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Best Things to Do in Laurel Acres Park with Kids

1. Enjoy One of the Three Playgrounds

Laurel Acres Park's playgrounds are a huge draw to the park and offer something for kids of all ages to enjoy. My bigger kids loved the zipline, all the climbing options, and the swing carousel (I thought this was so cool!). My 3-year-old enjoyed those same things too (gotta keep up with the bigger siblings), but also enjoyed the large variety of slides and features designed for younger kids. Two of the three playgrounds are meant for older kids, but they do have one designed for younger kids, too. 

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The nature trail is a nice option on a hot day to escape the sun.

2. Hike the Trails

Laurel Acres has several trails to choose from for hiking. The Natural Trail is a wooded trail offering a rustic, fun experience in the woods. The Pond and Nature Loop is a 1.3-mile easy trail that takes a scenic route around the pond and through the woods for a bit. Be sure to check for ticks and bring bug spray in the summer!

3. Bike on the Path

If you want to bring a stroller or allow your kids an opportunity to safely bike, scooter, or rollerskate, the park offers a paved loop that goes around the park by the three playgrounds and by the pond at the bottom of the giant hill.

4. Exercise on Equipment

Right next to the larger playground is exercise equipment designed for teenagers or adults to use. If you have older kids, you could potentially use the exercise equipment while your kids played on the larger playground.

5. Sled, Roll, or Run Down the Giant Hill

My kids LOVED the giant hill. They ran up the stairs and rolled down several times, earning themselves a well-deserved tick check that night. In winter, this is a thrilling spot for sledding for older kids. 

6. Play a Pickup Game of Basketball, Baseball, or Volleyball

In addition to open fields that can be used for any sport, the park also boasts basketball courts and baseball diamonds. But, I found the sand volleyball courts to be the most exciting of the lot, and I am looking forward to trying to play with my kids when they get a little older. 

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You can fish or take in the gorgeous view at the park's pond. 

7. Fish in the Pond

I don’t fish, but we saw people fishing and catching things at the pond at Laurel Acres. I couldn’t find much information online about fishing at Laurel Acres Park, such as whether it is catch-and-release only (I would assume it is) or if a permit is required. However, I did see that it is stocked with black bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, catfish, and more. 

8. Bird Watch in the Gazebo 

Laurel Acres features several gazebos overlooking the pond, providing a shaded spot to relax or enjoy bird watching. My son is a bit of a bird nerd at the moment, and we did see several interesting birds, like a red-winged blackbird flitting around and a heron wading in the water.

9. Have a Picnic

There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park, as well as a large shaded pavilion. I would suggest bringing a packed lunch and either spreading out a blanket in the giant field, under the shade of a tree, or sitting at one of the tables and enjoying your lunch so your kids have the energy to keep playing! 

10. Take Your Dog to the Dog Park

Laurel Acres Park is pet-friendly and has a dog park for your pet to run and play off-leash as well! There are two enclosures, one for small and one for large dogs, and doggy waste bags are provided.

11. Catch a Show or Event 

When we were visiting the park in May, there was a stage set up in the large field, and I saw online that the park hosts events like a clean-up day, a Greek festival, a Juneteenth celebration, ice cream and movie days, 4^th of July fireworks, and much more. Be sure to check the schedule of events.

12. Have a Party! 

This park is so incredible and has so much to offer that you might want to consider hosting your child’s birthday party or a family event here. Laurel Acres offers charcoal grills and bathrooms. Check the website to see about getting a permit to use the large, shaded pavilion for your event. 

Know Before You Go to Laurel Acres Park

The park is open from 6am to 8pm and has bathrooms. The playgrounds do not have a lot of shade, so load up on sunscreen before you go, and bring hats! There is a lot of parking, but it does fill up on weekends as this is a popular destination, especially when the weather is good. Consider going in the middle of the day on a weekday to avoid the crowds. 

Laurel Acres Park: What’s Nearby

Other nearby attractions include Historic Smithville Park, which also has nature trails and a floating walkway over the lake. The Funplex is an indoor theme park with rides and games that also has an outdoor waterpark. Topgolf is a driving range also located in Mount Laurel that is lots of fun for older kids and adults alike!