Cliffwood Beach Waterfront Park

If you haven’t made the drive out to this little waterfront spot in Keyport, you’re genuinely missing out. The playground has a ship and sailor theme that kids go nuts for — the slides actually look like something out of a nautical adventure, not just generic plastic equipment. Younger ones have plenty to keep them busy on the swings, and when everyone needs a break, the picnic tables right by the water make for a pretty solid lunch spot. The walking path connects you to the surrounding scenery, with the beach on one side and wooded trails nearby, so adults don’t have to just stand around watching. Parking is easy, restrooms are on-site, and the open grass field gives kids room to actually run — solid half-day outing for families with kids up to around 12.