Van Vleck House & Gardens turned out to be one of those places that feels like a hidden gem…read more It's not a large botanical garden, but that's actually part of its charm. The gardens are beautifully maintained, peaceful, and much less crowded than many other places nearby. I really enjoyed walking around and taking photos without feeling rushed. There's a free parking lot on-site, which is always a bonus. Don't expect to spend an entire afternoon here, but if you're already in the Montclair area or looking for a quiet place to unwind, I'd definitely recommend stopping by. It's especially nice during the blooming season.

We went here for Mother's Day, so it was exceptionally crowded as expected. It is a lovely smaller…read moresized garden. There aren't many walking trails available, but nice flowers, trees, and open areas to roam around for a bit. It's a nice spot to go and enjoy some outdoor time. It isn't someplace that you could really get some farther walking in. But nice mini escape.

I gotta tell you... I love this little park…read more First visit - okay, I dug it. Second visit - more time to explore and continually found new and interesting reasons to enjoy Essex County's seventh-largest park (I totally stole that tidbit from Wikipedia). Third visit - okay, okay - I'm officially smitten! A (small-ish) pond complete with locals fishing? Tennis and pickleball courts? Horseshoe pits? Bocce court? Paved trails (both in the main/open portion of the park as well as tucked-away under dense forest)? Baseball field (as a bonus - a group of kids always practicing cricket off to the side)? A tiny little spot consisting of parallel bars and (uneven) pull-up bars - for aspiring gymnasts or American Ninja contestants? An aqueduct (complete with a handful of little bridges to cross over) running throughout the entire park? A damn fine playground (with interesting and in-good-shape equipment) for kids (from 2 to 12 years old)? Plenty of tables (old-school picnic style as well as more modern/sleek)? Those clunky-but-sturdy BBQ grills that are drilled into the ground for you to use but can't take home with you? Rock cairns to find and admire while walking through along the tree-covered trail? A few strategically-placed water fountains to rehydrate and cool down? Plenty of Porta-Potties and trash receptacles (including freebie baggies so you can scoop up your pet's droppings)? A random deer (or doe) sighting in or near the park every single time I've visited? Yes! A resounding "yes!" to all of it.

Tiny county park in a residential area, so no trails. You can walk around the park in about 15…read moreminutes. Small stocked pond with ice skating when safe and allowed, children's swings and slide and a small tennis court. Benches all around. Well kept by the county. Parking on the street and a small lot with a few handicapped spaces. Bicycling not allowed due the size of the park and amount of people. Playing field up and behind the park area. Events held occasionally.

Update- Visited Brookdale Park Rose Garden in July' '26…read more Luckily, there were several beautiful remaining roses. The Rose garden continues to be beautifully maintained. Many of the roses still carried a wonderful fragrance, particularly the "Dark Desire Rose". (Think the name says it all!) In addition, the "Peachy Knockout and Cotton Candy Roses" were exquisite standouts in the garden. Thanks to Essex County Executive Joseph N.DiVincenzo and his staff for continuing to maintain this wonderful Rose garden for the public to enjoy.

Love this garden! It's my favorite picnic spot and it makes for some great photos. It has several…read morebenches and labels on most of the flowers. Definitely recommend checking it out!

Decided to get in a morning walk at Anderson Park and as per usual it was great! The park is always…read morewell kept and the variety of trees along the walking paths are always so beautiful. There's always ample parking along the surrounding streets despite how busy the park may be. This park is truly just walking paths with benches and a large field in the middle so if you're looking for a playground this may not be the park for you.

Anderson Park opened in 1905. John Charles Olmsted designed this lovely small park. The park is on…read morethe National Registry of Historic Places. In Anderson Park, you'll see every type of Pedigree dog imaginable walking on the trail. During the last couple of years, I've noticed more fences around the plants, most likely due to the growing deer population. The park is located by the Upper Montclair train station.

One of the best parks in the northern NJ area for a family friendly walk. No through traffic while…read morein the park. The park has a basketball court, baseball field, bathrooms, and picnic tables. One of the best features is that there's a stream that runs through the park with a small waterfall at the end. Plenty of restaurants within a 5 minute walk of the park

We passed by this park by accident when we were grabbing desserts. It was so pretty with the fall…read moreleaves I had to stop real quick to take a photo. It is a big park we drove around it to get to a different location we were going to. I saw teenagers playing around the park and people walking their dogs. A great place for a chill, relaxing day to walk around or spend time in.

This is a nice, little park to walk if you want to do laps. There is a lake with a fountain. It's…read morein Upper Montclair. There are a few parking spots in the semi-circle, one-way entrance, but you can also park on Valley or on one of the nearby local streets.

A nice public park with a few one-way streets around it - parking can be a little crazy when there…read moreare events in the park. Lots of running paths and a little waterway and lake for fishing. A big tree in the center and a memorial to the side.

Such an incredible playground! We went here twice with our young boys while visiting my in laws,…read morethey had a blast. Love the structures, it's fully fenced in, and there are tons if chairs on the sides for parents to sit. My kids could stay here all day if we let them. Wish there was a little more shade, but you can find some spots.

Located at the South Mountain Waterfront, the Essex County Regatta Playground is a nautical-themed…read moreplay area for kids and little ones. Nearby are the swan paddle boats, which can be rented. Also, the public bathrooms are near the Regatta Playground, as well as a picnic area and wooden lawn chairs. Note: The picnic area is sometimes reserved for private events/groups, but is otherwise available most of the time.

Cedar grove community park, is about 6 acres of awesomeness!!!! Lol the amenities in this park…read moreinclude a public pool with changing areas and diving boards, deep end and kiddie pool. A beautifully landscaped garden and ball field. The baseball field has 2 sets of 60+ person sitting bleachers, well lit night lights and pitchers pen. Plenty of park benches and trash cans for having bday parties. Also Built in BBQ pits. Parking is free and very conveniently accessible with over 120 spots, with RV parking. Public bathrooms are available and opened and cleaned daily. There are 2 massive playgrounds available for all ages. One is located next to the park benches and BBQ puts and the other right behind the ball field. My daughter and I had an amazing time at cedar grove community park. Very clean and safe atmosphere. YES!!!! It's open to the public. Reviews Yelp!!!! David $ Erica.