It's officially summer, which leaves kids cheering and parents scratching their heads thinking, now what? Keeping kids busy during the summer never felt so cool (or hot!) with these summertime fun activities available to the public.
Splash Parks:
Walter Lubbe Jr. Playground, Bergenfield Perfect for cooling off little kids during the steamy summer, this sprayground features spraying rings for kids to run through, and sits next to a playground with picnic area if you plan to spend a lot of time there.
Votee Park, Teaneck Kids can release their animal instincts at this splash pad, which includes animal sprayers to run (safely!) through and sprayers to aim for wet and wild fun. Visit their educational playground before or after for fun and learning in one. Plus, check out Teaneck's website for other sprinklers to check out throughout the season.
Carver Park, Hackensack Stay super cool at this sprayground, where water jumps out of the ground to get you wet. Overhead sprayers and colorful spraying rings make this a great option for the hottest days, and for kids of all ages.
Van Saun Park, Paramus The park we all know and love has an ADA accessible, sea-animal themed splash pad with a variety of spray features that are perfect for younger kids. Get there on the earlier side, as the area tends to get crowded (particularly on the weekends). While this park is currently undergoing construction for a new and improved way to keep cool, you can check back for updates on when it's safe and ready for your kids to make a splash.
Veterans Field Park, Edgewater First, kids can heat up at this expansive park equipped with fields and playgrounds near the Hudson. Next, let them cool off by splashing around this clean splash park with in-ground sprinklers located in the middle of the park. Its open design leaves plenty of space for kids to run around and play.
James Braddock Hudson County Park, North Bergen Looking to stay busy all afternoon? Check out this large splash area that lives near a number of facilities to keep the whole family occupied. There are plenty of water features for a large number of families to space out, then warm up on the playground, fields, nature trails and more.
Pirates Cove at Mount Playmore, Turkey Brook Park, Mount Olive Township If you’re looking to take your sprayground experience to the next level, Pirates Cove is worth the drive. This accessible sprayground is officially opening on May 27, with an on-site food truck in celebration of the season. With in-ground sprinklers plus a huge dumping bucket, this spray ground is sure to be a hit with the kids.
Wheeler Spay Park, Linden Opening in June, this spot has water slides, dumping buckets, sea creature sprayers and more for kids to run around in. Pay a small fee as an out of county guest and let kids cool off as they take an “underwater” adventure.
Public Pools and Water Parks:
Darlington County Park, Mahwah The self-proclaimed jewel of Bergen County in the summer, Darlington offers plenty of activities for those sunny days. The lake is transformed into a splash zone, where kids big and small can enjoy making their way through an inflated obstacle course atop the way. Families can also swim, play basketball, picnic and bike across the park's 127 acres.
Bear Mountain State Park Pool There's plenty of space for everyone at this public pool opening mid-June, which is nestled in scenic Bear Mountain. Cool off by taking a dip, and make a day of your drive with plenty of other activities available at Bear Mountain State Park, including a playground and basketball courts, paddle and row boat rentals, hiking, a carousel, Trailside Zoo and picnic-perfect beautiful views.
Diggerland USA, West Berlin, NJ The new Water Main at this construction-themed amusement park includes a new wave pool and in-water obstacle course, plus even more poolside cabanas for your comfort. This new feature adds some splashtastic fun to the existing pools, slide tower, swim vortex and other themed splash park features.
DreamWorks Water Park, East Rutherford If you love to swim but aren't a fan of the hot sun, this one's for you. At DreamWorks Water Park, you get all the benefits of a traditional water park (and more!) without having to slather on the sunscreen. The largest indoor water park in North America features plenty of slides, a wave pool, surfing options, skybox suites and cabanas, plus other amenities to make it a day worth diving into.
