MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Whether you’re soaking up the last of summer fun or looking to greet fall with open arms, your county parks are the place to be this September. Even better, the Monmouth County Park System fills the month with family-friendly activities. The following is planned:
* You do not have to be a resident of Monmouth County to attend these events.
Yarn bee
Saturday, September 4th from 12 noon to 2.30pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Whether you are just starting a new hobby or working on an old project, everyone is welcome to this get-together! There’s no pressure in the relaxed atmosphere – you can knit or crochet at your own pace, and the farm staff are on hand to help those who need a little extra help. Bring your own supplies. Open from 10 years; under 18 with adults. The cost is $ 5 per person; cash or check only.
Cooking stove demonstration
Saturdays, September 4th & 18th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See what’s cooking on the wood-burning stove and learn how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FOR FREE!
Canoe rentals in Thompson Park
Saturday & Sunday, September 4th & 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Canoes can be rented on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; limited number of canoes available. Open from 3 years; under 18 with adults. All rentals must be returned by 3:00 PM. The fee is USD 15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours. Cash or check only.
Open swimming in the fort
Saturday-Monday, 4th-6th September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Area, Tinton Falls
End the summer with a splash by keeping cool in the pool. The cost is $ 10 per person; $ 30 per family (up to four). The costs are per day; cash or check only.
Historic Battery Lewis tours
Saturdays, September 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sundays, September 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th from 1pm to 1pm
Hartshorne Woods Park – Rocky Point section, Highlands
Tour the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. FOR FREE!
Mill demonstration
Saturdays & Sundays, September 4th & 5th, September 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th and September 25th & 26th from 1pm to 4pm
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
See the 19th-century flour mill in action. FOR FREE!
Boat tours to Manasquan Reservoir
Saturday-Monday, 4th-6th September at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
These 45-minute tours are narrated by Park System Naturalists and include the chance to see local wildlife. The cost is $ 6 per adult and $ 4 per child under 12 years of age. Please call to confirm the schedule as tours are dependent on both weather and water levels. All tours start from the visitor center. Life jackets required. Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the tour.
The casual bird watcher
Tuesday, September 7th at 9 a.m.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan – Meet in the main parking lot.
Tuesday, September 14th at 9 a.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell – Meet in the visitor center parking lot.
Tuesday, September 28th at 9 a.m.
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck – Meet in the soccer field parking lot.
Join a Park System Naturalist for a leisurely morning bird walk and stroll around the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. You don’t have to be an expert on bird identification to enjoy them. If required, a limited number of binoculars are available to borrow. Open from 10 years; under 18 with adults. FOR FREE!
Butterfly and pollinator garden tour
Friday 10 September at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, September 15 at 11 a.m.
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell
This beautiful garden is designed to provide habitat for wildlife, especially pollinators and butterflies. Get a personalized tour and learn about the native plants that make it a home. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and can be canceled due to rain. FOR FREE!
Open shooting archery
Saturday, September 11th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
This open shoot is NOT a teaching program for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our courses before attending. All devices are provided. Open from 10 years; under 18 with adults. The cost is $ 10 per person; cash or check only.
Preservation of the harvest
Saturday, September 11th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Learn about 19th century food preservation techniques such as salting, gelling, and drying. FOR FREE!
Accordion melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, September 11th from 1pm to 1pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Hear melodies from the 1890s played on the accordion. FOR FREE!
Bonsai day
Sunday, September 12th from 12pm to 4pm
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
The Park System is proud to present this event with the Deep Cut Bonsai Society. Experience this complex and ancient art through demonstrations and exhibitions, with experts answering your questions. Entry and parking are free.
Rise time
Sunday, September 12th from 1pm to 4pm
Frenau Woods Park, Aberdeen
Tuesday, September 28th from 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch
Try the Park System’s 25-foot portable climbing wall. Must be 42 “or taller to climb. Open to children ages 8 and up; under 18 with adults. FREE!
Great autumn amble
Monday 13 September from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Huber Woods Park, Middletown – Meet in the environmental center parking lot.
Explore the trails with a naturalist of the park system and discuss all kinds of plant and animal phenomena. Open to all ages; under 18 with adults. FOR FREE!
Nature Lecture Series – Monmouth County’s Sea Turtles
Thursday, September 16 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Join a Park System naturalist for this talk on sea turtles, including threats and ways to protect this ancient aquatic reptile. FOR FREE!
Wind & Sea Festival
Saturday, September 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Celebrate everything water related at this family-friendly festival like kayaking, fishing, kite flying, building sandcastles, and more. Entry and parking are free. Some activities may be chargeable. Parking at Belford Ferry Terminal.
Autumn plant exchange
Saturday September 18th
Plant intake from 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Plant selection from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tatum Park, Middletown – Use the Red Hill Road entrance.
Bring perennials in 1 liter, 1 gallon, or 2 gallon containers (15 plants maximum) and bring home the same size and number of plants. Please label all plants. Indoor plants can also be exchanged, but no annuals please. FOR FREE!
Piano ballads
Saturday, September 18th from 1pm to 1pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Sing along to turn-of-the-century ballads. FOR FREE!
From fleece to ball
Sunday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to noon
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Watch as the staff spin fleece into yarn using centuries-old techniques. FOR FREE!
Annual corn bread competition
Sunday, September 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Bring your favorite homemade cornbread in a 9 “x13” pan and a typed copy of the recipe between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM. Peer tasting and voting take place from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. Our jury and the referendum. All age groups are welcome!
Open door barn dance
Friday, September 24th at 7pm
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
Try square dancing on this fun, family-friendly evening with the Middletown Ramblers! Open to all ages; under 18 with adults. FOR FREE!
Harvest Home Festival
Sunday, September 26th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
This old-fashioned fair is reminiscent of the 1890s. Visitors can enjoy games, competitions, and live entertainment. Entry and parking are free.
To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the parking system at 732-842-4000. For the hearing impaired, the Park System TTY / TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System was established in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and is the Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks and Recreation Agency.
