Lions Park, Upper Saddle River NJ

Lyons Park in Upper Saddle River NJ has a very nice fenced in playground with lots of different areas for the kids to spread out. The play area is in two sections for each age group. The toddler section has a ramp for handicap accessibility. There is a fire truck to sit in, along with lots of little bouncers.

ADDRESS: Lake St
DIRECTIONS: Route 17 N Lake St exit. Proceed on Lake St through three traffic lights. The park will be after the third light at bottom of hill on the left.
PARKING: Large paved lot close to the playground.
CLIMBING: Rings, repellers, wiggle poles, balance beams, monkey bars, fireman pole, wiggle poles
PLAYTHINGS: Multiple tic-tac-toes with shape matching, color matching, number matching, steering wheels, tunnels, shape sorter, call boxes, store front, puzzles, clock, looking glasses
SEESAWS: Small two seater bouncer that looks like a see saw, fireman’s truck also bounces
SLIDES: One steep metal slide. One corkscrew, one double, one chute, one tube. One toddler corkscrew, one toddler chute, one toddler tube.
SPORTS: Baseball fields
SWINGS: Four full size, four toddler, one tire
WALKING PATHS: Paved around the park
OTHER COOL STUFF: Balance beam that wiggles as you walk across it.

Municipal Field Playground Franklin Lakes NJ

Franklin Lakes Municipal Field Playground- Walk along a paved path to this big playground behind the municipal building and local library. The playground is suitable to ages 5 – 12 with newer equipment. The area is not shaded and not fenced in but lots of really cool equipment to keep the kids busy. Ice cream man does visit this playground in summer months.

ADDRESS: DeKorte Dr
DIRECTIONS: Rt. 208 N to exit 59/Frankin Lakes/Colonial Rd exit. Make a right at the light onto Colonial Rd. Take Colonial Rd to the end and make a right onto Franklin Lakes Rd. Go to the first light and make a left onto Pulis Ave. Make the first right onto DeKorte Ave. Playground is behind the Municipal Building on left.
PARKING: Municipal parking or next to the library.
HANDICAP: With the paved path leading to the playground this is a perfect handicap accessible area. The playground also has a smaller section with a large ramp with puzzles at the top of the ramp. There are also steps on this section making the ramp the only way down.
CLIMBING: Bars, rings, repeller, stairs, mushroom caps, chain link climbing, rock wall
PLAYTHINGS: Race car puzzles, storefront with two person seats, call boxes
SLIDES: One corkscrew, two bump, five chutes
SPORTS: Three baseball fields, two soccer fields, tennis courts to the west of the parking lots
SWINGS: Four full size, four toddler
WALKING PATH: Around perimeter of park and ball fields. Path leads to Memorial area.
WATER: Stream behind Memorial area
OTHER COOL STUFF: Independent rock climbing walls and climbing rings.
MAKE A DAY OF IT: Visit the Saddle Ridge Riding Center on Shadow Ridge Road off of Pulis Ave. The center has plenty of horses to look at and you can pick up information about lessons and birthday parties.

Carolyn R. Schultz Park, Cresskill NJ

Carolyn R. Schultz Park at 3rd Street Sports Complex in Cresskill has a new playground (~2008) within the grounds of the towns sports complex. The play area is fenced, shaded and has mulch ground cover. There are two structures for each age group with lots of independent slides and bouncers. There are eight swings and a picnic table making it the perfect scene for a play date.

ADDRESS: 3rd St or 5th & Elmwood Dr
DIRECTIONS: GSP N to exit 165 Oradell. Merge onto Oradell Ave. Turn right onto Kinderkamack Rd. Turn left onto New Milford Ave. Turn slight right onto Madison Ave for approximately 3 ½ miles. Turn right onto 3rd St.

PARKING: Paved lot within complex and street parking on 5th Ave.
PICNICKING: Only one picnic table
CLIMBING: Stacked mushroom caps, monkey bars, wiggle poles, circular chain steps, foot stepping blocks, lots of stairs
MERRY-GO-ROUND: Four seater bouncer
PLAYTHINGS: Puzzles, racing games, steering wheels, call boxes,
SLIDES: Triple slide, one chute, one independent, one toddler double
SPORTS: Soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball all within the complex
SWINGS: Eight full size, two toddler
OTHER COOL STUFF: Park is closed during the month of July from 9 – 1 for summer recreation program.
MAKE A DAY OF IT: Visit Cresskill Performing Arts on Knickerbocker Rd. The Arts offers a wide variety of classes including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, funk jazz, modern, theater dance and tap. New to the program are acting/improvisation, voice, fencing, belly dancing, and more, age 2 1/2 to adult. Stop by and speak with the owner, Betsy Daly, for more information about their programs.

