Spring Break in Your Parks

Spring break is here! If you're looking for ways to get out of the house with your children to get some exercise or learn something new, we have plenty of possibilities to choose from. Just take a look at all the fun you can add to your spring break plans:

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

• Take a step back in time with one of the Park System's historic sites. At Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel you can experience life as it was in rural Monmouth County during the 1890s. Open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., visitors can walk through the farm and view costumed interpreters showing both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities. Or head into western Monmouth County for a visit to Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold. Here you can learn about the Waln family and the evolution of Walnford over two centuries - from an 18th century industrial village and family farm to en elegant country estate. Currently the Waln house is closed for interior painting, but all other buildings remain open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Explore the the world around you with TWO environmental centers. The Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, located on Georgia Tavern Road in Howell, offers a variety of

  

  A turtle in the Reptile & Amphibian Display at the
  Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center

  interactive exhibits to learn about wetlands ecology and wildlife and habitat protection. Tucked within the hills of the Locust section of Middletown, the Huber Woods Environmental Center features hands-on exhibits on Native Americans as well as about our environment. Also available at both environmental centers are our Safari Backpacks which include everything you need to take a self-guided nature walk filled with adventure and exploration. Use of the Safari Backpacks is free, but you must leave a valid NJ drivers license with the docent.
• Playgrounds offer a terrific place for children to run, jump, climb and play! Your Monmouth County Park System offers nine parks with beautiful playground equipment that will keep your children active for hours. Find the playground closest to you by clicking here.
• Whether your geared up for a walk, hike or bike ride, you won't find a better place than your

  

  Bike riding on the trails

  Monmouth County parks! With over 130 miles of trails throughout 21 park locations, you can visit the park closest to you, or explore an area you've never been to. Some favorites include Thompson Park in Lincroft or the Union Transportation Trail in Freehold. Be sure to pick up a brochure when you arrive that will offer a map of the park and the trails. A full list of our parks with trails can be found here.
• If you're looking to get out some energy indoors, the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls has Open Gym times scheduled on various days. During these times you'll find various play equipment available as well as the table games in the lobby. Cost to attend an Open Gym session is $5 per person per day. Check out the Calendar for a full listing of Open Gym times and other upcoming drop-in programs available at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center.

For more ideas on how you can include the parks in your spring break plans, visit our website at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. We look forward to seeing you!