THE PARK SYSTEM FILLS OCTOBER WITH FAMILY FUN
 
MIDDLETOWN –  Fall into fun this October by joining the Monmouth County Park System for the following family-friendly offerings:

Historic Portland Place Tours

Wednesdays-Sundays, September 27-October 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22 and 25-29 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Portland Place, Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust

Tour this beautifully restored 18th century house and view exhibits that tell the story of the region's history and the Hartshorne family legacy in Monmouth County.   

Tours are limited to 10 persons and may be suspended during inclement weather. Register on site at the Portland Place Visitor Center day of tour. FREE!  

Historic Battery Lewis Tours

Saturdays & Sundays, September 30 & October 1, 7 & 8 and 14 & 15 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands

Tour the restored Historic Battery Lewis and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. FREE!

Casual Birder

Tuesday, October 3 at 9 a.m.

Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold - Meet at the Shelter Building.

Tuesday, October 24 at 9 a.m.

Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell

Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid back morning walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. Participants should expect to be walking a few miles (2-4) on sometimes uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Traditional Quilting Demonstration

Sunday, October 8 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See the quilter demonstrate the art of hand stitching. FREE!

Awesome Autumn Amble

Thursday, October 12 at 10 a.m.

Big Brook Park, Marlboro - Meet in the lower pond parking lot.

Thursday, October 26 at 10 a.m.

Thompson Park, Lincroft

Explore the trails with a Park System Naturalist and discuss all manners of plant and animal phenomenon. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Open Shoot Archery

Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft

All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s

Saturday, October 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!

Cookstove Demonstration

Saturdays, October 14 & 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!

Thompson Park Day

Sunday, October 15 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft

This quintessential fall festival includes pumpkin painting, wagon rides, kids races, entertainment and so much more! Some activities have a fee. Admission and parking are free.

NASA's International Observe the Moon Night

Saturday, October 21 from 7-8 p.m.      
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

Gaze upon this most familiar of celestial objects and discuss some interesting facts about it during this global event. If you have binoculars, please bring them; some will be available to borrow on a limited basis. Dress for the weather (layers).  FREE!

Sunday Tea & Talk - Historic Preservation

Sunday, October 22 at 1 p.m.
Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft

Join Park System staff for an informal discussion on its recent historic preservation projects. FREE!

Climb Time

Tuesday, October 24 from 3-6 p.m.
Shark River Park, Wall

Try the Park System's 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be 42” or taller to climb. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE!  

Nature Lecture Series - The Real Story of the Jersey Devil

Thursday, October 26 from 7-8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

Join Park System staff for this talk on the history and folklore of the Jersey Devil. FREE!

19th Century Woodworking Demonstration

Saturday, October 28 from 12-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See how the woodworker crafts beautiful and functional items. FREE!

Trick-or-Treat at Walnford

Sunday, October 29 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Walk from building to building where staff will provide facts about the site as well as a treat to fill your basket. FREE!

To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com  or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. 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 County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.