Come summer in New Jersey, we can’t stop boasting about our beaches. And while they are absolutely amazing, we also happen to be blessed with plenty of perfect parks right here in Bergen County, which make for excellent options for an active day outside with the kids. We polled readers to get their picks for the best parks in Bergen County NJ and here are their 17 faves. Now get out and PLAY!
KIDSPOT, Rutherford: Newly renovated and updated to improve accessiblity, KIDSPOT has play structures for toddlers, young kids and older kids, swings for kids of all ages and abilities, a large glider, more shade and a grassy patch for free play. It also features more handicapped parking, sloped sidewalks and a rubber surface to make the playground fun for every single kid. (88 Darwin Avenue)
Froggy Park, Tenafly: This one is just for the littlest park goers. Planned for kiddos ages 2-5, Froggy park has a sandbox, swings, a mini spider web and play structures that are just their size. Our readers say this park is "small and manageable". (Foster Rd & West Clinton Ave.)
Westvale Park, Westwood: Another suggestion from our awesome Bergen Mama Insiders (want to be an insider too? Sign up on our FB page) Westvale Park has, "a playground, dog park, walking path and a huge field". Who doesn't love it when they can bring their fur baby along for the ride? (Harrington Ave. and Sand Road)
Clark Field, Washington Township: Have a swashbuckling pirate in the family? Take ’em to this playground where the play structure looks like a pirate ship! This is a great playground for all ages, with some tall slides on one side for bigger kids and half the structure geared toward younger kids age 5 and under. In addition to the pirate ship, there’s a firetruck, a hippo and a dinosaur that kids can play in and climb through, and there are plenty of swings for high flyers. It’s mostly shaded, which is great for those hot summer months, and never seems to get crowded. Although it’s not fenced in, it’s on a quite side street, so it feels safe. (Willow St. and Cleveland Ave.)
Wyckoff Community Playground, Wyckoff: This playground tucked behind the Wyckoff Municipal Complex features two separate but adjacent play areas, one good for toddlers with a smaller climbing structure with slides, and one for older kids with a bigger climbing area and several very tall (and fast!) slides and a small rock wall. But our favorite part is the huge sandbox with tons of sand toys and trucks to play with, which keeps the kids entertained for ages, so you can sit and relax and don't have to chase them around! Parking is a breeze with a paved lot right at the playground. (340 Franklin Ave.)
Overpeck County Park, Leonia: While this park is not-so-secret, there are some areas you may not be taking advantage of. For example, did you know Overpeck has a boating area (with great rates), tennis courts, bike and running trails, massive open field, and a gigantic playground for the kiddos with tons of features. Spending the day there? Not a prob thanks to very clean bathrooms and a concession stand. Mommy tip: Don’t forget the sunscreen bc this park doesn’t have shady areas. (Challenger Rd., Ridgefield Park)
Veterans Field Park, Edgewater: One of our favorite Bergen Mama insiders gave us the tip that this park has, "something for all ages and wonderful views." Kids can cool off this summer in the splash playground. But it's also super-fun the rest of the year. It's clean, wide open and has a lot of different play options with new structures for littles that are safe and low to the ground and great options for older kids too, such as swinging structures that they can stand and even exercise on. The views are gorgeous, thanks to its location right on the Hudson river, and the park features several tables so you can bring a picnic and make a day of it. (1167 River Rd.)
Continental Soldiers Park, Mahwah: If you have a runner, we feel your pain, and we love a fenced-in playground too! This one across from Ramapo College is completely gated and features plenty for kids of all ages to do, including monkey bars, climbing rings, swings and a cool dinosaur they’ll have to climb to get up to the top of the main play structure. Outside of the play area there’s a skate park and a large pavilion with picnic tables, but if you don’t want to bring your own snacks, there’s a cute cafe called Field of Creams next to the playground that has ice cream, burgers, hotdogs, bubble tea and more, complete with outdoor seating. At press time, it wasn’t yet open for the season but should be open soon. (550 Ramapo Valley Rd.)
Habernickel Family Park, Ridgewood: Multiple sports fields, a handicap-accessible playground and a bridge overlooking a tranquil pond can be found at this hidden gem that was formerly a 10-acre horse farm in a peaceful residential area of Ridgewood. There are paved walking trails that are good for biking and scooting and a wooded wildlife trail as well. (1037 Hillcrest Rd.)
School No. 6, Cliffside Park: In addition to the regular fun playground offerings like slides, swings, monkey bars and climbing structures, there’s a new spray park at No. 6 School in Cliffside Park that’s tons of fun for littles during the hot summer months. There’s also a bathroom facility and vending machines available. (440 Oakdene Ave.)
Finch Park Creative Playground, Ramsey: Fenced in and only minutes away from downtown Ramsey the Finch Playground this park features an awesome toddler area with a train play structure, pirate ship, very cool sandbox with stocked shovels and pails, baseball fields, basketball courts, plus bathrooms and so much more for every age. (205 Church St., Ramsey)
Van Saun Park, Paramus: A Bergen County gem that our kids can never get enough of. The playground is huge, with large modern structures grouped by age that flow together nicely. And who can resist the awesome carousel, pony rides, the beloved Zoo, spray park, and the ultimate little kid delight: the train! Not too many shaded areas at this park, so water and sunscreen are a must. (216 Forest Avenue)
Ruckman Park, Closter: Clean, new, and good for a wide age range, it's great for a 2 hour timespan. Includes a rockwall, swings, slides, and monkey bars. Bring your bag with you because it's a little far from the parking lot. Bathrooms are open *most* of the time in the warmer months.
(Piermont Rd & Ruckman Rd)
Saddle River County Park Otto C. Pehle Area, Saddle Brook: Searching for a pretty spot to take a walk or bike ride with the kids? This park has plenty of wildlife to look at while you walk around the pond, a dog park, a picnic area with shaded tables, fishing, ball fields, clean bathrooms, and a great playground. We hear the ice cream truck is usually parked there all day during the summer so plan accordingly. (1417 Saddle River Rd.)
Votee Park, Teaneck: A mecca of outdoor activity for the kids. A huge renovated educational based playground that is fenced in, multiple sports fields, bike and running paths, your choice of a sunny or shaded picnic area with tables, a small adult work out area, and much much more.
(Palisade Ave.)
Ridgewood's Wild Duck Pond, Ridgewood: Known for it’s famous dog park, this park is great for kids too. A large playground is bound to keep them happy, and family walks and jogs can be had around the picturesque pond. (1133 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood)
Wood Dale County Park, Woodcliff Lake: Tennis courts, popular dog-park, awesome playground, fishing, picnic areas, nearby bathrooms and a scenic pond to stroll around make this 118-acre park a family favorite. (100 Prospect Ave)
Pier C Park, Hoboken: The Manhattan views from this park along the Hudson are beyond Instagram worthy and the modern but natural design is truly worth the drive in itself. Your kids will love the huge and imaginative playgrounds which stretch for large areas. Bathrooms, gorgeous paths to walk or run, and a ton of nearby eateries makes this park a must do. (220 Sinatra Dr.)
