Throughout the year, the New Jersey State Park Service proudly hosts hundreds of events at state parks, forests, recreation areas and marinas. This calendar of events is continually updated with our upcoming programs that we hope to see you at soon!
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Calendar of Events
July |
August |
Mr. Frelinghuysen Goes to Trenton: New Jersey’s First Provincial Congress, 1775
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, Raritan Public Library, 54 E. Somerset Street, Raritan, NJ 08869
10-Jul 6:30 PM
Description: Follow Frederick Frelinghuysen from the Old Dutch Parsonage of Somerville and Gen. Frelinghuysen House of Raritan to the Provincial Congress of New Jersey at Trenton in 1775.
Age: ages 8 and up
Please call (908) 725-1015 or email wallacedutch@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Flea Market
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village
12-Jul 8 AM
Description: Monthly outdoor flea market.
Age: all ages. $5 per person; ages 10 & under free. Vendor spaces $45.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email inga.gabliks@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Guided Packing House Tour
Double Trouble State Park, Cranberry packing house
12-Jul 10 AM
Description: Join our village historian for a guided tour of the historic cranberry packing house.
Age: all
Call (732) 341-4098 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
12-Jul 2 PM
Description: Demonstration includes a history of Washington's Crossing, explanation of battle tactics, overview of how the musket functions and finishes with the firing of the musket.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
98th Annual Captain Emilio Carranza Memorial Service
Wharton State Forest, Carranza Memorial Historic Site
12-Jul 1 PM
Description: Join us Saturday, July 12th at 1 PM. as Wharton State Forest honors and celebrates the legacy of Captain Emilio Carranza, a storied aviator and enduring symbol of cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Located in the northeast section of Wharton State Forest, the Carranza Memorial now marks the site of the crash and stands as a testament to Carranza’s legacy of goodwill between the United States and Mexico. The stone monument depicts a falling eagle, inspired by Aztec and indigenous Mexican art. Each year, members of the American Legion Mount Holly Post 11, representatives from the Mexican government and military, Carranza’s descendants, and people from across New Jersey gather to remember and commemorate the heroic aviator and his mission of international friendship.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@gmail.com for more information.
History Kids Club
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village
13-Jul 1 PM
Description: Paint your own yo-yo or spinning top.
Age: ages 5-12. $12 per person. Must register online at allairevillage.org.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email inga.gabliks@dep.nj.gov for more information.
"Beyond the Counter" Adult Craft Workshop
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village
13-Jul 2 PM
Description: Adult crafting workshop, focusing on making and tasting fruit shrubs.
Age: adults. $25 per person. Must register online at allairevillage.org.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email inga.gabliks@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Turtles of Reeve's Bogs
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Reeve’s Bog
13-Jul 9 AM
Description: Turtles are a staple of the Pine Barrens! Join us on a 2.5 Mile walk around Reeve’s Bogs and learn all about the many species of turtles we have in our park!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please bring bugspray/tick repellent and a water bottle. Waterproof or resistant footwear is also recommended. Directions to the meeting location can be found on the Brendan T. Byrne State forest Facebook page.
Critters of the Creek
Cheesequake State Park, Crabbing bridge
13-Jul 9 AM
Description: Come visit us on the crabbing bridge to learn about the critters living along Hooks Creek! From the fiddler crabs skittering across the mud to the egrets wading in the water, there is so much to explore!
Age: all ages.
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information. We recommend bringing water, sunscreen and bug spray!
Second Sunday Lecture Series
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, visitor center auditorium
13-Jul 2 PM
Description: Second Sunday lecture series continues! This month, Dr. David Martin (President of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield) will present on: "The 14th New Jersey Infantry at Camp Vredenburg and Beyond"
Age: all ages
Call (732) 462-9616 or email michael.timpanaro@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
16-Jul 8:30 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Sunset at Reeve's Bogs
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Reeve’s Bog
18-Jul 6:30 PM
Description: Join us for a 2-mile hike at Reeve’s Bogs and watch the sunset as you learn all about the nighttime creatures of the bogs!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please bring bugspray/tick repellent and a water bottle. Waterproof or resistant footwear is also recommended. Directions to the meeting location can be found on the Brendan T. Byrne State forest Facebook page.
James P. Allaire's Birthday
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village
19-Jul 11 AM
Description: Come out and Celebrate an important day at the Village - the BIRTHDAY of our founder, Mr. James P. Allaire!
Age: ages 4 and up. $5 per person.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email inga.gabliks@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Wildlife of Pakim Pond
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
19-Jul 10 AM
Description: Join us for a half-mile hike at Pakim Pond and learn all about the plants and animals of the wetlands! This hike is suitable for all ages!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please bring bugspray/tick repellent and a water bottle.
All About Trees
Cheesequake State Park, Nature center
19-Jul 10 AM
Description: Stop by the Nature Center to learn all about the trees! We will learn about their lifecycle and why trees are important to us, our native wildlife and the environment. The Nature Center is accessible by a short walk from the trail head parking lot. Handicap parking is available directly at the Nature Center.
Age: all ages.
Call (732) 566-3208 or email nicole.bendixen@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
19-Jul 2 PM
Description: Demonstration includes a history of Washington's Crossing, explanation of battle tactics, overview of how the musket functions and finishes with the firing of the musket.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
The Second Pennsylvania Regiment Visits Batsto
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village Historic Site
19-Jul 11 AM
Description: This respected living history group will provide a lively and accurate look at the typical infantry company of the period as the men perform the drill taught by Baron Von Steuben to Washington's troops at Valley Forge as they stand and fire smoky volleys from their flintlock muskets. At the end of the demonstration, which includes an enthusiastic bayonet charge, the audience will be invited onto the field to talk with the members and see their uniforms and gear firsthand. Several demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 704-1910 or email john.hebble@gmail.com for more information.
