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Outdoor Activities
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items Biking, hiking, walking, kayaking and swimming outdoors year-round and seasonally in NJ! Some really top-notch awesome festivals!
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NJ Outdoor Activities
NJ Outdoor Activities
Multi-purpose trails, skiing, snowboarding, gorgeous playgrounds, beautiful beaches, thrilling amusement parks, refreshing spray parks and waterparks, dog parks and fun boardwalks!
Free bike rentals! Beautiful trails through the Pine Barrens ending in a scenic view of Toms River!
Cattus Island County Park
Scenic 5-mile trail through the pine barrens.
Wells Mills County Park
Stunning park to go swimming, short hiking paths, biking in the off-season on the one main road and kayaking through the picturesque Sedge Islands. There is also a very interesting nature center. In September, they have a wonderful Beach Plum Festiva...
NJDEP | Island Beach State Park | New Jersey State Park Service
Spectacular parks with lovely paved and unpaved trails that can be used for hiking, biking and skiing (they rent skis and snowshoes when it snows for very reasonable rates). There is also boating on the small lake with reasonably priced boat rentals....
Thompson Park • Cross Farm Park
Beautiful mostly paved trails and bike paths! Ranger led tours of the historic area and lighthouse!! Bathing beaches (including one nude beaches and spectacular observation deck! Kayaking!
Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area (U.S. ...
Picturesque dirt hiking trails overlooking the pristine lake. Swimming and boating. Ranger led hikes and kayaking.
Cheesequake State Park
Most beautiful and longest stretch of boardwalk in NJ (Deal to Sea Girt)!! Bike in the off-season or walk through gorgeous towns and lakes, stop at several fun playgrounds and picnic areas, swim in the ocean, tour the lighthouses, play pinball and mi...
Boardwalks - Welcome To Monmouth County, New Jersey
Bike in the off-season or walk the boardwalk and take the jitney back! Check out some parks, swim in the ocean, gamble in the casinos, catch a show or concert, play mini golf, climb the lighthouse, dine in your choice of restaurants at a variety of p...
Atlantic City Boardwalk and Ventnor City Boardwalk (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with ...
Breathtaking trail to hike or bike!! The trail is completely paved.
Henry Hudson Trail
Serene trail for biking or hiking. The trail is completely paved.
Barnegat Branch Trail, New Jersey - 291 Reviews, Map
Beautiful boardwalk, streets and bridge to walk in-season and bike off-season.
Boardwalk and 9th St. Bridge | Ocean City NJ
Manahawkin Bay Bridge and Cedar Bonnet Island
Manahawkin Bay Bridge and Cedar Bonnet Island, New Jersey - 182 Reviews, Map
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Beautiful park with paved trails for biking, wheel chairs and strollers. Good for beginner/young children bikers.
Willingboro Lakes County Park
Beautiful park with paved trails for beginner and young child bikers, strollers or wheelchairs.
Boundary Creek Natural Resource Area
Beautiful park with scenic views and lovely dirt trails.
Amico Island Park | Burlington County, NJ - Official Website
Beautiful hike!! Lovely path through the lake!! Go in the fall for the Family Float Festival with free canoeing that begins in Smithville Park and offers free shuttle service back. Go for a Christmas Tour of the historic mansion. Read the informative...
Historic Smithville Park
Gorgeous paved trails which connect to the Hudson River Trail through nearby municipalities. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and learn some of the history of immigrants to the US. See the sweeping views across the Hudson River ...
Liberty State Park
The stunning NJ Botanical Gardens are here! Check out Skyline Mansion all decked up for Christmas-the most beautifully decorated mansion I ever set eyes on! Bathe in the beautiful lake in the summer! Take a tour of Ringwood Manor and hear the Family'...
Ringwood State Park
BEAUTIFUL park with mostly all paved trails for hiking and biking!
Loantaka Brook Reservation
Beautiful paved paths for biking and hiking!! Bikes are available to rent. Check out the amazing collection of orchids!!
Duke Farms
Beautiful lakeside beach for summer swimming and boating!! Lovely dirt paths to go hiking.
NJDEP | Atsion Recreation Area | New Jersey State Park Service
Serene lake and beach for swimming. My happy place to go to escape!! Beautiful dirt trails for hiking! Multi-purpose trails for biking!
Belleplain State Forest
Beautiful park with a few ruins and dirt paths for hiking and biking. Free bike rentals.
