Also, the spring issue of the Monmouth County Parks & Programs Guide will be available in most county parks, and online, starting Feb. 2:
|Updated Fri, Jan 26, 2024 at 11:16 am ET
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — February may be the shortest month of the year, but the Monmouth County Park System has it packed with lots of fun — and many free — activities.
Not only that, but copies of the spring issue of the Monmouth County Parks & Programs Guide will be available in most county parks and online (www.MonmouthCountyParks.com) beginning on Friday, February 2.
This spring go on a Bird and Wildlife Boat Tour of the Manasquan Reservoir, get moving with Hula Hoop Dance and Fitness or discover Native Wildflower Gardening. These are just some of the fantastic programs the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the season. Other upcoming offerings include April Puddle Jumpers, Peek into the Life of Plankton and Thursdays on the Trails. All these programs and more can be found in the spring issue of the Park System’s Parks & Programs Guide, which will be released to the public Feb. 2.
(The majority of offerings in the Parks & Programs Guide require pre-registration and a fee.)
Registration for any of those above events and more starts at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7. Registration will be available online 24/7; by phone by calling 732-842-4000, ext. 1, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; or in person by visiting Park System Headquarters in Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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Meanwhile, here’s what's planned in Monmouth County Parks this February:
Cutting, Splitting and Hewing
Sunday, February 4 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, and learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams. Open to adults. FREE!
Historical Valentines
Sunday, February 11 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Create a valentine of your own or write a letter to a friend using historically inspired materials. FREE!
Casual Birder
Tuesday, February 13 at 9 a.m.
Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone - Meet in the Agress Road parking lot.
Tuesday, February 27 at 9 a.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and 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!
Wondrous Winter Walks
Wednesday, February 14 at 10 a.m.
Big Brook Park, Marlboro - Meet in the parking lot.
Wednesday, February 28 at 10 a.m.
Clayton Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Emley's Hill parking lot.
Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist and explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please note that sturdy footwear is recommended; trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!
Nature Lecture: Winter Flounder - More than Just a Flat Fish
Thursday, February 15 from 7-8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Join a Park System Naturalist for a talk on this heavily regulated flounder that calls the Jersey Shore home and discover why its population is suffering. FREE!
Winter Beach Walk
Friday, February 23 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Take a guided walk with a Park System Naturalist along the beach collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Make sure you dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. FREE!
Open Shoot Archery
Saturday, February 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.
Under the Winter Stars
Saturday, February 24 from 7-8 p.m.
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck - Use the soccer field parking lot.
Look for key objects and constellations in the night sky with a Park System guide. Bring a camp chair to rest on as we star search and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Program may be cancelled due to overcast skies or inclement weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!
Story Time in the Park
Sunday, February 25 from 11-11:45 a.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Join us as we read a story in front of the hearth in the Waln House. Children are welcome to bring a snack and a mat, blanket or towel to sit on. Open to grades pre-K to second. FREE!
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
Sunday, February 25 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Play two long-forgotten 1890s board games - Halma and Basilinda. We'll also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers and Reversi. FREE!
To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711.
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