Now that I know DT better, I'm upgrading it to four stars. Most of my original comments are still…read morevalid but I've come to appreciate the historical stuff more, and I also recommend the hike to Sworden's Pond.

Although I grew up right around here, I just never went until today. All our municipal and county…read moreparks have been closed because of the Coronavirus, and I needed to get out. So, I came here. I promise I didn't touch anything, and I socially distanced from others. Definitely bring bug spray and check for ticks. This park is infested with them. The ticks here do not practice social distancing. I made sure to shower right afterwards too. Today I took the red trail. It passed by the dam and went along a creek. There were people launching kayaks. I also passed by a cemetery of the family who used to own the land when it was a mill. There's history here. I know somebody whose family used to work here on the mill a hundred years ago. Logging in the Pacific Northwest eventually put them out of business. But there's a surviving old village. Nothing wowed me altogether. Cattus Island Park in Toms River is way cooler with cool marshes, bay views, and more animals. But it had free admission just to walk around. I laughed at all the lazy people fighting for parking spots. Aren't you here for some exercise? I just parked hassle free across the street.

TOMS RIVER: once you are done eating and drinking in Downtown Toms River, take a walk at Huddy…read morePark, a beautiful marina right on the Toms River. We had no idea that TR had so much history! There was a Revolutionary War battle right on the banks of the river and patriot Joshua Huddy was captured here and the town was left in ashes. This spot commemorates the history and in its modern days, has a farmers market and other events. It is really pretty and has a nice meandering path to walk around.

Huddy Park is one of the oldest parks in the region. It's named after Joshua Huddy, who was a…read morelocal militia commander during the Revolutionary War. The British actually attacked the village of Toms River because it was an important salt works village, and privateers from the village plundered British shipping vessels. Huddy Park has recently been all redone. It's a town park, as opposed to one with trails. There is a recreation of the blockhouse there which Joshua Huddy defended from the British. There is also a nice footbridge and a gazebo for concerts and weddings. They are trying to get more festivals to take place there.

Wow! As a mom of 3 littles and an avid park goer, I was impressed! This beautiful park is right in…read morethe bay, beautiful, and lots of fun. The slides are good and steep, there are plenty of swings, mini climbing wall, nice springy ride-on toys, and a tandem swing for toddler and mom or older sibling. There is a walking path and exercise equipment for parents with view of the playground and a nice picnic area in the middle of the park. The ground is spongy, so no scraped knees. I would recommend going in the morning or on a warm (but not too hot) day, since there is no shade. Also, bring a jacket if it is at all chilly, since the breeze blows from the bay into the park. Also, use the bathroom beforehand, since a portapotty is your only option once you are there. The park is free - definitely check it out! And then swing on over to the Popcorn Park Zoo when they open at 11.

One of the best parks in the area. Beautiful scenery, great atmosphere, clean, and a great change…read moreup from the normal park.

I remember back in the 80s when this was a dilapidated chicken farm. In recent years it's been…read moreconverted to a really nice municipal park. It's really great for families. They have lots of baseball diamonds. They also have really good playground equipment. I know a grandmother who loves pushing her granddaughter around in the stroller on the track around the perimeter. There's no cost to use the facility, which is nice. It's not worth traveling to, but if you live in toms River it's a good place to visit just to get out or if you have kids playing games here.

Beautiful local playground located on Barnegat Bay, not far from Island Beach State Park. There are…read moretwo playgrounds (one for younger kids and one for older kids), basketball courts and a beach area. The playground is entirely in sand. If you go be mindful of the park rules and parking rules.

Super cute local playground on the corner of O Street and Lake Street in Seaside Park. On the bay,…read morewaterfront, by the bridge. Quiet and great for families with little kids.

Two immaculate, challenging mini golf courses. The staff is friendly and there is a snack bar and…read morecool picnic area with cornhole. Crowded but not nearly as bad as most of the places on the beach haven side of the island.

Great family fun. Two very fun mini golf courses in one location. Ice cream, snacks and an arcade…read more The place is very clean, well laid out. The staff is very friendly. They offer generous military discount. HIGHLY recommend a ride here, even if you're staying at the other end of LBI; it's well worth the trip!!

Along the former Barnegat Branch Railroad Route, they have built sections of a biking and/or…read morewalking route. For people like me who are train and local history buffs, it's fun. Only part of it has been completed. It's still missing a section through Lacey Twp because of legal problems. The township wants to build a bypass to alleviate traffic on Route 9. Nature groups want to use it for the trail. One part in Berkeley Twp also is not completed, where there are some environmental problems. The scenery also isn't fantastic. You see houses on both sides of the trail. But you probably will see bunnies, too. So, 3 stars instead of 5. But maybe one day I'll update my review to 5 stars when it eventually gets finished, if ever.

The Batona Trail is one of the most underrated things to do in all of South Jersey. One possible…read morereason people don't know about it is because nobody makes money off it. It's not a business. It's a 53.5 mile trail through the Pine Barrens. It starts at Ongs Hat in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, continues south through Wharton State Forest, and ends at Bass River State Forest. You will see lots of abandoned cranberry bogs, cedar and pitch pine forests, and ruins of colonial era iron furnaces. It was started in 1961 by a hiking club. The trail is well blazed with pink. Be careful of ticks. The trail is only moderately difficult because of length. You can hike it all at once as long as you have three or four days, but you need to camp. You need a camping permit from the state forest office. I've been doing it in stages as day hikes as I'm just parking at one of the roads that cuts through it each time.