Estell Manor Park
Stunning hike with spectacular views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge and NYC skyline from cliffs and at the riverbank! Lots of steps up and down the cliff. Some people prefer to drive up and down the cliff. This park gets very crowded i...
Home | Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey
These parks (Delaware and Raritan on the NJ side and Delaware and Lehaska on the PA side) have 4-5 loops with bridges to bike on gravel paths!! So picturesque!! So tranquil!! Also, bike the Millstone Valley Scenic Bikeway on the D&R side.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
The kayak trips are spectacular!! My favorites were: Delaware River (a different section of the river from Big Bear), Graveyard of the Ships, Manasquan River and Shrewsbury River. Sign-up today!!
Kayak East LLC
Paddle through the spectacular, pristine waters of the NJ Pinelands National Forest Reserve!!
Pinelands Adventures
Paddle down the gorgeous Delaware River with gear and pickup rented from Big Bear!!
BIG BEAR KAYAK PADDLE BOARD & BIKE RENTALS (909) 878-3155 ...
Beautiful kayak trips around the Ocean City area!
DAKS Kayaks and Paddle boards
Beautiful kayak trip in Ocean City!!
Baycats - Ocean City, NJ - Kayaks, Paddle Boards & Catamarans
Kayak one of the largest (and stunning) reservoirs in NJ-Monksville Reservoir!!
Flatwater Paddle Co.
Nice paved path suitable for biking through Atlantic County, beginning at a shopping plaza that connects to a small historic municipal museum (that is only open on weekends) and ends at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology.
Atlantic County Bikeway
Manasquan Reservoir
Union Transportation Trail
Gorgeous dirt trail and lake suitable for hiking, biking and boating. Boat (kayak and canoe) rentals and gear available for a nominal price. Beautiful nature center and welcome center at the half-way points along the perimeter loop trail. Must take a...
Manasquan Reservoir
FREE, large, amazing zoo with spectacular playground and short hiking trails. The back entrance of the zoo connects to the Middle Township and Cold Spring Bike Paths. Treetops Adventure is magnificent!!
Cape May County Park & Zoo
Beautiful zoo and park to walk around in the warmer months, with a must see Holiday Light Display during the holiday season!!
Bergen County Zoo
Small, but fun zoo!! Stunning animal light displays in the winter season!! Wonder perimeter paved walkway around the lake with a magnificent playground to enjoy.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Bike from Mansfield Community Park to Springfield Park on a paved trail. Good for strollers also.
Kinkora Trail
Take the beautiful Edgar Felix Bike Path from Allaire State Park to Manasquan. Afterwards, walk a few of the forested paths at Allaire State Park and stroll through the historical village and tour the museum.
Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway NJ
Beautiful boat ride up the Hudson River during the fall!! Check out the small zoo at Bear Mountain. Walk across the scenic Bear Mountain Bridge!! Hike some of the paths!
Sea Streak Ferry Fall Foliage Cruise to Bear Mountain | Hudson River ...
Take the Lewes-Cape May Ferry for a scenic boat ride from Cape May, NJ to historic Lewes, DE. From there, connect with a shuttle bus to old town Lewes for a beautiful walking tour and dining. OR take a bus to Rehoboth Beach and Boardwalk. OR, turn le...
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Visit during one of their events! Walk the beautiful grounds and take a docent-led kayak tour of the area!!
The Wetlands Institute
Lots of vendors selling a large variety of wares. Very good organic produce!! The park is lovely to walk around and picnic in afterwards. There is swimming at the beach here in the summer, along with weekly concerts from local bands.
Brick Farmers' Market
Good food and lovely views of the bay!!
Seaside Park Farmers Market
By far, the largest farmer's market in NJ!! Year round!! Combine it with a trip to the Roebling Museum or the Kinkora Trail.
Columbus Farmers Market
The least crowded of the farmers markets. Open year-round!! Lots of tasty desserts also!
Wemrock Orchards, Inc.
A great farmer's market during the winter months (when most other farmers' markets are closed)! It is on the Traction Line, a pave walkway great for biking and walking! The Traction Line connects to 3 small universities that are also walkable and bik...
Grow It Green's Winter Farmers' Market
Large, fun playground in Cooper River Park. Take a 3-mile walk on sidewalk over small bridges around the river. Catch a free concert in the summer.
Cooper River Park
Beautiful, large playground with beach and ocean!
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
Scenic park to walk around and unique playground equipment.
