(201) Welcome 2017 Edition | Page 28

sports and recreation Family Time 5 places to enjoy a free day of fun WRITTEN BY KARA MAYER ROBINSON RICHARD W. DEKORTE PARK AND MEADOWLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER LYNDHURST (201) 460-2431 njsea.com 1 GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY FORT LEE panynj.gov It’s right here in Fort Lee and you’ve probably driven over it dozens of times, but did you ever think of walking across the GWB? Not only are the views of the Hudson River, the Palisades, and the massive steel structure phenomenal, but your kids will have a blast waving to people in passing cars, buses and trucks. If they pump their arm, truck drivers happily return the gesture with a hefty honk. Park south of the bridge on Hudson Terrace (the street perpendicular to the bridge), then walk to the entrance ramp of the south sidewalk, which is also on Hudson Terrace. If there’s construction, you might be re-routed to the north sidewalk. 26 2017 EDITION | (201) WELCOME 2 DEKORTE PARK: MITSU YASUKAWA; BRIDGE: CONNER BLAKE DeKorte Park’s walking trails feature mudflats and tidal basins, shorebirds, herons and ospreys – more than 270 bird species perch here. Kids can explore the wetlands on the Marsh Discovery Trail Walk, an accessible nature trail. In addition to the marvels of the marshland, the trail offers excellent views of the city skyline. The park is open 8 a.m. to dusk, but the day doesn’t end when the sun sets. The William D. McDowell Observatory is open for free stargazing Monday and Wednesday nights year-round, 8-10 p.m. through October and 7-10 p.m. in November.