Summer is finally here and you need some ideas on how to keep your kids busy! I completely understand your need. I’m Danielle and I’m a New Jersey family photographer. Along with being a NJ family photographer, I’m also a mama of twins. I know what it’s like to go crazy trying to keep kids entertained on the dog days of summer. That’s why I decided to pivot from some of my usual photography content, and blog about something I know a lot of my clients need right now. So here are my top 5 Central Jersey parks to take your kids to this summer!

Central Jersey Park # 1 – Arthur Lewis Park – Green Brook, NJ

Arthur Lewis Park is a great park if your looking to kill an hour or two. The park includes three playgrounds that are geared towards all different ages. There is a large field in the middle of the playgrounds which is great for picnicking or playing catch. This park is also a great choice for summer because it includes a spray ground as well! The park also has a large covered pavilion which is a great option for an outdoor birthday party. Just make sure you reserve the area in advance.

Central Jersey Park # 2 – Dorbrook Park – Colts Neck, NJ

The second park on the list is Dorbrook Park in Colts Neck. This park is great for a summer day trip because it’s equipped with a large spray ground which is sure to keep your kiddos cool on a hot day. Along with the spray ground is a fun play ground, picnic tables, and a paved trail that is great for walking or biking.

Central Jersey Park # 3 – The Loop Playground – Mountainside, NJ

The Loop Playground is a top favorite with my kids not only in the summer but anytime of year. The playground is in the middle of the Watchung Reservation which is a very large wooded area filled with awesome hiking trails. The Loop Playground is a favorite because not far down the road is a sensory walking trail. The sensory walking trail is a great little trail that is geared for young children. The trail is flat and fairly easy to walk through and includes various sensory play equipment for young kids to engage in. So if your kiddos finish playing at the playground, be sure to walk over to the sensory trail or really any of the other trails around the area. There is also a large field that surrounds the playground which is great for a relaxing picnic or a game of soccer.

Central Jersey Park # 4 – Lord Stirling Park – Basking Ridge, NJ

Lord Stirling Park is a great park for the kids that love a little adventure. The park is a part of the Great Swamp believe it or not. If you like hiking then Lord Stirling Park is a great option. There are several hiking paths that you can choose from. A lot of the paths are flat and relatively easy for young kids to maneuver. There is also an Environmental Education Center that you can explore when you finish hiking. Next to the Education Center, be sure to check out the cute garden trail equipped with a ton of beautiful flowers.

Central Jersey Park # 5 – Colonial Park – Somerset, NJ

I saved the best for last. Colonial Park is one of my all time favorite parks to take my kids to. Colonial Park has so much to offer. The park itself is very large and it’s equipped with a long paved path which is perfect for walking, riding bikes, and scooters. It also has some fun fitness equipment along the path which is great for moms who want to get a workout in. Colonial Park has 2 beautiful playgrounds. One is geared more towards younger children where the other is fit for older children. Alongside the playground is a a fun splash park! The splash park is a fairly new addition to Colonial Park and definitely does not disappoint.

If this park doesn’t have enough already, there is a small pond which has paddle boats. Also, did I mention that the park has mini golf too? I told you this park has everything. Aside from all of the fun children’s activities, there is a dog park and 2 gorgeous flower gardens that are vibrant and full of life in the summer. So if you are in the Central New Jersey area; I’d definitely hop over to Colonial Park for a visit with the kids.

There you have it! I really hope this blog post will help you with deciding where to take your kids this summer. If you visit any of these Central Jersey parks, feel free to send me a message and let me know how you liked it. You can comment below or send me a DM on instagram. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you loved this blog post, check this one out as well! Best New Jersey Beach Day Trips