World War II Veterans Memorial Park
Unique large wooden playground, a nice sprayground, a small little kids playground and some nice walking areas. In the same complex as the library, which offers some kids' programs as well.
Jackson Spray Park
Gorgeous park with paved and dirt paths for walking and beginner biking. A beautiful spray park by reservation only. Swimming lessons offered as well. Lovely playground.
Dorbrook Recreation Area
Beautiful perimeter trail around the lake. Take a free ranger-led kayak tour or a Kayak East trip here. The nature center has an incredible taxidermy collection of birds!!
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Walk or bike the lovely perimeter dirt trail around the lake. In the summer the lake and beach are open for swimming.
Parvin State Park
Relax and bike this peaceful trail!!
Elephant Swamp Trail | New Jersey Trails
A beautiful loop to bike or drive, which serves as a bird sanctuary. There are a few short hiking paths off into the woods on the side of the main path to take.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
This park gets very crowded! The only possible times to bike here is during the week when it is overcast or cold during a weekday. The paths are all paved. A very nice urban park!
Saddle River County Park
Hiking trails and a historical museum with great exhibits and film! Walk/drive across the bridge to see the PA Historic Washington Crossing Park with amazing artifacts. Come in December for their annual Washington Crossing the Delaware River reenactm...
NJDEP | Washington Crossing State Park | New Jersey State Park Service
GREAT FUN!!
Ocean City Paddle Company
Scenic and tranquil kayak trip going away from the town. Payment is in cash only.
Red Bank Marina
Fun, free spray park for kids! Popular place for crabbing and fishing. Go to their annual summer picnic party.
John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park at Berkeley Island
Walk around this picturesque waterside town and see the gorgeous outdoor home gardens in June during their annual Keyport Garden Walk. There is also a small fire museum to tour and local bands to listen to.
2025 KEYPORT GARDENWALK
Glorious arboretum accentuated with beautiful sculptures!! A feast for the eyes in spring, summer and the snows of the winter.
Grounds For Sculpture
Awesome playground!! Small paved path for beginner bicyclists and strollers. 2 nice dog parks, split up by dog weight.
Freedom Park Events – Medford Township
After checking out the lovely waterfalls, go to the Paterson Museum and Lambertville Castle. Also read the epic poem about the Paterson Falls and Paterson (Silk City, historically known for pollution, sweatshops and child labor) by William Carlos Wil...
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park
Amazing playground!!
Bob Meyer Memorial Park
Very fun playground and dog park!
Memorial Park - 1010 Tuckerton Rd, Marlton, New Jersey
Awesome playground! Lots of grass area to run around or play ball games.
Johnson Memorial Park
Very fun playground!! Usually crowded on weekends.
Castle Park
Lovely neighborhood park with pavillion to rent for parties.
Larry D'Zio Park, Locust St, Lakewood, NJ 08701, US
Great fun!! Lovely park!
Silverton Park
Awesome inclusiveness playground!!
RWJBH Field of Dreams
The most beautiful park in all of NJ!! The playground is incredible! The water views are spectacular!
Mantoloking Bridge County Park
Welcome to Slide City!! Lake Shenandoah is a swimming lake in the summer. Stay and play some disc golf.
Lake Shenandoah County Park
Gorgeous playground and short paved walking path for strollers, tricycles and roller skates.
Toms River Veterans Recreational Complex (2025) - All You Need to Know ...
Check out the new playground!! Small, but cute!!
Beaver Dam Creek County Park
I went there for snow tubing-so much fun!! They also have downhill skiing as well. Very reasonably priced!
Campgaw Mountain Ski Area
I went there for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. They make their own snow! So much fun!! Very reasonable priced. In the summer, the lake is open for swimming and the trails become hiking trails. Sometimes the High Point Monument is open for cli...
High Point State Park
Skiing, snowtubing, bike skiing, mountain biking, swimming, water park, amusement park-awesome outdoor activities to do!! I have never been there-Campgaw Mountain, High Point State Park and Thompson Park are much cheaper. Thompson Park and Sic Flags ...
Mountain Creek Resort
The best Halloween Frightfest in the state (I was a Halloween Ghoul there is 2016)! The best water park in south and central Jersey! Wild Safari is fun-something you can take elderly and/or disabled people on. The amusement park is the best one in So...
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Sweeping views of the ocean with beautiful playground equipment!!
Forked River Beach Bay Front Park
Gorgeous playground which attaches to a bike trail.
William Hebrew Park
Very fun playground, funded by the Rotary Club.