Ruckman Park, Closter NJ


Ruckman Park in Closter has a huge playground area with two structures. The older child structure is very tall and has a very steep triple slide. There are also independent rock walls, tunnels, monkey bars, and so much to do. The structure for the little ones isn’t toddler size, but is definitely smaller. Expect full sun, seek shade in the nearby large picnicking pavilion.

ADDRESS: Piermont Rd & Ruckman Rd
DIRECTIONS: GSP N to exit 168 Washington/Westwood/HoHoKus. Bear right off of the exit onto Washington Ave. Stay on Washington Ave for approximately 2 miles and bear right onto Broadway into the center of Westwood. Continue on Broadway for about 4 miles and make a right onto Closter Dock Rd. Make a left onto Piermont Rd. The playground is at the intersection of Piermont Rd & Ruckman Rd.
PARKING: Large paved lot but a little bit of a walk to the playground
PICNICKING: A pavilion with tables and benches at the playground
CLIMBING: Rock wall, chain steps, wiggle pole, circular monkey bars, stacked mushroom caps, corkscrew poles, standing bouncers, steppers, balance beams
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, matching games, steering wheels, call boxes, general store, looking glass, animal bouncers
SLIDES: One corkscrew, two chutes, one tube, one double, and one very steep triple chute
SPORTS: Baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, bocce courts
SWINGS: Four full size, two toddler, one tire
WALKING PATHS: Paved around the park but not to the playground
MAKE A DAY OF IT: Stop by Wards 5 & 10 on Closter Dock Rd for a shopping trip like no other. For the last 50 years Ward’s has carried a broad assortment of inventory at the lowest prices. There is something for everyone so take the time to stop by and see what they have for you.

Highland Memorial Park, Harrington Park NJ


Harrington Park’s Highland Memorial Park has a bright green and red playground in a perfectly shaded location. The play area has some very different equipment that looks like licorice walls and spider webs for the avid climber. There are climbing tunnels and mushroom caps.

ADDRESS: Tappan Rd
DIRECTIONS: GSP N to exit 168 Washington/Westwood/HoHoKus. Bear right off of the exit onto Washington Ave. Stay on Washington Ave for approximately 2 miles and bear right onto Broadway in the center of Westwood. Continue on Broadway for about 3 miles and make a left onto Schraalenburgh Rd. Make a right onto Tappan Rd
DESCRIPTION:
PARKING: Large lot close to the playground
PICNICKING: Several picnic tables
CLIMBING: Red and green licorice looking climbing walls and ropes, repellers, chain steps, mushroom caps, rings
MERRY GO ROUND: Bright red and blue with bars to hold onto
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, four seater bouncy, tunnel, steering wheels, color matching game
SLIDES: One corkscrew, one double
SPORTS: Basketball, baseball fields
SWINGS: Four full size, two toddler, one tire
WALKING PATHS: Paved around the park
MAKE A DAY OF IT: Mom’s, you have to check out Quality Touch – Therapeutic Massage located at 36 Hard Way in Harrington Park. The center offers massages, reflexology, and gift certificates are available to purchase.

Wilde Field, Glen Rock NJ


Glen Rock’s Wilde Field Playground has 3 distinct playground areas. One small toddler fenced in area with Little Tykes equipment. The other two sections are together but for different age groups. The area is nicely shaded under tall trees with lots of climbing. The equipment offers something for everyone with the different levels of play. The play areas are centered between baseball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

ADDRESS: Maple Ave
DIRECTIONS: NJ-4 W towards Paterson. Stay straight to go onto NJ-208 N. Take the Maple Ave North exit toward Glen Rock/Ridgewood. Slight right onto South Maple Ave
PARKING: Large paved lot but it’s a bit of a walk along a path to the playground
PICNICKING: A pavilion shelter with tables and scattered tables throughout the park area
CLIMBING: One corkscrew pole, monkey bars, wiggle poles, rock wall, parallel bars, rings, three climbing mushroom poles, half moon climbing bars, cement dolphins and turtles for climbing
PLAYTHINGS: Alphabet tic-tac-toe, two store fronts, call boxes, pretend spaceship and race car pictures, two rocking animals
SLIDES: Two corkscrew, one chute, one double chute
SPORTS: Bocce, shuffle board, checkers table, chess tables, baseball, tennis, basketball, ice hockey
WALKING PATHS: Paved around the park
OTHER COOL STUFF: Large hockey rink great for roller hockey. Residents may also reserve space for larger groups to utilize the barbeque and picnic areas. Contact Borough Hall for details.
MAKE A DAY OF IT: Check out Grow-Cery Limited on Rock Rd. They are a small scale toy store with lots of personality. They have a broad assortment of creative and educational toys.

