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PLEASE NOTE:
Hours, prices, exhibit and event information are subject to change.
Please call ahead or use the convenient website links to get the latest information prior to your visit.

Biking |  Boating, Swimming & Fishing Holes  |  Family Camping  | Farms  |  The Great Outdoors  |  Horseback Riding  |  Outdoor Education Centers  |  The Shore | Winter Sports

Biking
New Jersey's abandoned railroad lines and historic canal paths make excellent family biking trails as they are virtually flat with mostly cinder and some paved surfaces. See listings under the Great Outdoors for more family biking, hiking, or strolling trails. Search TrailLink, a service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, for detailed information, access points, locations and reviews of rail-trails in New Jersey and throughout the country, www.traillink.com

bicycle & pedestrian maps

Bernards Township
Engineer's Office, 908-204-3020. Bernards Twp. residents can pick up a map to the township's eight miles of biking and walking trails at the reference desk of the Bernards Twp. Library. Multiple copies are available from the Twp. Engineer's office.

Morris County Division of Transportation Manage-ment, 973-829-8101. A map to multi-use trails, walking trails, bicycle lanes and shared roadways throughout Morris County are available at local libraries, the Morris County Visitors Center, or online at www.co.morris.nj.us/transportation

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) publishes ten bicycle tour guides including a 238-mile route from High Point to Cape May. The pocket-size tour guides have been reprinted in color on water-resistant paper and contain directions and information about parking, food and other local amenities. You may order copies online, by mail or download PDF files at: www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/tours.shtm

Columbia Trail
Rt. 24, Washington Twp., 973-326-7600. Wide earthen trail on the abandoned Jersey Central Railroad bed spans Morris County and Hunterdon County for 16.2 miles and is ideal for bicycling, hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Access the trail at West Valley BrookRd., Rt. 513, Fairview Ave., Naughright Rd., Four Bridges Rd., Bartley Rd. or Schooley's Mountain Rd. in Washington Twp.

Delaware &Raritan Canal State Park
643 Canal Rd., Somerset, 732-873-3050. 44-mile long canal built in the 1830's to carry coal and industrial goods between Philadelphia and New York City was once a busy waterway, now a quiet and beautiful state park. Canoeing, hiking, bicycling, fishing, horseback riding; cross-country skiing in winter. Access canal paths from small parking areas located at most roads that cross the canal (off Rt. 533) between East Millstone and Rocky Hill in Somerset County. Canoe and kayak rental and Mule Tenders Barracks Museum at Griggstown (www.canoenj.com). In Hunterdon County, access the feeder canal that runs between Frenchtown and Trenton along the Delaware River from Prallsville Mill (Stockton), Bulls Island or Frenchtown, off Bridge St. Campsites available at Bull's Island Recreation Area, 609-397-2949.
Call 609-924-5705 for schedule of seasonal nature and history interpretive hikes, bike tours and programs or visit www.dandrcanal.com for schedule and information on canoe, kayak or bike rentals, weekend family programs, school outreach and many free scout programs.
Ongoing
     Nature &History Interpretive Hikes & Programs, Bike Tours, Boy Scout &Girl Scout Badge &Patch Programs, call or visit dandrcanal.com for schedule.

Patriots Path
Map at Morris CountyPark Commission, 53 E. Hanover Ave., Morristown, 973-326-7600. A developing trail network will link many parks and points of interest in southern Morris County. Currently, there are 20 miles of continuous trails between Speedwell Ave. in Morris Twp. and Rt. 24 in Mendham Twp. with a branch to the New Jersey Brigade Hut site in Bernardsville. Two miles of level, paved path from Lake Rd. to WashingtonValley Rd. (with parking at both ends) in Morris Twp. offers excellent family biking, walking and roller blading. The majority of the path is crushed stone/gravel or narrow dirt trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. The path is well marked and follows corridors of the Whippany and Black Rivers winding thru wetlands and forest with lots of wildlife.
   Access the 3.5 mile stretch that runs through the Black River WildlifeManagement Area in Chester Twp. from the parking lot on Dover-Chester Rd. or Pleasant Hill Rd.

