The best parks & outdoor spots in Newark

“Lincoln Park is Hudson County’s oldest and largest park, a legit all-in-one spot with trails, ball fields, and statuary, plus Skyway Golf Course, Urban Paddle kayak rentals on the Hackensack, and fishing at Edgewood Lake. Bring binoculars... osprey and egrets make surprise cameos.”

From the Union newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Weequahic Park brings 311 acres of Olmsted-designed greenspace, an 80-acre lake, and New Jersey’s first public golf course to your weekend routine, plus a legit jogging trail, playgrounds, and ball courts... basically everything you need for a mellow reset or a pick-up game with friends.”

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Trade your usual routes this week for Weequahic Park, an Olmsted-designed escape with an 80-acre lake, the largest in Essex County, a smooth jogging trail, playgrounds, ball fields and courts, plus picnic-friendly lawns and the occasional concert or festival.”

From the Union newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Military Park is Newark’s cultural town square, a six-acre triangle dating to 1666 where you can grab a bite at The Yard, wander the monuments and public art, then catch community programs like Jazz N Jokes on August 21, 2026. A short hop from Irvington, perfect for an easy midweek reset.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Branch Brook Park delivers a 360-acre, Olmsted designed escape with cherry blossom groves, public art, a jogging loop and plenty of courts when the competitive itch hits.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Skip the drive and stretch your legs right next door at Monte Irvin Orange Park, an original Olmsted-designed gem with walking paths, athletic fields, a fishing pond, and a playground. Summer brings free concerts, so pack a blanket, let the kids roam, and claim your favorite shady spot.”

From the East Orange newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Belleville Park is the low-key upgrade to your week, with wooded greenery, a ¼-mile jogging path, bocce courts, softball and soccer fields, and a playground along the Second River.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Watsessing Park is a 69-acre Olmsted-designed escape in Bloomfield and East Orange with playgrounds, soccer and softball fields, basketball courts, a bandstand, and a splash park for the kids. Perfect for a low-key weekend reset when you want more green and less screen.”

From the Staten Island newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Make a quick escape to Riverview Fisk Park in the Heights for those unbeatable skyline and Hudson River views from the gazebo, then stick around to shoot hoops on the courts or let the kids loose on the playground. Bonus points if you time it with the lively farmers market or Riverview Jazz Festival.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, August 13, 2026