Brookdale Park, Fair Lawn NJ

Update (4/9/2012) : Fire destroyed this playground in Fair Lawn, NJ, playground closed indefinitely! (via Stacy C. and Fair Lawn Patch article)

Will post update once playground is repaired.

Brookdale Park in Fair Lawn has a great red, white, and blue playground in a residential neighborhood. This playground has a large ramp but also lots of slides and climbing. There is a tower at the top of the ramp with enough room for a wheelchair to turn around. There are swings and ball fields to run and play around.

ADDRESS: Yale Pl & Winslow Terr
DIRECTIONS: NJ-4 W towards Paterson. Take the Paramus Rd South exit and bear slight right onto Paramus Rd. Take the NJ-4 E ramp towards New York and stay straight onto Red Mill Rd. Turn left onto Saddle River Rd. Turn right onto Windsor Rd – Windsor Rd turns into Blue Hill Ave. Turn left onto Winslow Terr and right onto Yale Pl.
PARKING: Street only
HANDICAP: Playground has large ramp and lots of puzzles and wheels at the top of the ramp. The only hesitations are rubber mulch and there is no paved entrance for easier wheelchair accessibility.
CLIMBING: Corkscrew poles, wiggle poles, rock wall, stepping rails, steps
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, store front, looking glass (although broken when we visited), puzzles, sign language board, tunnels
SLIDES: One corkscrew, two double chutes
SPORTS: Baseball fields
SWINGS: Four full size, four toddler
MAKE A DAY OF IT: If your sunny day at the park turns cloudy, stop by Brunswick Fair Lawn Lanes for an afternoon of bowling. The lanes are located at 22 Maple Ave. They also offer great options for your child’s next birthday party.

Carlock Field, Rochelle Park NJ


Rochelle Park’s Carlock Field is located on Thiem Ave & Berdan St. Carlock field has a new play area located in residential neighborhood with field and recreational building. There are two separate areas for 2- 5 and 5-12. The equipment is shiny and new with loads of climbing. There is a huge rock wall and really cool steps and slides. The toddler area has a cool bump slide. There are lots of rockers and play puzzles.

DIRECTIONS: GSP N toward Saddle Brook/ Saddle River Rd. Take the Saddle River Rd exit, exit 62B, toward Fair Lawn/ Lodi. Stay straight to go onto Railroad Ave. Turn left onto Rochelle Ave. Continue to follow Rochelle Ave. Turn left onto Chestnut St. Turn right onto Berdan St. Turn right onto Thiem Ave.
PARKING: Street parking and small lot in the recreational center
PICNICKING: Three picnic tables in the shade
HANDICAP: The entrance to the play area was under construction when we visited so the walkway was just dirt. There is one handicap swing but it may not be easy to get to it. The play area is all mulch ground cover which can make it difficult to maneuver.
CLIMBING: Lots of wiggle poles, traditional climbing walls, monkey bars, high/low steps, fireman’s pole, hand and foot climbing wall
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, dolphin and race car rockers, tunnels, steering wheels
SLIDES: One corkscrew, two double, one chute, one toddler bump
SPORTS: Baseball, soccer, football
SWINGS: Six full size, two toddler, one handicap
WALKING PATHS: At the time of our visit a lot of this field was under construction

Michael J.Petruska Jr Memorial Park, Paramus NJ


Michael J.Petruska Jr Memorial Park is located on 475 Farview Ave. in Paramus, NJ. Main entrance to park is the toddler playground. There are three distinct areas with equipment for ages 2-5. The play area has lots of cool slides, puzzles, rockers, swings, and a fun train for “all aboard.” There are swinging benches for mom to sit back and watch the little ones roam around this open area. The playground for ages 5-12 is on the other side of the baseball fields. It is a long walk to get there or you can move the car from the main entrance to the back parking lot.

