Ocean Acres Lake Park is one of those local gems that reminds you why simple outdoor spaces matter…read more It's peaceful, clean, and such a pretty spot to walk, relax, or let the kids burn off some energy. The lake view is beautiful year-round -- whether it's summer sunshine or fall colors, it always feels calm and inviting. The walking path is easy and kid-friendly, and there's plenty of room for families, fishing, stroller walks, or just taking a breather from the day. It's the kind of neighborhood park you end up appreciating more and more because it's reliable, safe, and genuinely enjoyable.

Finally got to purchasing season beach passes for Ortley Beach and Shelter Cove Beach!…read more Next year have to buy before the season starts $50 vs $65 now! Really love having the beach 12 minutes away from our home!

Very nice beach. Low key. The sand is nice and the water is as wet as any I have experiencedread more

I'm generally not an advocate of hiking in the rain (or really whenever anything is falling from…read morethe sky), but this is definitely the place to do it if you're going to. The Millennial Chum and I made our Pine Barrens hiking debut here this past Saturday, which was rainy and hovering in the high 40s. Our itinerary was very straight-forward - it was an 8.5-mile hike along the white trail (my ye olde pre-Sandy NJ hiking book identifies it as the Penns Hill Trail, but the website for Wells Mills cites it as the Macri trail; regardless, it's the white one), which is basically one giant loop circling Wells Mills Lake, though it veers much further west than that at several points. Our book claimed this would take four to five hours, which we thought was a ridiculous overestimate and was - we did this in a little over three hours, though we're both in good shape and really didn't stop. We were both enormously impressed by the facilities and trail markings here. The Nature Center at the beginning of the hike looks and is pretty spiffy, with a toasty, clean bathroom and helpful kiosks with maps to grab (handheld maps are not a given in this day and age). They DID run out of hand soap, but I think any of us would take a warm, functioning indoor plumbing situation over what we usually have to deal with. There was one time late in the hike when we stopped to peer around for the next marking, but we literally found it about five seconds later. Given that a lot of the trails overlap, turn and often cut into or across non-hiking fire trails, I thought they did a great job denoting the specific routes. I expected the entire hike to be flat, which is my general/uninformed impression of the Pine Barrens, but it actually had a few ups and downs over dune-like, woody hills, especially in the first two miles. Nothing crazy, and while we stopped for a few water breaks at the top of those mounds, we never felt obligated to pause to catch our breaths. I'm at a point in 2023 where I'm gauging the strenuousness of an activity based on what my Fitbit says, and it claimed I had no zone moments, which is essentially high cardio activity. So take that for what you will. Regardless, I think this is also a selling point, as I've actually been reluctant to hike around here due to the lack of terrain; definitely adds some character. The viewpoint situation was not my favorite. On a rainy day like this, you're treated to an X-files-esque view of a lake right at the beginning, complete with Vancouver-like pine trees (if you know, you know), but this is not a hike where you're going to end up looking out over anything; even the tops of the hills are in the middle of the woods, so you're just looking at the same trees you were looking at when you were at the bottom, just...higher. The other downside (depending on your perspective) is that this is probably the best kind of weather for the Pine Barrens in many ways, but it's hazardous. This hike has many boardwalks throughout the damper/swampier areas, but they get very slippery when it's rainy. I don't believe either of us legit lost our footing but we both hollered, 'Careful!' a lot. I'd recommend some tread on the hindpaws. I suspect due mostly to the weather, the wildlife and canine chum situations were terrible. We saw a pooch in the parking lot getting ready for a walk, but never encountered one during the entire 8.5 miles (and only saw a miserable-looking boy scout troop and two other people). Hopefully others have better luck. There was also a bright pink port-a-potty about halfway through right where the trail brushes up against the scout reservation, so if nature calls and you're trying to avoid direct body contact with pine needles dot dot dot. A lot of the hiking intangibles are here, so it's hard not to recommend this for just about anyone, regardless of skill level. It's not the kind of hike I'd do for a real workout, but to just get some fresh air and steps in? It's a nice change of pace if you're in the area.

