Discover Union County New Jersey Parks & Playgrounds

Looking for some great day trip ideas with the kids? Check out some of these family friendly parks in Union County NJ.

Echo Lake Park

Park Dr and Mill Ln, Mountainside, NJ. 908.527.4900
Echo Lake Park is open year round with many different seasonal activities available. Throughout the year there is a dog park, that is separated into two areas for large and small dogs, and a popular playground. The summer is a great time to visit.

The park has a fitness trail, fishing at its two lakes, a spinning waterwheel for kids, pedal boats and paddle boats. The paddle and pedal boats are available to rent from April 1st to October 31st seven days a week at $10 per hour. There are many trails which are organized by color.

Summertime is home to an annual concert series and other events at the park happen throughout the year. Picnic tables and grills are located in various places throughout the park. And don’t miss out on visiting the 9/11 memorial that honors local union county residents. In the winter, visitors can use its many hills for sledding around the Springfield Avenue area or ice skating on the lakes.

Nomahegan Park

995 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ.
Located right across from Union County College, Nomahegan Park is very popular for residents and visitors in Union County. Throughout the year, the park host many events such as festivals, a farmer’s market, music concerts, craft shows and an annual fishing derby.

The park has 2 playgrounds for children of all ages and has climbable trees. There is a 2 mile loop for walking or running and another path for bike riders. The park has restrooms, picnic tables and grills. Visitors can reserve space for a picnic style party. Wildlife is present throughout the park and the nearby woods are a great place to explore.

Phil Rizzuto Park

594 Morris & North Aves, Union, NJ.
The Phil Rizzuto Park was created to honor the NY Yankee hall-of-fame baseball player who lives nearby. The 10.4 acre recreational area has a fully accessible boundless playground for children of all abilities.

The park has a baseball theme throughout and features a baseball style seating area, gazebo with a stadium theme and monument. For fitness enthusiasts there is a soccer field, bocce court and para course fitness stations. In the summer children can play in the splash area.

Rahway River Park

St Georges Ave, Rahway, NJ.
Rahway River Park is located along the banks of the Rahway River. The park is comprised of 124 acres and has extensive walkways near the River. Ball, tennis and basketball fields are located throughout the area as well as picnic areas.

The swimming pool, which was the first public park pool in the United States, is open June 24th to Labor Day throughout the week. There are special swims each week for people with disabilities on Monday and Wednesday nights. The pool has lifeguards, showers, locker rooms and a snack bar. There is a long trail with exercise stops as well as 2 walking loops- a ¾ mile and a 1.2 mile loop

Warinanco Park

Warinanco Park Roadway, Roselle, NJ.
This park in Roselle is home to many sports fields. There are baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and shuffleboard courts. The soccer fields has tot, tot muli-sport and adult leagues throughout the year that locals can join. Lit clay courts and horseshoe pits are available as well. Paths include fitness trails, biking paths and a running track.

Two playgrounds are located in the park for children of all ages and the Sports Center has a café and snack bar. The Chatfield Garden is a wonderful place to appreciate and experience nature. In the summer, visitors can go fishing, rent pedal boats or go to the Boathouse. In the winter, children and adults can ice skate at the rink for a small fee.

Watchung Reservation

West R Tracy Dr, Mountainside, NJ.
Watchung Reservation is known for its Trailside Nature and Science Center which features many educational activities throughout the year. Guided nature trails, a scout camping area, picnic area, playground and a snack bar are also located at the Center. Visitors can go horseback riding on the bridle trails and visit the Watchung Stables near the Center. There are a few playgrounds located within the Reservation as well.