Lots to Do at Hanover Park on Malapardis

Just over the Morris Plains border and into Hanover Township, Hanover Park on Malapardis Road is one of the most delightful playgrounds around.

As you pull into the parking lot you’ll see a pond straight ahead. At times, a central fountain sprays water into the air, at other times you’ll find people fishing.  You can usually spy a turtle or two swimming along the edges.

To the left of the pond, a playground sits along the tree line.  There are toddler swings, a hippo with all its internal organs labeled, a large climbing structure with lots of slides and “mushroom caps” followed by adult-sized swings.

Hanover Park is a great place for a picnic, party or play date because it offers a large covered gazebo with tables right next to the playground. There are also several benches directly across from the playground which allows caregivers the opportunity to relax a bit and chat while keeping a watchful eye on little climbers.

If you walk halfway around the pond from the playground, you’ll find a paved path that leads past the baseball field and into the woods. It emerges a few hundred yards later in front of a few tennis courts. 

The indoor bathrooms at this park make it a good place to stay for a while.  When they aren’t open, a port-a-john is usually available.

Nearby Morris Plains offers lots of kid-friendly options for eats including , , , and even a new falafel joint called .

Amy Lamperti is the publisher of The Playground Guide and co-owner of www.njplaygrounds.com For more details on playgrounds all over New Jersey visit the website or follow NJ Playgrounds on facebook (www.facebook.com/njplaygrounds)