All The January Events In Monmouth County Parks

LINCROFT, NJ — Looking to keep your family happy and active this January? Look no further than the Monmouth County Park System and all the activities it has offered throughout the month. Here's everything that's planned in January 2026:

Cutting, Splitting and Hewing

Sunday, January 4 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, and learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams. Open to adults. FREE!

Casual Birder

Tuesday, January 6 at 9 a.m.

Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

Tuesday, January 20 at 9 a.m.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell - Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot.

Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk and meander for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!

Winter Beach Walk

Saturday, January 10 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

Take a guided walk with a Park System Naturalist along the beach collecting and identifying some of the ocean’s natural treasures. Be sure to dress in warm clothing and bring along something to carry shells. FREE!

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather

Saturday, January 10 from 12-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Play two long-forgotten 1890s board games - Halma and Basilinda. We'll also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers and Reversi. FREE!

Under the Winter Stars

Saturday, January 10 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck - Use the soccer field parking lot.

Search for key objects and constellations in the night sky. Bring a camp chair to sit on and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Program may be cancelled due to overcast skies or inclement weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Make-and-Take Victorian Dolls

Sunday, January 11 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Drop in for a quick lesson on crafting two styles of home-made Victorian dolls - corn husk dolls and rag dolls. FREE!

Wondrous Winter Walks

Wednesday, January 14 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Clayton Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Emley's Hill parking lot.

Wednesday, January 28 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet in the Visitor Center parking area.

Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the serenity that is nature in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please note that sturdy footwear is recommended; trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

Nature Lecture: Brook Trout - The State Fish of New Jersey

Sunday, January 25 from 12-1 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Learn about the life and times of the brook trout during this fascinating presentation by a Park System Naturalist. FREE!

Ropework on the Farm

Sunday, January 25 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Explore the fascinating world of knots and splices during this fun, hands-on session. With guidance from our instructors, you’ll gain the confidence to tie and use the same practical knots we rely on every day around the farm. FREE!

National Seed Swap Day

Saturday, January 31 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Bring seeds in an envelope labeled with the plant name, year collected, where it was purchased or collected, and a photo (optional). Vegetable/annual/perennial/native seeds are all welcome (no invasive species). Throughout January, if possible, please deliver your seed submissions to Huber Woods Park Environmental Center, Middletown. 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.