What is our recipe for fun? Beautiful parks, great activities and you! Interested?
Celebrate local artists during the Creative Arts Festival!
Here's what is happening in your county parks this weekend:
Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
See the works of artists and fine crafters from all mediums including pottery, jewelry and painting. The event also includes live music, engaging art demonstration, and children’s art-based activities. Admission and parking are free.
See what's planned.
Cookstove Demonstration
Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!
Historic Portland Place Guided Tours
Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
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!
Manasquan Reservoir Boat Tours
Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
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 11 & 12 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
See the 19th century gristmill ground corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!
Adult Basketball - Co-ed
Sunday, May 12 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.
Plant a Sunflower
Sunday, May 12 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Help the staff plant this year’s sunflower field. Then return in the fall and harvest one to bring home. FREE!
Traditional Chair Caning Demonstration
Sunday, May 12 from 1-3 p.m.
See the process of weaving natural plant fibers into the seat of a traditional chair during this demonstration. FREE!
Seabrook-Wilson House Open
Sunday, May 12 from 1-4 p.m.
Visit this house which dates back to the early 1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and see displays on the ecology of the bay and local history. FREE!
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.
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.