Sussex Branch/Paulinskill Valley Trail
Kittatinny Valley State Park, Sussex County, 973-786-6445. Abandoned railbeds from the Erie Lackawanna's Sussex branch and NYSusquehanna and Western Railroad provide gentle-grade cinder paths that provide excellent biking for families. The scenery is beautiful and wildlife is abundant along the trail which follows the Paulinskill River and cuts through the Kittatinny Valley.
   The 21 mile Sussex Branch Trail begins at Waterloo Rd. (1 mi. west of Rt. 206 in Byram), runs north where it passes through Kittatinny Valley State Park, intersects the Paulinskill Valley Trail at Warbasse Junction, then ends inBranchville. The 26-mile Paulinskill Valley Trail begins in Sparta, heads southwest through Blairstown and ends near the Delaware River at the Columbia Lake Wildlife Management Area. The multi-use trails are also suited to walking, jogging, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Both trails can be accessed from their beginning and end points and at Warbasse Junction. Other access points for the Paulinskill Valley Trail are: Limecrest Rd. at RR crossing near EasternPropane in Sparta; Swartswood Lake Rd. (Rt. 622); Paulinskill Lake Rd. (Rt. 614); Stillwater Rd. (Rt. 610); Cedar Ridge-Dixon Rd.; Marksboro Rd. (Rt. 659); and Footbridge Park (off Rt. 94) in Blairstown.

boating, fishing & swimming holes

fishing
Division of Fish, Game &Wildlife, 609-292-2965. Anglers age 16 and older are required to obtain and -display a valid New Jersey fishing license to fish the state's fresh waters. For trout fishing, an additional trout stamp is required. Children under 16 and residents over age 70 do not need licenses. Licenses can be purchased from most county and municipal clerks, designated sporting goods stores, or via the Internet at www.njfishandwildlife.com. Call the trout hot-line (in April, May and Oct.), 609-633-6765, for recorded information on stocking locations and times. A free fishing weekend when no license is required for fishing New Jersey's public waters is held annually in early June.  

boating
For a list of registered and licensed charter and party boat operators on the Jersey shore, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com and search "Charter andParty Boat Directory."

Bayshore Discovery Project
2800 High St., Bivalve, Port Norris, 856-785-2060, 800-485-3072, ext. 100. Operates the restored A.J. Meerwald, a Delaware Bay oyster dredgeboat built in 1928. The schooner is now a sailing classroom. Field trips, summer sailing camp, deck tours, sailor for a day program, and public sails from ports throughout New Jersey including LibertyState Park are offered in season.

Bel Haven Canoes &Kayaks
1227 Rt. 542 (GSP Exit 52), Green Bank, 800-445-0953. Canoe, kayak or tube through the Pine Barrens on the calm Batsto, Mullica, Wading and Oswego Rivers.

Belmar Municipal Marina
Rt. 35 (at Shark River), Belmar, 732-681-2266. A large number of party & charter boats make daily half-day & full-day ocean trips for fluke, blackfish, blues, albacore, or shark.

Bucks County River Country
Rt. 32, Point Pleasant, PA, 215-297-5000. Tubing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking on the Delaware River.

Cranford Canoe Club
250 Springfield Ave., Cranford, 908-709-7285. May-Nov.: Sat. &Sun. 9-8. June-Labor Day: Weekdays 11-8, weekends 9-8. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats available for paddling on the tranquil Rahway River. No children under 6 in canoes; no children under 3 in kayaks. Concession stand.
Jul 4
     Canoe Races, register at Cranford Recreation.

Delaware River Discovery Center
The Shawnee Inn &Golf Resort, One River Rd., Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA, 800-SHAWNEE, ext. 1120. Canoe, raft, kayak, mountain bike rentals; guided fishing trips, family packages and instructional classes; escorted rafting trips. Shuttle services available.

Delaware River Family Campground
P.O. Box 142, 100 Rt. 46, Delaware, 908-475-4517, 800-543-0271. E-mail: delawareriver@nac.net. Open April 1­Oct. 31. Located in Warren County near the Delaware Water Gap offering trailer and cabin rentals and trailer and tent campsites. Raft, canoe, kayak and tube trips.

Delaware River Tubing
2998 Daniel Bray Hwy., Frenchtown, 866-938-8823. Tubing and rafting on the Delaware.

Highlands Natural Pool
180 Snake Den Rd. (I-287N exit 55), Ringwood, 973-835-4299. Open weekends Memorial Day-late June, daily late June-Labor Day. Day passes &memberships. Olympic-size, stream-fed chemical-free pool with stone retaining walls was carved out of the hillside in 1935. Set among poplars and evergreens, it is adjacent to miles of hiking trails in the Norvin Green State Forest and across the field from the Audubon Society's Weis Ecology Center. Children's area; snack stand; picnic tables; volleyball court, basketball court and softball field.

