All the Winter 2017 Events in Monmouth County Parks

With the holidays over, it's time to focus on enjoying winter in Monmouth County. Here are all the Winter 2017 events in the Monmouth County park system:

Birding: "The Casual Birder" meets Thursday, January 5 at 9 a.m. at Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - Meet at the Visitor Center AND Thursday, January 19 at 9 a.m. at the Henry Hudson Trail - Meet in the Popamora Point parking lot in Highlands.

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!

Surprise Story Time: Saturday, January 7 from 11-11:45 a.m. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Join us for a reading from a nature or garden-related book. If the weather is nice, look for the clue at the Horticultural Center's entrance that leads to the secret spot. If it’s rainy or cold, we’ll be inside. Recommended for ages 4-7. FREE!

Open Ceramics: Sunday, January 8 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.

Roving Naturalist: Saturday, January 14 at 9 a.m. at Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan AND Sunday, January 29 at 9 a.m. at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch - Meet in the pavilion.

Join our Roving Naturalist for a walk. We'll 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 and snow are not deterrents. FREE!

Cross-country skiing: Cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment is available for rent at the Thompson Park Ski Hut in Lincroft, located next to the Three Barns parking area. Rentals are available from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays; and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. The cost is $15 to rent ski equipment and $10 for snowshoes. Skis and/or snowshoes are available on a first come, first served basis. Conditions permitting, the Ski Hut is open through March 11. For more information, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312.

Groomed trails are open to cross-country skiers at Thompson Park, Lincroft, and Charleston Springs Golf Course, Millstone, as weather permits. Marked, ungroomed trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Clayton Park, Upper Freehold; Hartshorne Woods Park, Middletown; Holmdel Park, Holmdel; Huber Woods Park, Middletown; Shark River Park, Wall; Tatum Park, Middletown; and Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold. Please note that the Park System’s Deer Management Program will be underway until February 18 at several of these sites.

Sledding: Open when there are two or more inches of snow, hours for the sledding hill in Holmdel Park, Holmdel, are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ice skating/Ice fishing: After a week or so of freezing temperatures, the Holmdel, Shark River and Turkey Swamp parks post their “Skating Today” signs. Hours for ice skating are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-9 p.m.Fridays and Saturdays. Manasquan Reservoir, Thompson Park and Turkey Swamp Park open for ice fishing in designated areas. Always check with park rangers before heading onto the ice.

Snowflakes: Each a Work of Art: Saturday & Sunday, January 14 & 15 from 1-4 p.m. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Learn about early 20th century photographer “Snowflake” Bentley, known for capturing snowflake designs, as you make your own paper flakes. FREE!

Nature Lecture Series: "Captain Kidd - the Pirate of New York & New Jersey" Thursday, January 19 from 7-8 p.m. Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth

Join a Park System Naturalist for this talk about Captain William Kidd and the lore of his buried treasure while learning about the lives of pirates and their dealings in local waters. FREE!

Seashore Open House: Sunday, January 22 from 1-4 p.m. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch

Enjoy hands-on activities, chat with a Park System Naturalist, and create a beach keepsake to take with you. Admission and parking are free.

WinterFest on Saturday, January 28: Cross your fingers and hope for snow! The Monmouth County Park System is hosting its annual WinterFest on Saturday, January 28 from 12-4 p.m. at Thompson Park in Lincroft. Family-fun activities for the day include cross-country skiing, nature hikes (possibly on snowshoes), make & take crafts, wagon rides and more. Visitors will also have the chance to meet representatives from winter sport vendors and enjoy live music. Admission and parking are free.

Beach Craft Surprise: Sunday, January 29 from 1-2 p.m. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch
Make a beach-themed craft, ask beach-y questions, and watch as the aquatic critters are fed. The cost is $5 per person; cash or check only.