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Things to Do with Kids in Franklin Lakes, NJ

Parks, places to eat, indoor fun & this week's family events in Franklin Lakes — 10 public spots plus local favorites. Tap a tab to explore.

Nature Center

Lorrimer Sanctuary · Franklin Lakes

A cozy 14-acre NJ Audubon sanctuary around a historic 1700s farmhouse visitor center. The short, easy half-mile loop and a winter bird-feeding station make it ideal for younger children and first-time hikers, with hands-on exhibits inside.

easy 0.5-mile loopwheelchair-accessible Field Trail Loophistoric 1700s farmhouse centerwinter bird-feeding stationhands-on exhibits

Good for: All ages, especially preschool–early elementary · Trails free, dawn–dusk; building keeps limited hours — call ahead (201-891-2185). Field Trail Loop is the accessible/stroller option.

Directions ↗
Ice Cream

Gio's Gelato & Espresso Bar · Franklin Lakes

Bergen's first authentic gelato shop, run by an owner who trained in Rimini and Sicily. Silky, made-from-scratch gelato and an espresso bar for parents while the kids pick favorites.

authentic Italian gelatomade fresh in-houseespresso bar & pastrieswelcoming service

Good for: All ages · Sample the day's special gelato before deciding.

Directions ↗
Farmers Market

Franklin Lakes Farmers Market · Franklin Lakes

🗓️ Mid May–late November, Saturdays 10am–2pm

A long-season Saturday market at Veterans Plaza, easy to make part of your weekend routine — plenty of fresh produce in a relaxed setting.

Jersey Fresh producebaked goodslocal honeyflowers & plants

Good for: All ages · Opens early and closes late in the season — spring greens through fall pumpkins.

Directions ↗

Dog Parks · 1

Dog Park Dog Park · Franklin Lakes · Dogs OKMap ↗

Nature Reserves · 4

Franklin Swamp Nature Reserve · Franklin Lakes · FreeMap ↗
G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve Nature Reserve · Franklin LakesMap ↗
Lorrimer Sanctuary Nature Reserve · Franklin LakesMap ↗
Old Mill Woodlands Nature Reserve · Franklin LakesMap ↗

Parks · 2

Firemens Field Park · Franklin LakesMap ↗
Parsons Pond Park Park · Franklin LakesMap ↗

Playgrounds · 3

Playground Playground · Franklin LakesMap ↗
Playground Playground · Franklin LakesMap ↗
Playground Playground · Franklin LakesMap ↗
Ice Cream

Gio's Gelato & Espresso Bar · Franklin Lakes

Bergen's first authentic gelato shop, run by an owner who trained in Rimini and Sicily. Silky, made-from-scratch gelato and an espresso bar for parents while the kids pick favorites.

authentic Italian gelatomade fresh in-houseespresso bar & pastrieswelcoming service

Good for: All ages · Sample the day's special gelato before deciding.

Directions ↗
Farmers Market

Franklin Lakes Farmers Market · Franklin Lakes

🗓️ Mid May–late November, Saturdays 10am–2pm

A long-season Saturday market at Veterans Plaza, easy to make part of your weekend routine — plenty of fresh produce in a relaxed setting.

Jersey Fresh producebaked goodslocal honeyflowers & plants

Good for: All ages · Opens early and closes late in the season — spring greens through fall pumpkins.

Directions ↗
Tue, Jul 7 — Storytime with Miss Jen · Franklin Lakes · Kids
Tue, Jul 7 — Felt a Koala with Christine · Franklin Lakes
Fri, Jul 10 — Kids Craft and Learning Kit Grab & Go · Franklin Lakes
Tue, Jul 14 — Storytime with Miss Jen · Franklin Lakes · Kids
Tue, Jul 14 — Create a Colonial-Style Punched Tin Lantern · Franklin Lakes
Tue, Jul 14 — Kids Unearth a Magical Story with Magician Steve Woyce (Age 4-Grade 5) · Franklin Lakes
Wed, Jul 15 — Kids Theater Class (PreK-Grade 2) · Franklin Lakes · Pre-K
Fri, Jul 17 — Kids Craft and Learning Kit Grab & Go · Franklin Lakes

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