Hunterdon County Park Canoe Trips
908-782-1158. Canoe trips on Hunterdon's waterways May-Oct. for beginning and experienced canoers include 212 hr. pond paddles to whitewater and birding day trips. Custom trips for groups, schools, clubs.

Kittatinny Canoes, Inc.
Dingman's Ferry, PA, 800-FLOAT-KC. Canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing on the Delaware River.

Pine Barrens Canoe &Kayak Rental
3260 Rt. 563, Chatsworth, 800-732-0793. Canoe and kayak rentals through the Pine Barrens on the calm waters of the Wading and Oswego Rivers.

Ringwood State Park
1304 Sloatsburg Rd., Ringwood, 973-962-7031. State Botanical Garden open 8-8. Ringwood Manor tours: Wed.-Sun. 10-3. Skylands Manor tours: one Sunday per month March-Nov. Entrance feeMemorial Day-Labor Day: $5 weekdays.
   Encompassing 4,044 acres, Ringwood includes the formal gardens of the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens; Ringwood Manor, a beautiful country house which was once owned by Abram S. Hewitt, America's foremost ironmaster; Skylands Manor, a 44-room mansion built in the 1920s; and spring-fed Shepherd Lake Recreation Area offering boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Boat rentals and swimming are offered Memorial Day weekend throughLabor Day from 10-6. Hiking and multi-use trails range from easy to difficult, from woodlands to rocky vistas, some connecting the Ringwood and Skylands sections of the park. 7.5 mile mountain bike loop; food concession at Shepherd Lake.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free, 973-962-9534
Sun
     Botanical Garden Tours, 2pm Jun 15-Sept 28.
Jul 4
     9th Annual Independence Day Celebration, Ringwood Manor. 1-4pm. Reading at 2:30.
Jul 13, Aug 3, Sept 7
     Guided Manor Tours, Skylands Manor. 12-4.

Round Valley Recreation Area
Rt. 78 Exit 18, Rt. 22E (8 mi. east of Clinton on Rt. 22), Annandale, 908-236-6355. Regarded as the foremost trophy trout water in NJ, scenic reservoir has small boat launch (10hp max.) or fishing from dam or shore. Hiking and nature trails, wilderness campsites accessible by boat, canoe or backpacking 3-6 miles. Separate swimming area with bathhouse, picnicking and playground. 
Selected Interpretive Programs Free, preregister.
Jun 15
     Bring Dad &Hike the Cushetunk Trail, (5.5 miles of 18-mile mountainous trail, fitness a must, wear hiking shoes). 10-12:30.
Jun 29
     Meet Smokey the Bear, 10-12:30.
Jul 4
     Independence Day, 1776, educational hike on a short trail. 10-11:30.
Jul 13
     The Raspberry Ramble, 10-12.
Jul 27
     Round ValleyBeginnings, walk. 10-11:30.
Aug 3
     Snakes Alive, 10-11:30.
Aug 17
     A Mid-Summer Day's Dream: Butterflies & Other Bugs, hike the 2.5 mile Water Trail, the jewel of Round Valley. 10-11:30.
Sept 14
     Shine on Harvest Moon, short hike, 6:30-8.
Sept 21
     Autumn Bird Walk, NJAudubon, 9-11am. Binoculars and field guide suggested.
     Raptors, meet hawks and falcons. 11-12.
Sept 28
     We Gotta Get Out of This Place, hike. 10-11:30.

Silas Condict County Park
William Lewis Arthur Dr. (off Kinnelon Rd.), Kinnelon, 973-829-8257. Daily 8am-dusk. Paddleboat and rowboat rentals available weekends and holidays from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Picnic areas, hiking trails, softball fields and lake fishing.

Somerset County Park Commission Putting Course and Paddle Boats
Colonial Park, Franklin Twp., 732-873-8585. Putting Course: April-Oct. Adults $6.50, children/srs. $5. Paddle Boats: Summer thru Labor Day. A sports complex for all ages. The putting course is a golf course in miniature with water features and "sand" traps. Both facilities are accessible for persons with physical disabilities.

