This Weekend in the Parks

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

Open Swim at the Fort

     

Cookstove Demonstration   

Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.    

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!   

   

Embroidery Demonstration    

Saturday, May 25 from 1-3 p.m.    

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

View the lost art of applying decorative designs with a needle and thread. Be inspired by the various stitches and embellishments to create a beautiful piece of clothing or decoration for the home. FREE!   

  

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals   

Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.    

Thompson Park, Lincroft

Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake. 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.

    

Historic Portland Place Guided Tours   

Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26 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!
   

Milling Demonstrations

Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26 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!

     

Open Swim at Fort Monmouth    

Saturday-Monday, May 25-27 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.      

Fort Monmouth Recreation Area, Tinton Falls

Enjoy the pool at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center. Please note that the pool is NOT heated. Daily, monthly and season swim passes are available; see details.

  
Historic Battery Lewis Tours    

Saturday-Monday, May 25-27 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.    

Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands

Tour the restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of the park, and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. FREE!    
  

Manasquan Reservoir Boat Tours    

Saturday-Monday, May 25-27 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.

  

Story Time by the Creek   

Sunday, May 26 from 11-11:45 a.m.    

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Join us for story time beside the picturesque Crosswicks Creek. Children are welcome to bring a snack and a mat, blanket or towel to sit on. FREE!    
  
Decoration Day Celebration    
Monday, May 27 from 12-3 p.m.   
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel 
Enjoy the good company of family and friends as we honor this early American holiday. FREE!   

         

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.  

"The Gallery" at the Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft

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.