The Estell Manor Park Playgrounds in Mays Landing New Jersey are the playgrounds my kids grew up with. We’d take a morning nature class at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center, then eat lunch at one of the pavilions before my kids would spend hours playing at the Estell Manor Park playgrounds.
If you know the park you know there are TWO sets of playgrounds. There’s the one set not far from the nature center. Then, there’s the second set of playgrounds further in the park, pass the Veterans’ Cemetery. And at both playgrounds, there are several play structures.
I haven’t been at these playgrounds in a while so I sent Mason, one of our junior writers, out for a new look at this old favorite park of ours. He visited them on August 17, 2022, and when I saw his pictures I was giddy with excitement. There have been some changes to the equipment at the front playground. New equipment has been added!! The playground has accessible features it never had before.
If you haven’t been to Estell Manor Park for the playgrounds in a while you NEED to get back there. I am so excited to share Mason’s pictures and details based on his August 2022 visit. – Jenn
10 Things to Know About Estell Manor Park Playgrounds in Mays Landing NJ
As part of our challenge to write about 100 New Jersey playgrounds in 100 days we bring you the details about Estell Manor Park Playgrounds a playground in Mays Landing New Jersey.
Where are Estell Manor Park Playgrounds located?
Estell Manor Park is located at 109 State Highway 50 in Mays Landing in Atlantic County. It is open daily from 7:30 am to dusk. There is no fee to enjoy the parks, playgrounds, or Fox Nature Center. Estell Manor is part of the Atlantic County Park System.
From the new signage, it looks like the park is rebranding to being called the Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor as opposed to Estell Manor Park in Mays Landing. For the time being, we will continue to refer to it as how our locals have. ;-)
To access the playgrounds, turn into Estell Manor park from Route 50. Then proceed to the right down the driveway path. The park is part of the Atlantic County park system.
Estell Manor Park Playgrounds
Our initial feature on the playgrounds was in 2012, though we had visited numerous times over the years. It wasn’t until Mason’s visit that we discovered new equipment. Because this park offers two large playground areas, our regular way of featuring them wouldn’t work without risking confusing our readers. We’re going to break down the pictures and details by referring to the two playground areas separately within the same feature.
The front set of playgrounds/ Train Playground and New Playground
What kind of playground equipment does this area have?
This playground space has 2 well-sized fenced-in sections that are right across from each other. These playgrounds include lots of area to run around and have fun and also includes its fair share of special features.
There is a train play feature, a log cabin playground, a NEW large playground structure, and other stand-alone features. Outside of the fenced-in area, but nearby, are swings and a slide.
What changed at this playground?
This yellow playground structure, the jeep, and the dinosaurs were replaced.
This is a quick look at SOME of the NEW equipment now in its place.
Are there swings?
In this enclosed area the playground includes 2 large bench swings, 2 baby swings, and 1 adult/parent-baby swing. ALL of these swings are NEW!
Outside of the fence is a section with 4 traditional swings and an accessible swing. We believe these are all NEW too.
Are there slides?
The NEW playground structure has 2 straight double side-by-side slides and one large twisty slide.
The log cabin playground includes 1 straight double side-by-side slide, 1 twisting slide, 1 tunnel slide, and 1 wavy slide.
There is also one large straight and bumpy slide outside of the fenced area. Jenn believes this is a new slide that replaces an old metal slide.
What special features does the playground offer?
This Estell Manor playground area includes ladders, bridges, tunnels, twisty climbs, wooden log stairs, an animal tracker wheel, a frog step, drums, steering wheels, a bell, tic-tac-toe a large spiral twist, rings for monkey bars, an instrumental machine, a sound spin, speakers, and more.
The play train, the Burke Express, is still available for pretend train play. Jenn says it was one of her boys’ favorite features.
The long wiggly beam remains as well. Is it a balance beam? Is it a see-saw? I say a see-saw. Jenn says balance beam. Kids enjoy it as both.
One of the NEW features is this dragonfly. Kids can sit on either side and pretend to help the dragonfly flap its wings.
