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A List of Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey
New Jerseyans can grab their walking shoes and get ready for all of the exciting outdoor activities the state provides. We’ve rounded up a list of things to do during any season in New Jersey. Art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adrenaline junkies rejoice — there really is truly something for everyone to enjoy, including kids. Read on for our ultimate guide to outdoor activities to do in New Jersey.
Cultural/Historic Activities
Grounds for Sculpture | 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township
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Visitors don't have to be a big art or sculpture to be mesmerized by Grounds for Sculpture. This 42-acre sculpture park and museum is absolutely breathtaking. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to take a stroll through the life-size sculptures and lush gardens. The sculptures are blended in with the landscape such that a visit at different times of the year gives the viewer a different perspective each time.
Read More: 9 Team-Building Activities to Try in Northern New Jersey
Highlands Natural Pool | 180 Snake Den Road, Ringwood
Highlands Natural Pool was first opened in the mid-1930s as one of the first racially integrated camps, Camp Midvale. The pool was carved out of a hillside by the New York chapter of The Nature Friends, which owned the camp. In 1997, the pool was subdivided from the former camp property, and today the pool is a 501(c)3 non-profit community-owned and operated facility.
Historic Smithville | Galloway Township
Located in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Smithville has an incredibly rich history dating back to the American Revolutionary War and beyond. Smithville is the perfect place to find charming boutiques, shops, a vintage carousel, a train, as well as charming eateries.
New Jersey Botanical Garden | 5 Morris Road, Ringwood
Part of Ringwood State Park, the New Jersey Botanical Garden provides an assortment of activities for people of all ages. From a scavenger hunt, a family-friendly hike, a solar system walk, and of course, a tour of the featured gardens, you can spend hours enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens | 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair
Nestled at the base of 7 1/2 acre Mountainside Park is the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. The gardens contain over 14,000 irises with approximately 3,000 varieties, producing 100,000 blooms throughout the season. The irises typically bloom mid-May through the first week of June, with certain beds blooming in October.
Ringwood Manor | 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood
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A national historic landmark district, Ringwood Manor has historical structures, gardens, and landscapes on 528 acres. Prehistoric artifacts confirm Native American occupation on the site. The grounds are open seven days a week for exploring, and visitors can also tour the interiors.
South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail | 197 Glen Avenue, Millburn
The Fairy Trail sits on the edge of the South Mountain Reservation in Millburn and is home to 100 unique fairy homes that visitors can spot from the trail. For over a decade, delightful fairy houses have been mysteriously appearing along a half-mile stretch of the white-blazed Rahway Trail. In the early days, these charming creations were mainly the handiwork of a local artist and the Fairy Trail’s founder, Therese Ojibway. Since she moved, the Conservancy maintains the trail.
Turtle Back Zoo | 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
There’s so much to do at the Turtle Back Zoo. From a year-round black bear exhibit to pony rides, it’s the perfect place to spend a day. The zoo was founded in 1963 and is located on 20 acres of the South Mountain Reservation — part of the Essex County Park System, which is the oldest county park system in the U.S.
Van Saun County Park + Zoo | 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus
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Van Saun County Park is a beloved treasure in Bergen County, providing a scenic walking trail that loops around the park’s edge. In addition to the trail, the park also hosts the Van Saun Zoo, open daily from 6:30AM to 8:30PM.
Van Vleck House + Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
Van Vleck originated as a 12-acre private estate over 150 years ago when Joseph Van Vleck Sr and his family moved to Montclair. The beautifully landscaped grounds and uniquely U-shaped Italianate Villa have a country estate vibe that is a must-see.
Weehawken Dueling Grounds | 24 Hamilton Avenue, Weehawken
If you’re a fan of the Broadway musical Hamilton — or just simply love history, take a trip to Weehawken to visit the dueling grounds where Alexander Hamilton was fatally shot by Aaron Burr. Back in the 1800s, “dueling” was the primary way for men to settle their differences, and the Dueling Grounds was the place where it happened. The NYC skyline views are also unmatched.
Sports Activities
Great Gorge | 414 County Road 517, Vernon Township
While Great Gorge might be most known for its historic golf club, this sprawling outdoor oasis also has an aerial ropes course complete with obstacles and zip lines. The exhilarating aerial park, called TreEscape, has 10 different courses to tackle and makes for a perfect spring, summer, or fall activity. There’s an onsite restaurant with outdoor seating as well, so you can soak in the views of the Vernon Valley while dining.
Mountain Creek | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township
You don’t have to wait for the snow to fall to enjoy some fun on the ice. Learn how to ski + snowboard at Mountain Creek, which has over 167 skiable acres, fifty trails for mountain biking, a farm, a zoo, and more. The resort has everything from bunny slopes to black diamond-level trails, long groomers, and night skiing. Mountain Creek also features snow tubing and zip-line tours over the mountain-top lake. The cozy resort includes a hot tub + pool and is only about an hour away from Essex County.
Topgolf | 1013 US-1, Edison
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Topgolf is all about the experience, boasting three levels of bays - the designated space for each group. The driving range provides a wide selection of games that utilize microchipped golf balls and showcase each shot on the monitor in the bay. If you’re not into golf, there are other activities such as billiards and more. Make sure to reserve a bay, grab some friends, order some food and drinks, and hit a few.
Hiking Trails
Appalachian National Scenic Trail | Sussex
Completed in 1937, this footpath spans more than 2,100 miles and crosses through 14 states on the East Coast. Avid hikers in New Jersey can test their skills with a 72-mile run through the northwestern part of the state. The trail is open year-round from Maine to Georgia.
Eagle Rock Reservation | Eagle Rock Avenue + Prospect Avenue, West Orange
In an elevated land area in West Orange, George Washington and his troops once strategized how to win our country’s independence during the Revolutionary War. The location made a perfect overlook spot and allowed the U.S. troops to spy on British camps. Years later, the land gained the nickname “Eagle Rock Park”, as a large boulder atop the reservation was a popular perch for eagles. Fast forward to 1903. The park was a backdrop for the first-ever motion picture, The Great Train Robbery, filmed by Thomas Edison. Eagle Rock Park was later developed in the early 1900s, and in 1911, construction finished on the building atop the land. It was built in the “casino” style, meaning the first floor was an open-air room. Now, the building is home to the Highlawn Pavilion, a popular venue, and a restaurant.
Giant Stairs | Shore Trail, Closter
Just 19 miles from Hoboken, Giant Stairs provides another nearby hiking destination different from the rest of the trails on this list. Boulders that once fell from the Palisades now line this hiking trail and provide a challenging rock scramble to visitors. The full trail is just over four miles long, of which one mile is over boulders. Hike along steep cliff drop-offs while looking over the Hudson River.
Mills Reservation | Normal Avenue + Reservoir Drive, Cedar Grove
Mills Reservation, a county park with hiking trails, consists of over 150 acres and is located in Cedar Grove and Montclair. There are several trails, with one overlooking a view of the New York City skyline. The main 2.1 loop is considered to be relatively easy and is estimated to take 47 minutes.
Palisades Interstate Park/Fort Lee Historic Park | Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee
Palisades Interstate Park/Fort Lee Historic Park lies just north of Hoboken on the Hudson River. The park has about 30 miles of trails, ranging from leisurely riverside walks to challenging rock scrambles. Enter the park south of the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. To get there, embark on a 10-mile bike ride along the Hudson River waterfront, which starts as far south as Bayonne and continues up to the GW Bridge, catch the 158 bus, or drive. Head to the park’s website for information on different trails and to download a full map of the park.
Ramapo Reservation Loop Trail | 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah
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Ramapo Valley County Reservation is Bergen County’s largest park area, and we’re a bit biased, but we think it’s pretty enough to be in the movies. The Ramapo Reservation Loop is a bit more challenging of a walk, but worth the extra steps for these scenic views. This trial will run around 7.3 miles from start to finish.
Watchung Reservation | Historic Trail, Mountainside
Head southwest into New Jersey to find Watchung Reservation, a 2,000-acre preserve in the northern part of Union County. The park was designed by the Olmsted brothers, the same architects who designed New York’s Central Park. Embark on the six-mile history trail to discover various sites of historic interest in the reservation. If you’re looking for more activities, the reservation also has horseback riding, biking, and a science center, as well as a deserted village that has been empty since the early 1920s.
National Parks
Cheesequake State Park | 300 Gordon Road, Matawan
With five walking/hiking trails and campgrounds for fall camping, this park is the perfect place for camping, boating, canoeing, and more. Its location between two ecosystems enables the park to boast marshes, fields, a swamp, a hardwood forest, and Pine Barrens — a unique combo of beautiful features.
Ellis Island | Ellis Island, Jersey City
This famous national park was once an active immigration center that saw over 12 million immigrants coming to America in search of a better life. Ellis Island was the greeting point for millions of men, women, and children traveling to the U.S. for freedom and shelter. Audio tours are available to enhance the visitor experience.
