All The June Events In Monmouth County Parks

LINCROFT, NJ — Have fun right in your backyard this June. Head to a Monmouth County park and enjoy the many activities offered by the Monmouth County Park System. Here’s what is planned

The Casual Birder Thursday, June 1 at 9 a.m. Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - Meet in the Environmental Center's parking lot.

Thursday, June 15 at 9 a.m. Weltz Park, Oakhurst - Meet in the West Park Ave parking lot.

Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk. We’ll meander for about an hour and see what birds we can find. 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 8 and up. FREE!

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir Saturdays & Sundays, June 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 and 24 & 25 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.

2017 Horse Show - Special People United to Ride (SPUR) Saturday, June 3 at 9 a.m.

Sunnyside Equestrian Center, Lincroft

Join us for a fun day as the riders of Special People United to Ride (SPUR) showcase their talents. FREE!

Drop-In Surprise Story Time Saturday, June 3 from 11-11:45 a.m.

Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Join us for story time! A clue at the entrance will lead you to the secret spot in the gardens! If the weather isn't nice, we’ll be inside the Horticultural Center. Recommended for ages 4-7. FREE!

Roving Naturalist, Saturday, June 3 at 9 a.m. Clayton Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the main parking area.

Saturday, June 17 at 9 a.m. Wickatunk Recreation Area, Marlboro

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!

Mill Demonstrations Saturdays & Sundays, June 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 and 24 & 25 from 1-4 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

See the 19th century gristmill in action. FREE!

Open Ceramics Sunday, June 4 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.

From Moo to You Sunday, June 4 from 1-4 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Meet a cow, help churn butter, and sample the results while delving into the history of dairy products. FREE!

Seabrook-Wilson House Tours Sundays, June 4, 11, 18 & 25 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!

Concert in the Park Thursday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft

The Colts Neck Community Band will perform a selection of popular music including show tunes. Indoor seating available or bring your picnic dinner and lawn chairs. FREE!

Antique Auto Display Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Admire a dozen or so automobiles all made over 70 years ago on display. Weather permitting. FREE!

Crochet/Lacemaking Demonstration Saturday, June 10 from 1-3 p.m. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See Dorothy Gratton demonstrate the art of crochet and lacemaking from the Victorian era. FREE!

Thompson Park Weekend Canoe Rentals Saturdays & Sundays, June 10 & 11 and June 24 & 25 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. Fee is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours. Cash or check only.

Deep Cut Gardens Open House Sunday, June 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Enjoy tours, lectures, activities, demonstrations, and horticultural advice. FREE!

Butterfly Walk Friday, June 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Friday, June 30 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wickatunk Recreation Area, Marlboro - Meet in the parking lot.

Together with a Park System Naturalist identify butterflies found in the fields. Walk may be a mile or more. Open to ages 7 and up, under 18 with adult. FREE!

Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market Saturday, June 17 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck

Browse vendors at this outdoor market for the one-of-a-kind item you did not even think you needed. Admission and parking are free.

Vintage Base Ball Saturday, June 17 from 12-2:30 p.m. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See the game played with the styles and rules of the 19th century. FREE!

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s Saturday, June 17 from 1-3 p.m. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear music from yesteryear played on an accordion. FREE!

Freshwater Fishing Derby Saturday, June 17 from 2-5 p.m. Manasquan Reservoir, Howell

Sunday, June 18 from 2-5 p.m. Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold

The Park System is hosting its annual fishing derbies for beginners as well as experienced anglers. Open to all ages. Free hands-on clinics will be available from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fishing pole rentals are available for $5 each. Cost for entering the derby is $25 per family of four or $8 per person; cash or check only.

Open Shoot Archery Sunday, June 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft. Join us for this open shoot designed for experienced archers. All equipment is provided. No outside equipment permitted. Open to ages 10 and up (under 18 with adult). Cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.

Naturalist Guided Drop-in Kayak Tour Tuesday, June 20 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Swimming River Park, Red Bank

Join a Park System Naturalist for a leisurely guided tour on calm waters of the river. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided – single and tandem kayaks are available. First come, first served. Please wear clothing that can get wet, a hat, and sunscreen. Open to ages 12 & up, under 18 with a paying adult. The cost is $20 per person; cash or check only. Weather permitting. Sorry, no groups.

Climb Time Thursday, June 22 from 4-7 p.m. Thompson Park, Lincroft – next to Filly Run parking lot

Try the Park System’s 25’ portable climbing wall. This is a great opportunity to experience the sport of rock climbing close to home. Climbers must be 42” or taller and age 8 or older (under 18 with adult). FREE!

Daylily Day Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Presented with Garden State Daylily Growers, this event features daylily displays, sales, lectures and experts to answer your questions. Admission and parking are free.

You Can Sail Saturday, June 24 at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Manasquan Reservoir, Howell

Drop-in for the opportunity to sail a 15-foot American sailboat. We'll provide the captain, you provide the crew. Maximum three people per boat. Sailors age 8 and up welcome with an adult. Sailboats leave from the dock by the Visitor Center. The cost is $40 per boat; cash or check only.

Roots of Root Beer Sunday, June 25 from 1-4 p.m. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Discover the history of this popular soft drink and sample a variety of brews (including our new and improved recipe). FREE!

To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System 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.