What is our recipe for fun? Beautiful parks, great activities and you! Interested?     

walnford
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold 

Here's what is happening in your county parks this weekend:   
     
Native Plant Exchange     
Saturday, May 18   
Plant intake from 8-10 a.m.   
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown   
Only plants native to the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States will be accepted. Please label all plants. FREE!   
   
Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.    
All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.
   
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s   
Saturday, May 18 from 1-3 p.m.    
Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!   
  
Historic Portland Place Guided Tours   
Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.   
Historic Portland Place - Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust 
Tour this beautifully restored 18th century house with exhibits that help tell the story of the region's history and the Hartshorne family legacy in Monmouth County. Tours are limited to 10 persons and may be suspended during inclement weather; visitors must register at the site's Visitor Center the day of the tour. FREE!  

Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.    
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
See the site's 19th century gristmill in action, tour the elegant Waln family home, view historical demonstrations and displays, and go on a horse-drawn wagon ride. The event also features live music and a pie-eating contest. Find out more about this exciting event. FREE!   
     
Manasquan Reservoir Boat Tours    
Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.     
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - All tours leave from the Visitor Center.
These 45-minute tours are narrated by Park System Naturalists and include opportunities to view local wildlife. The cost is $6 per adult and $4 per child, age 12 and under. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only.
  
Milling Demonstrations 
 
Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.   
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold 
See the 19th century gristmill grind corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!
     
Adult Basketball - Co-ed   
Sunday, May 19 from 8-10 a.m.    
Shoot some hoops on our full court gym. The cost is $5 per person per day; cash, check or credit card accepted. Open to ages 17 & up.  

  
The Park System is currently hosting the following free exhibit:
         
In Vivid Color Exhibit
April 19-August 2 (Please note that the Gallery will be closed on May 25 and July 4-6.)
Hours are 12-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday.  
See works that showcase an aesthetic of bright color palettes and high vibrancy. Admission and parking are free.
 
The Art of War Exhibit    
Now through March 9, 2025   
Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily.   
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Explore the role art played in uniting the country during World War I. Propaganda posters, uniforms, medals and music are on display.
    
  
Here are some other ways to enjoy the weekend in the parks:  
  • Hike, bike or walk our 147.5 miles of trails.
  • Visit a playground.
  • Capture the beauty of the season with your camera.
  • Check out our upcoming programs – nature, sports & fitness, arts & crafts, outdoor adventures and more.
   
For more information about the Park System, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312, between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.