Last but not least is this NEW unique spinning feature.
What kind of ground cover does the playground have?
The ground cover varies by section. Some areas have rubber tire mulch. Some areas have wood mulch, and some areas have rubber padding.
Is this Estell Manor Park playground accessible?
The Estell Manor playgrounds are more accessible than they have ever been. YAY! The newest playground structure has a wheelchair-accessible ramp, wide platforms, and a Sway Fun glider.
There are features like musical instruments accessible at ground level and games like baseball tic-tac-toe accessible on the equipment.
Outside of the playground with the other swings is an accessible swing.
Is there shade available?
This park includes a yellow pavilion with tables, trees that cover some of the playground and other picnic tables, rooftops on the playground equipment and shade underneath the playground equipment.
Where is parking for this playground?
This playground has a medium-sized gravel lot for parking.
Are there restrooms?
There are indoor restrooms located in a nearby building, at the end of the parking lot, near the pavilion.
The back set of playgrounds/ Pirate Ships & Treehouse Playgrounds
What kind of playground equipment does this area have?
This area offers a very shaded playground with a mix of treehouse and pirate themes. This playground includes 2 well-sized sections each with its own theme. This playground is also right next to a very peaceful water view.
Are there swings?
This park includes 4 traditional swings.
Are there slides?
There is a bumpy slide and 2 twisty slides, one is a tunnel slide.
What special features do the pirate ship and treehouse playgrounds offer?
This park includes tunnels, bridges, twisting poles, ladders, unique steps and ladders, rock climbs, a cool sea serpent to climb, and a viewfinder.
There’s even a bridge that connects the two pirate ships. Kids can pretend to battle each other and use the bridge to ‘cross over the water’ to the enemy’s ship.
What kind of ground cover does the playground have?
This park is covered in rubber mulch.
Is this playground accessible?
This playground does not have accessible features.
Is there shade?
This park includes lots of trees covering some of the playground and picnic tables, shade from the roofs in the playground equipment, and shade underneath the playground equipment, especially the tree house section.
Where is parking?
This park includes a small gravel parking lot.
Are there restrooms?
This park does not include restrooms but has what appears to be a restroom building next to the playground that is currently under construction.
What else is there to do at Estell Manor Park?
In addition to the playgrounds at Estell Manor Park, there are additional amenities available for visitors.
Are there walking trails?
The Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor has about 27 miles of trails stretching through a variety of habitats. Most of the trails are packed dirt or sand. The Swamp Trail Boardwalk is a 1.8 mile fully accessible, elevated wooden nature trail that travels through some of the most beautiful areas of the Park. View the Estell Manor Park Trail System map.
Are there fields or courts for sports?
The park has a soccer field, a softball field, and lots of open grassy areas.
Bonus information we want you to know about Estell Manor Park
Estell Manor Park includes picnic tables, benches, shaded pavilions with some needing reservations throughout the park, barbecue pits, horseshoe pits, and a parcourse fitcenter. There is also an indoor nature center and outdoor butterfly garden near the park main entrance.
Warren E. Fox Nature Center
When Jenn’s boys were younger the Warren E. Fox Nature Center was where they would be monthly for the park’s nature classes. The building is the program location and main office for the park system.
The center has environmental and animal displays, maps and brochures, an auditorium for class and public lectures, restroom facilities, and is the location to obtain your Passport To Your National Parks cancellation stamps for the Pinelands National Reserve and the Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreation River. Visit Nature Center web page for more information and operating hours.
Who do I contact about having a birthday party or event at Estell Manor Park Playgrounds?
We provide these details about Estell Manor Park playgrounds as a service to our readers and the park. However, Jersey Family Fun is not directly involved with this park. To reserve Estell Manor Park Playgrounds for a birthday party or private event, please contact them directly by calling (609) 625-8219 or visiting their website.
Find more great playgrounds in New Jersey
Visit Atlantic County parks and playgrounds to learn more about playgrounds near this one. Visit our series on New Jersey Playgrounds and Parks to learn more about the great playgrounds across our state.
