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Our Favorite Nearby Parks and Walking Trails

Perfect for Leisure Outdoor Family Time

By Naida May 3, 2023

Our area is home to several great parks and trails, perfect for families to enjoy together. From urban parks to nature trails, there is something for everyone. 

Here are our Favorite Nearby Walking Trails:

1. Woodbridge Community Center is a great place to start. It features a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, and game room. The park also has a playground, picnic area, and walking paths. It is the perfect spot for a family outing. 

2. Rahway River Park is a great spot to connect with nature. The park features over 5 miles of nature trails for biking, hiking, and walking. There are also plenty of picnic areas and playgrounds for the kids. It is a great place to enjoy some outdoor activities and take in the scenery of the river. 

3. Middlesex Greenway is more urban experience. The Greenway connects several parks, such as Windward Park, Woodbridge Park, and Memorial Park. The Greenway is a great way to explore the city, as it has plenty of walking and biking trails. 

4. Carteret Waterfront Park is an ever-evolving waterfront park with a public marina and a gorgeous, walking and fishing pier. A larger extension is in development and will connect a few towns together.

5. Fanwood Nature Center near Scotch Plains boasts beautiful, quiet trails, lots of nature and wildlife to observe and appreciate as well as a great Nature Center.

6. Ash Brook Reservation Hiking Trail in Scotch Plains is a beautiful nature trail with a lot of history. The trail leads to a swamp where British and Colonial forces fought on a brutally hot June 26, 1777, during the battle of Short Hills.

7. Cheesequake State Park: Enjoy the beauty of nature at Cheesequake State Park. The park features over 15 miles of trails, great for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. 

8. Ernest L Oros Natural Reserve in Avenel is a wonderful, natural place to appreciate wildlife and native plants.

9. Watchung Reservation in Mountainside is a huge Nature Center with multiple trails where you can enjoy superb walks, community programs, camps, and workshops as well as learn about our natural environment and local wildlife.

10. Hawk Rise Sanctuary in Linden has great trails for outdoor enjoyment while also being a wonderful Bird Watching experience. Pick from multiple trails and enjoy the sanctuary, the observatory, and more.

No matter what kind of park or trail you are looking for, our area has something for every family. Now that the weather is more enjoyable, get out and explore our Great Outdoors with the family.

*** Read the following for more ideas on Enjoying the Great Outdoors 
or 13 Essentials when Day Hiking or Hiking with Children

***** Also - check out our list of Local Stroller Friendly Trails


Be sure to tell local businesses and events you found them 
on Macaroni Kid Greater Woodbridge ... 
and make sure to tell all your friends!