Grab the stroller and hit the walking path. The 1½-mile path winds through the park and takes you past the zoo, garden, and carousel. Within its 146 acres, Van Saun County Park has popular attractions including a zoo, train, carousel, spray ground, and large playground. Enjoy lunch or a snack at one of the pavilions with tables or the grassy picnic areas located throughout the park.
660 Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook
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This 577-acre park connects five towns—Fair Lawn, Paramus, Ridgewood, Rochelle Park, and Saddle Brook. You’ll find a 6-mile path for walking as well as biking and jogging. Park the stroller and have a tennis match on the courts, hit baseballs on the diamond, or climb on the playground. Fido or Spot can even befriend some fellow canines in the off-leash dog area.
Why we like it: Start the trip in one town and walk your way over to another one.
Along the Hudson River, Northern Bergen County
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The Palisades Interstate Park is about 12 miles long and a ½ mile wide, and it’s located along the eastern edge of New Jersey along the Hudson River. So, you’ll have lots of spots to explore with your stroller. You’ll find 2,500 acres of Hudson River shorefront, uplands, and cliffs. The park boasts 30 miles of hiking trails, a scenic riverside drive, cliff-top overlooks, and historic sights. Use access ramps to the Hudson for crabbing, fishing, personal kayaks, and canoes.
Why we like it: Inside the park, you’ll find the Women’s Federation Monument. It honors the preservation contributions of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs.
400 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
Enjoy 5 miles of walking trails to push your stroller along at the county’s largest recreational venue. The park also houses a playground, canoe/kayak launch, athletic fields, picnic spots, and fishing areas. (Fun fact: The land was once a landfill!)
Why we like it: It has clean restrooms and tons of sunny spots.
Long Island
1600 Merrick Road, Merrick
Dedicated to the memory of the late New York State Sen. Norman J. Levy, a Merrick resident and a champion for the environment, Levy Park and Preserve opened in 2000. You’ll find 3 miles of trails with exercise stations alongside them. The preserve’s highest point of 155 feet gives amazing views of the Jones Beach Tower, the New York City skyline, and numerous coastal treasures.
Why we like it: Gaze at the windmill, which is the most visible feature here.
Valley Stream State Park Road, Valley Stream
Stroll along the walking course, a loop with 15 fitness stations. You’ll also find playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, and nature trails. The Squirrel Nut and Hickory Nut nature trail in particular lets kids explore various habitats in the park.
Why we like it: It’s smaller than other state parks, so it’s manageable if your little one wants to escape the confines of the stroller mid-walk.
500 Searingtown Road North, Roslyn
The peaceful, mile-long paved walking trail here is surrounded by trees and beautiful homes. You’ll find three baseball fields, volleyball courts, four basketball courts, and an outdoor swimming complex.
Why we like it: A recently renovated playground will let the kids run off their energy, plus it has a nontraditional climbing apparatus.
1 King Road, Wantagh
Stroller along the 2-mile fitness trail. A playground at the north end of the park has equipment geared to toddlers through teens. An 18-hole miniature golf course is open seasonally. And a newly turfed dog run near the administration building has separate areas for big and small dogs.
Why we like it: You’ll find 20 simple fitness stations along the trail including stretching, pull-ups, sit-ups, and balance walking exercises that slightly increase in difficulty as you walk.
600 Bayview Ave., Inwood
This pretty and modern Nassau County park crams plenty into its 16 acres. The walking path is located around the perimeter of the park by the water. The park is home to a softball field, two basketball courts, and two tennis courts. Older ones can play on the playground while you feed the baby or have a snack at the picnic area.
Why we like it: Re-live your youth at the roller rink. It’s open from April through November and is available for charter, weather permitting.