DIRECTIONS: NJ-17 N to the Midland Ave ramp toward River Edge. Turn slight right onto E Midland Ave. Turn left onto Farview Ave. Playground will be on your right.
PARKING: Large paved lot close to the playground
PICNICKING: Picnic tables on paver patio area in partial shade
CLIMBING: Wiggle poles, steps, chain climbers
PLAYTHINGS: Four different tic-tac-toe, puzzles, steering wheels, lots of animal and car rockers
SLIDES: Two toddler bumps, one toddler tube, one toddler double
SPORTS: Baseball, basketball, hand ball, hockey
SWINGS: Four toddler
WALKING PATHS: Paved path around the park from the toddler area to the big kid section
OTHER COOL STUFF: Burke Express Train with four individual cars to sit and climb on
MAKE A DAY OF IT: Paramus Deli on Farview Ave offers great sandwiches to pick up before you head to the park for a picnic lunch.

DiMaggio Park, Paramus NJ


Paramus’ DiMaggio Park is located on Nichols Dr & Oliver Rd. It is a great playground in residential neighborhood. Two separate areas for each age group. Toddler area has swings and two animal rockers. Older area has great climbing and lots of slides.

DIRECTIONS: NJ-17 N to Linwood Ave exit. Turn right immediately off the exit onto Alden Rd. Turn right onto Flint Pl and then right onto Nichols Dr.

PARKING: Street only

CLIMBING: Corkscrew, wiggle poles, monkey bars, two repellers, rings, stacked mushroom caps, rock wall

PLAYTHINGS: Tic tac toe, alphabet wall, animal matching

SLIDES: One corkscrew, one chute, one double, one tube

SPORTS: Basketball, handball

SWINGS: Two full size, two toddler

Dimaggio Park
MAKE A DAY OF IT: McDonalds is on NJ Rt 17 North right before you get off of the Linwood Ave exit. Stop and pick up lunch for an afternoon at the park.

Maywood Memorial Park, Maywood NJ


Located on Spring Valley Road and Coolidge Ave., Maywood Memorial Park Playground is a newer equipment playground in a large recreational area. The play area is completely shaded with large trees. The red, green, and white equipment has two different structures with lots of climbing with bridges, steps, and tunnels.

DIRECTIONS: NJ-4 E toward Fort Lee/ New York. Take the Spring Valley Rd ramp toward Oradell/ Maywood. Turn slight right onto Spring Valley Rd. Playground will be on your left on the corner of Spring Valley Rd and Coolidge Ave.

PARKING: Street parking on Wyoming Ave and Coolidge Ave, a parking lot on Spring Valley Rd

PICNICKING: Three picnic tables scattered throughout park

HANDICAP: There is a large ramp on one of the play structures. The ramp has accessibility from the parking lot via a path made of paver stones. There are puzzles and toys at the top of the ramp.

CLIMBING: Two corkscrew poles, wiggle poles, repeller, rings, monkey bars, steps

PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, color matching puzzle, wheel spinning, steering wheels, tunnels

SLIDES: One corkscrew, one tube, one chute, two toddler

SPORTS: Baseball, basketball, soccer, handball

SWINGS: Two full size, two toddler

WALKING PATHS: There is a memorial paver path that leads from the street to the play area and a paved walking path around the entire park area

OTHER COOL STUFF: Memorial paver walkway in center of park, 9-11 Memorial sight with an American flag
Memorial Park Maywood

MAKE A DAY OF IT: Visit the newly renovated Bergen Towne Center located on Spring Valley Rd. The mall is full of outlet shopping and large anchor stores. Lots of great shopping and great deals!

Staib Park, Hackensack NJ

Staib Park
Located on Summit Ave & Coles Ave in Hackensack NJ, Hackensack Staib Park is a large playground with two play areas for each age group. The toddler area is a smaller version of the larger equipment. Both sections are in full shade. These colorful play areas have climbing sections and lots of slides along with independent climbing and play things.

DIRECTIONS: NJ-4 E toward Fort Lee/ New York. Turn right onto S Lake Dr. S Lake Dr becomes Wilson St. Turn right onto Coles Ave.
PARKING: Large paved lot close to the playground.
PICNICKING: Picnic tables throughout the park.
CLIMBING: Rings, monkey bars, fireman’s pole, parallel bars, circular bars
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, fireman’s puzzle, steering wheels, looking glass, play house, fire truck rocker
SLIDES: Two chutes, one toddler, one tube, two double
SPORTS: Baseball, basketball
WATER: Coles Brook is a tributary to the Hackensack River. The area was planted to protect the river from the elements. The brook is accessible from the parking lot via a small rock path.
OTHER COOL STUFF: The playground is utilized daily during the summer months by the town’s recreation program so it may be a little crowded.
MAKE A DAY OF IT: Stop by Java’s Brewin’ in the Upper Main Business District on 270 Main Street next to Johnson Public Library. They are open Monday through Friday from 7am – 5:30pm and Saturdays from 7:30am to 4:00pm. Choose from a broad assortment of food including coffee and specialty breads in the morning, home made soup for lunch, and ½ price sandwiches after 4pm (if there are any leftover!)

