Whether you want mellow loops or a legit climb, South Mountain Reservation delivers miles of Olmsted-designed woods, scenic overlooks, and…
S Orange Ave (West Orange)
“Whether you want mellow loops or a legit climb, South Mountain Reservation delivers miles of Olmsted-designed woods, scenic overlooks, and the Washington Rock lookout, plus a dog park and picnic spots. Close enough for an after-work reset, big enough to feel like you actually got away. Check it out.”
Secor Farms does the season right with hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn and hay mazes, plus a friendly petting zoo for the kids. The rest of…
85 Airmont Ave (Mahwah)
“Secor Farms does the season right with hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn and hay mazes, plus a friendly petting zoo for the kids. The rest of the year, their nursery and garden center keeps North Jersey yards looking sharp, and the market’s stocked with local produce that actually tastes like something.”
From the North Jersey newsletter, September 18, 2026
Overpeck Preserve is a 125-acre former landfill turned urban wilderness, with vernal pools, woods, wetlands and grasslands that rank among…
Fort Lee Rd (Leonia)
“Overpeck Preserve is a 125-acre former landfill turned urban wilderness, with vernal pools, woods, wetlands and grasslands that rank among Bergen County’s rarest habitats. Locals love the low-key trails and seasonal sightings, from reliable winter Bald Eagles to spring warblers and late-summer herons and egrets.”
From the Bergen County newsletter, September 4, 2026
South Mountain - Fairy Trail is a whimsical, family-friendly path sprinkled with tiny, handcrafted fairy homes that’ll charm kids and…
197 Glen Ave (Millburn)
“South Mountain - Fairy Trail is a whimsical, family-friendly path sprinkled with tiny, handcrafted fairy homes that’ll charm kids and grownups alike. Quick heads up, it’s closed through August 30, 2026 as Green Acres project work continues, so wander the open River Trail this week and plan your fairy fix next weekend.”
When you need a no-fuss reset, Taylor Park delivers with a loopable walking path, a legit playground for the kids, and a peaceful pond that…
100 Main St (Millburn)
“When you need a no-fuss reset, Taylor Park delivers with a loopable walking path, a legit playground for the kids, and a peaceful pond that makes your coffee taste better. Grab a friend this week, shoot hoops or swing a racket, then just wander and breathe a little.”
Lenape Park is that no-fuss green pocket right by Westfield where you can pedal the bicycle path, meander nature trails, or drop a line in…
130 Kenilworth Blvd (Cranford)
“Lenape Park is that no-fuss green pocket right by Westfield where you can pedal the bicycle path, meander nature trails, or drop a line in the lake or river and pretend your inbox can't find you. Extra perk: a model railroad club that charms kids and grownups.”
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…
1 County Rd 605 (Jersey City)
“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.”
Hofstra Park is the move this week... let the kids hit the refreshed playground and spray park while you sneak in a quick run on the…
106 Brown Ave (Prospect Park)
“Hofstra Park is the move this week... let the kids hit the refreshed playground and spray park while you sneak in a quick run on the upgraded basketball, tennis, or pickleball courts. Easy, low-effort summer happiness for anyone in Paterson who needs to burn energy without leaving town.”
Goffle Brook Park nails that perfect North Jersey reset with Olmsted-designed meadows, paved paths, athletic fields, and a picturesque duck…
788 Lafayette Ave (Hawthorne)
“Goffle Brook Park nails that perfect North Jersey reset with Olmsted-designed meadows, paved paths, athletic fields, and a picturesque duck pond that basically begs for a lazy lap or two. Bring the pup to the dog run, then pop into the Passaic County Arts Center for a quick culture hit.”
Weequahic Park brings 311 acres of Olmsted-designed greenspace, an 80-acre lake, and New Jersey’s first public golf course to your weekend…
Elizabeth Ave &, Meeker Ave (Newark)
“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.”
Nomahegan Park wraps the Rahway River and Nomahegan Lake with shady trails, a pretty loop for jogs or stroller strolls, and enough open…
995 Springfield Ave (Cranford)
“Nomahegan Park wraps the Rahway River and Nomahegan Lake with shady trails, a pretty loop for jogs or stroller strolls, and enough open fields for pickup games while kids conquer the playground. When you need a midweek breather, this mellow escape totally delivers.”
From the Staten Island newsletter, August 26, 2026
Farms View Roadstand has been feeding Northern New Jersey for over a century, growing non-GMO produce picked daily in peak season… think…
945 Black Oak Ridge Rd (Wayne)
“Farms View Roadstand has been feeding Northern New Jersey for over a century, growing non-GMO produce picked daily in peak season… think sweet corn, crisp lettuce, jalapeños, and fresh-pressed apple cider.”
From the West Milford newsletter, September 7, 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…
1 Thomas Carmichael Dr (Newark)
“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.”
When you need trees, views, and space to actually hear yourself think, South Mountain Reservation delivers with over 2,000 acres of Olmsted…
Cherry Ln (West Orange)
“When you need trees, views, and space to actually hear yourself think, South Mountain Reservation delivers with over 2,000 acres of Olmsted designed trails, a dog park, Washington Rock Lookout, carriage roads for jogging or riding, plus fishing and a legit wildlife refuge vibe.”
From the North Jersey newsletter, September 4, 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…
51 Park Pl (Newark)
“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.”
Branch Brook Park delivers a 360-acre, Olmsted designed escape with cherry blossom groves, public art, a jogging loop and plenty of courts…
& Park Avenue, Lake St (Newark)
“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.”
Regatta Playground is a gated go-to for kids of all ages at The Waterfront, with climbing structures, slides, swings and mercifully clean…
Cherry Ln (West Orange)
“Regatta Playground is a gated go-to for kids of all ages at The Waterfront, with climbing structures, slides, swings and mercifully clean restrooms. Bring your coffee, let them burn energy, then cruise the reservoir path or try the paddle boats if you’re feeling ambitious.”
From the Livingston newsletter, September 11, 2026
Skip the drive and stretch your legs right next door at Monte Irvin Orange Park, an original Olmsted-designed gem with walking paths,…
S Center St & South Harrison Street, 35 E Highland Ave (City of Orange)
“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.”
Belleville Park is the low-key upgrade to your week, with wooded greenery, a ¼-mile jogging path, bocce courts, softball and soccer fields,…
343 Belleville Ave (Belleville)
“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
Right in downtown Hackensack, Atlantic Street Park turns warm evenings into easy wins with Movies under the Stars, Shakespeare in the Park,…
102 State St (Hackensack)
“Right in downtown Hackensack, Atlantic Street Park turns warm evenings into easy wins with Movies under the Stars, Shakespeare in the Park, concerts, and even Sunset Yoga. Bring a blanket, find some shade, and let the outdoor stage handle your weeknight plans this week.”
From the Bergen County newsletter, September 18, 2026
Trade your usual loop for the Marsh Discovery Trail and wide-open estuary views at Richard W. DeKorte Park. Boardwalk paths, NJSEA-led…
1 DeKorte Park (Lyndhurst)
“Trade your usual loop for the Marsh Discovery Trail and wide-open estuary views at Richard W. DeKorte Park. Boardwalk paths, NJSEA-led nature walks, the Meadowlands Environment Center, and even the William D.”
Watsessing Park is a 69-acre Olmsted-designed escape in Bloomfield and East Orange with playgrounds, soccer and softball fields, basketball…
Bloomfield Ave &, Conger St (Bloomfield)
“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…
498 Palisade Ave (Jersey City)
“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.”
