New Jersey's 10 Best Spray Parks/Splash Pads

NEW JERSEY — Summertime is full of heat waves and nothing cools down a steamy July or August afternoon like a brisk run through a spray park, whether you're 5 or 50.

Patch rounded up the ten most beloved spray parks in the state and trust us, some of these are worth driving to:

North Jersey/NYC area:

Newport Green spray park and beach, Newport area of Jersey City

If you're in the Hoboken/Jersey City area, you must check out the spray park and even the beach overlooking the Hudson River in the Newport waterfront section of Jersey City. Sit back and relax in the complimentary Adirondack chairs and take in the Manhattan skyline as your little ones run wild. There is a carousel and a large playground nearby. Plenty of restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops are within walking distance and the spray park is located on the Hudson River waterfront walkway. It's just a short stroll north to the Hoboken PATH and ferry terminal to New York City. The spray park is open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily and is free. There's a second splash pad just a 10-minute drive away, the Hamilton Park Splash Pad in Hamilton Park. GPS: Newport Green Park, 14th St, Jersey City, NJ 07310

Splash pad at Van Saun County Park, Paramus

The splash pad at Van Saun is relatively new (it opened in 2014) and we chose this one just because there are so many other things for kids to do in Van Saun County Park: There is a zoo, a carousel, a playground, pony rides, short hiking trails that are good for toddlers and even a little train that goes through the park. Van Saun County Park is simply a wonderful place for children all seasons of the year. GPS: 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652

Northwest Jersey:

Spray park at Randolph Lake Beach, Randolph, NJ

The spray park here is actually fairly small, but it's located next to a beautiful swimming lake. Randolph Park Beach has a beach house with changing rooms, paddle boat and canoe rentals, a refreshment stand, trained lifeguards, a separate lane area for lap swimming and a volleyball court. They have season memberships but also do sell day passes for $10 per person on weekdays only. Non residents are not allowed in on weekends unless they are a guest of a member. Learn more: https://www.randolphnj.org/par... GPS: 43 Green Ln, Randolph, NJ 07869

Splash pad at Johnson's Corner Farm, Medford

Huh, a splash pad at a farm? Yes! Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford offers a bevy of summertime fun activities for children, from blueberry, peaches and sweet corn picking to summer hayrides. They also have small spray park to cool down after working up a sweat toiling in the fields. Learn more: https://www.johnsonsfarm.com/f... GPS: 133 Church Rd, Medford, NJ 08055

Central Jersey:

Union County's Wheeler Spray Park, Linden

This big, beautiful spray park is centrally located and has tons of room for the kids to safely run wild, even better yet on a secure rubber surface area so they can't slip. This is seriously one of the best spray parks in New Jersey, and it's also huge, at 11,000-square-feet. This is the McDaddy of New Jersey spray parks, with a dragon, a pirate ship, a dumping bucket, waterfalls the kids can hide under and even two water slides. There are picnic gazebos and clean bathrooms on site. The spray park is open daily until 6:30 p.m. and there is a small cash-only fee. You can enter for one of the two sessions per day: Session 1: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Session 2: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Learn more: https://ucnj.org/parks-recreat... And because it can get crowded, here are all the other spray parks in Union County; they may not be as grand, but they'll still do the trick: https://ucnj.org/parks-recreat... GPS: 248 W. Stimpson Ave, Linden, NJ 07036

Aberdeen Spray Park, Veterans Memorial Park in Aberdeen

We chose this spray park because it sits right on the Cliffwood Beach waterfront, so they kids can take a dip in Raritan Bay afterwards. The Aberdeen Spray Park is located in Veterans Memorial Park in Aberdeen and is open every day until 8 p.m. GPS: Veteran's Memorial Park, Ocean Blvd. and Lakeshore Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck

This is a medium-sized spray park located inside a Monmouth County park, in the heart of Jersey farm and horse country. Monmouth County renovated the spray park in 2016 and it's more fun and colorful. There is also a pool, a large playground and picnic areas right in the same park. The only issue is for summer 2021 the sprayground will have free admission but visitors must still reserve a time slot in advance. This is to keep the spray park from getting too crowded. Advance reservations are required for admission; no walk-ups. Register here: registration page (Search Sprayground Fun.) GPS: 353 County Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722

South Jersey/Jersey Shore:

Asbury Park Splash Park (we're hearing it's temporarily closed, but that may change as summer continues)

Strolling on the Asbury Park boardwalk was meant to happen in summer, and while you're there, make sure the kids stop by the spray park, which features a giant tea cup that tips, a huge garden hose that sprays water and water dump buckets. Afterwards, hit one of Asbury's many outstanding bars or restaurants, play mini golf or enjoy arcade games, all within walking distance of the spray park. GPS: 915 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Berkeley Island County Park spray park, located in the John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park in Berkeley

This is a spray park that sits on a pier that juts out into Barnegat Bay. So parents or older kids can fish and crab on the pier while the little ones enjoy the splash pad. In addition to the crabbing and fishing, there are also horseshoe pits, bocce courts, a playground, covered picnic areas with grills and restrooms. Learn more: https://www.oceancountyparks.o... The spray park is open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. GPS: 399 Brennan Concourse, Bayville, NJ 08721

Bridgeton Splash Pad, Cumberland County

If you're in the Vineland/Bridgeton/Cumberland County area, the city has opened a wonderful splash pad. And even better, it's situated right next to the Cohanzick Zoo, so you could make a whole family day trip out of it. The splash pad has a concession stand, outdoor showers, picnic tables and a seated area in the shade. Learn more: http://www.cityofbridgeton.com... GPS: 25 Mayor Aitken Drive, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Did we miss a great spray park/splash pad you think should be on our list? Contact this Patch reporter: Carly.baldwin@patch.com