If your kids are tired of the same old playground, here’s an idea—take a road trip to discover some of the best playgrounds in NJ. And happily, with warmer weather on the horizon, it’s a perfect time to try them out. To help you plan, we created a list of our favorite places to let your kiddos climb, run, and slide, and many offer cool themes and accessible equipment for inclusive play. Scroll down to find one of the best playgrounds in NJ near you, and don’t miss our guide to beachfront playgrounds too. (featured photo credit: istock/helen89)
These are the best playgrounds in NJ
Best Playgrounds in NJ – North Jersey
The Regatta playground at South Mountain Recreation Complex is not to be missed. Photo Credit: MRC Recreation.
Essex County Regatta Playground
Ahoy, maties—within the waterfront section at South Mountain Recreation Complex, along the Orange Reservoir, is this nautical-themed playground. Huge ship masts, boats for big and littles, and swings for all shapes and sizes cover the grounds. Your kiddos can also test their balancing skills on a giant seesaw designed to look like a dragonfly, balance beams, and climb on faux rocks.
Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 07052
Berry Lane Park Playground
Who wants to play in Jersey City’s first new park in over 50 years? This 17-acre urban park was designated a brownfield from its former rail and industrial uses and then reclaimed as a public space. Climb, swing, and slide your way around this urban playground that begins at the foot of Berry Lane and continues south to the Bergen-Hudson Light Rail System.
Garfield Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07304
Kidstreet Playground
This playground is a part of Slattery Park, named after William Slattery, a politician and coal merchant. With a bunch of wooden climbing structures, a two-story pirate ship, and a zip line, there’s lots of equipment that appeals to all ages.
700 Garretson Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Liberty State Park Playground
Where else can you take in the scenery of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island while your kiddos run around the playground? The stunning views make playing fun, and the location, including Liberty Walk, a picnic area, and Interpretive Center, is a great spot to linger after. Plus, Liberty Science Center is to the west of the park, and it’s the only NJ location with Ferry service to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
535 Freedom Way, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Montville Community Playground
Where do you start at this playground? The tire swings, net obstacle course, and humungous slide make it a popular spot for all kids. This handicap-accessible playground in NJ has various ramps and wheelchair-accessible swings that give everyone a chance to use the equipment.
130 Changebridge Road Montville, NJ 07045
Overpeck Park Playground
With so many spots to climb and slide, Overpeck Playground is an excellent place for your kids to let their sillies out. When your kiddos are done climbing, they can get on their bikes with options of over 5 miles of paths. Or they can take in the views from the observation deck, run in the 40-acre open field, and if they need a break, there is a pretty gazebo nearby.
199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Ponderosa Farm Park
Climb high at this park with plenty of recreational equipment, or bring your bathing suit to get wet at their spray park in the summer. There are fun twisty slides, swings, and a soft cushioned mat underneath. Trails and playing fields are also on site.
1600 Cooper Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Newport Green Playground
Did you know that Hudson County has an “urban beach” at Newport Green Park in Jersey City? This park along the Hudson River with waterfront and Manhattan skyline views has a clean, modern playground with a climbing net, splash pad, and a carousel. If you or your little one need a refreshment, this play area is not far from Hoboken or many local restaurants.
14th Street and Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310
The Loop Playground
Located within the Watchung Reservation and near the Trailside Nature Center, The Loop has a treehouse, rock climbing structures, climbing ladders, stepping pods, and bridges (no wonder locals consider it the best playground in New Jersey). There is even a second playground for younger children, complete with swings, slides, and steering wheels. A small spray ground area is available for the whole family to cool off between the two playgrounds.
Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ 07092
This extra-large nature-themed play spot offers equipment for all ages. It also has a volleyball court, zipline, and spray ground. Don’t miss the lunar burst, jumping obstacles, and carousel.
49-59 Greenbrook Road, Greenbrook, NJ 08812
This seventh-largest park in Essex County is one of few playgrounds with a zipline that your kiddos can sit or stand on. Check out the playground structures sprinkled throughout this park, including slides and climbing apparatuses.
Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road, Essex Fells, NJ 07021
Castles, big and small, are spread out all over this Shunpike Field playground. Your littles will have a blast running over bridges to peek into the highest towers, and bigger kids will love climbing to the top.
651 Shunpike Road, Chatham, NJ 07928
This North Jersey playground is located in Yanticaw Park, and it is full of fast slides, long bridges, and even a cute turtle climb-on structure. Bonus: this playground is also gated.
120 Vincent Place, Nutley, NJ 07110
This one is for baseball lovers—climb a giant bat or travel over or under a huge baseball glove. There are also slides, swings, and a seated merry-go-round.
