Free September Events For Kids/Families On Sandy Hook

MIDDLETOWN, NJ ? They say September is locals' summer on the Jersey Shore, and that's true along the coves and beaches of Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay.

If you're looking for one last way to soak up summer with the kids, or on your own, here are free events planned for the month of September (Some activities may have a small fee):

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Sunset Seining
Sandy Hook, NJ
6-8 p.m. Hosted by the American Littoral Society, come discover the diverse wildlife inhabiting our coast. After a short talk on the Society?s front porch on Officers' Row at the tip of Sandy Hook, they will drive over to Horseshoe Cove on Sandy Hook Bay for a seining adventure. Register on their website. Good for kids; you should register in advance. Free.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Junior Angler Program

8 a.m. to noon, Sandy Hook: Teach your kids the art and sport of surf fishing! The National Park Service and the American Littoral Society are partnering to teach young people surf fishing on Sandy Hook. All skill levels are welcome for these free sessions. Rods, reels and tackle will be provided. Children 11 and up are welcome with a supervising adult. New date added; register your participating child on their website. Free.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Wind & Sea Festival in Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth

From kite flying to seining, the Monmouth County Park System?s Wind & Sea Festival is brimming with coastal activities for the whole family to enjoy. Held on Saturday, September 16 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., this event will take place at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. Visitors are invited to try fishing, kite flying, seining, shell painting and much more! They will also have kayak nature tours of Sandy Hook Bay every thirty minutes from 11:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. These free tours are open to ages 14 & up; under 18 with adult. (Space is limited.) Festival goers can also see sand sculptor John Gowdy at work, get their face painted, and go on a Selfie Scavenger Hunt.

Most activities are free but some may have a fee. Admission and parking are free. Parking is available at the Belford Ferry Terminal.

Wednesday, Sept. 20: Wingin' It Fall Migration Bird Walk

5-7 p.m. Hosted by American Littoral Society from their Sandy Hook headquarters

Fall migration is on! Grab your favorite adventure buddy and join American Littoral Society for a bird walk. "Bird nerd? and Assistant Director Lindsay McNamara will lead the group, looking out for raptors, shorebirds, songbirds, warblers and anyone else who has returned to the Hook. Register on their website. Free.

Saturday, Sept. 23: Monarch Mania

Fort Tilden, NY (Queens) 10 a.m. - Noon

This event will be fun for adults and kids alike. Meet in front of the Chapel at Fort Tilden near the intersection of Heinzelman and Murray roads, Queens, NY. Join the American Littoral Society, New York City Audubon Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and Gateway National Recreation Area to celebrate the annual migration of the monarch and other butterflies. We will also focus on other pollinators like moths, bees and birds! Free. Register on their website.

Friday, Sept. 29: Littorally Local Sunset Cruise

5:30-8:30 p.m. Boat departs from Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Only 30 tickets remain for American Littoral Society's Littorally Local Sunset Cruise, so get yours now! The fifth annual event will include dockside cocktails and appetizers onboard Teal Cruises' Festiva, followed by a sunset cruise on Sandy Hook Bay. Get tickets on their website.