Somerset County Park Commission Family Canoe & Kayak Programs
908-766-2489. Spring, summer and fall canoe and kayak trips designed for novices and beginners. For canoe trips, children, ages 6 and over, must be accompanied by an adult and paddlers must be at least 8 yrs. old. Each canoe can accommodate two paddlers and a child passenger. Kayaking programs are designed for adults and children 9 and over. A pool session must be completed before a Kan-U-Kayak session is undertaken. Likewise a Kan-U-Kayak session must be attended prior to a river trip. Call for schedule of day-long river excursions.
Can-U-Cannu?
Introductory canoe workshops teach basic paddling, handling and safety on Branta Pond at the Environmental Education Center. $8 per adult/$6 per student/senior.
Jun 16
     6-7: 30pm.
Jul 6
     2-3:30pm.
Jul 13
     1: 30-3pm.
Jul 24
     5: 30-7pm.
Kan-U-Kayak?
Introductory kayaking workshops teach basic paddling, handling and safety. Must attend 112-hr. pool training session (included in cost) prior to taking this class. Designed for adults and ages 9 & over. $16 per adult/$12 per student/sr.
Jul 10
     6-8pm.
Jul 15
     6-8pm.
Jul 23
     6-8pm.
Passaic Paddle
Canoe or kayak on the Passaic River through the Great Swamp basin. Trips are intended for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Bring a snack and water. $18 per adult/$15 per student/sr.
Jul 29
     5: 30-8pm.
Aug 6
     5:30-8pm.
Aug 25
     4-7pm.
Sept 15
     9-noon.
Twilight Delaware and Raritan Canal Paddle
Paddle on the peaceful and stillDelaware &Raritan Canal.Bring a bag dinner and money for ice cream. $37 per adult/$27 per student/senior.
Jul 21
     3:30-8: 30pm.
Aug 10
     3:30-8: 30pm.

Spruce Run State Park
Van Syckels Rd. (I-78 to Clinton Rt. 31N), Clinton, 908-638-8572 or 908-638-8573. Seasonal parking fee. Swimming beach and bathhouse, small boat launch for boaters and windboarders, boat and canoe rental (908-638-8234), fishing, camping, picnicking and playground.

Sunrise Lake Beach Club
Lewis Morris Park, Rt. 24, Morris Township, 973-829-8257. Memorial Day thru Labor Day: Weekends 11-5:30. Late June thru Labor Day: Mon.-Fri. 11-5:30. Season passes available. Summer swimming, fishing, rowboat and paddleboat rentals, beach volleyball, bath/boathouse with restrooms, changing rooms and snack bar. Birthday parties.
   Lewis Morris Park has hiking trails, mountain biking, fitness circuit, softball field, picnic sites and Saturn Kids Kingdom playground in Doe Meadow. Camping for organized groups by advance reservation.
Jul 19
     Campout on the Beach!, 7pm. Pre-registration is required.
Jul 21
     Stream Exploration, ages 5-8. 1-3. $3, pre-registration required. 973-635-6629.

Wawayanda State Park
885 Warwick Turnpike,Hewitt, 973-853-4462. 255-acre lake with a number of explorable islands in the remote, rugged highlands of northern New Jersey. 400-acre park also includes mountain bike trails, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, fishing, beach area with lifeguard, camping, and food concession. Canoe rental available mid-April-late Sept.
Selected Interpretive Programs 
For adults and minimum ages noted. Free.
Jul 8
     Exploring the Night Sky, all ages. 9-10pm.
Jul 10
     Appalachian Trail Guided Hike, terrain moderately difficult. Ages 8 &up. 3:30pm.
Jul 12
     Discover Wawayanda­Guided Hike: Cedar Swamp, moderately difficult. Ages 8 &up. 3pm.
Jul 13
     Walking Tour of the High Breeze Farm, tours every hour 1-4pm. Suggested donation: Adults $5, students/srs. $3.
Jul 16
     Flora of Wawayanda, ages 6 &up. 3pm.
Jul 19
     Discover Wawayanda­Guided Hike: Hemlock Ravine, moderately difficult. Ages 8 &up. 3pm.
Jul 23
     Birds of Wawayanda, ages 5 & up. 4pm.
Jul 24
     Appalachian Trail Guided Hike, trailhead parking lot, Rt. 94, Vernon (near Heaven Hill Farm). Pinwheel Vista terrain very difficult. Ages 10 & up. 3:30pm.
Jul 26
     Discover Wawayanda­Guided Hike: Bearfort Mountain, difficult terrain. Ages 10 &up.
Jul 30
     Geology of Wawayanda, one-hour hike, moderate terrain. Ages 8 & up. 4pm.
Aug 2
     Discover Wawayanda­Guided Rowboat Tour, one-hour boat rental, pre-registration required (limit 20 people). 1pm.
Aug 6
     Wawayanda Night Life, ages 6 & up. Pre-registration required. 9pm.
Aug 9
     Discover Wawayanda­Guided Hike: Canistear Road/Trail, moderately difficult, ages 8 &up. 1pm.
Aug 13
     Historical Wawayanda: Mining Village of Wawayanda, ages 12 &up. 3:30pm.
Aug 14
     Appalachian Trail Guided Hike, moderately difficult. Ages 10 & up. 3:30pm.
Aug 16
     Black Creek Site Interpretive Tour, slide show & tour. 10am. Suggested donation $5 each event, $8 for both.
Aug 20
     Historical Wawayanda: Kazmar House, moderately difficult, ages 12 & up. 3:30pm.
Aug 28
     Exploring Our Night Sky, all ages. 8:30-9:30pm.

