Plus, by attending at least FIVE of the activities or events listed below, you can win a free group archery program! Those interested in entering our Bucket List Challenge, start by filling out the form at http://bit.ly/MCPS_SummerBucketList2019. Then, as you enjoy any of the activities listed below this summer, take a photo and post it to social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), making sure that your post and/or social media page is public so we can see it. Full details on the contest are available on the Bucket List Challenge form.
Now, onto a summer of fun in your Monmouth County parks:
Safari Backpacks
Found at several locations, these backpacks contain all you need to fill your self-guided nature walk with adventure and exploration. Use of backpacks are free, but require leaving a New Jersey driver's license with our docent. Backpacks are on a first come, first served basis at the following locations: Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell; Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown; and Deep Cut Gardens Horticultural Center, Middletown. FREE!For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo with your Safari Backpack while out in the park.
Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay
This popular summer program takes place on the shores of Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. Held from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through August 24, this free program for families is a great way to explore nature while having fun on the beach. Our Park System Naturalists pull a long seine net along the edge of the Sandy Hook Bay and pull in a variety of critters from fish to crabs as we learn what lives in the bay. (Program cancelled in inclement weather.) FREE!For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo as you discover what lives in the Sandy Hook Bay.
Tidal Tuesdays
Held every Tuesday at Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan at 11 a.m., our Park System Naturalists will pull a seine net through the waters off the cove to see what creatures we can find, such as fish, crabs and other sea creatures. (Program cancelled in inclement weather.) FREE!For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo checking out one of the found critters.
Monmouth County Fair
Presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H Association, the Monmouth County Fair is a county-wide event for all ages to enjoy. Coming to East Freehold Showgrounds on Wednesday-Sunday, July 24-28, the Fair offers rides, entertainment, live musical performances, home & garden competitions and demonstrations, 4-H shows and exhibits, living history displays, and so much more! Admission to enter is $8.00 per person, children 12 and under enter for free; parking is free. Fair hours for 2019 are Wednesday-Friday, July 24-26 from 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For full details on this year's event, visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com.For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo in front of the butterfly house in the Monmouth County Park System Exhibit Tent.
Take a Paddle
Get out on the water with a boat rental! Getting out on the water is just another way to view the beauty of the parks. Kayaks, rowboats and electric motor powered rowboats are available daily at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell; kayaks, canoes and paddleboats are available daily at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold; and canoes are available on select weekends at Thompson Park, Lincroft. Lifejackets are provided and are required to be worn with all boat rentals. For full details and rental pricing, click here.For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo with your boat rental or paddle.
Roving Golfzilla
Take a shot at Golfzilla, a 20' tall, 18' wide inflatable waiting for you to attempt to hit foam or tennis golf balls through its hands, feet, or mouth using plastic SNAG clubs. This is a non-instructional program, though staff will be on hand to teach the basics of the golf swing if needed. All equipment is provided during this FREE drop-in program. See if you can sink a shot on Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck, or Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Big Brook Park, Marlboro.For our #BucketListChallenge, get a photo taking a shot with Golfzilla.
Celebrate the Anniversary of Woodstock
The whole family is sure to have a groovy time during this musical celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival. Held on Saturday, August 24 from 6-9 p.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft, visitors can sit back and relax during live musical performances at our Theater Barn. Lawn games will be available to challenge family and friends. Or, create something fun like a tie-dye T-shirt, peace pendant necklace, or flower crown (while supplies last). Entry and parking are free, but some activities may have a fee.For our #BucketListChallenge, get a photo near the Theater Barn stage.
Enviro-Quest
Thursdays of summer break just got more fun! Our Enviro-Quest stations change parks each week. During scheduled dates, visitors can go to the week's location to follow the Enviro-Quest signs and join in on nature activities, crafts or games for 30-60 minutes of fun. For upcoming dates and locations, click here.For our #BucketListChallenge, get a photo in front of one of our Enviro-Quest signs.
Run, Jump, Slide!
With playgrounds at nine Park System locations, there are plenty of places for children to have fun, exercise, and socialize. Playground equipment is a perfect way for kids to get moving, with climbing equipment that exercises the legs, bars to exercise the arms and shoulders, and jungle gyms to exercise the entire body. For a full list of parks with playgrounds, click here.For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo by one of the slides at any of our playgrounds.
Take a Step Back in Time
Learning from the past is the key to our future. The Monmouth County Park System offers two historic sites to browse and learn about local history. At Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold, visitors can appreciate over 200 years of social, industrial and agricultural history reflected through five generations of the Waln family. At Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel, you'll be taken back to the 1890s while experiencing what life as it was in rural Monmouth County. Costumed interpreters show both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities from working with the farm animals to growing vegetables in the garden.For our #BucketListChallenge, at Historic Walnford take a photo in a rocking chair on the porch of the Waln house, and at Historic Longstreet Farm take a photo with the vegetable garden behind you.
Spend a Night Under the Stars
Unplug and unwind with family or friends with camping at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold. Your days can be spent fishing or boating at the lake, playing on the playground, and hiking the trails. And when the sun goes down, sit around the campfire with stories and tales while roasting marshmallows or other snacks. You'll leave more relaxed and take home lifelong memories.For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo around the campfire or near your tent, camper or cabin.
Stop & Smell the Roses
If you haven't been to visit Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, there's no time like the present! This 54-acre site is filled with gardens and greenhouses planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. The focal point of the Parterre features 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. A walk through the gardens is sure to offer a sense of relaxation surrounded by beauty. Be sure to also check out the lily pond filled with koi and goldfish, the rockery with its three cascading pools, and the All-America Selections Display Garden.For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo inside the pergola at the end of the Parterre.
Soccer & Golf Combined
FootGolf is a unique sport that combines elements of both soccer and golf. Laid out on a traditional golf course, players take aim at large 21-inch cups, trying to make par. FootGolf courses are located at Bel-Aire Golf Course, Wall (9-hole course), and at Pine Brook Golf Course, Manalapan (18-hole course). For full details on this great sport, including fees, visit our FootGolf page.For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo near one of the course flags.
Take a Walk, Hike, Bike or Run
With 140 miles of trails throughout the Park System, you're sure to find one (or more) that suit your needs. From paved to challenging, trails are a terrific way to combine exercise and the outdoors, whether you're taking a leisurely walk through Thompson Park with friends or family or a challenging mountain bike ride through Hartshorne Woods Park.For our #BucketListChallenge, take a photo near one of our trail head signs or kiosks.
No matter what your plans for the summer, we hope you'll add some of your favorite parks into the mix. Need more ideas on where to visit, just head to www.MonmouthCountyParks.com to learn about all the parks you can explore throughout the year.
We'll see you in the parks!
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