To commemorate July being Parks and Recreation month, the Monmouth County Park system has filled the month of July with activities for county residents to enjoy.
Here’s what’s planned:
Fishy Fun, July 2-3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. Attendees will make a fish print or a paper fish craft and then help the staff feed fish in the pond.
Creature Feature, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Huber Woods Park, Middletown. Fascinating facts about many of the critters in Monmouth County will be shared through a demonstration with live animals, taxidermy and other artifacts.
Celebrate Independence Day July 2-4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold. Attendees can celebrate Independence Day by dipping a quill in ink, donning the fashions of 1776 and imagining life in early America.
Dragonfly Nature Walk, July 9 at 10 a.m. at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. Meet in the lobby. Bring a net, if desired.
Climb Time, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft, and July 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Township. Attendees will get a chance to try the 25-foot rock-climbing wall for free.
Eco-Kayak Drop-in Tours on the Navesink River, July 7 from 3-4:30 p.m., July 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m., and July 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Claypit Creek section of Hartshorne Woods Park, Middletown. Novice paddlers are welcome. All equipment is provided (single and tandem kayaks are available.) An adult must accompany those under 18. The cost is $20 per person, cash or check only. First come, first served.
Summer canoe rentals, July 9-10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft. Canoes will be available for rental at Marlu Lake. All equipment is provided, but a limited number of canoes are available. The cost is $15 per canoe (which accommodates one to three people) for two hours; cash or check only.
AHoney of a Bee, July 10 at 1 p.m. at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. Discussion on the honeybee and its importance.
A Taste of Geocaching, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft. Participants will explore the outdoors in a self-led high-tech treasure-hunt-type program. GPS units and basic instructional packet will be provided. The cost is $15 per group (up to four people).
Threshing demonstration, July 16-17 from noon to 2 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Attendees will see the labor-intensive way of harvesting and processing wheat as the farm staff uses draft animals and equipment from the 1890s.
Sandcastle Adventure, July 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch. Meet on the beach in front of the pavilion and search for shells and other treasures, and then build a sandcastle using these found items. Bring a shovel and small bucket. Other molds and tools will be provided. Participants will have their photo taken with their creations. The cost is $5 per person, cash or check only . Ice Cream! Edible History, July 17 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Learn about the history of ice cream, crank it, and have a taste.
Sailboat rentals, July 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell. Rent a 15-foot American or 12-foot Laser Pico sailboat for $80 per boat (cash or check only.) Those renting sailboats must provide a Red Cross, U.S. Sailing or MCPS sailing card. Two-person maximum per boat.
Snake & Shell Day at the Cove, July 24 from 10 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Fisherman’s Cove Activity Center, Manasquan. See and learn about live snakes. Space limited to 20 people. Sign-up sheet available at the site starting at 9 a.m.
37th annual Monmouth County Fair, July 27-29 from 5 to 11 p.m., July 30 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and July 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at East Freehold showgrounds, Freehold Township. The county fair includes 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, fireworks, home and garden competitions, an antique and classic auto show, and other attractions. Admission is $7; ages 12 and under free. Some attractions require additional fees. Let’s Go Outside, July 30-31 at 2 p.m. at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell. Meet in the lobby for a short nature walk.
Summer Seining, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. Meet on the beach near the fishing pier. Closed-toed shoes required. Not open to groups.
To learn more about park system activities, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call the park system at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.