520 Schuyler Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032
This bright and colorful playground is perfect for kids ages 2 and up. Enjoy a merry-go-round, rope pyramid, and a variety of slides in this nature-themed play spot. This playground is gated, and it is also ADA-compliant.
88 Darwin Ave., Rutherford, NJ 07070
This newly renovated park has three play areas and a rubberized mat underneath all structures. Kids will have fun on the monkey bars, slides, rings, and more.
385 E. Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090
This brand-new playground near Union County College is a must-see. Your older kids will love exploring the rope bridge connecting two tall towers, or the younger ones can try a smaller version. Don’t miss the super-fast slides.
Springfield Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016
Get ready to climb high at this North Jersey playground. This playground is full of rope climbing challenges and obstacles to keep your kiddo moving. This playground is also ADA-compliant, and it was even part of a Little Tikes commercial.
105 Haines Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854
This vast playground is full of structures that allow kids to climb, swing, and slide for hours. There is also a music area that doubles as a spray ground in the warmer months.
Bloomfield Avenue and Conger Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
This playground is part of a larger park system in Bergen County. Your kiddos will love the swings and all of the monkey bars. There is also a zoo, pony rides, carousel, and picnic pavilions nearby.
216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652
A few more of the Best Playgrounds in North New Jersey
Buchmuller Park – Secaucus, NJ
Prehistoric Playground at the Turtle Back Zoo – West Orange, NJ
Dave Waks Memorial Park – Wayne, NJ
Warnaco Park – Union County, NJ
Smit Memorial Park Playground – Secaucus, NJ
Glenfield Park – Montclair, NJ
Edgemont Memorial Park Playground – Montclair, NJ
Best Playgrounds in NJ – Central Jersey
Windward Beach Park has the best of both worlds…the “forest” and the beach. Photo Credit: MRC Recreation.
Windward Beach Playground
Play peek-a-boo with your little one through the tree holes of this nature-themed beach playground. Kids can run through the “forest” or climb the treehouse before sliding down onto the cushioned mat below. In addition to the play area, there are also several picnic areas, and the beach is at the bottom of the hill. This playground is from MRC Recreation, which has teamed up with the Ashley Lauren Foundation to provide hope and help children with cancer.
265 Princeton Avenue, Brick, NJ 08724
Challenger Place at Dorbrook Park
Challenger Place is the first universally integrated playground in NJ. Three play structures allow children of varied abilities to play together in wheelchair-accessible areas. There’s also the Lion’s Sensory Den, explicitly designed for blind or visually impaired children. After the playground, check out the paved trails, tennis courts, and the spray ground.
Dorbrook Park E Loop, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Field of Dreams
With over three acres of inclusive play for all ages, the Field of Dreams in Toms River was created with accessibility in mind. From a baseball field to the basketball court to the 9-hole mini-golf course and a playground area specially designed to accommodate wheelchairs and adaptive equipment, every child can experience the joy of play at this playground. Field of Dreams is open seasonally, starting on April 22, 2024.
1511 North Bay Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
Mantoloking Bridge County Park
The breezes at this waterfront park are perfect on a warm day. Watch your little ones climb up, slide down, and bounce around this matted play area. This park is complete with new bulkheads, a public boat ramp, a travel lift, a walking path, picnic benches, and even a bird-watching area.
30 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723
Tony’s Place
Slides, climbing rocks, and bright-colored equipment fill this playground at Seven President’s Park. After a day at the beach, your kiddos can get out the rest of their energy since this park is along Long Branch’s shore. It is also universally accessible, which means inclusive fun for everyone. The Skateplex skate park is also nearby, making this a perfect stop for families with older and younger kids.
221 Ocean Ave. North, Long Branch, NJ 07740
At Ocean County Park, there are plenty of swings, slides, and climbing opportunities for kids to enjoy, as well as nearby picnic tables if you want to bring lunch.
161 Village Way, Brick, NJ 08724
This Maclearie Park playground will send your little aviator’s heart soaring. Climb, slide, and run around this plane-themed playground. There is even a plane that your little pilot can play in with views of the water.
905 NJ-35, Belmar, NJ 07719
The Jackson Jungle has over 18,000 square feet of play space, including mazes, monkey bars, and tunnels. Kids will keep busy on the swings, twisty slides, in the toddler section, and even on a wooden train.
2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, NJ 08527
Enjoy the lakeside views while your children try twisty and tube slides and run around this gigantic park.
1678 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550
A few more of the Best playgrounds in Central New Jersey
Cross Farm Park – Holmdel, NJ
Lake Riveria Park – Brick, NJ
Herbertsville Park – Brick, NJ
Angela Hibbard Park Playground – Brick, NJ
Pine Lake Park and Playground – Manchester, NJ
Best Playgrounds in NJ – South Jersey
Beach Bayfront Park in Forked River is the perfect place for play and picturesque sunset views. Photo Credit: MRC Recreation.
