Two adventures in one? Done and done. As an NJMOM, we know you’re a master of multi-tasking, and visiting one of the beach playgrounds in New Jersey will check off two things on your bucket list. With one eye on the kids and the other on the crystal blue water, you can keep your toes in the sand during these excursions to some of the best beach playgrounds in New Jersey. Scroll down for where to go down the shore for true beachfront or near the water in other areas of the state. Want more playground ideas? Check out the Regatta Playground in Essex County and RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams in Toms River. (feature photo credit: JCFamilies)

23 playgrounds in New Jersey on or near the beach

Tony’s Place in Long Branch

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 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. 
Tony’s Place
221 Ocean Ave. North, Long Branch, NJ 07740

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, a teacher killed in the Sandy Hook shootings. It 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. 
Rachel D’Avino Playground: 1501 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park 07712

Olivia Engel Playground in Manasquan

With three climbing towers and a swingset over the sand, this is a fun spot to stop after a day on the beach. Named in honor of Olivia, a six-year-old student from Sandy Hook Elementary who loved the beach and butterflies, all featured at the play area.
Sea Watch Beach, Manasquan, NJ 08736

Belmar Beach playground is on the sand, so your littles can have fun without ever having to leave the shore. Photo Credit: MRC Playgrounds

Beach Playgrounds in Belmar

You can find not one but four beach playgrounds along Ocean Avenue smack in the middle of the Belmar beaches. Swing, slide, and play right in the sand without ever having to get off of the beach. Your kiddos won’t want to miss the giant pirate ship play area right in the sand. 
4th, 8th, 12th, 16th Avenues, Belmar, NJ 07719

Windward Beach Playground in Brick

The beach is at the bottom of the hill, and uphill is a playground full of spots to play peek-a-boo through the tree holes of this nature-themed beach playground. Kids can run through the “forest” or climb the treehouse before sliding onto the cushioned mat below. 
265 Princeton Avenue, Brick, NJ 08724

Lake Avenue Playground and Beach in Seaside Park

This laid-back bayside beach is family-oriented and home to one of the super cute playgrounds in New Jersey. Soak up the sun, 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

Bay Beach & Swings in Beach Haven

If you’re heading to Long Beach Island, Bay Beach & Swings embraces the island lifestyle with its laid-back setup and gorgeous views. The location alone puts it among the best beach playgrounds in NJ. Whether relaxing at a picnic table, climbing to the top of the kid-friendly rock walls, or flying high on the swing set, you’ll have a 180-degree view of the serene bay.
Boat Ramp Dr, Beach Haven, NJ 08008

Shark Park in Brigantine

This community-built playground has all of the beachy vibes. With unique climbing structures, fun slides, and swings galore, it is the place to let your littles loose while taking in the shore breezes since it is steps away from the beach. 
26th Street and Brigantine Ave., Brigantine, NJ 08203

CSure Children’s Park in Ventnor City

This gated playground is across the street from the beach and has castles, towers, swings, and rope bridges. After a day at the shore, come here to slide, swing, and explore. Basketball courts are also nearby, perfect for older kids.
Somerset Ave., Ventnor City, NJ 08406

33rd Avenue Playground in Longport

While your toes are in the sand, your little ones can swing or slide on the playground. Lifeguards watch the beach nearby while your kids can run and play.
33rd Avenue, Longport, NJ 08403

William Morrow Beach in Somers Point

The beach area has everything from concerts and children’s events to fishing and sunsets. William Morrow Beach, also known as Somers Point Beach, is open to the public and is a free beach, too, with a playground to keep your kiddos moving.
Between Higbee and New Jersey Avenues on Bay Avenue, Somers Point, NJ 08244

Sunrise Park in Wildwood Crest

With ocean waves right down the path, Sunrise Park has it all. From an outdoor fitness area to a splash pad to a playground, this park boasts hours of entertainment. There are also many benches and a gazebo for parents to watch their kids run in the water or swing on the swings. 
E. Rambler Road and Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260

16th Avenue Beachfront Playground in North Wildwood

This North Wildwood playground is geared more toward younger children. Think of everything your little ones need to swing, spin, and climb—all on the sand and with ocean views. It’s a great place to visit if you are looking for a few minutes out of the water. 
16th Ave. and Beach, North Wildwood, NJ 08260

10 waterfront playgrounds in New Jersey

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 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

Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy

With views of Raritan Bay and New York City and a playground, who could ask for more? This nautically themed park also has a nature study area. In addition to the playground, there are baseball fields, a biking path, bocce courts, football fields, and walking and hiking trails.
201 John T. O’Leary Blvd., South Amboy, NJ 08879

Old Bridge Waterfront Park in Laurence Harbor

Take the boardwalk leading back towards Paul’s Beach, or take the paved walking paths towards Margaret’s Creek, and you’ll spot a playground with views of Raritan Bay. While the kids play, take a seat on one of the benches to soak in the stuffing water views. The Laurence Harbor section also offers easy pedestrian access to local stores, bait shops, and restaurants.
1729 NJ 35, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879

Pirate’s Cove in Cliffwood Beach

The Pirate’s Cove section in Cliffwood Beach has a boardwalk that leads out into the salt marsh. It also has a playground, wildlife viewing areas, paved walking paths, and a gazebo. Kayakers can access Raritan Bay from the kayak launch onto Whale Creek.
Raritan Boulevard, Old Bridge Township, NJ 08857

Victory Park in Rumson

Your littles can play on the playground while the adults can take in the views of the Navesink River. This park also has two tennis courts with lighting, a basketball court with lighting, a bocce court, and a gazebo with benches and a bandstand.
1 Lafayette Street, Rumson, NJ 07760

Jane Magovern’s Playground, “The Butterfly Playground” in Belmar

This beach town is filled with 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

Divine Park in Spring Lake

If you are looking for a playground in the shade, then Divine Park is the place for you. There are plenty of swings, slides, and fun tubes that kids can climb and slide down. There is even a smaller playground for younger kids, all while taking in the views of the lake.
West Lake Drive, Spring Lake, NJ 07762

Trader’s Cove in Brick

The breezes at this waterfront park are perfect on a warm day. Watch your little ones climb, slide, and bounce around this matted play area. This park has 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

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 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

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. It’s not the shore, but this 9-acre park with a lake has a boardwalk, a playground with climbing space, a gazebo, and plenty of space for fishing. 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

What are your favorite waterfront and beach playgrounds in New Jersey? 

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