All The January 2019 Activities In Monmouth County Parks

RUMSON, NJ – Don’t hibernate this January; head out to your county parks! It’s never been easier thanks to all the great family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for January 2019. Here’s the schedule:

Jan. 1 New Year's Day Beach Walk Meet at Building 18, Fort Hancock Tuesday, January 1 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Greet the New Year with a winter stroll on Sandy Hook. Afterwards, warm up at Littoral Society Headquarters with hot cocoa and hot dogs. Potluck desserts and contributions are welcome! Free. Contact: (732) 291-0055 for more information and to reserve. 2 miles.

The Casual Birder

Thursday, January 3 at 9 a.m. Henry Hudson Trail – Meet in the Popamora Point parking lot in Highlands.

Thursday, January 24 at 9 a.m. Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Claypit Creek section in Locust.

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

Wondrous Winter Walk

Thursday, January 3 from 10-11:30 a.m. Thompson Park, Lincroft - Meet in the Old Orchard parking lot.

Thursday, January 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. Clayton Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Emley’s Hill parking lot.

Thursday, January 31 from 10-11:30 a.m. Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell - Meet in the parking lot.

Tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. FREE!

Winter Beach Walk Friday, January 4 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

Take a guided walk with a Park System Naturalist along the beach, collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Make sure you dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. FREE!

Battery Gunnison/New Peck Restoration Saturday, January 5 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer group in WWII era uniform performing restoration projects and interpreting Battery Gunnison/New Peck. Visitors are invited to stop by to chat and learn more about restoration of Battery Gunnison/New Peck, and the historic time period of winter 1943 at Fort Hancock.

Night Skies Hike and S’mores Saturday, January 5 from 6-8 p.m.

Thompson Park, Lincroft – Meet at the Ski Hut.

Go stargazing with a Park System Naturalist during this short hike. After, warm up by the fire pit enjoying s’mores, warm drinks and music. Bring binoculars if you have them. Remember to dress for the weather. Rating: Easy, some seasonal trail conditions could be challenging: ice, snow, mud. If there is snow we will be using snowshoes that we provide. Open to ages 7 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Historic Myths BUSTED Saturday & Sunday, January 5 & 6, 12 & 13, and 19 & 20 from 1-4 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Learn to sort fact from fiction as we explore some common historical misunderstandings and share fun facts and credible accounts about the past. FREE!

Open Ceramics Sunday, January 6 from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft

Choose from a large selection of bisque-fired pottery pieces to glaze and make your own. Children age 12 and under are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $6 per hour plus price of bisque ware; cash or check only. Pieces will be fired in about a week.

Roving Naturalist Saturday, January 12 at 9 a.m.

Crosswicks Creek Greenway - Meet in the Province Line Road parking lot in Allentown.

Join our Roving Naturalist for a walk and discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife, and identify a bird or two. This is a 1.5-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point. Dress for the weather as light rain and snow are not deterrents. FREE!

Stitches in Time Saturday, January 12 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Join the farm staff for an informal session on hand-sewing basics - learn five basic stitches, easy mending techniques, or bring a project with you to work on as we converse. Open to ages 7 and up. FREE!

Blacksmith Demonstration Sunday, January 13 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Come see what the Blacksmith is making in his workshop. FREE!

Nature Story Time Wednesdays, January 16, 23 & 30 from 11-11:30 a.m.

Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell

Enjoy nature-themed stories with your little one aged 2-5 years. FREE!

Nature Lecture Series: Seals of Monmouth County Thursday, January 17 from 7-8 p.m.

Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth

Come to this talk about the variety of seals that call the shores of Monmouth County home each winter. FREE!

Cookstove Demonstration Saturday, January 19 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Visit the out kitchen and see what's cooking on the woodstove. FREE!

Turtle Meet & Greet Saturday & Sunday, January 19 & 20 at 1 p.m.

Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell

Meet one of our resident turtles and learn about these creatures. FREE!

Seashore Open House Sunday, January 20 from 1-4 p.m.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch

Enjoy seashore fun, light refreshments, and hands-on activities that will entertain and educate you and your family about the shore and the sea. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. You can even create a beach keepsake to take with you. FREE!

School’s Out Drop-In Day at the Fort Monday, January 21 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls

Enjoy Science Exploration Stations, Take Home Kids Creations and Building Fun during this self-guided program open to ages 5-10 with adult. The cost is $5 per child per day; cash or check only.

Winter Seal and Waterfowl Walk Meet at Building 18, Fort Hancock Historic PostSaturday, January 26 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.Bring your binoculars and join us on a trek throughout Sandy Hook to observe the seals and waterfowl that overwinter in New Jersey. We will be caravanning to multiple locations on Sandy Hook. Afterwards, warm up at Littoral Society Headquarters with snacks and toasty beverages. Cost is $10 member/$20 non- member per person, and reservations are required. Call (732) 291-0055 to reserve. 1 mile.

Winter Twilight Exploration Lighthouse Keepers QuartersSaturday, January 26 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.Enjoy the Hook from dusk to dark with this exploration of Sandy Hook's trails and beaches. BYO flashlight! 1 mile.

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather Saturday, January 26 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Play forgotten 1890s games like Halma and Basilinda, or old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers and Reversi. Open to ages 6 and up. 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 Chosen Freeholders, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.

PICTURED – Head over to the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center for Nature Story Time on Wednesdays, January 16, 23 & 30 from 11-11:30 a.m. Photo provided to Patch by the Monmouth County Park System.