Trying to get the kids out for a hike? Looking for an easier trail that the whole family can enjoy that’s also appealing to kids? We’ve got you covered.
These are our favorite kid-friendly hikes that feature interesting destinations and features, and mostly have small elevation gain.
Overview Map
The map below shows the locations of our favorite kid-friendly hikes.
Schooley’s Mountain
A 1-mile hike along a cascading stream to a waterfall with plenty of boulders for the kids to climb on. See the Schooley’s Mountain trail guide.
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation gain: +300 feet
Tripod Rock
A giant boulder moved by glaciers and left seemingly-impossibly balanced on three small rocks. Get creative posing for pictures. See the Tripod Rock trail guide.
Distance: 2.7 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: +600 feet
Van Slyke Castle
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Van Slyke Castle ruins -
Water tower ruins -
Kids can explore the Van Slyke Castle ruins (a home abandoned in 1940) and enjoy views of Ramapo Lake and the Wyanokie Mountains. See the Van Slyke Castle trail guide.
Hike Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: +700 feet
Swinging Bridge
An easy stroll through the Institute Woods in Princeton takes you to a swinging bridge over a stream. As a bonus, the woods are next to Princeton Battlefield State Park, featuring canons, other Revolutionary War history, and a big lawn that’s great for a picnic. See the Swinging Bridge trail guide.
Hike length: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: minimal
Pochuck Boardwalk
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Turtles -
Heaven Hill Farm -
Appalachian Trail Pochuck Boardwalk
This easy, kid-friendly stroll in Vernon is one of New Jersey’s hidden gems. Pochuck Boardwalk is a mile-long stretch of the Appalachian Trail and a 110-foot suspension bridge through sensitive wetlands full of wildflowers and wildlife, including plenty of turtles. The hike can be extended an extra 1.5 miles to Heaven Hill Farm where you can treat the kids to ice cream. For those looking for a more intense challenge, you can hike even further up the famous Stairway to Heaven for a view over the Vernon Valley. See the Pochuck Boardwalk trail guide.
Hike length: 1.8 miles
Elevation gain: +25 feet
Fairy Trail
A great way to get the little ones out and exploring nature, the Fairy Trail in South Mountain Reservation is an easy half mile path inhabited by fairies who have built homes along the trail. See the Fairy Trail guide.
Hike length: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: minimal
Lord Stirling Park
This kid-friendly walk through marshes and swamps in Lord Stirling Park features boardwalks, ponds, and what might be the oldest tree in New Jersey. See the Lord Stirling Park trail guide.
Hike length: 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: negligible
Hemlock Falls
This kid-friend 1.6-mile hike to the dramatic 25-foot Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation is also one of our favorite hikes in New Jersey. See the Hemlock Falls trail guide.
Hike length: 1.6 miles
Elevation gain: +300 feet
Governor Mountain
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Governor Mountain glacial erratic -
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View of Wanaque Reservoir from Governor Mountain
More off the beaten path and only a little more challenging than most of the other options on this page, the loop hike up Governor Mountain features a great view of the Wanaque Reservoir and surrounding mountains and passes plenty of glacial erratics that make for fun boulder climbing opportunities. See the Governor Mountain trail guide.
Hike Length: 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: 430 feet
High Mountain and Waterfall
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View from the summit of High Mountain Park Preserve -
For a slightly longer but still kid-friendly hike (at least maybe for bigger kids) that’s close if you live in the highly populated NYC metro area, consider a hike to the summit of High Mountain. You might even spot a bear in a tree.
Hike Length: 4.6 miles
Elevation gain: 715 feet
So many more options
These are some of our favorites, but there are countless other kid-friendly options out there. If you’re looking for some more ideas, check out all of our kid-friendly hike guides.
