| 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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| 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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| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25, 2026
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
732-919-0996, ext. 4526 | 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 2-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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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! |
| 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! |
| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31, 2026
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
732-919-0996, ext. 4526 | 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 2-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.
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| 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.
732-919-0996, ext. 4526 | 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 2-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.
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| 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.
732-919-0996, ext. 4526 | 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 2-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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
732-919-0996, ext. 4526 | 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 2-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. |
| Victorian Laundry Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, June 14, 2026
1-2:30 p.m.
| Experience a late-Victorian laundry day at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. From lighting the wood stove to ironing the aprons, we cover loads of material during this demonstration, so make sure to hang around for a bit. FREE! |
| MONMOUTH NJ 250 EVENT - Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk |
Sunday, June 14, 2026
4-7 p.m.
| Celebrate 250 years of the United States by taking part in this 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk held at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel. Hosted by Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, this race benefits the Friends of the Monmouth County Park System. For additional details including registration, click on the event title or visit monmouthnj250.org under the Engage tab. |
| Early Bird Workout |
Monday-Thursday, June 15-18, 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. |
| Rigging 101 at the Manasquan Reservoir |
Thursday, June 18, 2026
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
| If you are an experienced sailor but do not have a sailing certification or would like to refresh your skills, attend this session at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, and learn how to rig our 15’ American sailboats. Sailors showing proficiency will have an opportunity to obtain a Monmouth County Park System sailing card, which will allow them to rent these boats during our drop-in sailboat rental times. Meet at the West Dock/Ramp. FREE! |
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Friday-Sunday, June 19-21, 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, June 20 & 21, 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. |
| Traditional Basketmaking Demonstration at the Holmes-Hendrickson House |
Saturday, June 20, 2026
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
| Artisan Mary May will demonstrate the craftsmanship that goes into making a basket during her visit to the Holmes-Hendrickson House, Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Her focus is on weaving traditional New Jersey baskets, specializing in South Jersey white oak baskets and basket traditions. FREE! |
| Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford |
Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21, 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! |
| Freshwater Fishing Derby at Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday, June 20, 2026
| Join us at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, for our annual freshwater fishing derby. Prizes will be awarded for the longest fish in three different categories. Fishing pole rentals available; limited equipment. Rental cost is $5 per pole. A container of worms included with each registration. The cost is $34 per family of 4; $10 per person. Pre-registration suggested; onsite registration is cash, check or credit card. |
| Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir |
Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21, 2026
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
732-919-0996, ext. 4526 | 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 2-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. |
| 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm |
Sunday, June 21, 2026
12-3 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! |
| Freshwater Fishing Derby at Turkey Swamp Park |
Sunday, June 21, 2026
| Join us at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold, for our annual freshwater fishing derby. Prizes will be awarded for the longest fish in three different categories. Fishing pole rentals available; limited equipment. Rental cost is $5 per pole. A container of worms included with each registration. The cost is $34 per family of 4; $10 per person. Pre-registration suggested; onsite registration is cash, check or credit card. |
| Early Bird Workout |
Monday-Friday, June 22-26, 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. |
| Open Swim at the Fort |
Monday-Friday, June 22-26, 2026
2-8 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.
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| Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park |
Monday, June 22, 2026
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
| Join us at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth for this hands-on nature program. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net toward the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the parking lot. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. This program is designed for individuals and families. Weather permitting. FREE! |
| Superb Summer Saunter at the Manasquan Reservoir |
Wednesday, June 24 2026
10-11:30 a.m.
732-834-9606 | Engage your curiosity as you explore the trails at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, with a Park System Naturalist. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot. FREE!
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| Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park |
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
| Join us at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth for this hands-on nature program. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net toward the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the parking lot. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. This program is designed for individuals and families. Weather permitting. FREE! |