Public Star Watch
Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village Historic Site
19-Jul 8 PM
Description: You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Batsto, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes available for the public to view objects in the night sky.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 567-4559 or email alexandria.horan@dep.nj.gov for more information. The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website (https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 PM. the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies.
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
23-Jul 8:30 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Kit & Caboodle Book Club
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Lake House Cafe, Andover
25-Jul 2 PM
Description: Book discussion group for avid readers and bibliophiles. No monthly reading requirements! Bring your favorite reads past or present.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Come prepared to talk about a favorite book you've read lately; book swapping is encouraged; BYOTea/coffee
History of the CCC
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
26-Jul 10 AM
Description: Learn all about the history of Pakim Pond and the Civilian Conservation Corps on a half-mile hike around Pakim Pond!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please bring bugspray/tick repellent and a water bottle.
Snakes of the Pine Barrens
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Reeve’s Bog
27-Jul 9 AM
Description: Join us on a 3-mile hike around Reeve's Bogs and learn all about the plethora of snake species and reptiles you can find in the NJ Pine Barrens!
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 726-1191 or email finn.westphal@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please bring bugspray/tick repellent and a water bottle. Waterproof or resistant footwear is also recommended. Directions to the meeting location can be found on the Brendan T. Byrne State forest Facebook page.
Nature School on the Porch
Double Trouble State Park, village information building
27-Jul 10 AM
Description: Join us for Nature School on the Porch, a cozy, outdoor learning experience for kids.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please dress for the weather and consider bug spray and sunblock. Rain or thunder cancels.
“Jersey Girls” of the Civil War: Clara Barton, Cornelia Hancock & Somerville’s Arabella Barlow
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, United Reformed Church Fellowship Hall, 100 West Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
27-Jul 2 PM
Description: Join a panel discussion introducing the New Jersey lives of Civil War nurses Clara Barton, Cornelia Hancock and Somerville’s Arabella Barlow and considering opportunities for historic preservation and heritage tourism to share the stories of the “Jersey Girls” of the Civil War.
Age: all ages
Please call (908) 725-1015 or email wallacedutch@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Made possible by the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association with the sponsorship of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.
Wednesday Walkers
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Visitor Center
30-Jul 8:30 AM
Description: 2.5-mile social walk on fairly flat, scenic trails through the park.
Age: adults
Call (973) 786-6445 or email lynn.groves@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Please register at https://kvsp.eventbrite.com
Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and 2 hiking poles are recommended, as are "The Ten Essentials": https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/the-10-essentials-revisited/
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
2-Aug 2 PM
Description: Demonstration includes a history of Washington's Crossing, explanation of battle tactics, overview of how the musket functions and finishes with the firing of the musket.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Nature School on the Porch
Double Trouble State Park, village information building
3-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join us for Nature School on the Porch, a cozy, outdoor learning experience for kids.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please dress for the weather and consider bug spray and sunblock. Rain or thunder cancels.
Bike Ride
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Warbasse Junction parking lot
9-Aug 11:30 AM
Description: The length of the ride will be 17 miles, (round trip), unless a majority of the group chooses to ride less or more. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level biking.
Age: all ages.
Call (973) 887-4332 or email paul_rottmann@hotmail.com for more information. Meetup.com (Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee Bike Rides)
Bring your helmet, lunch, and a drink. Parking area is on Warbasse Junction Road 1/2 mile South of intersection with Route 94. GPS Coordinates: 41.085293, -74.699741 See Meetup announcement for detailed directions.
Musket Firing Demonstration
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
9-Aug 2 PM
Description: Demonstration includes a history of Washington's Crossing, explanation of battle tactics, overview of how the musket functions and finishes with the firing of the musket.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Weather dependent.
Nature School on the Porch
Double Trouble State Park, village information building
10-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join us for Nature School on the Porch, a cozy, outdoor learning experience for kids.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please dress for the weather and consider bug spray and sunblock. Rain or thunder cancels.
Outwater's Militia Encampment
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
16-Aug 10 AM
Description: Come and see the men of Outwater’s Militia join together and drill in preparation for action against his majesty’s troops. Stroll through the encampment when the men are not drilling and learn about the life and times of the Revolutionary War.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
History Kids Club
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village General store
17-Aug 1 PM
Description: Search for bog iron in the Manasquan River.
Age: ages 5-12. $12 per person. Must register online at allairevillage.org.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email info@allairevillage.org for more information.
Dress for wading in water
Adult Craft Workshop
Allaire State Park, Allaire Village General store
17-Aug 2 PM
Description: Adult crafting workshop focused on making fabric coil baskets.
Age: adults. $25 per person. Must register online at allairevillage.org.
Call (732) 938-2371 or email info@allairevillage.org for more information.
Nature School on the Porch
Double Trouble State Park, village information building
17-Aug 10 AM
Description: Join us for Nature School on the Porch, a cozy, outdoor learning experience for kids.
Age: all
Call (609) 726-1191 or email DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov for more information. Please dress for the weather and consider bug spray and sunblock. Rain or thunder cancels.
Songs and Stories of the American Revolution
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
23-Aug 2 PM
Description: Dressed in colonial clothing and performing rousing period songs and stories, Matthew Dodd will take you back in time to the days of the American Revolution. Mr. Dodd sings and plays the guitar, banjo, mandolin and recorder throughout the show.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email clay.craighead@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Hell 0n the Water: The Prison Ships of Wallabout Bay
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
31-Aug 1 PM
Description: Park Seasonal Historian will discuss the conditions and stories of soldiers who were held on the prison ships in Wallabout Bay, Long Island, NY.
Age: all ages.
Call (609) 737-0623 or email WCSPmuseumprograms@dep.nj.gov for more information.