| Park System Historic Sites |
Wednesday-Sunday, May 13-17, 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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| Native Plant Exchange at Deep Cut Gardens |
Saturday, May 16, 2026
| Bring established native plants in four-inch, one quart, or 1-2-gallon containers to exchange with like sizes. Label all plants. Only plants native to the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States will be accepted. Please label all plants. Plant intake from 8:30-10:15 a.m. Held at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown. FREE! |
| Jigsaw Puzzle Swap |
Saturday, May 16, 2026
10-11 a.m.
732-842-4000 | Bring used puzzles and swap them for "new to you" ones. For every puzzle you bring, you will get one token to take a "new" puzzle home. Complete puzzles in good condition, please. All categories welcome. Held in the Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft. FREE!
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| Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, May 16, 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, May 16 & 17, 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, May 16, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. FREE! |
| 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, May 16, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Visit Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and see how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items. FREE! |
| Open Shoot Archery |
Saturday, May 16, 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. |
| Walnford Day |
Sunday, May 17, 2026
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
609-259-6275 | Spend a day celebrating 200 years of Waln history at picturesque Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. FREE! |
| MONMOUTH NJ 250 EVENT - Revolutionary Hunter Pace |
Sunday, May 17, 2026
| The Colts Neck Trail Riders and Monmouth County are hosting a Revolutionary Hunter Pace at Tatum Park, Middletown, as part of Monmouth NJ 250. |
| Casual Birder at Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center |
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
9 a.m.
| Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. We’ll meander for about an hour and a half and see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first come basis. FREE!
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| Park System Historic Sites |
Wednesday-Monday, May 20-25, 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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| Nature Lecture: Horseshoe Crabs in Monmouth County |
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
7-8 p.m.
| Find out more about this extraordinary living fossil and what you can do to help restore the population of horseshoe crabs to the Jersey Shore during this talk by a Park System Naturalist. Held at the Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth. FREE! |
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25, 2026
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
848-456-4278 | Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Daily and season swim passes available. Weather and conditions permitting.
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| Thompson Park Canoe Rentals |
Saturday & Sunday, May 23 & 24, 2026
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
732-842-4000 | Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake in Thompson Park, Lincroft. All equipment provided; limited number of canoes available. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. Fee is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours. Cash or check only. |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, May 23 & 24, 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! |
| The Libby Prison Minstrels at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, May 23, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Hear historical songs performed by the Libby Prison Minstrels about life on the battlefield and the home front during the Civil War era. Held at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. |
| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25, 2026
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
732-751-9453 | These 45-minute tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, 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. Children must be 1-year or older to attend and able to sit independently during the duration of the tour. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only. |
| Decoration Day Celebration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Monday, May 25, 2026
12-3 p.m.
| Enjoy the good company of family and friends at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, as we honor this early American holiday. FREE! |
| Early Bird Workout |
Tuesday-Friday, May 26-29, 2026
7-10 a.m.
| Lap lanes available in our pool. Daily and season swim passes available for individuals and families (up to 4 people). Weather and conditions permitting. |
| Park System Historic Sites |
Wednesday-Sunday, May 27-31, 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.
|
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Friday, May 29, 2026
4-8 p.m.
848-456-4278 | Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Daily and season swim passes available. Weather and conditions permitting.
|
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31, 2026
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
848-456-4278 | Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Daily and season swim passes available. Weather and conditions permitting.
|
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31, 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! |
| Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century |
Saturday, May 30, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Head to the farmhouse at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, to hear popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads. FREE! |
| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31, 2026
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
732-751-9453 | These 45-minute tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, 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. Children must be 1-year or older to attend and able to sit independently during the duration of the tour. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only. |
| Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, May 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! |
| Early Bird Workout |
Monday-Friday, June 1-5, 2026
7-10 a.m.
| Lap lanes available in our pool. Daily and season swim passes available for individuals and families (up to 4 people). Weather and conditions permitting. |
| Superb Summer Saunter at Big Brook |
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
10-11:30 a.m.
732-834-9606 | Engage your curiosity as you explore the trails at Big Brook Park, Marlboro, with a Park System Naturalist. Meet in the Lower Pond parking lot. FREE!
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| Open Swim at the Fort |
Friday, June 5, 2026
4-8 p.m.
