Looking for activities to do with the kids this summer that won’t break the bank? We’ve put together a list of 15+ fun and FREE local activities to try this season! Check out the full list below. Enjoy!

Huber Woods Environmental Center & Reptile House

Middletown, NJ

Spend the day exploring the reptile house and environmental center at Huber Woods Park. Explore the grounds and have some family fun!

Twin Lights Lighthouse

Highlands, NJ

(Self-tour admission is free!)

Go Fossil Hunting

Take the kids fossil hunting at Big Brook Park! Big Brook is incredibly beautiful, and even has some walking trails to take the kids on a little adventure. Once down by the stream, you can sift out some old rocks and look for shark teeth and other remains.

Check out Bell Works

Holmdel, NJ

  Monmouth County’s own “metro-burb,” an indoor space that spans the length of more than three footballs fields, is the perfect spot to bring the family and explore. You can take the kids for a long walk, visit the Holmdel Library, and check out the stores and lunch spots such as Bell Market. It’s definitely a great place to break up the day and get out of the house!

Take the Kids Fishing

We love to take our daughter fishing to one of the local ponds in Colts Neck, she has a blast! Before you head out, you do need to purchase a fishing license with the NJ Division of Fishing + Wildlife, which can be purchased here! There is a full list of parks you can go fishing throughout the Monmouth County Park System, which can also be found here!

Explore Monmouth County Libraries

Our library system is home to dozens of classes for all ages, with branches located all throughout Monmouth County. Head to the library to cool off, grab some summer reading books, and learn something new! Check out their website for the latest events and programs available.

Make a Playground Bucket List

There’s no better day spent then heading to the park and having a picnic with the fam! Check out a full list of local parks in our link below, or head to monmouthcountyparks.com for some ideas! Check out our list of favorite playgrounds below!

Explore Deep Cut Gardens

Middletown, NJ

Take the kids to Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown and explore the grounds for hidden painted rocks. Once you find one, take a picture and post it on the Facebook page dedicated to Deep Cut Rocks (found here), and then hide it somewhere else for others to find!

Visit Local Splash Pads

Beat the heat and bring the kids to some of the local splash pads! It’s free, and a great way to cool down and have some fun! Below is a list of local spots, or check our Guide to Local Beaches & Pools here!

• Cross Farm Park Splash Pad
• Dorbrook Recreation Spray Ground
• Spray Park at Veteran’s Memorial Park
• Michael J. Tighe Park Splash Pad

Visit Historic Longstreet Farm

Holmdel, NJ

  Visit the animals and tour the grounds, where the sights, sounds, and smells of rural Monmouth County in the 1890s have been re-created on 9 acres at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Interpreters in period dress show both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities. Walk over to the playground after you’ve spent some time on the farm!

Take a Hike!

There are SO many parks to take a small hike, go for a walk/run, or do some outdoor activities with the kids. For a full list of over 138 miles of trails here in Monmouth County, click here! And don’t forget to sign up for the many activities in the parks this summer, as we are very lucky to have such an amazing park system.

Go for a Bike Ride

The Henry Hudson Trail or Sandy Hook are perfect for a long bike ride! We got our bikes from the Trek store in Middletown. If that’s too far for you, check out Brielle Cyclery or Asbury Park Cyclery!

Have a Picnic at the Park!

There’s no better day spent then heading to the park and having a picnic with the fam! Check out a full list of local parks in our link below, or head to monmouthcountyparks.com for some ideas!

Play Some Tennis

  Head out and play some tennis or pickleball with the fam! It’s great exercise and a good way to bond with the kids too! Below is a list of local places to play!

 Check out Manasquan Reservoir Conversation Center

Howell, NJ

  The Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center is provides experiences for learning about the wetlands ecology and wildlife and habitat protection. The center highlights the importance of water. Spend the afternoon learning more about everything they offer!

Learn about our History at Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Allaire State Park

Learn more about Monmouth County history at two of our state parks. Check out their websites below!

Discover Historic Portland Place