Spring has finally come to New Jersey, and it’s time to take the kids outside to enjoy nature again. But what kind of activities are family friendly and near your apartment in Florham Park, NJ. Have you heard of the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo? Or the South Mountain Reservation? These are both great options to enjoy the great outdoors as a family.

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

This zoo in West Orange provides a recreational environment for wildlife education and conservation activities. Which is really a fancy way of saying that the zoo is a fun place for kids (and adults!) to learn about wild animals, their habitats, and how to help preserve the ecosystems where these animals live.

The beauty of the zoo is that it’s more than just animals — which are certainly beautiful — but also includes areas to learn and explore. Activities include a tree-top adventure course (including zip lines) for adults and children, a mini golf course, boating, a zoo train, and a dinosaur-themed playground. When you add in additional animal features — a butterfly tent and the aviary — you have a full day of family fun near your apartment in Florham Park, NJ.

South Mountain Reservation

The South Mountain Reservation is a nature preserve that covers more than 2,100 square acres as a part of the Essex County Parks system. Inside the reservation is a dog park, a girl scout camp, picnic areas, hiking trails, an archery range, fishing areas, and roads for jogging, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. This offers plenty of outdoor family activities to enjoy – year-round! There are also opportunities to enjoy art in the statue garden. Plus, all the attractions of the entire South Mountain Recreation center offer many different kinds of family outdoor fun.

The joys of the outdoors for families can be found near your apartment in Florham Park, NJ, if you know where to look. Hiking, animals, fishing, and learning — all within close range of home. Get outside and enjoy it!