a perfect stop for families with older and younger kids.
Tony’s Place
221 Ocean Ave. North, Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 842-4000 ext. 1 for a permit mention #Q4702A
Rachel D’Avino Playground in Asbury Park
This beachfront playground’s tranquility and beauty have an even deeper meaning because it was built in honor of Rachel D’Avino, killed in the Sandy Hook shootings. The Rachel D’Avino Playground incorporates this beloved teacher’s love of dragonflies and the beach and pays tribute to her passion for working with special needs children. It sits at 7th Avenue, right on the sand, and is part of the Sandy Ground Project: Where Angels Play, built in honor of the 26 Sandy Hook victims. There are several others located around New Jersey you can find out about here.
Rachel D’Avino Playground: 1501 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park 07712
For more information, visit the Where Angels Play Foundation
Lake Avenue Playground and Beach in Seaside Park
If your family enjoys a quieter playground scene, Lake Avenue Playground and Beach in Seaside Park might be your perfect spot. This laid-back bayside beach is family-oriented and home to one of the super cute playgrounds in New Jersey. Soak up the sun and enjoy the swings that fly over the sand and give you beautiful water views.
Lake Avenue Playground and Beach
1510 Lake Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
For more information, visit seasideparknj.org or call (732) 793-5100
Playground at Matador Oceanfront Resort in North Wildwood
Thanks to the city of North Wildwood, the Matador Oceanfront Resort on 16th Ave received brand-new playground amenities recently, perfect for young children. Think of everything your little ones need to swing, spin, and climb—a four-seated merry-go-round, slides, monkey bars, ladders, and chutes with a soft turf base (yay for no boo-boos). Though it’s right at the base of the motel, the playground is accessible from the street. With beach access just steps away, this playspace is an oceanside favorite.
Matador Oceanfront Resort
511 E 16th Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
For more information, call (609) 729-5567
One of the best playgrounds in New Jersey that makes you feel like you’re on the beach. Photo Credit: JCFamilies
Newport Green Park in Jersey City
Can’t make it down to the Jersey Shore for some playtime? You can still visit Hudson County’s “urban beach” at Newport Green Park in Jersey City. This park along the Hudson River is an oasis amidst busy family life in the city, with waterfront and Manhattan skyline views, making it one of the best playgrounds in New Jersey. The clean, modern playground equipment is fun and safe for little ones and includes cool features like a climbing net, splash pad, and carousel. A walkway to Hoboken and close to plenty of local restaurant faves make this park an easy stop for happy playtime.
Newport Green Park
14th Street and Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310
For more information, visit newportnj.com or call (201) 626-5000
Bay Beach & Swings in Beach Haven
If you’re heading to Long Beach Island this spring, Beach Haven should be on your list of must-stops. Bay Beach & Swings embraces the island lifestyle with its laid-back setup and gorgeous views for a break from rides and shopping. The location alone puts it among the best beach playgrounds in NJ. Whether you’re relaxing at a picnic table, climbing to the top of the kid-friendly rock walls, or flying high on the swing set, you’ll practically have a 180-degree view of the serene bay.
Boat Ramp Dr, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
For more information, call (609) 492-6262
Chase Kowalski Playground in Normandy Beach
This New Jersey playground was built in honor of Chase Kowalski, a Sandy Hook Elementary School first-grader. Chase used to compete in children’s triathlons, so this playground includes fun fitness stations. Whether your little one wants to play in the sand or on the equipment, this is an excellent spot for your kiddos to let loose.
412 7th Avenue, Mantoloking, NJ 08738
For more information, visit the Where Angels Play Foundation
Forked River Beach Bayfront Park in Forked River
This park is off the beaten path and the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. Take in some beautiful views while at this NJ playground, complete with nautical age-appropriate play areas, a fitness area, a gazebo, and a walking trail with benches. Your kids can climb on a whale or a ship while you squeeze in a workout at the fitness area.
1514 Beach Blvd., Forked River, NJ 08731
For more information, call (609) 290-3563
Loving this swing at one of the best beach playgrounds in NJ. Photo taken at “The Butterfly Playground” in Belmar
Jane Magovern’s Playground “The Butterfly Playground” in Belmar
This beach town is full of waterfront playgrounds, including this one named in honor of Belmar Mayor Brian Magovern’s late wife, one of the community’s most cherished teachers. This lakeside playground in NJ greets you with a butterfly arch, swings, and plenty of places for your kiddos to climb.
Ferruggiaro Park Corner of C Street and 8th Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719
For more information, call (732) 681-3700
Captain Joseph Buck Waterfront Park in Millville
If you are in West Jersey and looking for a park on the water, this is your place. Even if you are not on the shoreline, this park still has its own boardwalk, playground, gazebo, and plenty of space for fishing. This quiet park has a playground area for littles, and for history buffs, know that you are standing on sacred ground—the park is where soldiers once fought during the Revolutionary War.
Buck Street, Millville, NJ 08332
For more information, call (856) 825-7000
More beach playgrounds in NJ:
Bradley Beach Park in Bradley Beach
Windward Beach Park in Brick
33rd Avenue Playground in Longport
16th Avenue Beachfront Playground in North Wildwood
Old Bridge Waterfront Park in Old Bridge
Victory Park in Rumson
Olivia Engel Playground in Manasquan
Ann Marie Murphy Playground in Sea Bright
Pirate’s Cove at Cliffwood Beach
Shark Park in Brigantine
Away from the beach, but just as fun is Regatta Playground at South Mountain Recreation Complex in NJ and RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams in Toms River
What are your favorite beach playgrounds in NJ? We would love to hear in the comments below!
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