Northern New Jersey Northern New Jersey

Jun 1. 2021: 4th of July/Independence Day Celebrations By County (2021)

Find a 4th of July celebration down by county.

May 1. 2021: 25+ Gardens and Arboretums You Should Visit This Spring!

With the greener months of 2021 starting to pop up around the state, we wanted to help you find the most beautiful public gardens or arboretums of the great Garden State.

Jul 16. 2020: Have you visited the NJ Outdoor Map yet? You should...

We started working on a new site that will help you find new places to explore. It is called the NJOutdoorMap.com

Jun 28. 2020: Are you Instagram? Say Hello :)

Follow along with our adventures on Instagram!

May 19. 2020: New Parks And Places May, 2020

We have a few fun new features coming to the site (and maybe to some other new sites) this year. Here are what we have so far!

May 6. 2020: NJ State Parks and Many County Parks Reopen!

NJ State Parks, and many County Parks opened this past weekend for passive recreation!

Apr 8. 2020: NJ State and County Parks Closed Until Further Notice

All State Parks, State Forests and County Parks throughout New Jersey are now Closed until further notice.

Mar 16. 2020: State Park Facilities Close to Help Reduce Spread of COVID-19

Open spaces at state parks and wildlife management areas open and available for passive recreation; enclosed facilities, campgrounds at state parks, forests and recreation areas closed.

Feb 29. 2020: St Patrick's Day Parades by County (2020)

St. Patricks Day is right around the corner! We hope this will help you find an event near you!

Dec 15. 2019: First Day Hikes in the NJ State Parks - 1/1/2020

The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 29 hikes, 1 mountain bike ride and 1 horseback ride in state parks, forests and historic sites on New Years Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes program. These free First Day Hikes offer a great incentive to get outside, exercise, experience history, enjoy nature, and celebrate the New Year with friends and family in one of your state parks.

Oct 7. 2019: 2019 Lighthouse Challenge of NJ - How Many Will You Visit? (Oct 19th & 20th)

The Lighthouse Challenge of NJ is a rain or shine, two-day opportunity to visit 10 land-based lighthouses. one museum and two life-saving stations. Participants may purchase a souvenir pamphlet for only $2 and have it stamped at each stop of your journey!

Jul 9. 2019: I Heart NJ Parks -- Park Visitor Feedback Survey

The NJ Division of Parks and Forestry is dedicated to the excellent stewardship of the state's rich and diverse historic, cultural, recreational and natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. And they are looking to know what you think about their parks!

Jun 30. 2019: New Locations So Far This Year (Jan-June 2019)

Each month, we try to visit many new locations and meet all types of new groups. We also do our best to add new content to the site, including new locations, groups and photo galleries. By sharing them here, we hope that you find a few new places to go explore yourself!

Jun 22. 2019: 4th of July/Independence Day Celebrations By County (2019)

We have put together this list of great 4th of July celebrations broken down by county.

Apr 1. 2019: 2019 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival

Pick one or join us for many of our fabulous featured events during the 2019Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival!

Mar 1. 2019: St Patrick's Day Parades by County (2019)

Nov 11. 2018: Holiday Lights at the Turtle Back Zoo in 2018

Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.

Nov 2. 2018: A fall hike through Lord Stirling Park (w/Boondock Boardwalk)

This past weekend, we stopped in at one of our favorite Somerset County Parks: Lord Stirling Park. It has been many years since our last visit and we are very happy we did!

Oct 15. 2018: Oct 20-21, 2018: The Lighthouse Challenge of NJ - How Many Will You Visit?

The Lighthouse Challenge of NJ is a rain or shine, two-day opportunity to visit 10 land-based lighthouses. one museum and two life-saving stations. Participants may purchase a souvenir pamphlet for only $2 and have it stamped at each stop of your journey! This event encourages you to explore coastal New Jersey while raising the funds needed for the continued preservation of these beautiful historic sites! This is the only time of the year, when all of the lighthouses agree to stay open at the same time for two days. Enjoy!

Sep 10. 2018: Explore the Sunflower and Corn Mazes of New Jersey! (2018)

When I see a sunflower field, it makes me happy! The brilliant colors of the flower and the thousands of seeds in the center create a delightful sight.

Jun 25. 2018: Independence Day Fireworks By County (2018)

We have put together this list of great 4th of July celebrations broken down by county.

Jun 5. 2018: #GetOutGetsFit Challenge #6 - Starting Soon!

In 2017, I started a journey to change my health. I am down 60 pounds, down many shirt sizes, needed to put many new holes in my belt, can go for long hikes without taking breaks and can even mow my entire yard without being wrecked for the rest of the day. I am now able to do more and have a bit more of the life I want. It is a great start, but I still have a long way to go.

May 1. 2018: Opening Day at the Highlands Natural Pool (May 26th)

Join members, friends & neighbors as we celebrate a new season. The pool opens with the ringing of the bell, words of welcome & our annual pool jump-in! A pot-luck lunch will be served, bring a dish to share (please include a list of ingredients).

Apr 8. 2018: 26 Gardens You Should Visit This Summer

With the greener months of 2018 just a few weeks away we wanted to help you find the most beautiful gardens of the great Garden State. And here you go :)

Mar 12. 2018: 2018 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival

Pick one or join us for many of our fabulous featured events during the 2018 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival!

Oct 13. 2017: Introducing Trail Tracker for New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites

The New Jersey State Parks system has released a new way to explore NJ!

Jul 1. 2017: (updated) State Parks, Forests, Historic Sites, and Recreation Areas will be closed for a bit

Due to the government shutdown in the State of New Jersey, all State Parks, Forests, Historic Sites, and Recreation Areas will be closed until further notice.

May 22. 2017: NJ State Championships Disc Golf Tournament at Thompson Park

Thompson Park Disc Golf Course, created by East Brunswick resident David Wolverton for his Eagle Scout Project, hosted the Sunday Finals of the NJ State Championships Disc Golf Tournament.

Dec 30. 2016: 2017 First Day Hikes Throughout the NJ State Parks

The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 19 guided hikes, 1 mountain bike ride and 1 horseback ride in state parks, forests and historic sites on New Years Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes program. These free First Day Hikes offer a great incentive to get outside, exercise, experience history, enjoy nature, and celebrate the New Year with friends and family in one of your state parks.

Sep 24. 2016: Scenic Train Rides Around NJ (2016)

We have a bit of a soft spot for scenic train rides, and always search them out whenever we are out exploring. We hope this list helps you find a few scenic train rides for your next adventure!