TOMS RIVER: Riverfront Landing County Park offers a gorgeous view of the Toms River (yes, it…read morereally exists!) and is a great spot to reflect at the memorials, watch boats sail by, and have a picnic on the lawn. There is no parking, so you will have to find a spot somewhere in town and walk over to the park. There is also a cool staircase across the street that goes into the police station parking lot.

This is one of those parks that truly has something for everyone. Paved trails, wooded trails,…read moremountain biking trails (#allairemtbtrails on IG for pics), camping and even a historic village to explore. Unlike many state parks there is no admission fee here. Parking is free and plentiful. There are several lots to park in. I'd highly suggest looking at their website and the maps on it. This park is MASSIVE!

FARMINGDALE: The Historic Village at Allaire is such a wonderful place and has so many wonderful…read moreevents! Allaire was a factory town back in the 1800's and is now a year-round park with hiking trails, tons of events, and even shopping! Leashed dogs are allowed except for inside the buildings. We were recently at the Witches, Wizards, and Wands event hosted by New Jersey Food Truck Events and Your New Jersey and it was SO MUCH FUN and a great job was done by the Allaire staff! Brie was blessed by the bubble fairy (meadowlarkthefaerie), watched magic tricks, walked in the dog costume parade, met a bunch of witches, wizards, and even a bewitched tree, watched a juggling act, listened to music and the train, and met so many wonderful people! We even ran into Kamryn Hope, another dog who gets out and about as much as Brie! There are entrance fees charged from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. And most events have an admission charge that goes directly to Allaire. Other events include: Flea markets Craft shows Performances Lantern Tours 4 Paws Sake Family Fun Fest And much more...

This park is filled with wonderful treasures! They have held so much within this park, I don't know…read morewhere to begin but I will say, there is something for everyone! They have a great field for baseball. Please note, Freehold Little League is held here so if there is a game, parking will be hard. They also have many playgrounds for kids. They seem to have themed playgrounds so that if you are meeting other parents, just say, "we'll convene at the blue or pirate ship playground" and everyone will find it. They have a fenced in skateboard ramps for tweens and up which I personally think is a fabulous idea. The ramps are spaced and curved only for skateboards. Longboards should definitely stay only on the paved paths where they belong. Speaking of trails, their trails are mixed between paved and dirt. You can safely go on a light walking trail here either solo or as you are walking your dogs. They also provide a few stations with plastic bags for the owners to clean up after their dogs. They also have basketball courts, dog runs, picnic areas, a spray ground on hot summer's days and my favorite, a sports field with obstacle courses. Perfect for the bigger kids with lots of energy and to build coordination. I went in March where things are just somewhat starting to bloom. I can only imagine the splendor in late June where everything will be fully bloomed and the grass will be lush. I look forward to revisiting this park, especially when it's Freehold Township Day where there will be plenty of fireworks, rides and the Vets car show!

FREEHOLD: Take your dog for a walk on the fitness trail that loops around the park for about 3…read moremiles and alternates between pavement and dirt with views of baseball and soccer fields and plenty of greenery. The path is mostly flat with a mix of sunny and shady areas with water fountains to cool down. Also, check out the baseball field on the east side of the park that is popular for some off-leash play in a fenced area (be sure to make sure all gates are shut).

BRICK: The Sawmill Bike Path is a nature trail that is a great spot for a scenic walk through the…read morewoods with your pup. We think the trail goes in about 1-mile then back to the parking lot for another mile (Brie wanted to turn around before we got to the end). There is plenty of nature to sniff around and enjoy a peaceful break in the day.

Right across from the Asbury Park Boardwalk is the Sunset Lake Memorial Park!…read more Lots of beautiful flowers! 2 bridges. Art installations and water feature. Memorial monument. Plenty of benches to enjoy the park. Dog friendly. Took about 20 minutes to walk along the park From 5th Ave to Memorial Drive. Park open sunrise to sunset!

This center was adorable. I went on a play date with my daughter and her 5 friends , ages 10 months…read moreto 4 years old and it was perfect for them. When you enter you add a donation & go on your way. All the rooms are themed. It was a small center we were in and out within 30 min but they had a blast. As we were leaving there was a field trip from a school coming in. The kids looked about 10 years old. They quickly visited the center then headed for the canoes. I will definitely visit again before summer ends.

Beautiful, relaxing, quiet get away spot…read more There is something to be said about Jersey and the beautiful parks, reservoirs, acres and acres of trees and paths you can enjoy anytime of the year. Manasquan Reservoir is definitely my go to place for my weekly exercise, walking my pup and in general getting "lost" in my thoughts while I sit on one of the many benches donated for visitors to sit and watch the ripples of the water. As you walk along the few paths you see people out for their daily jog, power walking, biking or just leisurely strolling with their dogs. (on a leash of course). Mom groups with baby strollers, kids on nature walks with their school, its seriously just a wonderful place you can visit for free. I especially like that it is about 7 miles around from beginning to end and has lots of spots to rest and catch your breath. Because the summer can be warm and muggy here in NJ I try to do my walks early AM like everyone else- no joke its can get muggy nasty here..... in the fall and winter even with the cold air or light snow is not a problem I'll walk anytime. Hubby joins me on my walks and afterwards it's off to Meemon's for breakfast There are "johnny on the spot" bathrooms and I have yet to use one- but I see the staff cleaning them now and again. I just use the rest room in the visitor center- which by the way- the visitor is somewhere you should bring the kids, really informative and fun.

Beautiful park , they have summer concerts and fireworks which is so much fun …read more They also have food trucks , but it should be a bigger variety . Their portable bathrooms are actually very well stocked with toilet tissue and hand sanitizers. The only downer is that it definitely needs more shaded areas and some bug treatment , I know it's summer but Jesus the amount of mosquitos , flies and every other bug in the world needs to be addressed somehow , maybe spray the grass ?? All in all the park is big and beautiful .

I don't know how long SMP has been here but I'm guessing at least 10 years. It is primarily scores…read moreof acres of athletic fields. I counted at least 3 baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, and room for a dozen more. Tonight is Howell night. A yearly event with vendors, representation from police, fire, first aid, food, two bands, and more. Parking wasn't bad a nice venue for this kind of thing.

Great beach! Spend the day here with friends and family. Lifeguards on duty and it is $10.00 per…read moreperson. Beach is super clean, sand is soft waves are cool. I highly recommend!

This is a great family beach!!! Far enough away from the boardwalk that it's not overrun with…read morepedestrian traffic. The season pass prices are very reasonable. Everyone is very friendly, and the beach is also kept very clean. I love being able to see my toes in the water while standing in front the ocean. :) The beach is one of my favorite places.