Gille Park
Lovely tot lot with sweeping water views and the Atlantic City Skyline. Pack a picnic lunch for a peaceful escape.
South Green St Park – Tuckerton
Enjoy waterfront views and a splendid playground.
Ocean Acres Lake Park
Very fun playground next to A Paul King swimming beach and down the street from the library, pizza shop, Chinese restaurant and an ice cream shop.
Manahawkin Lake Park III
Great playgrounds and spray park, as well as some hiking trails!
Michael J. Tighe Park
Very fun playground with a lovely pavilion on the D&R Canal Towpath.
Cadwalader Park
Beautiful playground and lovely hike through the woods.
First Flight Park
Riverwood Park Recreation
Lovely playground and paved path walk.
Brundage Park Playhouse
Large attractive playground with lots of paved walking trails.
Memorial Park - 1010 Tuckerton Rd, Marlton, New Jersey
Lovely city playground with grassy area and beach.
Newport Town Square Park
Beautiful lake playground!
Sylvan Lake Park
Best playground in Wildwood! Right on the boardwalk!
Scoop Taylor Park
Fun playground and lovely hiking trails.
John A. Phillips Open Space Preserve
Beautiful park with lovely forested trails, picnic area and a new amazing playground!
Eno's Pond County Park
Beautiful park with new playground equipment and lovely forested trails!
Mill Creek County Park
Amazing new playground equipment!
Freedom Fields County Park
Beautiful lake for swimming! Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Hopatcong with https://lhcruises.com/.
Hopatcong State Park
Take a tour of this fort that was designed to protect the DE River during the Spanish American War and World War 1.
Fort Mott State Park
Take a hike on their trails. Take a tour of one of the most important battles in the Revolutionary War-the battle that turned the tide in favor of the Patriots and began the 10 crucial days! Go to the museum, watch the video and check out the artifac...
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Hike the trails of this historic park where the tide turned in the American Revolutionary War in favor of the Americans!! Tour the museum. See the tree where General Mercer was killed in battle-a devastating loss, but the battle was a huge win for th...
Princeton Battlefield State Park
Take a wonderful tour of cranberry production in NJ!
Double Trouble State Park
A step back in time . . .Take the tour of the mansion!
Batsto Village
Step back in time . . . take the tour! Across the street is the Cornelius Low House Museum-take a visit there also. The blue delft tiles around the fireplaces are awesome!
East Jersey Old Town Village
Spend a beautiful day here! Pack a picnic lunch! Come see how cranberries are farmed in NJ! Learn about the history of this area when Elizabeth White and a Rutgers University professor successfully teamed up to cultivate the blueberries into a commer...
Whitesbog Historic Village
Tour the historic fishing village! Come for Halloween to the haunted seaport. Bring your children and have a picnic at Tip Seaman County Park and Freedom Fields County Park, the new playground equipment for them to enjoy! Little ones or childless peo...
Tuckerton Seaport Museum
Learn the history of glassmaking in NJ and see lots of gorgeous artifacts of handblown glass. If bringing children, visit the small, but fun nearby Cohanzick Zoo. Older children will like the nearby Millville Air Museum, especially during an air show...
WheatonArts
Take a step back in time to a historic village! If you bring children, go to the nearby Cape May Zoo, playground and Treetop Adventure Park. The zoo parking lot also connects to the Cape May bike trail. Nearby, is the Cape May Lighthouse (learn about...
Historic Cold Spring Village
Visit a village on the Morris Canal. Learn about canal life and the strife the workers went through to build the canal.
Waterloo Village Historic Site
See an old village, brimming with shops and restaurants that are ready to serve you. Be sure to visit during the winter season to see their wonderful light show on the lake!
Smithville Events
Be sure to visit this historic village during the Christmas season to see the many decorated Christmas trees!
Red Mill Museum Village
The premiere rock gardens in the eastern US! Gorgeous!
Leonard J Buck Garden
One of the largest and most gorgeous displays of Cherry Blossoms. Come in April and May! While in the area go to the Newark Museum and/or PAC (Performing Arts Center).
Branch Brook Park
Tour the beautiful lighthouse and view the panoramic scenery! The stunning garden at its' base is lovely. While in Wildwood, enjoy a visit to the boardwalk and beach.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
Beautiful hiking trails. This is where the NJ state observatory is located. Once a week in season, they have speakers on various astronomical topics, the mini museum is open for view and several telescopes are set up to view the stars and planets. Th...
