Get Out on the Water this Summer!

From the Manasquan Reservoir to various lakes and rivers, the Park System has plenty of water features to enjoy! And if you've ever been interested in boating or kayaking, this is the season to give it a shot! We're offering a variety of drop-in programs to get you enjoying nature by the seat of a kayak or a calming paddle with family or friends.

Check out these great summer drop-ins that are sure to have you paddling and making memories:

Canoe Rentals at Thompson Park

Head out onto picturesque Marlu Lake for a relaxing paddle in one of our canoes. All equipment is provided; a limited number of canoes are available. Open to ages 3 and up, under 18 with adult. Cost is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for 2 hours; cash or check only please. 

Weekend Canoe Rentals are available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on:

• Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28
• Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12
• Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26
• Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9
• Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23 

Wednesday Evening Rentals are available from 3-6 p.m. on:

• Wednesday, June 24
• Wednesday, July 8
• Wednesday, July 22
• Wednesday, August 5
• Wednesday, August 19 

Eco-Kayak Drop-In Tours of the Navesink River

Get a view of nature from the seat of a kayak with our nature tours of the Navesink River. Tours depart from the Claypit Creek section of Hartshorne Woods Park, Middletown. Novice paddlers welcome, all equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first come, first served basis. The program is limited to only ten participants and all tours department on time. Please wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Ages 12 and up, under 18 with adult. The cost is $20 per person; cash or check only please. For more information, call 732-787-3033, ext. 2.

Dates & Times:

• Monday, July 6 from 5:30-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 7 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 20 from 9:30-11 a.m.
• Monday, August 3 from 9:30-11 a.m.
• Monday, August 17 from 9:30-11 a.m.

Please Note: The kayak launch system is off a bulkhead. Participants must be physically fit and able to easily bend down and rotate their body to get in and out of the kayak. Weight limits for kayaks are 250 lbs. for a single and 400 lbs. for a double. Inclement weather will cancel a tour. 

Eco-Kayak Drop-In Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir

Hit the reservoir in a kayak with a Park System Naturalist as your guide. Novice paddlers are welcome, we provide all the equipment! Single and tandem kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis.  Program is limited to 12 participants and all tours department on time. Wear clothing that can get wet. Weight limits for kayaks are 250 lbs. for single and 400 lbs. for a double. Inclement weather will cancel the tour. Ages 14 and up, under 18 with adult. Cost is $20 per person, cash or check only please. For more information, please call 732-751-9453.

Tours run from 9:30-11 a.m. on the following dates:

• Sunday, June 28
• Saturday, July 11
• Sunday, July 26
• Saturday, August 15
• Sunday, August 30

Boat rentals are also available for the season at Manasquan Reservoir, Howell and Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold. For more information, click here.
For additional ideas on summer fun in the Monmouth County parks, visit us online at www.monmouthcountyparks.com.