Wells Mills County Park is the largest county park in Ocean County. It's substantial actually. It…read moreactually feels more like a state park because the trails are longer and more involved. There's no admission fee to enter, which is great. You can just hang out closer to the main entrance by the lake. You can also go down the trails for just a little bit and come back. So, it can be what do you make of it. They have trails of all different lengths, however. The trails interconnect, so you can "cheat" and don't have to go down the full length of them. The green trail takes about an hour and a half to walk around. The white trail is windier and a little bit more scenic. The white trail also goes down much closer to the lake and through the cedar or swamp next to the lake. The yellow trail is very long. I've been on parts of it, but I've heard that it's relatively boring. One day I will want to walk the whole distance of it because it's close to 10 miles long. While most parks in Ocean County tend to be flat like a pancake, there's a little bit more elevation here. Some parts of the green and white trail would be easy to moderately difficult. But the trails are well blazed, and it's not terrible. Be careful because the trail map that I found online is old, and they have since updated it. When you come in there's a board that has a map posted. You can pick up an updated trail map there. It's also recommended that you sign in if you are going to be hiking for a distance. You don't want to get stuck in there and have the gates close on you. It's for your safety. There is a canoe launching dock on the lake, as well. When my friend comes next summer, who is a big kayaker, then I'll try it out. But I mostly go just for exercise and to go on the trails now. The park has a very safe feel, and I feel comfortable walking there. People generally say hi to you when you pass them on the trail. The only thing you need to worry about is ticks that may cause Lyme disease. So, make sure that you check for ticks, and take a shower as soon as you get home from 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.

BEACHWOOD: it is love at first sight at Jakes Branch County Park! The woods along the trails are…read moreso pretty and just has a different feel than other parks we have been to. There are multiple hiking/walking/bike trails spanning from 0.2 to 3.8 miles, so something for every ability. Walk along berry bushes & plants, and "Jakes Branch" stream and over bridges and past picnic and play areas. Our photos do not do the park justice. The park borders Double Trouble State Park and we'll have to visit that another day. Be sure to grab a trail map or pull it up on your phone to have an idea of where you are going. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Jakes Branch County Park is located on the other side of the parkway in Beachwood. It is a very…read morefamily oriented park and is good for general recreation. They have all different things to do, including fields for all types of sports fields up front and good playgrounds for kids. They have different length trails, too, so that you can get exercise walking through the woods. People walk on them, and I have also seen dirt bikers. There's no admission to enter. One thing that is creative about it is that they have these "play pockets". Most parks just have playgrounds up front near the entrance, but here you have to go down the trail to get to them. It's really suitable for children. The park in general has a safe feel. The woods are just basically pine forest. It's obviously not on the level of Yosemite. But it is a nice place to have locally. One cool thing they have there is a big mural done by a local artist over 30 years ago of the Hindenburg landing in Lakehurst. If you go up to the watchtower, you can even see the hangar all the way on the base in Lakehurst.

POINT PLEASANT: Riverfront Park has a beautiful view of the Manasquan River and is a great spot to…read moretake your dog for a short walk along the pier. There is also a pavilion with a picnic area and charcoal grills, bocce court, playground, and open field area with benches to enjoy the view.

My dogs love it here. Again, many don't respect leash laws or personal space. Generally old rich…read morewhite boomers with no manners or who are miserable. Beautiful sunsets. Beautiful mornings. Space for everyone if they could just use their heads. And pick up after your dogs guys. Kids play and run there.

LAKEWOOD: is home to Ocean County Park Dog Park which is part of Ocean County Parks & Recreation!…read moreThe dog park is a fully fenced-in, off-leash area with 2 options: 1 for small dogs and 1 for all dogs. There are water bowls provided and sometimes staffed with an attendant. All dogs are welcome, but they need to register to use the park. There are details in the link below. Once you enter the main entrance of Ocean County Park, follow the gorgeous tree-lined road all the way down until you see a sign that says dog park on the left. Brie loved taking laps through a small path within the dog park. There is plenty of room to run around and trees to provide some shade. Picnic tables too, but food is not permitted. 659 Ocean Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701

Must be nice in the summer the beach area was closed off with park fencing. I didn't realize their…read morewas a golf course and a driving range in the park Their are walking trail tennis courts and the NJ police training facility

This review is for Winding River Park, as opposed to just the skating rink, which is only part of…read morethe park. Winding River Park is owned by the Township of Toms River, so it's a municipal one. It's located west of the Parkway and has an entrance near the hospital and also around the neighborhood. It's been here all my life, and most people don't know what it was originally. It had been a horse ranch called Winding River Ranch. There was also a facility on the ranch called Winding River Ranch Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, which closed in the 1950s or 1960's. Today you have facilities for kids to play baseball and go on the playground equipment. There are also trails here, but what makes them stand out is that they are paved. So, it's good for bike riding, and another benefit is that it is easier to avoid ticks. Remember that the ticks here do not practice social distancing. They actually have relatively new bathroom facilities and park benches. There is a relatively new children's Memorial Gardens in there as well. It generally has a safe feel, too. Just today walking through everyone smiled and said hi to me, which is often not the case in North Jersey. Three stars instead of four or five because there's really nothing extraordinary about it. Although you do have views of the Toms River as it winds through the park, it's just OK. But it's worth going to if you want to go for a walk, don't want to pay the entrance fee, want to avoid ticks.

I go here to ride my bike and the people here are nice and say hello and I feel safe when riding…read morealone totally recommend!!! Nothing amazing here but it's nice if you want to go on a bike ride or a walk