NJDEP | Voorhees State Park | New Jersey State Park Service
A forest haunted. The devastating story of Jenny and her dad who were overcome by Native Americans at the edge of a cliff here. The dad called out to young Jenny, “Jenny Jump.” And she did-she plunged to her death rather than being captured and force...
NJDEP | Jenny Jump State Forest | New Jersey State Park Service
Get swept away in the incredible panoramic views of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island from both the top of the lighthouse and the trails around the park! Rent (or bring your own bike) and bike down North Central Avenue and back on Nort...
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Enjoy sweeping views of Cape May Point from the top of the lighthouse or from the lovely trails in the park. Learn the history of the WWII German U-boats that attacked this area. While there, go to the Cape May Lookout Tower, the Cape May Beach and B...
Cape May Point State Park
Also located in Margate, NJ.
Congo Falls Adventure Golf | Ocean City NJ
Also located in Sea Isle City, NJ
Pirate Island Golf Ocean City
Also located in West Amwell, NJ.
Pine Creek Miniature Golf
Also located in Ocean City, NJ.
Castaway Cove
Swing Time Sports Park
Go during Halloween when they decorate the course up for the holiday! Ghastly fun!!
Manchester Family Golf Center
Next to the Turtle Back Zoo (awesome Christmas Light Displays), a paved walking path and an amazing playground!
Essex County Safari MiniGolf
Lovely hiking trails and beautiful 9/11 memorial.
Eagle Rock Reservation
The most gorgeous 9/11 memorial in NJ!
Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook
Beautiful waterfalls! Lovely walk!
Grace Lord Park (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Besides minigolf, go to the beach and boardwalk and take the preschoolers on a merry-go-round ride.
Pier Putt Miniature Golf
Willowbrook Golf Center
Gorgeous wildflower garden at the apex!
Tourne Park
Beautiful gardens and house.
Willowwood Arboretum
Beautiful trails! Go during Christmas to see the amazing gingerbread houses!
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Beautiful trails to walk or bike-some cross over to the NY side of the park. Sign up to take a kayak trip on the lake with the park ranger.
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Beautiful trails-be sure to sign up to take the First Hike on January 1 with a park ranger. In summer, the lake and beach are open to swimming. At the end of the day, drive down the turnpike into NY and take in a drive-in movie!
Wawayanda State Park
Take a ranger led tour of the former ironworks site and check out the displays!
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Lovely trails!
Tenafly Nature Center
Beautiful waterfront views and learn the history of the Black Tom Explosion during WWII.
Old Bridge Waterfront Park
Take a beautiful ride on the ocean, breathe in the ocean air, relax and maybe you will see some dolphins and whales. I saw both!! Such majestic creatures!
The Cape May Whale Watcher
I took a bird tour from Millville, NJ. It was so much fun! I enjoyed seeing all of the birds!
Osprey Birding by Boat
In the spring and summer, Ocean County Parks and Recreation offers ranger guided pontoon boat cruises down the Toms River and at Mantoloking Park for a very nominal fee. I went on all of them and LOVED it!
Ocean County Parks and Recreation
Wonderful event! I have gone 3 times and LOVED every minute of it every time! Cumberland County is home to the largest number of eagles in the state. There are 5 viewing areas to see the birds of prey, complete with birders and binoculars. In additio...
Annual Cumberland County Winter Eagle Festival
Take a tour of their facilities and see how they offer medical assistance to birds of prey. Very interesting!
The Raptor Trust
Check out the animals that they are bringing back to good health. Afterwards, take a hike on the hiking trails that connect to the wildlife refuge.
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
Take a tour and listen to speakers about the latest environmentally sound work of ACUA.
ACUA (Atlantic County Utility Authority) Earth Day Festival
Amazing reclamation of a garbage dump into a beautiful park! Check out the 911 memorial and the AmVets Memorial. Take a ranger-led guided canoe tour of the Mill Creek Area. View the visitor center and take a ranger led tour. Hike the amazing trails w...
Richard W. DeKorte Park
One of the best NJ state fairs in the state! Also, be sure to go down the road to the Columbus Farmers Market-the best in the state as well.
Burlington County Fairgrounds
One of the best NJ state fairs in the state!
The Sussex County Fairgrounds
One of the best county fairs in the state!
Monmouth County Fair
Gorgeous hot air balloons! The farmers market is fun also! My brother-in-law proposed to my sister during a hot air balloon ride!
Warren County Farmers' Fair featuring the Balloon Festival