Day Trip to Cheesequake State Park — A Hidden Gem Trip for Family Near North Jersey

🌊 Cheesequake State Park — A Hidden Gem Family Day Trip Near North Jersey

If you want an easy, close, and kid‑friendly nature trip within one hour of Bergen County, Cheesequake State Park is a true hidden gem.
It’s one of the few parks in New Jersey where toddlers, older kids, and adults all enjoy different things in the same place — without long walking or complicated planning.

🚗 Drive Time

• Bergen County → Matawan, NJ: 45–55 minutes
• Address: 300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747
• Large parking areas available

🌳 What You Can Do at Cheesequake State Park (Kid‑Friendly + Adult‑Friendly)

✔ 1) Hooks Creek Lake — Perfect for Toddlers & Parents

This is the easiest and most relaxing area for families.

Kids can:

• Play safely near the shallow shoreline
• Throw small stones, explore the water edge
• Run around the open grassy areas
• Watch ducks and small wildlife
• Seasonal Crabbing activity

Adults can:

• Sit on benches and enjoy the lake view
• Take calm photos
• Walk short, flat paths around the lake
• Relax while kids explore safely

Why it works for families:

• No steep hills
• No long hiking
• Easy stroller movement
• Clean, open space

✔ 2) Boardwalk Marsh Trail — Fun for Kids, Easy for Adults

This short boardwalk is one of the highlights of the park.

Kids love it because:

• It feels like an “adventure path”
• They can look down at the marsh water
• Lots of birds, bugs, and nature to observe
• Safe, flat, and short

Adults love it because:

• Zero effort walking
• Beautiful marsh scenery
• Great photo spots
• Peaceful and quiet

This is the perfect “10–20 minute nature walk” for families with young kids.

✔ 3) Forest Trails — Simple Loops for All Ages

Cheesequake has several beginner‑friendly forest trails.

Kids can:

• Walk short loops
• Collect leaves, sticks, pinecones
• Feel like they’re “hiking” without getting tired

Adults can:

• Enjoy shaded forest paths
• Get light exercise
• Take family photos under tall trees

These trails are great when you want something easy but still feel like a real nature trip.

🍽️ Nearby Food Recommendations

MJ’s Restaurant Bar & Grill (5 minutes away)

Family‑friendly, casual American food.
Burgers, pasta, wings, kids menu.

Hudson Coffee Co. (Matawan)

Perfect for grabbing coffee and pastries before or after the park.

Local Diners in Matawan

Great for simple, quick meals with kids.

🕒 Suggested Family Schedule

10:00 AM — Arrive at Hooks Creek Lake, let the kids explore
11:00 AM — Walk the Boardwalk Marsh Trail
12:00 PM — Lunch at MJ’s or a local diner
1:30 PM — Short forest loop or more lake time
3:00 PM — Head home

Simple, low‑stress, and perfect for families.

📸 Best Photo Spots

• Hooks Creek Lake shoreline
• Boardwalk Marsh Trail
• Forest paths with tall trees
• Wooden bridges near the marsh

🧭 Why This Trip Works for Families

Cheesequake is one of the rare parks where toddlers, older kids, and adults all enjoy different things without anyone getting tired or bored.
It’s close, clean, and incredibly easy — exactly what a family day trip should be.

👨‍👧 Dad’s Final Thought

Cheesequake State Park is a hidden gem because it gives kids space to explore safely while adults get real nature and quiet moments.
It’s the kind of place where the whole family can enjoy a simple, refreshing day without stress — and that’s what makes it special.