Ben's Playground Picks - Regatta Playground, West Orange, NJ

Today, we're going to kick off a new category called Ben's Playground Picks! 

I am so excited to share Regatta Playground in West Orange, NJ with you! It is brand new - opening less than a month ago on August 14th! How neat is that?

This nautical themed playground is located in the South Mountain Recreation Complex, right next to the paddle boating and picnic area. We put the address 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange NJ in our GPS and had no issues finding it. Parking is located directly across the street from the playground at the Oakdale Parking lot. It is open year-round from 10am-8pm.

Regatta Playground is completely fenced in, which is a feature I appreciate immensely. You won't find any uncomfortable metal benches here- instead, colorful Adirondack chairs are sprinkled all around the playground. What a great touch! There are also water fountains of different heights right by the entrance. The restroom facilities are located just a short walk away, right next to the paddle boat dock.

The thought that went behind this playground is tremendous! Everything is meticulously crafted from the ground (which is made of a spongy, bouncy material) on up. I don't think I have seen a more aesthetically-pleasing playground. 

5-12 year olds and a pre-school playground for 2-5 year olds - See more at: http://www.njplaygrounds.com/9791/regatta-playground-south-mountain-reservation-west-orange-nj-clipper-pavilion-playground/#sthash.pdbnLbxg.dpuf

Tip: Make sure to bring snacks, as there didn't seem to be any quick snacking options available.

Now onto the details: The bigger play structures are aimed for ages 5-12, and the smaller play structures are aimed at ages 2-5. There are 24 separate pieces of equipment in total, and they are all very unique and engaging. Yes, there were the tried and true slides and swings, but there were also mini rope-climbing installations, spinning discs, and even a musical instrument station! I have never seen these types of equipment in a playground!

And the best part of this playground - it's free! Ben thoroughly enjoyed everything the Regatta Playground had to offer!

You can totally make a day of all of the wonderful things the South Mountain Recreation Complex has to offer, which include the Turtle Back Zoo, Safari MiniGolf, Treetop Adventure Course, McLoone's Boathouse Restaurant, Paddle Boating, Richard J. Codey Ice Arena, as well as the scenic South Mountain Reservation that gives you plenty of outdoor options for family fun with:

Ten picnic areas

Nineteen miles of hiking and walking trails

Twenty-seven miles of carriage roads for jogging, horseback riding, & cross-country skiing

Archery range

Fishing at Diamond Mill Pond

Hemlock Falls

Various wildlife, including deer

Largest parkland in Essex County 

Regatta Playground in West Orange, NJ is definitely Ben Approved!
 

 

Oakdale Parking area

9 Cherry Lane, West Orange NJ

5-12 year olds and a pre-school playground for 2-5 year olds - See more at: http://www.njplaygrounds.com/9791/regatta-playground-south-mountain-reservation-west-orange-nj-clipper-pavilion-playground/#sthash.pdbnLbxg.dpuf

5-12 year olds and a pre-school playground for 2-5 year olds - See more at: http://www.njplaygrounds.com/9791/regatta-playground-south-mountain-reservation-west-orange-nj-clipper-pavilion-playground/#sthash.pdbnLbxg.dpuf