Forked River Beach Bayfront Park
This playground is a little off the beaten path but worth the trip since it’s full of picture-perfect sunrise and sunset views. While you take in the scenery, your kiddos can climb on nautical, age-appropriate play areas. If you feel energized, try out their outdoor fitness area or take a seat in the pavilion. There are also walking trails with benches.
1514 Beach Blvd., Forked River, NJ 08731
Cape May Zoo
After spending the day checking out the animals, head to the Cape May Zoo playground. Swing like a monkey, slide like a penguin, or climb like a goat on a huge playground that is steps away from the animals and a great spot to let your littles run wild.
707 US 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Estell Manor Park
A former site for glassworks in the 1800s and a munition plant site during World War I, this Atlantic County park with multiple playground sites has much to offer everyone in the family. With climbing structures like dinosaurs, a pirate ship, and a treehouse at different spots throughout the park, littles can have fun for hours. Afterward, check out the glasswork ruins, butterfly garden, nature center, and raised trails.
109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Jake’s Place – Cherry Hill and Delran
Jake’s Place is named after Jacob Myles Cummings-Nasto (“Baby Jake”), who was loved by many and left the world too soon. These award-winning, all-inclusive playgrounds are complete with cushioned surfaces, wide ramps for wheelchairs and assistive equipment, bridges, sensory play areas, and even specialized areas for people with autism. There are also swings, a wheelchair glider, and rock walls available to climb.
101 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, and 12 Hartford Road, Delran, NJ 08075
Fasola Park
Climb high in the spider web structure, try out the spinning wheel, or get dizzy in the sphere spin seats at this best playground in New Jersey. Kiddos can choose from two playgrounds, one for the little ones and one for the bigger kids. Adults can sneak in a workout while kids play in the adjoining fitness areas. After, meet at the splash pad to cool off before heading home.
12 Sycamore Lane, Deptford, NJ 08096
Imagination Kingdom
Let your little one be king or queen for a day at this newly resurfaced castle-themed playground. This top Pemberton playground has seesaws, tire swings, sway tables, rock climbing walls, climbing ropes, and more. Find toddler and regular swings, spinning dizzy chairs, and musical equipment—combined with the traditional selection of monkey bars, tunnels, and slides at this best playground in New Jersey.
9, -23 4 Mile Road, Pemberton, NJ 08068
Pennington Park Playgrounds
There are not one but two playgrounds at Pennington Park, and other opportunities are available to your kids, too. Educate your littles about Rancocas Creek and its several habitats, including wetlands, tidal ponds and marshland, creek shoreline, and meadows. Hike, bike, or rollerblade on the trail network, and when you need a break, there are picnic areas and several picnic shelters available.
801 Creek Road, Delanco, NJ 08075
Playground at Matador Oceanfront Resort
At the Matador Oceanfront Resort on 16th Ave, you’ll find a spectacular playground for kids of all ages. Your littles can swing, spin, and climb over a soft turf base. This play area is accessible from the street, and there are beach access steps away.
511 E 16th Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
This wooden playground will let any kid feel like they are in charge. It’s connected to another playground so that kids can go from one to the next.
2 Commonwealth Drive, Medford, NJ 08055
This baseball-themed playground has fun climbing and sliding areas. Several sports fields are nearby, so bring a ball to kick around when you’re done sliding and swinging.
Whitcomb Road, Lacey, NJ 08731
With high climbing structures and low-level areas for littles, this playground has something for every kid. Slides, swings, and climbing structures are spread out throughout the play space.
1045 S. Church Street, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
This handicap-accessible playground also includes a tennis court, sand volleyball court, and the Bow Wow Dog Park. There are plenty of places to run, slide, and jump.
Cooper Ave., Pennsauken, NJ 08110
This Manahawkin playground is right next to the Ocean Acres Golf Country Club and is full of fun. Your littles will enjoy rope climbing, a ladder bridge, and balance beams, all in a pretty lakeside setting.
Buccaneer Lane, Stafford Township, NJ 08050
This playground has some fantastic side-by-side slides, perfect for racing family and friends. There are also many climbing structures for littles to get their energy out.
Sycamore Ave., Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
A few more of the Best Playgrounds in South New Jersey
Ritter Park – Waterford, NJ
East New Street Park – Glassboro, NJ
James G. Atkinson Memorial Park – Washington Township, NJ
Chestnut Branch Park – Sewell, NJ
Washington Lake Park – Sewell, NJ
We think these are among the best playgrounds in NJ. Share your favorite spot with us!
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