Lakes, rivers, streams, and the ocean! Go on a day trip on the water. We’ve picked out some of the best spots for fishing, swimming, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. Discover a whole new array of outdoor on the water trips that the entire family...even your dog will enjoy. The action isn’t just at the beach.

Spend a day fishing, boating, or walking the trail at the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell. The 770-acre Reservoir is part of a larger 1,208 acre site that include woods and wetlands, a 5-mile perimeter trail, and a Visitor Center where you can rent rowboats, sailboats, or kayaks. There is also an Environmental Center with live animals and a boat tour you can take which last about 45-minutes narrated by Park System Naturalists and include opportunities to view local wildlife including turtles, egrets, herons, ospreys and perhaps a bald eagle. Relax on the scenic Delaware River in the beautiful river country for approximately 3 to 4 hours with your family or group. Delaware River Tubing offers river trips include tubing, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the beautiful Delaware River and include a free BBQ.

Round Valley Reservoir is the state’s deepest inland body of water at approximately 180 feet deep. Located in Hunterdon County, it has rich aquatic life that make it a hot spot for boating and fishing but also for scuba diving. You can swim at their beach complex which includes changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies are available for purchase.

The D&R Canal was built in the 1830’s to transport goods and materials between New York and Pennsylvania. Today, the canal is used primarily for water supply and recreation. Griggstown Canoe and Kayak Rental is located halfway between Trenton and New Brunswick. It’s the perfect location to enjoy the beauty of this oncebusy waterway. With only a slight current, it’s great for beginners and families.

Princeton Canoe and Kayak Rental is just 1/2 mile off of US Route 1 and only a 10 minute walk from the Princeton University train station. Their location provides easy access to a number of local waterways. Paddle directly from their dock to the D&R Canal or a short portage brings you to the Stony Brook and Carnegie Lake.

Lake Atsion is a man-made lake in Wharton State Forest in the Pine Barrens, in Burlington County. The lake is part of the Mullica River. The lake offers boating, hiking, fishing, swimming and camping facilities, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Swimming facilities are available at Atsion Recreation Area on Route 206 in Shamong Township from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day, while lifeguards are on duty.

Tomahawk Lake is celebrating their 65th year entertaining parents and children alike in Sparta. They have a large white sand beach and your family will love the mountain of incredible water slides and rides. They have a 400 foot body slide, Crazy Horse Racing Slide, Geronimo slides and speed slide, swan boats, duck boats, paddle boats and bumper boats, the one-person water coaster, The Tomahawk Tipping Bucket and their awesome Rocky Mountain slide that spans over 500 feet.

If you know of an awesome body of water, please share and email us web@njkidsonline.com