All The November Events In The Monmouth County Parks System

LINCROFT, NJ ? The crisp fall air and crunch of leaves underfoot make November an amazing time of year to head out to a Monmouth County park.

Even better, the Monmouth County Park System has an array of family-friendly activities planned, from guided nature hikes in the woods, to tours of historic Monmouth County farmhouses and a cider-making demonstration for kids.

Here's everything that's planned:

Historic Portland Place Tours

Wednesdays-Sundays, October 30-November 3, 6-10, 13-17 and 20-24 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Historic Portland Place, Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust

Tour this beautifully restored 18th century house with exhibits that help 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 severe weather conditions. Register on site at the Portland Place Visitor Center day of tour. FREE!

Woodworking at Walnford

Saturday, November 2 from 12-3 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Watch as local woodworker Don demonstrates 19th century woodworking. FREE!

Milling Demonstrations

Saturdays & Sundays, November 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 and 23 & 24 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

See the 19th century gristmill grind corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!

Artist Talk - Konstantin Zingerman

Thursday, November 7 from 4:30-5 p.m.

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft

Join Konstantin Zingerman, one of the featured artists in the "In Stillness Exhibit," for a discussion on his creative process and inspirations. Admission and parking are free.

Fall Craft Show

Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping during this show featuring local crafters. Admission and parking are free.

Open Shoot Archery

Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m.-1 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.

Cookstove Demonstration

Saturdays, November 9 & 23 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!

Old-Fashioned Fun & Games

Sunday, November 10 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Play a variety of historically-themed games to delight and challenge the whole family. Open to all ages; under 14 with adult. FREE!

Casual Birder

Tuesday, November 12 at 9 a.m.

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck - Meet in the basketball court parking lot.

Join a Park System naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Awesome Autumn Amble

Thursday, November 14 from 10-11:30 a.m.

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

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

Nature Lecture: Raccoons in Your Backyard

Saturday, November 16 from 1-2 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Join a Park System naturalist for a talk about these shadowy mammals that are smart, adaptable and very inquisitive. FREE!

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s

Saturday, November 16 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

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

Story Time at Walnford

Sunday, November 17 from 11-11:45 a.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Join us as we read a story in front of the hearth in the Waln House. Children are welcome to bring a snack and a mat, blanket or towel to sit on. Open to grades PreK-2. FREE!

Cider Making Demonstration

Sunday, November 17 from 12-2 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Help press this year?s apple harvest into cider. Sample some fresh cider and talk about other uses for cider on the farm. FREE!

Climb Time

Sunday, November 17 from 12-3 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen

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!

Hot Mulled Cider

Saturday, November 30 from 12-2 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Celebrate the start of this year's holiday season with a cup of hot mulled sweet cider and a baked apple treat from the farm?s wood stove. 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.