Visit our Local Parks, Playgrounds,
and Historical Sites:
See lakes and foliage, experience historical forges, get out in the fresh air and just plain have fun!
Brown's Point, West Milford (Union Valley Road/ Greenwood Lake Turnpike, by A&P and West Milford Diner) : Boasting a gorgeous view of the lake and a full frisbee golf course, this small park is my family's little secret! With picnic tables and a little playground area, this quiet park makes for a lovely family outing. No bathrooms, though, so do plan ahead.
Creative Playground, West Milford (Union Valley Road, behind Bearfort Shopping Plaza): A hard-working team of volunteers helped to rebuild a wonderful age-appropriate set of playgrounds. Well-maintained, enclosed, and even has a mini rock-climbing wall.
Westbrook Park, West Milford: featuring the ever-popular Teen Coffee House (pool tables, board games, karaoke, Guitar Hero competitions, volleyball, basketball, bands, and more.) There is a pavillion on the premises, and lots of open space. Great for group events, but be sure to get a permit with the Community Services and Recreation Department (formerly Parks & Recreation.)
Walk the modern, six-lane, official track behind Macopin Middle School (off Highlander Drive, West Milford) after school hours and activities.
Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt (off Warwick Turnpike, approaching Warwick, NY, and Highland Lakes, NJ.) Like all State Parks, free to walk in year-round; parking fees apply during the summer season ($5 weekdays; $10 weekends.) Passes are available for unlimited parking at all of New Jersey's State Parks for the current rate of $50.00.
Picnicing and barbecues, beach, and playground. Swimming only permitted in the summer, with trained lifeguards on duty. Camping available for an additional fee.
The many trails offered there can be rather complex - get a free map of this area (known as Abram S. Hewitt State Forest) at the Visitor's Center when you enter Wawayanda. Or hike some of the Appalachian Trail. 20 miles of it are located at Wawayanda!
Ringwood State Park and Manor, Ringwood(experience a virtual tour of the park here.)
New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands, Ringwood.
Long Pond Ironworks, West Milford (approaching Ringwood, Greenwood Lake Turnpike.)
You get an up-close chance to see historical houses built alongside the reservoir, circa 1766. They boast loads of trails as well. A virtual tour can be found here. Occasionally, they offer Candlelit Lantern Walks and Museum Tours for a small fee.
Less Local but Worth the Drive
Bergen County Zoological Park at Van Saun Park, Paramus, NJ (off Route 17, Forest Avenue.)
Admission $2.50/adults and $1.50/children aged 3-14. 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays -Sundays in May-October. Free admission all other months and days.
The Zoo is small but fun, with animals ranging from Alligators and Spider Monkeys, to Farm animals, to Aviary. Seasonally, and for an additional fee, there is a butterfly enclosure.
Zoo Perimeter Train ride an additional $1.00.(Photos here.)
The park itself is huge and well-utilized, with numerous ball fields, picnic tables and barbeques, pavillions, 4 playgrounds, pony rides, and a carousel. Absolutely worth the trip. Small concessions lie around the playgrounds and zoo.
Montclair Art Museum,
Montclair, NJ (3 South Mountain Avenue)
Admission is an affordable $8/adults and $6/students. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Free admission Fridays between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. Of course, there are many lovely paintings (Modern Art, Impressionist, Abstract, African-American, portraits, a hall devoted to famous Montclair artist George Inness) and some absolutely amazing statues. One stationary exhibit that children are thrilled by is the Native American exhibit, where you see an array of artifacts, many from our own area.
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