Grab the Sleds: Where to Go Sledding in Ocean & Monmouth Counties

After the kind of winter storm that makes New Jerseyans say, “Well… that was a lot.” That's enough snow and ice for the next couple of years, there’s only one good way to deal with it: lean in and go sledding.

Ocean and Monmouth Counties just got walloped with snow, followed by that dreaded layer of ice that had many of us skating down our driveways whether we wanted to or not.

We’re still digging out in parts of Ocean County, the snowbanks are piled high, and, miracle of miracles, the cold temps mean the snow is actually sticking around.

That’s prime sledding weather in New Jersey, and it doesn’t come around often enough to waste.

If you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls, sleds gathering dust in the garage, or a sudden urge to feel like a kid again, now is the time to head to one of the great sledding hills in Ocean or Monmouth County.

When New Jersey Winter Gets It Right

Let’s be honest, New Jersey winters can be hit or miss. Sometimes it’s all gray skies and slush, and other times we get a full-on snow globe moment. This storm delivered the real deal. Thick snow, crunchy top layers, and hills that actually hold up for more than a day make all the difference.

The recent ice may have slowed things down at first, but now that everything’s settled, it’s created fast, fun runs that kids dream about all winter.

Sledding in New Jersey isn’t about mountains or ski lifts. It’s about neighborhood hills, local parks, and that one perfect slope everyone remembers from their own childhood. Ocean and Monmouth Counties have plenty of those spots, wide hills, long runs, and just enough speed to keep things exciting without being overwhelming.

Why Sledding Never Gets Old

There’s something timeless about sledding. No screens. No schedules. Just snow pants, cold noses, and that moment right before you push off and hope you don’t spin sideways halfway down.

It’s one of those rare activities where parents and kids are equally excited to participate, whether you’re racing, laughing, or pretending you’re “just supervising” from the bottom of the hill.

Sledding Hills in Ocean County

• Ocean County Park, Lakewood
• Veteran's Park, Bayville
• Central Regional High School, Bayville
• Washington Street right next to the Toms River Country Club
• Barnegat High School

Sledding Hills in Monmouth County

• Oak Glen Park, Howell
• Holmdel Park, Holmdel...(I love this one, great place to sled)
• Cheesequake State Park, Matawan

After a big storm like this, sledding also feels like a small win. The shoveling, the slipping, the digging out, it’s all worth it when you see kids flying down a hill with pure joy on their faces. Even better, these hills are right here in our own communities. No long drives, no tickets, no reservations. Just grab the sled and go.

A Few Sledding Smarts Before You Go

With all this snow and leftover ice, it’s worth taking a few precautions so the fun doesn’t turn into a wipeout.

Dress warmly, layer up, and don’t forget waterproof gloves, because wet hands end sledding adventures fast. Helmets are never a bad idea, especially for younger kids, and it’s smart to scout the hill before the first run to make sure there aren’t any hidden obstacles under the snow.

Read More: The Sawmill in Seaside Park Now Has a Sunday Breakfast Buffet

And yes, the snow is fast right now. That’s part of the fun, but it also means keeping an eye on where sleds stop at the bottom and making sure everyone takes turns.

Making Winter Memories Close to Home

Ocean and Monmouth Counties shine when it comes to family-friendly outdoor fun, and sledding is one of those simple pleasures that reminds us why we love living here, even when winter tests our patience. These hills bring neighbors together, spark spontaneous snowball fights, and turn an ordinary winter day into a memory that sticks.