15 Screen-Free Family Activities to do this Summer in Monmouth County, NJ
Presented by The Balance Project!
Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Manalapan)
Walk historic trails, explore the visitor center, and watch for special events like battle reenactments.
Fruit Picking at Battleview Orchards (Freehold)
Pick juicy summer fruits like peaches, cherries, and blueberries together.
Allaire Community Farm (Wall Township)
Petting zoo, pony rides, and fresh farm life — all for a great cause.
Mini Golf at Shark River Park
Chill, shaded mini-golf course surrounded by parkland.
Pine Creek Railroad (Allaire State Park)
Ride a real historic steam train — super fun for kids and adults!
Poricy Park Fossil Hunting (Middletown)
Dig for ancient fossils in the creek — kids LOVE this treasure hunt adventure.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park (Long Branch) *under construction
Perfect beach day spot with a playground, clean bathrooms, and a family-friendly vibe.
Outdoor Storytime or Crafts at Local Libraries
Middletown, Red Bank, and Manalapan libraries run free outdoor activities in the summer.
Thompson Park Creative Arts Center (Lincroft)
Take a family art class or drop-in to check out the cool kid-friendly craft programs.
Longstreet Farm at Holmdel Park
Step back in time at this living history farm — meet animals, see how 1890s farming worked.
Kayak or Canoe at Manasquan Reservoir (Howell)
Rent a boat and paddle around this scenic spot, great for beginners and families.
Asbury Park + Dorbrook Park Splash Park
Little ones can cool off in fountains and water features.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium (Point Pleasant Beach)
Explore the small but super cute aquarium, ride kiddie rides, play mini-golf, and grab some saltwater taffy — lots of family fun without screens.
Deep Cut Gardens (Middletown)
A gorgeous garden perfect for a peaceful stroll, scavenger hunts, and checking out unique plants and flowers.
Twilight Concerts and Movies in the Park
Many towns (like Freehold, Red Bank, Holmdel) offer free outdoor concerts and movie nights under the stars — pack a blanket and snacks!
Learn More about The Balance Project!
Founded by Monmouth County Mom, Holly Moscatiello
We’re here to help communities and families find and maintain a balance of real-world experiences and technology
We believe in the power and potential of technology AND we know that when it is overused, it brings a whole new host of challenges into our lives. And much like anything in life, when overdone, the negative impacts begin to outweigh the positives and need to be brought back into harmony.
In 2024, Americans spent ~75% of their waking hours on a screen, with children raising that average significantly. In addition to the opportunity cost of that time spent, we now know that this behavior does not bode well for our children’s mental health or development. They are missing out on real-life experiences and developmental building blocks in favor of passive (sometimes harmful) content and (sometimes addictive) technology. The pendulum has swung too far and we need to work together to swing it back!
That’s why we have started The Balance Project: To mobilize a collective effort to get closer to this optimal balance with kindness, openness and a collective mantra, “to do the best we can with what we know”. Our hope is that we can work together to find a realistic, sustainable “sweet spot” of screen-life and real-life that allows our children, our families and our communities to thrive in our ever-evolving modern society.
