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Why Skateboarding is Great for Kids (And Parents!)

Skateboarding is a fun way to make friends and get some exercise. Skateboarding helps kids build strength and coordination while working on fun tricks. There are mental benefits, too. Stringing obstacles together can be a satisfying puzzle to put together. And it can teach kids some important life lessons, like patience, and that hard work pays off.

RELATED: Best Roller Skating Rinks in New Jersey for Kids and Families

Located at the south end where JFK blvd ends in Bayonne, NJ with a beautiful parallel view of Bayonne Bridge, is Collins Park Skatepark. Photo courtesy of  Spohn Ranch Skateparks

Top Outdoor Skate Parks in New Jersey 

1. Berry Lane Skatepark – Jersey City

Why We Love It: This huge skatepark has lots to offer, and there are beautiful murals as a backdrop.
Key Features: Round rails, flat rails, hipped quarter pipe, stairs, ledges, some steeper ramps, ramps with gaps, banks, clover bowl, and more.
Cost: Free

2. Collins Park Skate Park – Bayonne

Why We Love It: This medium-sized park has the bay in the background and the Bayonne Bridge above it for shade.
Key Features: Small ramps, ramps with gaps, quarter-pipes, A-frame ramps, ledges, rails, and stairs.
Amenities: Lights and a playground right next door.
Cost: Free

3. Evergreen Center Skatepark – Colonia

Why We Love It: It's a smooth concrete park with a circular pattern, which is perfect for learning how to ride.
Key Features: Stairs with a Euro gap, quarter bowl, curved ledge, a-frame manny pad, and round rails.
Amenities: Basketball court.
Cost: Free

4. Kunkel Skate Park – Middletown

Why We Love It: This newer park has lots of nice obstacles and a spacious layout. It's a great spot to learn to skate or practice your skills.
Key Features: Planter boxes, wide ledges, rails, elevations, ramps, and more.
Amenities: Picnic tables, water fountain, and skateboard repair tools available for use. Sign up through the township for classes for ages 5 through 14. 
Cost: Free 

5. Ocean City Skate Park – Ocean City

Why We Love It: The park only allows skateboarders (no bikes) and requires safety equipment (helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads).
Key Features: Street section with boxes and stairs, 5-foot quarter pipe, hips, snake runs, mini ramps, and more.
Amenities: The town offers classes and camps. There are water fountains, bleachers, and shade for spectators.
Cost: Free

6. Pennsauken Skatepark – Pennsauken

Why We Love It: The large concrete skatepark has fantastic flow with tons of obstacles to try.
Key Features: 4-foot mini ramp, bowl, A-ramps, spine ramps, slappy curbs, quarter pipes (including one that's vert), stairs, rails, Euro gaps, hips, concrete boxes, large banks, twinkie rollers, hubbas, down ramps. 
Cost: Free

7. The Skateplex – Long Branch

Why We Love It: This park has a great layout that works for both beginner and more advanced skaters. And it's located right next to the beach.
Key Features: There are two bowls: a deeper one and a shallower one with obstacles like a volcano. The street section has flat areas, ramps that beginners can handle, ramps with gaps, rails, a ribbon QB combo, blocks/stairs, a triangle planter box with artificial grass, flat bars, ledges, and more.
Amenities: There's bike parking, bleachers, and cubbies for belongings. 
Cost: Free

8. Woodbridge Skate Park – Woodbridge

Why We Love It: This big park has plenty of open space for newbies to learn, plus lots of challenging obstacles for more advanced skaters.
Key Features: Hubbas, rails, bank sections, ramps, quarter pipe, ledges, manny pad, hips, and a volcano.
Amenities: Picnic tables and basketball courts
Cost: Free

Awesome Indoor Skate Parks for All-Weather Fun

9. Level Up Skatepark – Brick

Why We Love It: This non-profit is committed to supporting mental health and helping kids and adults achieve balance and motivation through action sports.
Key Features: Ramps for skateboarding, in-line skates, scooters, and BMX.
Amenities: Clubs, birthday parties, and camps are available.
Cost: Book 6-week beginner classes, private lessons, or buy a membership to enjoy open sessions. Admission for the open session is about $10/hour.

10. Shred Co. – Fairfield

Why We Love It: Kids can learn to skate in beginner, intermediate, or advanced classes.
Key Features: Small ramps, grinds, half pipes, and rails.
Amenities: Private lessons, group lessons, open skate, and birthday parties are available.
Cost: Group lessons are about $30/hour.

Safety First: Essential Gear for Young Skaters

• For beginners, go for a standard skateboard at first (not a long board or penny board). Choose a width that's appropriate for your child's age. Here's a loose guide from Underground Skateshop in Nutley:

  • 4-8 years old: 7"-7.5"

  • 8-12 years old: - 7.5"-7.75"

  • 10-14 years old:  - 7.75"-8"

  • 14-16+ years old: 8"-8.25"

• Make sure to equip your child with a certified skateboarding helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. Some kids may want to use gloves.

• Dress in long sleeves and long pants to protect the skin from falls.

• Use sneakers.