Eliot Hudson 
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 the best playgrounds in Hudson County, including Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Note: These playgrounds accommodate toddlers.
Bayonne
Dennis P. Collins Park | 4 Seaview Court
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.
Read More: A Guide to Parks with Splash Pads in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hoboken
Maxwell Place Park | 11th Sinatra Drive North + Elysian Park | 1001 Hudson Street
Hoboken is well known for its views of Manhattan, and Maxwell Place Park packs quite the punch. 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. During the summer, park staff at Elysian Park also set up a little sprinkler that 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.
Jersey City
Exchange Place Park | 68 Christopher Columbus Drive
The Exchange Place playground is known for the “Giant XL”, a massive centerpiece with great views of the New York City skyline for children at play. Other fun equipment, including a balance bridge and spinning cups, can be found. There is also dedicated stroller parking, benches, and close access to the Exchange Place PATH Station.
Liberty State Park | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive
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.
Newport Green Park | River Drive + Park Lane South
Newport Green Park features plenty of options for children to play, including a rope climbing web, a two-level pirate ship, and a splash pad with water spray features. There is also a seasonal carousel and outdoor ping-pong. For parents, free Wi-Fi is available alongside an observation scope along the water to observe Manhattan across the river.
North Bergen
Guttenberg + North Bergen Waterfront Park | 7100 River Road
This park is the perfect family visit – a regularly-maintained playground is available for children, whereas adults have access to a waterfront walkway with scenic views. The park is also pet-friendly, with amenities and treats available. Special events, including live music on Tuesday nights, are also hosted here regularly.
Secaucus
Laurel Hill Kids Park | 36 Laurel Hill Road
This 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. The water park allows children of all ages to play beside the Hackensack River, the banks of which are perfect for a picnic.
Restrooms and on-site parking make driving convenient, as there is a lack of public transportation for this park.
Weehawken
Weehawken Waterfront Park + Recreation Center | 1 Port Imperial Boulevard
Weehawken’s Waterfront Park includes two small playgrounds with a view of the Hudson River. Also available are baseball + soccer fields, a tennis court, and a track, which makes it a great destination for children’s and family-friendly activities. The park’s Hudson River Walk also offers a scenic walk along the Hudson River.
West New York
Donnelly Memorial Park | 6000 John F. Kennedy Boulevard East
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 that 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, buses 165, 166, and 168 serve this park.
Bonus
Ross Dock Playground | 2702 Henry Hudson Drive, Fort Lee
While not exactly in Hudson County, our neighbors in Bergen County also have beautiful parks not too far from a Hudson County resident. Nestled between the cliffs of the Palisades, the colossal George Washington Bridge, and the majestically flowing Hudson River lies Ross Dock Playground, which is often overlooked.
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.
Dumbo Main Street Playground | 77 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn
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 that has been operating since 1922. The Main Street Playground is best accessed by the MTA’s A, C, 2, 3, or F subway lines.
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.
See More: A Guide to the Bergen County Parks System
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