Monmouth County Winner: MARLBORO
Once a collection of hamlets, this Monmouth County township is, now more than 170 years old. From its community garden to events like a superhero dance, this 30-square-mile central Jersey spot is is a hub of activity for families..
Concerts, games and contests hosted by the parks and rec department bring this community together. And thanks to a variety of parks and complexes, you don’t have to convince the kids to leave the house. From walls designated for handball to tot lots and picnic areas to an aquatic center, there’s no shortage of extracurricular activities for the family.
Teens head to either Marlboro High School, where students can write for the Hitching Post newspaper and Kaleidoscope literary magazine, or Freehold Regional High School, which offers magnet programs like animal and botanical sciences, science and engineering, law and public service and more.
Fancy some Italian fare? Hit Osteria Cucina Rustica for an atmosphere that’ll have you believing you’re in Italy, along with a menu offering cocktails and entrees like farfalle, ravioli and Neapolitan pizza. Not feeling like hitting cuisine dalla cucina? Hit Cuzin’s Seafood Clam Bar for jumbo crab cakes, lobster rolls, crispy flounder sandwiches and other buttery seafood at this casual establishment.
Fun fact: Marlboro has a township youth exchange with Nanto City, Japan and Wujiang, China.
