PHOTO: Let your creative juices flow during Open Ceramics.
LINCROFT– This December go on a Wondrous Winter Walk, take A One Horse Open Sleigh Selfie, and become a Seashore Scientist with the Monmouth County Park System. These are just some of the family-friendly offerings the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month. The complete schedule is as follows:
Wondrous Winter Walks
Friday, December 1 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Huber Woods Park, Middletown
Friday, December 15 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell
Friday, December 29 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft - Meet at the Old Orchard parking lot.
Tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. FREE!
Winter Beach Walk
Saturday, December 2 from 12-1:30 p.m.
Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Take a guided walk with a Park System Naturalist along the beach while collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Make sure you dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. Meet on the beach. FREE!
Cookstove Demonstration
Saturdays, December 2, 16 & 30 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Visit the out kitchen and see what's cooking on the woodstove. FREE!
A One Horse Open Sleigh Selfie
Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3 from 1-4 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
You bring the camera and we’ll provide the props including our pretty little red sleigh, hats & scarves for fun outdoor holiday photos. FREE!
Open Ceramics
Sunday, December 3 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.
The Sounds of Christmas
Sunday, December 3 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Enjoy the welcoming warmth of the farmhouse with the backdrop of wistful music as Larry Mosser and Mary Nagen play Christmas carols on the hammered dulcimer and fiddle. FREE!
Roving Naturalist
Saturday, December 9 at 9 a.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft - Meet in the Marlu Lake parking area.
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!
Seashore Scientist
Saturday, December 9 from 1-2 p.m.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch
Explore different aspects of oceanography through interactive discussions and hands-on experiments. FREE!
Blacksmith Demonstration
Sunday, December 10 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Come see what the Blacksmith is making in his workshop. FREE!
The Casual Birder
Thursday, December 14 at 9 a.m.
Crosswicks Creek Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Province Line Road parking lot.
Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk and 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!
Christmas Sing-Along
Saturday, December 16 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
This holiday season come to the farmhouse and visit with Rick Garland as he plays the piano for an old-fashioned sing-along. FREE!
Visit with Santa
Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17 from 12-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Children can visit with Santa and walk to the farmhouse for a cup of cider. Be sure to bring your camera. 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.