Hopatcong State Park | 260 Lakeside Boulevard, Landing
Hopatcong State Park is nine miles long, and its focal point, Lake Hopatcong, is a popular New Jersey destination for fishing, boating, and swimming. On land first inhabited by Native Americans far before history was written, the park is historic by way of how early settlers on the land used it. The park was originally developed for practical purposes — to support the Morris Canal waterway that acted as a primary source of transportation for zinc, coal, and iron across NJ in the mid-late 1800s. When the NJ railroads began development, the waterway (and thus the energy from Lake Hopatcong that fueled the waterway) was less needed. Now, Hopatcong Park is a beautiful place to spend the day. There is a historical museum at the park that highlights the lake’s history, the Morris Canal, and Native American history. Please note: Hopatcong State Park's swim area is currently closed until further notice due to a confirmed Harmful Algal Bloom.
Liberty State Park | 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City
Liberty State Park has something for everyone, all year round. From the incredible views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan + Jersey City, to walking tours, this Hudson County gem has a variety of things for you to enjoy. The Liberty Science Center is a necessary stop if you have time to spare and are looking to warm up + venture off the trails in search of something more academically inclined.
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area | 128 S Hartshorne Drive, Highlands
Encompassing Sandy Hook, NJ, and Jamaica Bay, NY this park covers 27,000 acres of beaches, wildlife, and outdoor recreation space. Join the more than nine million annual visitors in exploring historic structures and cultural landscapes. With such a high influx of visitors, Sandy Hook is the 4th most visited national park in the country and is easily accessible by car, ferry, bus, or train.
Farms/Preserves
Alstede Farms | 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
Alstede Farms is a New Jersey staple for u-pick fruits, farm activities, and so much more. Take a Cider mill tour or visit the farm animals — even during the winter months. The wine-tasting room is a must-try, as well as the farm shop where you can purchase pies, fruits, and veggies, among other things.
Humor Me Farm | 128 Anthony Road, Glen Gardner
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Those who love alpacas will enjoy taking a trip to Humor Me Farm, where visitors can get their fix of the fluffy animals. The farm provides tours to meet all of the alpaca residents here. Guests can grab their herd and become immersed in the everyday farmwork of owning alpacas.
Lakota Wolf Preserve | 89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia
If you’re looking to escape into the wilderness and have a love of animals, the Lakota Wolf Preserve is the perfect place for you. A privately owned, 10-acre wolf preserve and photography center in Columbia, New Jersey — the location makes for an excellent day trip. Wolves, bobcats, lynxes, and foxes can all be found at this magical place.
Stony Hill Farms | 15 North Road, Chester
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Stony Farms is a northern New Jersey farm providing a broad catalog of products including produce, meat, and home-cooked-baked goods, + plants. All bakery items are made to order — and everything from pies to muffins to organic bread can be found here.
Wightman Farms | 1111 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown
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Founded in 1922, Wightman Farms has provided fresh fruits and veggies locally in New Jersey since its inception. The farm’s market is open year-round, where you can find a variety of goodies.
Wineries
Cape May Winery + Vineyard | 711 Townbank Road, Cape May
The winery + vineyard is located against the beautiful backdrop of Cape May’s beach town. There are a few different options — an educational wine tasting and daily wine offerings, which feature different bottles of wine by the glass. The winery also has a tapas kitchen with food available to snack on while drinking.
Four Sisters Winery | 783 County Road 519, Belvidere
Four Sisters Winery is popular for its unique and robust wines as well as the barefoot grape stomping. The winery also features wine, apple picking, and music festivals. This award-winning winery is an outdoor venue with tented decks and has different wine tastings available. The bistro menu is also available as are wines by the glass or bottle.
Heritage Winery | 480 Mullica Hill Road, Mullica Hill
Heritage Winery's selection is top-of-the-line and very diverse, and the food menu has delicious small tapas for anyone to enjoy. Wine by the bottle and wine by the glass or wine-tasting flights are the perfect way to relax and enjoy.
Laurita Winery | 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt
The vineyards seem to go on for miles and miles at Laurita Winery. The primary focus of the harvest is to grow grapes that are accepted worldwide, with some of the first planted in 1998. The winery is open on certain weekdays as well as the weekends. On the weekends, different events and food trucks line the property, serving up a great selection of bites to eat.
See More: The Best Indoor Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Make Wine With Us | 21 Curie Avenue, Wallington
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Make Wine with Us introduces guests to the wine-making process through hands-on sessions. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, or completely new to the vino game, Make Wine with Us is perfect for all expertise levels. From selecting the right grapes, all the way to bottling the wine, the winery provides the perfect setting to learn in small groups.
Renault Winery Resort + Golf | 72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City
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Renault is a great place if you’re looking to be in the Atlantic City area. Taste a variety of wines, while also enjoying a game of golf. This location is a New Jersey State Historical site and is one of the oldest continuously operated wineries in the U.S.
