September Kids Activities at Nomahegan Park

As we transition from summer spontaneity to school, sports and various activities, I sometimes find that local parks are all I need to give my kids a free play atmosphere that’s good for them (and good for my sanity). 

Living in Union County for about 10 years and being a parent for almost five, I’ve explored many parks in the area. Nomahegan Park is one that we always run back to. 

Home of countless festivals, events, company and family picnics, Nomahegan Park lures people from all over to make use of their playground, grills, scenery and winding paths. Here's a look at why this park might be ideal for your needs.

Shady Playground for Pre-School and School-Age Kids
I’ve visited Nomahegan since my pre-kids days, when I got into a health kick and didn't want to pound it out on a track.  It wasn't until after I had kids that I noticed (a-ha!), the park has a playground. 

I’ve since visited tons of playgrounds this summer with my two boys and newborn.  Nomahegan sported the right amount of shade—a big thing for my family on those hot, sunny days, especially with the latest pediatrician recommendation of no sun-screen for 3-month-olds (or was it six months?).

We also found that during the school seasons, school playgrounds are limited to after-school hours, leaving town and county parks as great options.  Nomahegan Park offers a complex playground with climbing structures, slides and both bucket and regular swings.  Note that it can get downright soggy when we’ve had some rain, which can make it a challenge to navigate with a stroller.  Tell your kids to watch out for the little car structure, which sometimes fills with water.

What can be improved with Nomahegan playgrounds?  More frequent maintenance. Due to the plentiful trees and dirt, as well as the tendency for the area to stay wet, the play structures can get dirty.  The park equipment could also use some updating. 

The park might also benefit from a fence, especially for groups of two or more kids. My adventurous 4-year-old gravitates toward the woods, which can make it tough with two others to chase after.  (Still we find him, dust him off and push his reset button.)

Bikes, Trikes or Walk It
Perfect for bike-riding, September weather beckons us to take advantage of the park's 2-mile loop.  Join the walkers and joggers, and take a walk with the kids over the bridge across the lake.

Kids Fishing Derby 
If you are a parent who likes to fish and wants to introduce the sport to their kids, check this out.

Rahway River Trout Unlimited will hold its 3rd annual kids fishing derby on September 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. Parents are encouraged to bring fishing poles if you have them; if not they will have some available to borrow for the event so everyone gets a chance.  The two age categories for the competition are 4-12 years and 13-18 years.  Biggest fish wins first pick at the table of fishing pole prizes.

Slightly off topic: The organization is also slated to help Hillside Avenue School sixth graders learn about and raise trout.  For more information on this event and others, contact Mike Rediger at 908-868- 8236.

Want to Have Your Own Event?
Part of a mom's club? Host for a birthday party? For $30, you can rent a picnic area complete with grills for up to 99 people.  Beer and wine permits cost extra. Check out the Union County Web site for reserving a picnic area for up to 299 people.

Next week I take you a little beyond the boundaries of Cranford and into Watchung Reservation for a look at the Trailside Nature Center. If you have any thoughts, photos, suggestions for other kid-related columns, e-mail me at njplaygrounds@gmail.com.

Sheila Sayah is a wife and mother of three who regularly blogs about playgrounds on her site, www.njplaygrounds.com.