Parks In Town Make for Cheap Fun

We have some top rated playgrounds right here in Jefferson Township. Some may be right next door to you and others only a 15-minute drive. If you are a parent, grandparent or babysitter, looking for an easy adventure that's local, one of the area's playgrounds might be what you are looking for. As adults keep a watchful eye, kids can have a blast swinging, sliding, running and playing. It's great exercise and it's fun. It's free and maybe the adults can do some socializing too. 

Have a Picnic

Pack lunch in a cooler and have a picnic.  Fill water bottles from home and freeze the night before. These can be used all day for an inexpensive, healthy hydrating drink during play. Make a day of it.  Don't forget the sunscreen, bug spray, wipes and emergency band aids.

If you don't want to pack lunch, most playgrounds have fast food or delis nearby.

Tired of the same playground?

Here are a few local playgrounds worth visiting.  Don't forget to check out your local school’s playground.

Ridge Road Complex
167 Ridge Road, Oak Ridge
Large paved parking lot
Porta-potty onsite
Covered picnic area with a few tables
2 regular swings and 2 toddler swings
1corkscrew, 2 chute and 2 bump slides
2 playground areas - one for 2-5 years old and one for 5-12 years old
Ball fields
*From the parking lot the playground is in view but requires a little walk.  The playground contains a fireman's pole.

Longwood Lake Park
Longwood Lake Road, Oak Ridge off Berkshire Valley Rd, turn by Steak & Ale.
One parking space and street parking.
One picnic table
2 Regular and 2 toddler swings
1corkscrew and 2 chute slides.
Duck and frog bouncy
*It's off the beaten path and probably doesn't get many visitors.  Has a small sized basketball court.

Creative Playground
1033 Weldon Rd., Oak Ridge
Plenty of parking
Porta-potty onsite or you can go to the library
Tables and benches
Regular and toddler swings plus a tire swing
2 corkscrew and 1 straight slide
*On approach it looks like Cinderella's Castle.  It has hidden doorways and various walkways and is great place to play hide-and-seek.  It has a fence around it with one entrance and exit.  Plus it's next to the library where you can cool off and get a good book to read.

Camp Jefferson
81 Weldon Rd., Lake Hopatcong
Plenty of parking
Porta-potty onsite
Tables and vending machines
4 regular and 4 toddler swings, plus 1 wheelchair swing
Corkscrew, chute, tube and bump slides. 
*During the summer day hours you may have to share it with children attending Camp Jefferson. It has multiple playthings and a sandbox. Skate park, hiking trails, lake, cabins and amphitheater onsite.  Playground has a fence around it.

Lakeside Recreation Complex
Bowling Green Parkway and Route 15 South, Lake Hopatcong behind Dunkin Donuts
Plenty of parking
Porta-potty onsite
Covered pavilion with picnic tables—enough for a family reunion
Benches around play area
2 regular and 2 toddler swings
Lots of slides
2 playground areas - one for 2-5 years old and one for 5-12 years old
Ball fields
*Fenced in play area. Plenty of space for lawn games. Lots of play things and 3 bouncies.