Wells Mills County Park

If you haven’t taken the kids to Wells Mills yet, you’re missing out on one of Ocean County’s better kept secrets. The playground works well for the 2-12 crowd, but honestly the whole park is the attraction — trails that cut through actual Pinelands forest, a lake you can fish or just sit near, and enough open grass that kids can run themselves tired. Pack a picnic, use the tables, and plan to spend a few hours rather than just a quick stop. The nature center is worth a look too, especially if your kids are into wildlife or want to understand what they’re actually walking through.