Picnic Places for Birthday

Check out Van Saun Park, Zoo in Paramus, NJ

and

Darlington Park and Pool, Mahwah, NJ

both have picnic area, playgrounds and more.

Van Saun park is very nice. There is a zoo, carosel and large playground. But the playground gets full sun with almost no shade (picnic tables are in the shade though).
Branchbrook park is a large park in northern Newark on the border of Belleville (famous for the cherry blossoms in the spring). It should be really close for you. You can see if they have an area you like since it is a very big park. You can also just drive on the road along the river and there are many parks right by the river all the way up from Karney to Rutherford. Also, there is a NJ playground guide web site (I don't recall the exact site address). I found it searching for things to do with my kids who are 1 and 4.

I had my son's 8th birthday party in may at west hudson park in kearny/herrison...it was wonderful, we had it right at the playground, now that it's summer the sprinkler park is open...it is so much fun for the kids, and there are picnic tables under trees, and a gazebo, with tables...hope this helps

J.-kearny

Updated

oh and the best part is it's free...no permits, no deposits no money :-)

I just went to West Hudson Park for the first time with my 3 year old. It's recently be re-done. It has a regular playground and a water playground. It's between the border of Harrison and Kearny and I'd say good for ages 3-8 for a birthday.

B.

Liberty state park in Jersey City is awesome.