| Park System Historic Sites |
Wednesday-Sunday, September 30-October 4, 2026
Varies
732-842-4000, ext. 4312 | The Park System has a number of sites listed on the National Registers of Historic Places that open for free tours. Schedules vary by site. (Please note that not all sites may be open today.) Click on the above link for details.
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| Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, October 3, 2026
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
| See what's cooking on the woodstove at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE! |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2026
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
609-259-6275 | See the 19th century gristmill in action at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE! |
| Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap |
Sunday, October 4, 2026
2-3:30 p.m.
732-872-2670 | Trade in the tokens you received during the costume drop off to get a “new” costume during today's swap! Almost due or have a newborn? Just bring your bump or your baby to pick out a costume for free. The Swap will be held at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen. |
| Music on the Porch |
Sunday, October 4, 2026
1-3 p.m.
609-259-6275 | Let the toe tapping tunes of an acoustic duo enliven your visit to Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. FREE! |
| Cider Making Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, October 4, 2026
12-2 p.m.
| Head to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and see how cider was made in the 19th century. FREE! |
| Park System Historic Sites |
Wednesday-Sunday, October 7-11, 2026
Varies
732-842-4000, ext. 4312 | The Park System has a number of sites listed on the National Registers of Historic Places that open for free tours. Schedules vary by site. (Please note that not all sites may be open today.) Click on the above link for details.
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| Climb Time at Shark River Park |
Friday, October 9, 2026
3-6 p.m.
| Head over to Shark River Park, Wall, and try the Park System's 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be 42” or taller to climb. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE! |
| Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century |
Saturday, October 10, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Head to the farmhouse at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, to hear popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads. FREE! |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 2026
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
609-259-6275 | See the 19th century gristmill in action at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE! |
| Traditional Chair Caning Demonstration at the Holmes-Hendrickson House |
Saturday, October 10, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| See this 18th-century technique that often featured a six-way hexagonal pattern that was popular in Europe and the American colonies. Held at the Holmes-Hendrickson House, Holmdel Park, Holmdel. FREE! |
| Open Shoot Archery |
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
| Improve your archery skills during this open shoot at the Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft. This is NOT a beginner instructional program. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. All equipment is provided. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only. |
| Blacksmith Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, October 11, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Head to the blacksmith shop at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and see craftsmanship in action and learn about the rich history behind the forge. FREE!
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| Casual Birder at Holmdel Park |
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
9 a.m.
| Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk at Holmdel Park, Holmdel. We’ll meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. Participants should expect to be walking a few miles (2-4) on sometimes uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!
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| What Haunts You and/or poems written as a dialogue |
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
7-8:30 p.m.
| Explore or recite literary works during a time of alliteration, rhythm and verse. All are welcome to read your work aloud or read work from your favorite poet(s). Must be appropriate for a family-oriented audience. Pre-registration is recommended for readers. Held at the Thompson Park Theatre Barn, Lincroft. FREE! |
| Park System Historic Sites |
Wednesday-Sunday, October 14-18, 2026
Varies
732-842-4000, ext. 4312 | The Park System has a number of sites listed on the National Registers of Historic Places that open for free tours. Schedules vary by site. (Please note that not all sites may be open today.) Click on the above link for details.
|
| Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, October 17, 2026
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
| See what's cooking on the woodstove at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE! |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18, 2026
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
609-259-6275 | See the 19th century gristmill in action at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE! |
| Accordion Melodies of the 1890s |
Saturday, October 17, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. FREE! |
| Thompson Park Day |
Sunday, October 18, 2026
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
732-842-4000, ext. 4312 | Join us at Thompson Park, Lincroft, for this family fun event that includes pumpkin painting, wagon rides, kids races, entertainment and so more! Some activities have a fee. Admission and parking are free. |
| Traditional Quilting Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, October 18, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| See our quilter demonstrate beautiful quilting stitches during your visit to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. FREE! |
| Nature Lecture: Explore the Rainforests of Belize |
Sunday, October 18, 2026
1-2 p.m.
| Come to the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen, for this talk by a Park System Naturalist and learn about the pristine, biodiversity-rich area of Belize that includes jaguars, green iguanas, howler monkeys, and over 400 species of birds. FREE! |
| Awesome Autumn Amble at Thompson Park |
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
10 a.m.
| Explore the trails at Thompson Park, Lincroft, with a Park System Naturalist and discuss all manners of plant and animal phenomena. Meet in the Old Orchard parking lot. Open to all ages, under 18 with adult. FREE! |
| Historic Portland Place Tours |
Wednesday-Sunday, October 21-25, 2026
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 severe weather conditions. Register on site at the Portland Place Visitor Center, Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust, day of tour. FREE! |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, October 24 & 25, 2026
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
609-259-6275 | See the 19th century gristmill in action at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE! |
| Trick-or-Treat at Historic Walnford |
Sunday, October 25, 2026
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
609-259-6275 | Walk from building to building at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold, where staff will provide facts about the site as well as a treat to fill your basket! FREE! |
| Historic Portland Place Tours |
Wednesday-Sunday, October 28-November 1, 2026
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 severe weather conditions. Register on site at the Portland Place Visitor Center, Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust, day of tour. FREE! |
| Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, October 31, 2026
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
| See what's cooking on the woodstove at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE! |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, October 31 & November 1, 2026
12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
609-259-6275 | See the 19th century gristmill in action at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE! |