Playgrounds may still be closed but parks, trails, and some other recreational areas are open again! This is a great opportunity to get out and explore some local outdoor places that your family hasn’t seen before. For this list, I wanted to keep social distancing in mind so I’m listing places that are mostly pretty open, with wide paths or trails. I also know that most of us are open to slightly longer drives than usual so some of these are outside of what I'd usually include but I think they're all worth the drive! Keep in mind that PUBLIC RESTROOMS WILL BE CLOSED on all of these trails.
*This list is strictly informational and is not an endorsement of or recommendation for leaving the house unnecessarily. Please evaluate your family's health carefully before leaving the house, and follow all mask and social distancing orders.*
As always, if you know of any great spots I can add to this list, please email me at juliel@macaronikid.com
*listed alphabetically*
Abram S. Hewitt State Forest (West Milford NJ)
Four different trails with great views and of varying difficulty. More info here. Get directions.
Allamuchy Mountain State Park (Stanhope NJ)
Trails along the Musconetcong River. More info here. Get directions.
Bear Mountain (Bear Mountain NY)
Rugged mountain trails along the Hudson River. More info here. Get directions. Download trail map.
Briant Park (Summit NJ)
A 1.2 mile loop with a pond and access to a small stream. Learn more about why I love Briant Park HERE.
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park (Burlington, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset Counties NJ)
Over 70 miles of path along the canal. More info here. Download trail map.
Delaware Water Gap (NJ & PA)
Miles of trails along the Delaware Water Gap. Try the Mount Tammany hike for a fun challenge and amazing views! More info on the entire trail system here.
Deserted Village at Watchung Reservation (Berkeley Heights NJ)
Part of the Watchung Reservation but I happen to love this particular spot so wanted to include it in a separate listing! Get directions and check out the self-guided history tour here. More info here.
Eagle Rock Reservation (West Orange NJ)
Trails along the Watchung Mountains with views of NYC. More info here. Get directions. Download trail map.
Echo Lake Park (Mountainside NJ)
An easy, 3.5 mile loop. More info here.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Morris County NJ)
Lots of wildlife to see on these trails - you're almost always guaranteed to see a turtle, frogs, and some amazing birds. The trails are not connected and each one is pretty short and easy. For kids, I highly recommend the trail at the Visitor Center which is a boardwalk over the swamp! More info here. Download trail map.
Hacklebarney State Park (Long Valley NJ)
An easy trail along the Black River through this glacial valley, full of boulders and hemlocks. More info here. Download trail map.
Harriman State Park (Sloatsburg NY)
31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, streams and scenic roads, and amazing vistas. More info here. Get directions. Download trail map.
Hartshorne Woods Park (Monmouth County NJ)
Hiking and biking trails with great ocean views. More info here. Download trail map.
Hedden Park (Morris County NJ)
We used to go to Hedden Park all the time when I was young! It has an amazing river that runs through the woods that is amazing for rock hopping! There are even some deeper spots for swimming! More info here.
High Point State Park (Sussex NJ)
Part of the Appalachian Trail with great views that will take you to the highest point in NJ. More info here. Download trail map.
Liberty State Park (Jersey City NJ)
A little green oasis amidst a metropolis! Easy paths and great views of NYC, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. More info here.
Loantaka Brook Reservation (Morris Township NJ)
Flat terrain with wide paths on 883 acres. More info here. Get directions.
Natirar (Somerset County NJ)
A beautiful 404-acre property with woods, river, paths, historic farm buildings, and more! More info here. Get directions.
New Jersey Botanical Garden (Ringwood NJ)
Part of Ringwood State Park, NYBG includes 96 acres of gardens surrounded by 1000 acres of woodlands. Call in advance to confirm they're accepting visitors! More info here.
Nomahagen Park (Cranford NJ)
Easy walking and biking with a pond area. Download trail map.
Pocono Mountains (PA)
This is a very general listing. There are so many amazing hiking spots in the Pocono Mountains. Check out this list for some ideas.
Pyramid Mountain (Montville NJ)
Rugged trails, fields, forest, and views of NYC! More info here.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Summit NJ)
Explore the gardens and visit their website for some at-home outdoor adventures.
South Mountain Reservation (Essex County NJ)
This one is very near and dear to my own heart - I used to hike it multiple times a week. Home to Hemlock Falls and the South Mountain Fairy Trail, there are multiple entrances and there's something for all levels. With kids, my favorite entrance is off Brookside Drive. If you enter there, it's a short walk to the Rahway River, and if you go left from the bridge, you will eventually reach Hemlock Falls. Download trail map.
Verona Park (Verona NJ)
A gorgeous park with a big pond and wide walking paths. More info here.
Washington Crossing State Park (Mercer and Hunterdon Counties NJ)
See where George Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas of 1776! It's also a great birding spot with nice walking paths. More info here. Download trail map.
Watchung Reservation (Union County)
A 2000+ acre preserve in Northern Union County including horse trails, Lake Surprise, and The Deserted Village. More info here. Download trail map.
*listed alphabetically*
Boxcar Drive-in Movies (Madison and Franklin Lakes NJ)
Drive-in movies AND carside delivery from some of our local restaurants!!! More info here.
Brookhollow's Barnyard (Boonton NJ)
A drive-through farm for $10/car! Check their Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
Demarest Farms Drive-in Theater (Hillsdale NJ)
A drive-in movie! Tickets are already selling out so get yours immediately! More info here.
Six Flags Safari (Jackson NJ)
See 1200 wild animals from your car! Details yet to be announced but check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Skylands Stadium Animal Farm Drive-thru (Augusta NJ)
May 16-31, 11a-5p, $20/car, bring carrots to feed the animals! More info here.
Warwick Drive-in Theater (Warwick NY)
A traditional drive-in movie theater! Fun fact: I went here when I was 17 and my car broke down because I left the lights on for the whole show, oops. More info here.
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