12 Things To Do at the Parks in August That Will Cost You Nothing

Here are a dozen things you can do in August with the Monmouth County Parks System that require no money, and no registration. Meet up with friends, bring a picnic lunch, and make it a special day. Enjoy! 

Seining at the Bayshore

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, Aug. 1-22 from 11 a.m.-noon

Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

Discover marine life while seining at the bay. Meet on the beach. Open to ages 5 and up, under 18 with adult. Weather permitting. No groups, please.  

Climb Time

Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold

Saturday, Aug. 16 from 12-5 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

A chance to try the 25-foot rock climbing wall. Climbers must be 42 inches or taller. 

 
Drop-In Surprise Story Time

Saturday, Aug. 2 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 our entrance that leads to the secret spot in the gardens. Rain location is the the Horticultural Center. 

Potato Harvest

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 2, 3 from noon-2 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Learn about how potatoes are grown and handled while assisting our staff to check the potato field.

Historic Seabrook-Wilson House Open House

Sundays, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 1-4 p.m. at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

Enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic house which dates back to the early 1700s. Displays include those on the ecology of the bay and local history. 

You Scream, I Scream for Ice Cream!

Sunday, Aug. 3 from 3-4 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Crank and sample batches of ice cream using historic recipes and techniques. 

Roving Park System Naturalist

Monday, Aug. 4 at 8 a.m. at Huber Woods Park, Middletown (meet in parking lot)

Monday, August 18 at 8 a.m. at Shark River Park, Wall (meet in parking lot)

Join the Roving Park System Naturalist for a walk and learn about seasonal points of interest. Meet in the main parking lot.

 
19th Century Woodworking Demonstration

Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1-3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See how hand tools were used in 19th century woodworking.

Sweet Corn Festival

Saturday, Aug. 16 from 1-4 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Corn themed crafts, live music, games and activities, the climbing wall, and so much more. 

Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market

Saturday, Aug.23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck

Come browse our vendors to find that one-of-a-kind or “green” item you never thought you needed. Looking to sell items you no longer use? Vendor applications can be found here.

Discover Disc Golf

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 23 & 24 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft

Learn a new sport in which you discover how many throws it takes to hear the "cling" of the goal. Ages 7 and up (under 18 with adult) Course map and list can be picked up at the Thompson Park Visitor Center.

Bike Maintenance Drop-In

Saturday, August 30 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hartshorne Woods Park (Rocky Point section), Middletown

Demonstration, advice on riding safely and comfortably in the parks.