Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Outdoor Play and Simple Free Fun in Northern NJ

Purple Star emoji 17 items
I have two kids under 6 and we are always looking for a fun weekend adventure - and who doesn't love an adventure that doesn't cost any more than the gas to get there!
Map
Sections
2
 
 

Parks and Picnic Areas We Love

 
Melissa Smith profile picture
Vast trails, gardens, meadows, farm animals, picnic areas and seasonal programs perfect for exploring with kids. Stroller friendly walks!
Duke Farms
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
Giant family-friendly park with walking paths, gardens, picnic spots and open lawn areas. The playground is absolutely amazing with great spaces for climbing, swings and toddler play.
Colonial Park
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
This spot is ideal for hikes or a picnic and playground afternoon and features great trails along the river, open fields and a nice playground.
Duke Island Park
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
This one is gret for kids of all ages - featuring enormous wooden play struchts with everything from giant pirate ships to swings. Make sure you come with plenty of time available because they will not want to leave!
Kidstreet Playground
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
Trails around waterways and woods of varying difficulty perfect for exploration and easy to manage with different age levels.
Washington Valley Park
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
Large, accessible park with open fields, paths, playgrounds, rest areas — awesome for meeting up with family and friends on the weekend for picnics and free play.
Central Park Of Morris County
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
It's easy to overlook all the history right at our fingertips. This National Park consists of 4 American Revolution sites: Jockey Hollow, the Ford Mansion, Fort Nonsense and the Washington Headquarters Museum. Right now, we mostly take advantage of t...
Morristown National Historical Park
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
When the kids need to get out a quick burst of energy, this small park is a great option. Lots of green grass, lake environment for exploration, and a small playground.
Speedwell Park
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
With over 2,000 acres of outdoor space, this park is a gem for hiking, picnics, and general outdoor exploration. Also love Sunrise Lake Beach club for swimming on hot days!
Lewis Morris County Park - Morris County Park Commission
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
There is always something going on at this park - open fields, shady spots, and play areas for a low-key family outing. Check the website to find more information
Pleasant Valley Park
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
This park is a great option - with trails, picnic spots, and woods to explore together. When the kids get a little bigger, we will definitely take advantage of the longer trails with overlooks and great views.
Tourne County Park
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
Beautiful park with plenty of scenic hikes and cool natural landmarks - like Tripod Rock. Great for nature curious kids.
Pyramid Mountain

Arboretums & Gardens perfect for a Stroll

 
Melissa Smith profile picture
A 127-acre public arboretum with diverse gardens, walking trails, meadows & picnic lawns. Excellent for stroller walks, nature scavenger hunts, and seasonal flowers — the kids can explore open space trails while I enjoy the planted collections an...
Frelinghuysen Arboretum - Morris County Park Commission
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
A 130+ acre historic arboretum featuring woodlands, open meadows, and rare plant collections. A beautiful place for nature walks, discovering blooms across seasons, and easy strolling paths.
Willowwood Arboretum
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
Trying to get my kids to love plants and nature just as much as I do - so this park with labeled tree specimens, seasonal plantings, peaceful paths, and a sensory garden is ideal for relaxed family walks.
Colonial Park Gardens
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
A woodland botanical garden with rock outcroppings, streams, and natural plantings that feel like a secret garden. Great for spring flower walks and easy exploration with my little ones.
Leonard J Buck Garden
 
Melissa Smith profile picture
Lovely arboretum with gardens, educational programs, and family events — lots of space to wander and often hosts kid-friendly nature activities - check their website for more information!
Reeves-Reed Arboretum