All The July Events In Monmouth County Parks

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — July is Parks & Recreation month and the Monmouth County Park System is filling it with family-friendly activities for county residents to enjoy. Here’s what is planned:

Open Ceramics Sunday, July 1 from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft

Choose from a large selection of bisque fired pottery pieces to glaze and make your own. Children age 12 and under are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $6 per hour plus price of bisque ware; cash or check only. Pieces will be fired in about a week.

Mill Demonstrations Saturdays & Sundays, July 1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22 and 28 & 29 from 1-4 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

See the 19th century gristmill in action. FREE!

Historic Battery Lewis Tours Thursday-Sunday, July 1-29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rocky Point section, Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands

Tour the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. Tours start on the hour. Last tour begins at 3 p.m. FREE!

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir

Saturdays & Sundays, July 1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22 and 28 & 29 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Wednesday, July 4 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Friday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, July 11, 18 & 25 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell

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. All tours leave from the Visitor Center.

Seabrook-Wilson House Open Sundays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 1-4 p.m.

Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

Visit this house, which dates back to the early 1700s, and see displays on the ecology of the bay and local history. FREE!

Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, July 2-30 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a seine net through the calm waters of Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. Weather permitting. FREE!

Tidal Tuesdays Tuesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 11 a.m.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

Join a Park System Naturalist to discover exciting things about nature and our coastal habitats. Each week take part in a different activity such as meeting creatures living in the water that we find in our seine net or creating crafts from natural materials found along the shore. Programs run for about 30-60 minutes. For details on the activity for the week, please call 732-751-9453. FREE!

Independence Day Celebration Wednesday, July 4 from 12-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Join the staff as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests. FREE!

Drop-In Kayak Tour of Swimming River

Thursday, July 5 from 1-2 p.m.

Friday, July 6 from 4-5 p.m.

Tuesday, July 31 from 12-1 p.m.

Swimming River Park, Middletown

Paddle your way down the river during these kayak nature tours. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided; both single and tandem kayaks available. First come, first served. All tours depart on time. Program limited to twelve participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. The cost is $20 per person; cash or check only. Open to ages 12 and up, under 18 with adult.

Enviro-Quest

Thursday, July 5 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck - Meet in the picnic shelter next to the basketball courts.

Thursday, July 12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet in the Visitor Center parking area.

Thursday, July 19 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Big Brook Park, Marlboro - Meet near the pond.

Thursday, July 26 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan - Meet in the Activity Center's Program Room.

Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once there, join in nature-related activities, crafts or games for 30–60 minutes of nature fun. FREE!

Roving Naturalist Saturday, July 7 at 9 a.m.

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck - Meet in the soccer field parking lot.

Join our Roving Naturalist for a walk and discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife, and identify a bird or two. This is a 1.5-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point. Dress for the weather as light rain is not a deterrent. FREE!

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals Saturdays & Sundays, July 7 & 8 and 21 & 22 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 ages 3 and up, under 18 with adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours; cash or check only.

Threshing Demonstration Saturday & Sunday, July 7 & 8 from 12-2 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Take a step back in time and watch an antique threshing machine in action. FREE!

Blacksmith Demonstration Sunday, July 8 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Come see what the Blacksmith is making in his workshop. FREE!

Look! I’m Sailing! Saturday, July 14 - Sailboats will leave the dock between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell

We'll provide the captain, you provide the crew. Limited number of boats; maximum three people per boat. Open to ages 5 and up, under 18 with adult. The cost per boat is $25 for 30 minutes; $40 for 1 hour; cash or check only.

Climb Time Saturday, July 14 from 12-4 p.m.

Clayton Park Activity Center, Upper Freehold

Try the Park System’s 25’ portable climbing wall. Climbers must be 42” or taller and age 8 or older (under 18 with adult). FREE!

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s Saturday, July 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear music from yesteryear played on an accordion. FREE!

Cookstove Demonstration Saturdays, July 14 & 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Visit the out kitchen and see what's cooking on the woodstove. FREE!

Digging Up History Saturday & Sunday, July 14 & 15 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Look at what’s been found and discover what stories may be unearthed beneath our feet. FREE!

Open Shoot Archery Sunday, July 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft

All equipment is provided. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. Open to ages 10 and up (under 18 with adult). The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.

The Casual Birder Thursday, July 19 at 9 a.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet in the Activity Center parking lot.

No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. Open to ages 11 and up; under 16 with adult. FREE!

Monmouth County Fair

Wednesday-Friday, July 25-27, 5-11 p.m.

Saturday, July 28, 3-11 p.m.

Sunday, July 29, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold

This annual tradition includes 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, home and garden competitions, opening night fireworks, and more. Admission is $8 per person; age 12 & under enter free.

PICTURED – Experience the thrill of the Monmouth County Fair, held Wednesday-Sunday, July 25-29 at East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold.