Hudson County has some of the best playgrounds with a view that are as pleasant for parents as they are for children. The following playgrounds are Hudson County’s hidden gems, for parents who must entertain their children, but also want a moment of reprieve to take in a view. Read on for our list of best playgrounds in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond.
Note: These playgrounds accommodate toddlers.
Secaucus
Laurel Hill Kids Park
Hudson County’s newest remodeled playground is a little-known treasure for anyone who appreciates mountain scenery and river views. Nestled between “Snake Hill” and the Hackensack River, the Lauren Hill Kids Park, in Secaucus, packs a lot into a little area.
Brimming with whimsy, the playground equipment is built to look like pirate ships, crags, and castles complete with rope bridges and various slides. A music section allows children to play with xylophones and safely tethered mallets.
A brand new water park has been installed which allows children of all ages to play beside the Hackensack River, the banks of which are perfect for a picnic.
Restrooms and onsite parking make driving convenient, as public transportation for this park is lacking.
Read More: A Guide to Parks with Splash Pads in Hoboken + Jersey City
Bayonne
Uncle Milty’s
Bayonne has some of Hudson County’s best playgrounds—especially Uncle Milty’s. This playground rests on the Kill Van Kull — a narrow waterway separating NJ from NY, and Bayonne from Staten Island. Children will enjoy seeing the enormous ships coasting over the little river as they carry cargo to and from Newark, and parents will enjoy the view of the Bayonne Bridge and Staten Island.
One set of play equipment is designed to appear like a Mississippi paddle boat, and is an appropriate size for toddlers, while a larger play apparatus will excite older children. As a bonus, you can walk the river to a second, smaller playground also located within the park, on the corner of 1st and Broadway.
Restrooms are conveniently located beside the playground, and minimal traffic allows for easy street parking nearby, but public transportation is also lacking for this park.
West New York
Donnelly Memorial Park
West New York is known for its panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, and the playground at Donnelly Memorial Park is no exception.
With remarkable views of New York City, this sprawling park’s playground allows parents a respite with breathtaking sunsets. On clear days, the sunset strikes off of New York City buildings so brightly they cast shadows upon the playground equipment.
At times restrooms may be closed, but “portable toilets” (aka “porta-Johns”) can be found by the Park’s pavilion. For those who ride public transport, busses 165, 166, and 168 services this park.
Jersey City
Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park’s flagship playground is equal parts athletic and whimsical. With sections for your child to climb, run and jump, it also features a whale that children can climb on, along with other fanciful features like a series of stairs built to appear like a tree with various forest animals ranging from frogs to bears.
This park is especially wheelchair friendly with a “sway fun” glider.
There are nearby restrooms and often an ice cream truck is stationed onsite for refreshments. Unfortunately, public transport to this playground does not exist and a car or bike ride is necessary to access this playground.
Hoboken
Maxwell Place Park + Elysian Park
Hoboken is well known for its views of Manhattan, and Maxwell Place Park packs quite the punch.
^ Maxwell Place Park
This little playground is convenient for younger children, while the adjoining field and nearby beach allow greater room for larger children to run off some energy. Restrooms are often clean and suitably placed in the nearby “Boathouse.”
Another benefit of visiting Maxwell Place Park is its close proximity to Elysian Park, which has even more play apparatuses, including one for young children, and another for older children.
^ Elysian Park
During the summer, park staff at Elysian Park also set up a little sprinkler which toddlers will enjoy. The restrooms are located in a red brick building near the basketball courts.
Both of these parks can be accessed by the 126 bus with a short walk.
Fort Lee
Ross Dock Playground
While not exactly in Hudson County, our neighbors in Bergen County also have beautiful parks not too far for a Hudson County resident.
Nestled between the cliffs of the Palisades, the colossal George Washington Bridge, and the majestically flowing Hudson River resides that often overlooks Ross Dock Playground.
Located within the Fort Lee Historic Park, the Ross Dock Playground boasts two play sections with swings and slides. Convenient restrooms and barbecue grills make this a great option for fishing or a picnic with a great view. Unfortunately, public transportation is lacking and a car is the best option for visiting this park.
See More: A Guide to Playgrounds in the Montclair Area
NYC Parks
Dumbo — Main Street Playground
While everyone can agree that the best views of Manhattan are from Hudson County, Brooklyn’s Dumbo can offer a different view and experience. Its proximity to New York City has always been one of the draws of living in Hudson County, and access to New York City playgrounds also provides children (and adults) with rewarding visits.
Nestled between the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, the Main Street Playground makes for a nice day trip to Brooklyn. Not only does the playground offer a large variety of play equipment, but it’s also situated near the Dumbo Ferry Market, which is a good pick for a quick bite to eat or convenient restrooms. Nearby, the historic Jane’s Carousel is a 48-horse, wooden carousel still operating since 1922. The Main Street Playground is best accessed by the MTA’s A, C, 2, 3, or F subway lines.
Pro Tips for a Trip to New York City
For those with cars, Sunday parking is free in NYC. Avoid traffic and find the best free parking spots by visiting NYC playgrounds early in the morning and coming back before mid-day traffic.
