John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park at Berkeley Island

Locals around Bayville know this park is one of the better-kept secrets on the Jersey Shore — bayfront views, a splash pad for the kids, and enough picnic tables and BBQ grills to actually pull off a proper family cookout. The crabbing off the water’s edge is legitimately good, and you don’t need much gear to have a solid afternoon out there. There’s a walking path if you want to stretch your legs, and the breeze coming off the bay makes even a hot summer day feel manageable. Restrooms and parking are on-site, so it’s genuinely easy to pack up the whole crew — ages 2 through 12 will find plenty to do here.