Monmouth County Just Added New Hikes For Kids

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Monmouth County Parks System just added a bunch of new youth hikes for the fall.

For toddlers, they still have their Nature Tots series every month, but just added a new "Hiking Adventures."

There are still spots open for many hikes. Register here and it will take you straight to their registration page. All programs are found in the “Outdoor Adventure” portion of each section.

Spots are limited and are first come first serve.

What's new:

Toddler Hikes (ages 2-5)(Found in the parent/child section of the program)

Nature Tots (ages 2-5, with adult)

Get outdoors and make some memories with your toddler on the scenic trails of the county parks. Your young adventurer will discover nature and enjoy fun craft activities. Designed for tots with little legs and short attention spans, actual hiking time and distance will vary with the group's stamina. Please bring a healthy snack and beverage. Additional children under the age of two are welcome to join in at no charge. Please bring a back or front carrier for children who tire easily as strollers are not suitable for the trails.

Three sessions $45.00 Parent/Child $18.00 Additional Sibling

River Otter Series - location varies week to week
9/9 - Meet in the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center parking lot
9/16 - Meet in the Shark River Park shelter building
9/23 - Meet in the Big Brook Lower Pond Lot
Wed, Sep 9-23 10:00-11:30 AM................................W1064X

Deer Series
10/1 - Thompson Pk Old Orchard Lot
10/8 - Hartshorne Woods Pk Buttermilk Valley Lot
10/15 - Tatum Pk Red Hill Lot
Location Varies Week to Week
Thu, Oct 1-15 10:00-11:30 AM................................W1164X

Sparrow Series
11/6 - Holmdel Pk Pond View Lot
11/13 - Huber Woods Env Ctr Lot
11/20 - Turkey Swamp Pk Shelter Bldg
Location Varies Week to Week
Fri, Nov 6-20 10:00-11:30 AM................................W1264X

Hiking Adventures
(ages 2-5, with adult)
One session $18.00 Parent/Child $7.00 Additional Sibling

Thompson Pk Old Orchard Parking Lot
Sat, Sep 5 10:00-11:30 AM...................................W0764X

Clayton Pk Emley's Hill Lot
Sat, Nov 14 10:00-11:30 AM..................................W0964X

Older Youth Hikes (ages 6-14) (Kids & Teen Section of Program Guide)

Young Explorers at Night
(ages 6-9)

Get your child in touch with their natural surroundings by experiencing the trails in ways you've never seen them before ... at night! We'll explore trail etiquette, keep an eye out for wildlife that we share the trails with, and learn safety on the trails when you don't have the sun lighting the way. Most importantly, your young hiker will meet new outdoorsy kids and build new friendships! Please pack water and a snack in a day pack, bring a flashlight, and dress for an evening adventure.

Three sessions $45.00 Per Child $30.00 Additional Sibling
11/5 - Turkey Swamp Park Shelter Bldg
11/12 - Shark River Shelter Bldg
11/19 - Tatum Park Red Hill Lot
Location Varies Week to Week
Thu, Nov 5-19 5:15-6:45 PM..................................W8364X

Lights Out Hike
(ages 10-14)
Join us for a "Lights Out" hike, where you'll explore the trails at night — no flashlights allowed! With the full moon lighting the way, we’ll venture through the forest, discovering the mysteries of the night and experiencing the eerie quiet of the wilderness after dark. This exciting experience is perfect for adventurers who love the idea of exploring nature in a whole new way. Bring your sense of adventure and get ready to uncover the wonders of the outdoors when the sun goes down.

One session $18.00 Per Person
Thompson Pk Old Orchard Parking Lot
Mon, Oct 26 7:00-8:30 PM....................................W4264X

After School Hikes
(ages 6-8)
Looking for an afterschool activity for your child that gets them away from screens and out into nature? Look no further! On our hikes your child will spend time outdoors while learning about trail etiquette, looking out for animals on the trails, and making new friends along the way! Please pack a water and a snack in a day pack and dress for an evening adventure.

One session $15.00 Per Child
(ages 6-8)
Holmdel Pk Hilltop Area
Mon, Oct 5 5:30-7:00 PM.....................................W3264X

If a program does fill up, please add yourself to the waitlist. If they get enough people on the wait list, the county will add extra hikes.