When the summer days are long and hot, it's time to find a great spot for some fun on the water. Unfortunately, many of New Jersey's best waterparks have some hefty admission fees - which puts them out of reach for some, especially for larger families. That's why we were so happy to find a unique county park that has a great swimming lake and even a mini-waterpark, along with some great family-friendly features in the summer. It's Darlington County Park, found in the peaceful community of Mahwah. During its swim season, it has a modest admission fee which grants access to the wet-and-wild fun within. It's our pick for the best family-friendly park in New Jersey, and it just underwent a renovation to add even more features to its beautifully-designed grounds. Read on for why you'll want to add Darlington County Park to your summer bucket list!

The entrance to Darlington County Park is a little different from the average - but the admission fee is only $10 or $15 for out-of-county residents, and it's well worth it.

This is one of the best swimming lakes in the state, and it's well-maintained to make it a uniquely safe and welcoming place to splash around.

Speaking of splashing - the Splash Zone is open for business once again, and this inflatable waterpark is full of thrills and fun for young guests.

When you're done on the water, there's a lot more to do here. This is a popular spot for grilling, but keep in mind that only charcoal grilling is allowed.

The park recently renovated its sporting grounds, adding new tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts.

And as summer turns to fall, the whole place is a beautiful spot to view the fall foliage.

Have you visited Darlington County Park in Mahwah? Do you think it's the best family-friendly park in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments section! You can find out more about the park on the Bergen County website, and make sure to follow the Darlington County Park Facebook page for the latest updates on this fun summer destination! There's a lot more to do here than just the park, too - check out our article on why Mahwah is one of the best small towns in New Jersey. And if you're looking for a home base in the area for a few days, we highly recommend the Homewood Suites By Hilton Mahwah - this is the chain I always use when traveling, and I love its roomy suites and free breakfast buffet each morning.