MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Have fun in the parks this September! From canoe rentals to old-fashioned harvest festivals, September is packed with family-friendly activities thanks to the Monmouth County Parks System. Upcoming events include:
Thompson Park Canoe Rentals
Saturday and Sunday, August 31st and September 1st, 10am to 3pm
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Thompson Park, Lincroft
Canoes are available for rent on Lake Maruru. All equipment is provided but there are a limited number of canoes. There is no age restriction. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 PM. Cost is $15 per boat for 2 hours for 1-3 people. Cash or check only.
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Historic Battery Lewis Tour
Saturday, Sunday, August 31, September 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm
Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands – Use the Rocky Point Parking Lot.
Tour the restored historic Lewis Battery and learn about the history of this once important coastal defense facility – free of charge.
Milling demonstration
Saturdays, Sundays, August 31st, September 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
See how corn is ground into flour in a 19th century flour mill. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes and is free.
Boat Tours on Manasquan Reservoir
Saturday to Monday, August 31st to September 2nd, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
This 45-minute tour is accompanied by a park system naturalist and includes a chance to view local wildlife. Cost is $6 per adult and $4 per child 12 and under. Tours are weather and water level dependent, so call to confirm schedule. All tours depart from the Visitor Center. Life jackets are required. Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the tour.
Seabrook Wilson House Opens
Sundays, September 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th; Mondays, September 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th; Thursdays, September 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th, from 1pm to 4pm
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Built in the early 1700s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visit this free home and see exhibits about the bay's ecosystem and local history.
Historic Portland Place Tour
Wednesday-Sunday, September 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm
Historic Portland Place, Hartshorn Woods Park, Locust
Tour this beautifully restored 18th century mansion and see exhibits that tell the story of local history and the heritage of Monmouth County's Hartshorne family. Through September 22nd, “Julia's Wardrobe” features five custom 19th century dresses. Tours are limited to 10 people and may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Register at the Portland Place Visitor Center on the day of your tour. Free.
Great autumn walk
Thursday, September 5th, 10:00am – 11:30am
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell – Meet in the parking lot.
Thursday, September 12th, 10:00am – 11:30am
Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown – Meet in the parking lot.
Explore the trails with a park system naturalist and discuss all kinds of plant and animal phenomena. All ages are welcome (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) and it's free.
Potato harvest
Saturday and Sunday, September 7th and 8th, 12pm to 2pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Learn how potatoes were grown and harvested in the late 19th century. Help the farm staff carry the harvest and dig potatoes for their families, weather and field conditions permitting. Free of charge.
Bonsai Day
Sunday, September 8th, 12pm to 4pm
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
The Monmouth County Park System and the Deep Cut Bonsai Society present Bonsai Day. Experience this complex and ancient art through demonstrations and exhibits. Experts will be on hand to answer your questions. Admission and parking are free.
Old-fashioned fun and games
Sunday, September 8th, 1pm to 3pm
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Play a variety of history-themed games and challenges that are fun for the whole family. No age restrictions – children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Free.
Casual Bird Watcher
Tuesday, September 10th, 9am
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell – Meet at the Visitor Center.
Join a park system naturalist on a leisurely morning bird walk and spend about an hour and a half exploring the park to see what birds you can spot. Participants will walk several miles (2-4 miles) over sometimes uneven, muddy terrain. You don't need to be an expert in bird identification to enjoy it; a limited number of binoculars are available to borrow if needed, at no charge.
Open Shoot Archery
Saturday, September 14th, 10am to 1pm
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment is allowed. This is not an instruction clinic and is not for beginners. If you are new to archery, please sign up for an instruction class before participating. Ages 10 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $10 per person, cash or check only.
Wind and Sea Festival
Saturday, September 14th, 11am to 5pm
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Enjoy all things water-related at this family-friendly festival: kayaking, fishing, kite flying, sandcastle building, and more. Entry and parking are free; fees may apply for some activities. Parking is available at Belford Ferry Terminal.
Accordion Melodies from the 1890s
Saturday, September 14th, 1pm to 3pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
During your visit, listen to complimentary accordion tunes from the 1890s.
A tribute to everything Broadway
Saturday, September 14th, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Thompson Park Theatre Barn, Lincroft
Presented by the Monmouth County Parks System and Sway Productions, this showcase features songs, scenes and dance from Broadway musicals. Refreshments will also be available. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children ages 12 and older. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or at the door while supplies last.
Cooking stove demonstration
Saturday, September 14th and 28th, 11am to 3pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See what's being cooked on a wood stove and learn how recipes, cooking methods, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. Free!
Story time in the park
Sunday, September 15th, 11:00am to 11:45am
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Come join us for a fun read in front of the fireplace at Waln House. Children are encouraged to bring snacks and a mat, blanket or towel to sit on. For kindergarten through second grade. Free.
Climbing time
Friday, September 20th, 3pm to 6pm
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch
Try the park system's 25-foot portable climbing wall. You must be at least 42 inches tall to climb. Ages 8 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Free.
Fall Native Plant Exchange
Saturday, September 21st – Drop off of plants will be from 8:30am to 10am, and exchange will begin at 10am.
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Bring established native plants in 4-inch, 1-quart, 1-gallon, or 2-gallon containers to exchange for plants of the same size. Please label all plants. Only plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States will be accepted. Free of charge.
Autumn Antique Car Exhibition
Sunday, September 22nd, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
The exhibit features antique automobiles from before 1973. Pack a picnic and stroll through the lush landscape to admire beautiful 20th-century automobiles. Free.
Preserving the harvest
Sunday, September 22nd, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
This demonstration will show you 19th century food preservation techniques including salting, pickling, drying and jelling. It's free.
Music on the porch
Sunday, September 22nd, 1pm to 3pm
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Enhance your visit with the sounds of bluegrass music. It's free!
Nature Lesson: Stork Rays on the Jersey Shore
Thursday, September 26th, 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activities Center, Port Monmouth
Learn about the biology and ecology of river otters found along the Jersey Shore at this talk by a park system naturalist. It's free.
Concerts in the Park: An Evening of Jazz and Blues
Friday, September 27th, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Thompson Park Theatre Barn, Lincroft
This outdoor concert features local talent. Bring chairs or blankets, food and soft drinks. If the weather is bad, the concert will be held indoors. Free.
Open House Square Dance
Friday, September 27th, 7pm to 9pm
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
Join the Middletown Ramblers for a fun, family-friendly evening of square dancing. Ages 14 and up. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Free.
Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
Saturday, September 28th, 10am to 12pm
Thompson Park Theatre Barn, Lincroft
Bring in your used puzzle and exchange it for a new one. For every puzzle you bring in, you will receive one token to take home a new puzzle. Please send us your puzzle in good condition. All categories are welcome. It's free.
Woodworking in Walford
Saturday, September 28th, 12pm to 3pm
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Watch as local woodworker Don demonstrates 19th century woodworking techniques – it's free.
Everyone Has a Story
Saturday, September 28th, 6pm to 8pm
Thompson Park Theatre Barn, Lincroft
Join host James Dalton for an evening of storytelling. The evening features characters offering a variety of voices and perspectives. Audience members are invited to tell their own stories. Refreshments will be provided. Complimentary.
Harvest Home Festival
Sunday, September 29th, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
This old-fashioned fair evokes the 1890s and offers visitors games, wagon rides and live entertainment. Admission and parking are free.
For more information about the parks system's activities, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the parks system at 732-842-4000. The parks system's TTY/TDD number for the hearing impaired is 711. The Monmouth County Parks System was established in 1960 by the Monmouth County Commissioners and is the open space, parks and recreation authority for Monmouth County.
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