Thompson Park — Attraction in Monroe Township

What a beautiful county park! The largest county park in Middlesex County, this gorgeously maintained public space has everything you could ask for in a park!

There are three newer playgrounds, with soft rubber matting, that are located in Groves 1, 3, and 4, and are always popular with the kiddies. They have swings, slides, and climbers. All the groves are well equipped for your family bbq, with double grills, picnic tables, and serenity all around. The bathrooms are never too far of a walk away from any spot in the park, and have always been clean whenever I visit.

The grass throughout the park seems like it's always cut, and whenever there's a big storm, any branches and trees that have fallen are immediately cleaned up.

Miles of well-maintained trails take you along the pleasant Manalapan Brook and through hundreds of acres of forest, with wildlife abound- you'll see the little chipmunks and squirrels, hear the woodpeckers and robins, and may even catch a glimpse of the wild deer and turkey that call this relaxing park, home. Keep an eye to the sky as well, because there is a Bald Eagle that likes to visit Thompson Park every now and then.

Manalapan Lake is popular for fishing, and ever since a boat ramp was added, there's always kayaks and other boats on the water (no gas motors are allowed). Fishermen/women/etc prefer the area below the dam or by the train tressel for the big fish.

This park even has a zoo... or rather, a Game Haven. About 7 acres are fenced off and you can see many healthy deer wandering around within. Some goats and pot-bellied pigs have their own sizable enclosures, as does an emu at the far left end. Rabbits and birds are on display in roomy hutches and enclosures that keep them safe from any predators (foxes, hawks, etc). Overall, this is one of the nicest smaller zoo's that I've ever seen. The animals are always fed in the morning, given fresh clean water, checked for any health problems, and their enclosures are cleaned daily by a dedicated animal keeper. I've also seen a vet who makes visits to the Thompson Park Zoo whenever there is a concern, and several government agencies routinely inspect the game haven as well. These animals are very well taken care of!

There are 2 dog parks, one for small dogs, one for large dogs. They both have benches inside, and half of each dog park is comfortably wooded (unlike Heavenly Farms in EB). The "Mutt Mitts" are always filled, and the garbage cans are never overflowing.

As far as sports- the park has 4 baseball/softball fields that look pretty nice. Some of the backstops are showing their age, and could probably be replaced, but other than that, they all have little bleachers for the crowds, and benches in the dugouts. One of the fields has lights so that leagues can play at night. There are 4 tennis courts (2 by the main entrance, 2 next to grove 1) that are lighted as well, all have newer nets. 4 basketball courts (2 in grove 1, 2 in grove 4). The park has 2 volleyball nets setup by the lake, along with a horseshoe pit, and benches all around. There's bocce ball up by the dog park- this seems to be used by the many senior communities nearby, and they love it! An 18-hole disc golf course was recently added to the park as an Eagle Scout project, and is one of the most popular courses around. Then there's the many soccer fields that are setup by Monroe HS and Monroe Rec.

What a great place to bring the family for some...

Beautiful park with lots to offer—just missing what used to delight the kids

👍 What Still Shines

Scenic & Spacious Grounds: Thompson Park remains one of the best large outdoor spaces in Middlesex County. Trails are well‑maintained, green areas are plentiful, and the lake is peaceful—perfect for walks, picnics, bird‑watching, or just soaking up nature.

Variety of Amenities: Between the sports fields, playgrounds, dog park, fishing spots, paddle boating, and open picnic areas, there's always something to do. It’s a place where you can spend hours without running out of options.

Family Favorite: Even without the zoo, it’s still a go‑to for families. Kids enjoy the playgrounds, open space to run, and the water views. It’s a solid place for family afternoons.

👎 What’s Missing / Needs Improvement

Closure of the Mini Zoo (“Animal Haven”): This was a major downside, especially for the younger visitors. Thompson Park’s petting zoo used to provide a unique, memorable experience—feeding deer, seeing peacocks, the animals added a special charm. Its removal left a gap in what made the park feel magical for kids.

Nostalgia vs. Reality: For those who grew up visiting or bringing children, there’s emotional value lost. The animals weren’t perfect—there were criticisms over conditions and space—but having them was part of the identity of that park.

Adjustment & Signage: With the zoo area shut down, some signage or maps still point to it. It can be confusing for folks expecting to see the animals. A clearer update would help visitors set expectations properly.

💡 Tips If You Visit Now

Set expectations right when bringing younger kids—they’ll enjoy the park, but the animals are no longer there.

Enjoy the lake edge and trails; bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

If your kids love animals, consider pairing a trip to Thompson with a nearby zoo or sanctuary to fill that gap.

Go during weekdays or early mornings if you want to enjoy calm trails and fewer crowds.

✅ Final Thoughts

Thompson Park is still a gem in Monroe Township / Middlesex County. It delivers on space, beauty, and variety. Losing the mini zoo does lessen what it offers—especially for families who loved that interactive piece—but the core of what makes it a great community park (nature, outdoors, space to breathe) is very much intact.

It’s still worth a visit, just with tempered expectations—especially for those who miss the...

This is one of our favorite local parks! There are three playgrounds. One area has two playgrounds (toddler & older kids) and about half mile down the road there is another playground for older kids. Both playgrounds have swings and newer equipment. The playgrounds have a lot of shade and benches for parents.

There are hiking trails throughout the woods. There are two dog parks, one for small dogs and another for medium-large dogs. There is plenty of parking and amazing hill for sledding during the winter.

There is also a beautiful lake where people often fish. There is an observation area where you can see pigs, deer, peacocks and other animals behind a fence. It is easy to spend a few hours here...