All The Fun Events In Monmouth County Parks This Summer

LINCROFT, NJ — Summer is here and the Monmouth County Park System is bursting with activity. From taking a dip at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park to family-friendly activities, there’s always something to do in the parks.

Already open for the season, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, offers everything needed to enjoy a day at the beach during the summer months: snack bar, sheltered eating areas, volleyball area, outdoor showers and changing areas, and areas for surfing. Lifeguards are currently on duty daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Monday, September 3. Both daily and seasonal park access passes are available. The site also offers a skateplex and an inclusive playground.

More of a golfer than a surfer? Head to a county course! With eight Park System golf courses at six locations throughout the county, golfers are sure to find one to suit their level of play. Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck is perfect for golfers looking for a challenge while Bel-Aire’s executive style courses in Wall are great for a quick round. Other golf courses are Charleston Springs in Millstone, Howell Park in Howell, Pine Brook in Manalapan, and Shark River in Neptune.

While the Park System offers many golf courses, there is only one Sprayground and it can be found at Dorbrook Recreation Area. This popular water-enhanced playground, located on Route 537 in Colts Neck, is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends. Make it a full day by bringing a picnic to enjoy at nearby picnic tables and with a visit to the playground.

A day’s not long enough? Head over to Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold, and spend the night at the campground. With its playgrounds, trails, fishing and boating, Turkey Swamp Park’s campground is family-friendly and affordable. Rowboats, canoes and paddleboats can be rented at the park’s lake. Most Saturday evenings throughout the summer, campers are invited to enjoy family-friendly fun offerings including Touch-A-Truck at the Campfire, Jersey Devil Hunt and Buccaneer Bonfire. Call 732-462-7286 for more information or to make reservations.

Turkey Swamp Park isn’t the only place to rent a boat. The Manasquan Reservoir in Howell has rowboats and kayaks available for rental. Visitors can also go on Park System Naturalist-led pontoon boat tours of the site. Weekend and holiday tours are available at 2, 3, 4 & 5 p.m. through September 3. Wednesday tours available at 2, 3 & 4 p.m., July 11-August 29. Evening boat tours are available the first Friday of each month through August. These tours are a great way to see wildlife.

Park System Naturalists also offer Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, June 25-August 24. Discover the fish, crabs, and other sea creatures that live and swim in the bay during this free offering. Designed for individuals and families, this free program is open to all ages, under 18 with adult. Participants should meet on the beach. Closed-toe shoes are required. Please note that this offering is weather permitting. The Park System also hosts several other free nature themed offerings throughout the summer including Tidal Tuesdays, Enviro-Quest, and Superb Summer Saunter. Visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com for more information about these programs including schedules.

The highlight of the summer is always the Monmouth County Fair. Held Wednesday-Sunday, July 25-29 at East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold, the 2018 Fair features 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, home and garden competitions, opening night fireworks, and more. Admission is $8 per person; age 12 and under enter free.

For more information about any of these activities, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks and Recreation agency.

PICTURED – Kayaking at the Manasquan Reservoir