Come to a Local Park on the Weekend

• Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan

Come to Monmouth Battlefield on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19 and help commemorate the 233rd anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth. More than 200 re-enactors will be encamped at the Battlefield to drill, demonstrate, and recreate Revolutionary War battle tactics.

Two armies will be preparing to do battle. Continental Army soldiers retrained at Valley Forge are itching to show off their new skills, while a British-German-Loyalist Army hopes to crush the rebels and restore good government. 

Come early for a full day of living history. The army encampments will welcome visitors beginning at 10 a.m. Watch soldiers clean their muskets while their women prepare what may be their men’s last meal. Some officers may be drilling their men while others plan for the battle and yet others play cards. If someone is accused of cheating, there may be a duel. Keep track of your children or they may be drafted into one of the armies!

• 50 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ

Throughout the year, Longstreet Farm hosts free weekend activities that allow visitors to experience life as it would have been during the 1890s. Music Man Rich Marzec appears on Sunday, June 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A Scherenschnitte Demonstration will be on Saturday, June 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Scherenschnitte is the art of German papercutting design.) and an Independence Day Celebration on Monday, July 4 from noon to 3 p.m. Independence Day was a festive time in the 1890s. Patriotism was celebrated with music, games and good picnic food. Join the staff as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests.

For info on any of these events, call 732-946-3758.

• 25 Brown's Dock Road, Middletown

Explore Huber Woods with your family and friends. Stop by the environmental center and pick a backpack for Pre-K, Forest, Meadow or Pond. Each backpack contains all you need to make your self-guided nature walk filled with adventure and exploration! Use of the backpack is free but you must leave your valid NJ drivers license with the staff.

Huber Woods has much to offer. Come explore its redesigned, hands-on exhibit areas. While there, play Native American instruments while viewing and listening to recordings of American Indian musicians and dancers. View the many colorful native birds outside or play in the puppet theater. Live turtles and snakes await your visit to the Reptile House. Huber Woods Park also features an all-access Discovery Path, wooded trails and a beautiful picnic area with a view of the meadows and Navesink River.

The Environmental Center and the Reptile House are open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 151 Red Hill Road, Middletown

The Red Hill Activity Center, located off Red Hill Road, is often filled with the sound of children’s voices.  As the home of Sunday Smilers, the Park System’s series of live performances for children, this center is a hub of activity for people of all ages. Near the Red Hill Activity Center, you'll find a playground at the edge of the woods. Youngsters can exercise and let off steam while parents watch them play in a natural setting. Picnic tables offer a relaxing place to lunch.

• , Freehold

Olde Freehold Day is back on July 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Topanemus, better known as ”the Pond.”  In addition to a variety food and beverages, Olde Freehold Day offers boating on the lake, a fishing derby (for children under 12), a triathlon, a treasure hunt for all ages, a Minute to Win it contest, and popular local bands from ”back in the day” including Eddie Testa and Step A Side. For more information, please call 462-4558.