Anything fun to do near Lakewood that's free or low cost?

sky

Thu, Jul 28 2016, 1:06 pm

Homdel park\Longstreet Farm - great park on the very top level and a free small farm that has scheduled milking and demonstrations.
Allaire state park - $5\car - old city, picnic, hiking. The playground is closed. nature center.
Hallocks u pick = costs money - but just pick green beans and cost will be very low.
Atlantic Farms - costs maybe $5\per person. Don't remember. Feed farm animals. For young children (near Allaire state park)
Jackson Jungle (Jackson) - Fantastic playground for all ages. Jackson library is nearby. (near Hallocks u -pick)
Castle Park (Toms River)- also great playground and fields
Rockefeller Park (Ocean park) - playgrounds, fields and bike paths. Small beach.
Winward State Park (Brick). Great playground with small beach
Pine Park (Lakewood) - multiple playgrounds
Lakewood Lake - ducks and playgrounds on north and south side
Marine on the way to Mantoloking - bridge to walk along and watch the boats on the bay
Beach in Montoloking (after 5)
Route 70 and Cedar Bridge plaza: Petco (watch the dog salon and fish), Chucke Cheese and Barnes and Nobles (has train toys)
Monmouth County fair - check dates - going on now - free for kids.
Trenton Planeterium and tour the state house
Staten Island Ferry to Governors Island (big trip)
Seven Presidents Park in Longbranch - its a nice park right on the beach. I'd imagine parking on weekends is an issue.
Dorbrook has a free sprinkler park - but it may be closed this season, not sure

Monmouth County has some great parks and events check their website for ideas:

https://www.monmouthcountypark......aspx

Example: Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park -
Friday, July 29, 2016 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Join us at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth for this hands-on nature program. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a seine net through the calm waters of Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. Weather permitting. FREE!

sky

Thu, Jul 28 2016, 1:22 pm

Safari backpacks: https://www.monmouthcountypark.....=3963
More for younger kids: 3 - 7 maybe. We once did it at Huber Woods. Have to go with a good attitude and make own fun. Huber Woods had a cute Nature center for kids and then you take the knapsack on a hike. Has crayons to trace leaves and things like that. https://www.monmouthcountypark.....=2635

MOunt Mitchel Overlook is near Huber Woods. https://www.monmouthcountypark.....=2534
Not a lot to do there - very small park. But the views are gorgeous so if you are nearby it is worth stopping there.