Summer is officially here, and we’re diving into fun! Our 2024 Summer Fun Guide, presented by Eastmont Orchards, is PACKED with things to do with the family all season long! Check out our list below for local ice cream spots, beaches, parks, mini golf, outdoor dining, fireworks, and SO MUCH MORE! Happy Summer!!!

Head to Eastmont Orchards

Head to Eastmont Orchards for some family fun this season! A truly iconic Monmouth County destination, Eastmont Orchards has been owned by the Barclay family since 1923. Eastmont takes pride in selling all of our products retail and direct to the consumer via “pick-your-own.” July kicks off the summer activities with pick-your-own peach season! No need to go to Georgia for the peaches when Eastmont has the juiciest near you! When the peach seasons over and September rolls in Eastmont starts to offer gourds, pumpkins, and more seasonal veggies.

No admissions fees required for entry no matter what day of the week you come! Although Weekends are jamming, Eastmont Orchards also encourages customers to come mid-week to enjoy the view. If you are looking to bring school groups, or large groups with buses, they allow that as well (inquire within). No reservation is necessary! Please direct any questions to [email protected] for more information or check out our FAQ portion of their website.

Location + FAQ's

Summer Guide FAQs:

Weekdays:

FREE Admission
Free bags while supplies last
Reusable tote bags $2 each
Bring your own bag (must be empty upon entry)
Hats and T-Shirts available for sale, while supplies last!
Weekday hours 9am – 4:30pm: YES

Weekends:

FREE Admission
Free bags while supplies last
Reusable tote bags $2 each
Bring your own bag (must be empty upon entry)
Hats and T-Shirts available for sale, while supplies last!
Weekend hours – 9am – 5:30pm: YES

Come join us this summer and experience Belmar Parasail, your ultimate high flying destination. Belmar Parasail is a family owned and operated business dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best time of your life. Come join us 500 feet above the Atlantic Ocean for the Summer season. Enjoy the views of your favorite beaches and wave to your friends below as you check out schools of sea life. Looking for a fun activity for the whole family but you don’t want to fly high? Try our banana boating experience, climb aboard and hang on tight! Our Banana Boat ride is a popular water sport activity that offers a safe and thrilling experience for people of all ages.

To book a parasail trip you can book online.

To book a banana boating trip please call 732-681-8359

Safe & Fun For ALL Ages
Gentle Take Off & Landing
Stay Dry or Get Wet!
Fly Single, Double or Triple
Capt. U.S. Coast Guard Licensed
Digital Photo Packages
Observers Welcome (if space permits)
Group Rates & Gift Certificates

Seastreak cruises are the BEST way to get the family on the water

The weather is finally getting warmer and the sun is starting to shine a little brighter, which means it’s officially time to get outdoors. Seastreak, the primary ferry provider for commuters traveling between NJ and NYC, also offers unique, seasonal routes and activities that the family is sure to love.

Visit the beach bar of your dreams: The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach is quickly becoming one of the Jersey Shore’s favorite beach bars. Hang out on the beach and enjoy a swim in the calm, lifeguarded bay. With live music every night, signature cocktails, and food trucks on the premises, it’s no surprise that the Sandbox is a popular spot for everyone in the family.

Go on an adventure looking for humpback whales: Humpback whales, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, pelagic birds, and sharks? Yes, they all call New York and New Jersey waters home! Whale Watching cruises depart from the Highlands terminal and in less than 15 minutes, passengers find themselves off the coast of Sandy Hook – ideal whale watching habitat.

Spend a weekend in Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard: Seastreak also offers ferry service from New York and New Jersey to the beautiful islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The trip is designed to be a weekend getaway, so board on Friday afternoon and return on Sunday. And don’t worry, there is reliable Star-Link internet onboard if you need to finish up a little work on the trip north!

Murder Mystery Dinner at The Quarterdeck: Did you know that Seastreak has their own event space on the second floor of the Highlands Ferry Terminal? With stunning views of Sandy Hook and NYC, it’s the perfect place to host a special event. On May 18^th, the Murder Mystery company is doing just that! Join them for an exciting night of “whodunnit” and see if you have what it takes to catch a killer!

All Seastreak ferries are high-speed, luxury vessels, which makes them an excellent choice for leisure cruises. Spacious seating, an open-air top deck with 360 degree panoramic views, a fully stocked bar, and a climate controlled cabin all ensure comfortable travel.

Whether you’re craving some sun, city energy, or an adventure at sea, Seastreak can get you on the water. We can’t wait to see you out there!

Location + Contact Information

Highlands & Atlantic Highlands, NJ

seastreak.com

Visit Pier Village in Long Branch, the City by the Sea! Check out events happening below all summer long! Experience breathtaking ocean views and a prime Long Branch boardwalk location at Pier Village! With 500 apartment homes, two hotels, dining, shopping, event space, live entertainment, and relaxation options galore, your needs are covered. Immerse yourself in sights, sounds, and the ocean breeze – your ultimate destination awaits in the City by the Sea.