Kidspot Playground at Memorial Field, Rutherford NJ


Kidspot Playground at Memorial Field in Rutherford (located on Darwin Ave.) is a huge playground at a dead end area of a town recreational complex. The playground is two stories of bridges and ramps. It is handicap accessible and has lots of small areas to maneuver and play in. There are puzzles and tunnels galore.

DIRECTIONS: NJ-3 E to merge onto NJ-21 N towards Passaic. Take exit 10B towards Passaic Park/Clifton/Rutherford. Slight right onto River Dr. Turn right onto Union Ave. Turn right onto Darwin Ave.
PARKING: Large paved lot and street parking
PICNICKING: Covered pavilion area with picnic tables
HANDICAP: Playground is handicap accessible with a large ramp and lots of things to do once you read the top. There is a large platform area to turn and maneuver a wheelchair. The base of the playground is full of little niches and playthings. The ground cover is mulched which may make it challenging to move around.
CLIMBING: Corkscrew poles, monkey bars, repellers, chain steps, wiggle poles, fireman poles, rings
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, matching games, steering wheels, call boxes, mirror, tunnels, store fronts
SLIDES: One large corkscrew, one chute, one tube
SPORTS: Baseball, football, soccer, tennis, basketball
SWINGS: Four full size, four toddler
WALKING PATHS: Paved around the park
OTHER COOL STUFF: Memorial path leading into playground
MAKE A DAY OF IT: There are two other playgrounds in this same recreational complex, one by the picnic area. The other is called Katie’s Corner and is on West Erie Ave.

Veterans Park, Ridgefield Park, NJ


Veterans Park is located on Overlook Ave & Morningside Ln in Ridgefield Park
This bright red and blue playground is hidden at the town’s baseball fields. The play area sits below the parking area and there are steeps steps to take to it. The equipment is all bright and picnewer condition. There are lots of slides, bridges, and climbing. There is also a lot for the little ones like puzzles, tunnels, and looking glasses.

DIRECTIONS: US-46 towards the Ridgefields. Take the ramp onto Teaneck Rd. Slight right onto Emerson Ave. Turn right onto Teaneck Rd. Turn right onto Hobart St and left onto Overpeck Ave. Turn right onto Cedar St and left onto Overlook Ave.
PARKING: The entrance to the field is very steep and leads to a small lot with a bit of a walk to the play area down a flight of steep steps from the parking lot
PICNICKING: A pavilion with picnic tables
CLIMBING: Corkscrew pole, monkey bars, repeller, wiggle poles, chains, steps, bridges, twisted monkey bars, mushroom caps
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, puzzles, steps, musical chimes, steering wheels, looking glass, general store
SLIDES: One huge triple, one corkscrew, three chutes, one tube, two double
SPORTS: Baseball, basketball
SWINGS: Four full size, four toddler, one tire
WALKING PATHS: Paved around the park
OTHER COOL STUFF: Walking and bike path around fields

Danny D’Elia Recreation Center, Oakland, NJ


Danny D’Elia Recreation Center also know as Alexander Potash Recreation complex, is located on Lawlor Dr. in Oakland, NJ. It is a
beautifully maintained playground for ages 5-12. The equipment is new, the ground cover is rubber mulch and it is completely enclosed. The downfalls of this playground is that there is no shade and the rubber mulch can cause new white shoes to turn black. It is also a little difficult to walk on, comparable to walking on sand at the beach.

DIRECTIONS: Route 287 N, merge onto Route 208 N to exit 58 Route 202/Oakland. Make a left at the light and cross over railroad tracks. Proceed to the third traffic light and make a right onto Butternutt Ct. Butternutt Ct splits-bare to the right onto Lawlor Dr. The playground is on the left.

Parking lot is right in front of the play area

PICKNICKING: Park is in recreational complex area with picnic tables.
CLIMBING: Bars, rings, repellers, parallel bars, stairs, corkscrew poles, fireman poles, mushroom caps
SLIDES: One corkscrew, one tube, one chute
SWINGS: Four full size
MAKE A DAY OF IT: After lunch and a full day at the playground, head to Dairy Queen on Ramapo Valley Road for a soft serve ice cream or a blizzard. This is a walk up DQ only.