848-456-4278 | Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Daily and season swim passes available. Weather and conditions permitting.
|
| Basket Weaving Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Friday & Saturday, June 5 & 6, 2026
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
609-259-6275 | Visit the Penn/Jersey Basket Weaving Guild as they weave baskets at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. FREE! |
| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Friday, June 5, 2026
6 p.m. & 7 p.m.
732-751-9453 | These 45-minute tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, 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. Children must be 1-year or older to attend and able to sit independently during the duration of the tour. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only. |
| Colts Neck Community Band - Concert in the Park |
Friday, June 5, 2026
7:30 p.m.
732-542-1642, ext. 4653 | Enjoy an evening of music with the Colts Neck Community Band at the Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft. The concert features a variety of music, from light classical to marches to Broadway favorites. Indoor seating available or bring a lawn chair. FREE! |
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7, 2026
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
848-456-4278 | Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Daily and season swim passes available. Weather and conditions permitting.
|
| Thompson Park Canoe Rentals |
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7, 2026
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
732-842-4000 | Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake in Thompson Park, Lincroft. All equipment provided; limited number of canoes available. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. Fee is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours. Cash or check only. |
| Deep Cut Gardens Open House |
Saturday, June 6, 2026
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
732-671-6050 | Stop by Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown, and enjoy our beautiful rose garden in bloom, learn about our bonsai collection, marvel at our koi pond, and learn about our greenhouse collection from our expert horticulturist. FREE! |
| Silhouettes by Hand with Lauren Muney |
Saturday, June 6, 2026
12-3:30 p.m.
609-259-6275 | See Lauren Muney of Silhouettes by Hand cut silhouettes freehand using only paper and scissors at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Portraits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at this free event. FREE! |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7, 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! |
| Dairy Day at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Saturday, June 6, 2026
1-3 p.m.
| Discover the vital role our dairy cows play in farm life at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, through cheesemaking, butter churning, and ice-cream making demonstrations. FREE! |
| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7, 2026
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
732-751-9453 | These 45-minute tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, 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. Children must be 1-year or older to attend and able to sit independently during the duration of the tour. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only. |
| Music on the Porch |
Sunday, June 7, 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! |
| Early Bird Workout |
Monday-Friday, June 8-12, 2026
7-10 a.m.
| Lap lanes available in our pool. Daily and season swim passes available for individuals and families (up to 4 people). Weather and conditions permitting. |
| Casual Birder at Fisherman's Cove |
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
9 a.m.
| Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk in Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan. We’ll meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. 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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| Superb Summer Saunter at Freneau Woods Park |
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10-11:30 a.m.
732-834-9606 | Engage your curiosity as you explore the trails at Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen, with a Park System Naturalist. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. FREE!
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| Open Mic Poetry - Circles & Communities |
Wednesday, June 10, 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! |
| Nature Lecture: Fireflies of Monmouth County |
Thursday, June 11, 2026
7–8 p.m.
| Come to the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen, for this talk by a Park System Naturalist and learn about this fascinating insect. We'll discuss how to decode their signals and the mysteries behind their biology and ecology, including what they’re really doing when they light up our yards at night. FREE! |
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Friday, June 12, 2026
4-8 p.m.
848-456-4278 | Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Daily and season swim passes available. Weather and conditions permitting.
|
| Concert in the Park: Sentimental Journey Big Band |
Friday, June 12, 2026
7-8:30 p.m.
| Led by vocalist Altha Morton, this band will perform classic melodies of the 20th century with a patriotic theme. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, food, and soft drinks. The concert is outdoors at the Thompson Park Theatre Barn; however, inclement weather will move the concert indoors. FREE! |
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14, 2026
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
848-456-4278 | Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Daily and season swim passes available. Weather and conditions permitting.
|
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, June 13 &14, 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! |
| Penny Rug Demonstration |
Saturday, June 13, 2026
1-3 p.m.
732-946-3758 | See how scraps of wool or felted wool from old clothing were used to create mats and rugs during this demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. |
| Open Shoot Archery |
Saturday, June 13, 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. |
| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14, 2026
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
732-751-9453 | These 45-minute tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, 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. Children must be 1-year or older to attend and able to sit independently during the duration of the tour. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only. |