Location + Contact Information

July and August Entertainment Schedule

Daily Entertainment
Bowling, Golf Simulator, Air Hockey and Pool | Pier Pins
Miniature Golf | Pier Putt
Arcade Games | Boardwalk Fun and Games
Carousel Rides | Pier Village Carousel
4 th of July Oceanfest Celebration and Firework Spectacular
1PM – 10PM *Fireworks at 9PM

Boardwalk Movie Night

*Boardwalk Movies begin at dusk and are located at the Carousel Bar at the Wave
Resort

Poolside Yoga
Led by Purpose Yoga
July 3 – September 25
7:30AM on the Pool Deck at Wave Resort
Live Music & Smore’s
July 3rd: Sean Feehan / @addbandnj
July 10th: Larry Alter
July 17th: Sherri Ehlrich
July 24th: Brian Wildman / @bwildeman
July 31st: Lou Panico / @loupanico
August 7th: Sean Feehan / @addbandnj
August 14th: Larry Alter
August 21st: Sherri Ehlrich
August 28th: Lou Panico / @loupanico
September 4th: Sean Feehan / @addbandnj
September 11th: Sherri Ehlrich
September 18th: Larry Alter
September 25th: Lou Panico / @loupanico

*Movies begin at dusk. Located on the Chelsea Avenue beach between McLoone’s Pier
House and the Avenue.

Thursdays By-The Sea presented by the City of Long Branch
July 11 | Smokin’ Jackets
July 18 | Bob Burger & Friends
July 25 | The Eddie Testa Band
August 1 | Mushmouth
August 8 | Pat Roddy Band
August 15 | After the Reign
August 22 | The Haven
August 29 | Brian Kirk and the Jirks & Fireworks
*Performances begin at 7PM at the Pier Village Boardwalk Gazebo
Tropical Thursdays with DJ Andre
July 4 – August 29
*3PM – 10PM at the Carousel Bar at Wave Resort
High Tide Makers & Artisan Market
July 5 – August 30 featuring performances by the School of Rock
11AM – 6PM at the Carousel Stage
Yappy Hour
July 5 – August 30
5:30 PM – Doggie Sweets and Carousel Bar
Flashback Friday with DJ Andre
July 5 – August 30
3PM – 10PM at the Carousel Bar at Wave Resort
Sunset Sessions with DJ Andre
July 6 – August 31
3PM – 10PM at the Carousel Bar at Wave Resort
Easy Like Sunday Morning | DJ and Mimosa Bar
July 7 – August 30
12PM – 6PM at the Carousel Bar at Wave Resort
Jazz Brunch

July 7 – August 25
11AM at the Avenue
Sidewalk Sales
July 26 – July 28
August 23 – August 25

MONSTER MINI GOLF & ARCADE

Monster Mini Golf & Arcade is your go-to destination for one-of-a-kind family entertainment this summer! Monster Mini Golf & Arcade is a state-of-the-art, INDOOR, CLIMATE-CONTROLLED family entertainment center completely under the luminescent glow of black lights. Monster Mini Golf & Arcade is sure to keep you entertained with MONSTROUS EXPERIENCES that include:

MINI-GOLF – 18-hole glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course!
ARCADE – State-of-the-Art full arcade featuring video games, claw machines, prize center & virtual reality!
MUSIC – DJ Weird Radio broadcasting live!
PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS – Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Fundraisers & Field Trips that are second to none!

We love what we do at Monster Mini Golf & Arcade because we get to deliver unique, quirky, affordable and engaging entertainment dedicated to the sheer enjoyment of humans of all ages! Whether you are 5 or 95 years old and whether you are coming in for a day of family fun, date night, or you are planning a private party for your child’s birthday, we can cater our experience to be Monstrous for YOU! Visit us online! Online party/event bookings available @bookwithmonster.com & Gift Cards available for pre-purchase with store pickup @monsterminigolf.com/eatontown

We are conveniently located at 749 Hope Road in Eatontown right off of GSP Exit 105, only 2 miles away from the Monmouth Mall. Open extended hours for MORE FUN THIS SUMMER – 12pm to 10pm every day!

Location + Contact Information

Monster Mini Golf

749 Hope Rd.

Eatontown, NJ

Website

Head to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is one of the premier family destination spots on the Jersey Shore. Located in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is conveniently located in close proximity to the greater New York City and Philadelphia areas. As one of the most family-friendly boardwalks in New Jersey for 95 years, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities for the whole family – including a mile-long beach, amusement park, aquarium, arcades, games, restaurants, mini golf, a night club, shops, and much more! Whether you’re visiting for the day, the weekend, or the entire summer…you’ll never run out of things to do!

Location Details

300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

732-892-0600

www.jenkinsons.com

See a Local Play

Check out Monmouth County theatres:

Walk the Boardwalks

Monmouth County is home to a few boardwalks full of family fun!

Pier Village
Asbury Park
Keansburg
Jenkinson’s

Boardwalk Information

Pier Village Website Asbury Park Boardwalk website Keansburg Amusement Park

Head to a Local Fair or Festival

What’s more fun than a local fair?! We’re so excited to ride the rides, eat fried oreos, and play all the games! Here’s a bunch happening in our area this summer, click below!

Local Fair Details

Monmouth County Fair

St. Mary’s Fair

Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair

Head to the Beaches, Pools, and Splash Pads!

Monmouth County is full of beautiful beaches perfect for some family fun! Check out out our Guide to Local Beaches & Pools with the link below!

2022 Guide to Beaches & Pools

Check it out here!

Visit a Monmouth County Park

We love our Monmouth County Park system, and with good reason! You could spend the entire summer visiting the parks, going fishing, hiking trails, and renting boats and canoes! Here’s a list of must-tries if you’re new to the area, or haven’t been yet!

Monmouth County Park System Information

Website

Discover Local Activities

Pictured Here: iPlay America

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!

Bike Trails

Monmouth County Park System Website

Visit a Local Winery

Have a babysitter for the evening? Visit or pick-up some local wine and do a tasting at a local winery! We’ve listed some below!

Local Wineries

Fox Hollow Vineyards – Holmdel Cream Ridge Winery – Cream Ridge Four JG’s – Colts Neck Tomasello Winery – Tasting Room at Wemrock Orchards

Learn More at Monmouth County Library!

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.