Summer Fun Alternatives to the Jersey Shore for New Jersey Families

If you’re looking for something fun to do with your friends and family this summer without the hassle of dreaded “Jersey Shore Traffic” and Beach Tag Fees, we’ve got you covered. Today on the blog, we’re sharing some of our favorite local New Jersey places all across the state.  You’ll find plenty of outdoor fun and excitement at these trails, parks, and gardens for a healthy dose of summer sunshine. You'll find plenty of summer fun alternatives for your family instead of dealing with that Jersey Shore traffic.

Please note: not all venues are open to pets; please be mindful of pet restrictions and service dog guidelines. Some venues may charge admission, or hours may be limited due to private/corporate event rentals. We recommend checking restrictions, open availability and currently listed hours before you venture off!

Liberty Hall Museum & Garden at Kean University is a historic American Revolution era home with stunning gardens on the grounds. The museum offers public and private tours as well as special events, and the gardens are open to the public to enjoy a stroll around the pond.  View historic documents, artifacts, and step back in time with a special tea ceremoney lunch and learn how the residents lived in the American Revolution era!  Perfect for a casual photography stroll as well.

South Mountain Reservation is home to the Turtle Back Zoo and the Fairy Trail, both perfect for families to enjoy.  The reservation offers paddle boating on the reservoir, numerous dog-friendly hiking trails including one that leads to the gorgeous Hemlock Falls waterfall, a MiniGolf Safari, picnic areas, the Essex County Regatta Playground for children, and of course the creative Fairy Trail marked with custom tiny houses and creative art installations.  Great for keeping little ones busy for a day away from screens.

Echo Lake Park in Mountainside is a beautiful nature retreat right off the highway. Offering plentiful opportunities for fishing (trout, bass, and other freshwater fish), row boating and kayaking, pedal boats, picnicking, soccer, softball, hiking, trail running, and more, it’s a top notch destination in Union County. If you’re coming with pets in tow, you may want to check out the park’s expansive Dog Park area – one for small dogs, and one for large dogs.  Kids will love frollicking in the fields and climbing over the park’s kids playground features, too.

Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in all of Union County featuring 2,000+ acres and includes both an Equestrian Stable and Trailside Nature & Science Center!  Water activities here include fishing, kayaking, and boating on Lake Surprise, Moxon Pond, and Seeley’s Pond. History buffs will love a stroll around the Deserted Village of Feltville which also offers a self-guided audio tour option.  Horseback riding and cycling are permitted on marked trails or paved roads only.  The Nature Center offers a library, discovery room with hands- on displays, and interactive exhibits and lectures that are perfect for curious kids.

Greenwood Gardens in Millburn is a 28-acre non-profit Italianate style garden offering guided or self-guided tours.  This garden is open seasonally and does require an admission of $15 per person.  The formal terraced gardens, hidden grottoes, beautiful fountains, and both curated and natural woodlands will charm everyone in your party.

Deepcut Gardens in Middletown is a wonderfully accessible venue for both able-bodied and disabled visitors. This public botanical garden features 54-acres of curated garden.  You’ll find more than 50 varieties of roses, a beautiful tropical greenhouse, and plenty of fish and wildlife to explore. The numerous benches and seating areas are just perfect for sitting and resting in the fresh air while appreciating nature.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit is open from dawn til dusk and is free of charge to the general public.  There are more than 5 acres of formal gardens, an open greenhouse, and a historic estate.  This non-profit arboretum and garden hosts educational workshops, daily guided tours, self-guided strolls, seasonal and annual art openings, fundraising galas, and more.  It’s a wonderful fusion of nature and art featuring whimsical sculptures and an art installation in the historic Wisener house.  The Daffodil Bowl is the arboretums crowning achievement of early spring growth.

Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair is a former private estate turned non-profit community center promoting horticulture, education, music, and the arts via gardens open to the general public. You’ll find 6 sprawling acres of private parkland and 19th-20th century styled home and gardens available for your enjoyment.  This public botanical garden is also host to numerous outdoor arts and music events including the Second Sunday Concert series.

Freelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown covers nearly 130 acres of serene nature reserve and gardens in the Vicotorian Era style with a historic Colonial-Revival mansion on the grounds.  Take a self guided or guided tour of the beautiful grounds and explore its nature trails, stunning woodlands, and curated gardens and shrubs.  Seasonal events such as art markets, creative workshops, gardening lectures, and more are available and open to the public.

Sayen House and Gardens in Hamilton Square is a botanical garden and municipal park open year round from dawn to dusk, with peak visiting in the Spring and Summer. You’ll love visiting the Koi Fishpond with its picturesque white bridge and beautiful glistening water feature.  It’s not just a hot spot for flower and tree enthusiasts, but a great wildlife and bird watching destination as well.  In the peak growing season in spring, more than 250,000 bulbs are featured throughout the grounds.

Rutgers Gardens in North Brunswick is home to the Heylar Woods trails, Rhododendron Garden, Otken Memorial Garden with splendid oversized Adirondack Chairs, Bamboo Grove next to a bubbling stream, fish and frog pond feature, farmers’ market, butterfly feature, and studen farm.  With 180-acres to explore, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement to be had. The grounds are very family friendly with both marked trails and large open fields.  Pets are welcomed but must be leashed at all times for guests’ safety.  Weekly Farmers markets available at the park entrance from Spring through Autumn on Fridays and special events seasonally.

Colonial Park Gardens in Somerset features an awared-winning formal rose garden, perennial garden, sensory garden and stunning collection of flowers, flowering shrubs, and cultivated trees. There’s a 1.4 mile fitness course, picnic tables, cycling and walking paths, hiking trails, and more!  It’s a truly top notch destination for a family picnic or just a good ol’ fashioned stroll through the flowers.  The 144 acre Arboretum and Gardens are located within the larger Colonial Park featuring plenty of areas for fishing, pedal boating, kids playgrounds, and sports.

Pinto Carpentry is proud to serve most regions of New Jersey! Our carpentry woodshop and offices are headquartered in Plainfield, part of Union County NJ.  Our crew has more than 20 years of industry experience in crafting bespoke stairs and custom indoor handrail installations.  We are available for both commercial and residential projects, both large and small!  Call or go online to schedule a custom consultation and receive a personalized estimate from our knowledgable crew.  We can’t wait to work with you!