CAMPING
See listings under The Great Outdoors for additional -refer-ences to New Jersey campgrounds. Many state and all national parks offer wonderful interpretive programs on the history and environment of the area, with many offered in the evening for campers.

new jersey state parks
New JerseyDivision of Parks and Forestry, POBox 404, Trenton, 08625-0404. 1-800-843-6420, 609-984-0370. Campsites, cabins, group cabins, lean-tos, shelters and yurts may be available depending on the park. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance either in person at the area office; by mail using an overnight application form; or by telephone using a credit card, for a minimum of 2 nights to a maximum of 14 nights. Cabins must be reserved for 7 or 14 consecutive nights Memorial Day through Labor Day or for a 2 night minimum at other times.
A complete Guide to New Jersey's State Parks and Forests can be purchased at any state park service office for $2 or by mail for $4. Make check payable to Treasurer, State of NJ and send to address above. www.njparksandforests.org
Ask for a Passport when you visit a state park, forest or historic site and collect an official passport sticker  when you visit sites throughout the state. Each sticker represents a significant feature of the area. Collect a minimum of 10 different stickers to receive a prize.

new jersey campground association
29 Cook's Beach Rd., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-1723, 1-800-2-CAMP-NJ, 609-465-8444. For a free copy of the annual Campground & RVPark Guide for New Jersey, call, write or email: request@newjerseycampgrounds.com.

national park service
Campsite reservations for most National Park Service sites can be made up to 6 months in advance and up to 11 months in advance at other National Recreation areas. Reservations for Yosemite go on sale for a 5-month period on the 15th of each month. Booking windows vary depending on the type of facility requested. Check the NationalPark Service reservation website at www.recreation.gov for reservation and campground details. Phone reservations are taken 10am-12am daily March-Oct; 10am-10pm Nov.-Feb. Call 1-877-444-6777. For customer service, phone 1-888-448-1474. For park information, visit www.nps.gov. Additional infor-mation is -available at www.nationalparks.org and www.americanparknetwork.com, publishers of -visitor guides for national and state parks across America. 
   Reservations for lodging at a number of parks can also be made via authorized concessionaires such as Xanterra Parks & Resorts, www.xanterra.com.
   Visit reserveamerica.com for campground information, trail maps, guidebooks and to make reservations at many public and private campgrounds nationwide.
   The Junior Ranger program, available at many National Parks, consists of completing an activity booklet while visiting the park and upon completion, earning a Junior Ranger badge. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm. For those who are unable to visit a national park, an on-line Junior Ranger program with activities and rewards can be completed at www.nps.gov/webrangers.

Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA Family Camp
RR1, Dingmans Ferry, 877-SPEERSY, 570-828-2329. Canoeing, sailing, swimming, horseback riding, and hiking in the Pocono Mountains for multi-generational campers available Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends and for a week during the summer.

Delaware River Family Campground
P.O. Box 142, 100 Rt. 46, Delaware, 908-475-4517, 800-543-0271. E-mail: delawareriver@nac.net. Open April 1­Oct. 31. Located in Warren County near the Delaware Water Gap offering trailer and cabin rentals and trailer and tent campsites. Raft, canoe, kayak and tube trips.

Fairview Lake YMCA Family Camp
1035 Fairview Lake Rd., Newton, 973-383-9282. As a branch of the Metro YMCAs of the Oranges, Fairview Lake YMCA offers family camping on select weekends in the winter, spring and fall  and a week-long program in the summer for families who want to renew their appreciation for each other while enjoying the quiet and tranquility of Fairview Lake. Modern, winterized cabins, meals in dining hall and seasonal activities include canoeing/boating, archery, swimming, fishing, orienteering, arts and crafts, cookouts, etc.
Sept 5-7, Oct 24-26
     Family Camp Weekends 2008.

Jenny Jump State Forest
State Park Rd., Hope, NJ, 908-459-4366. Small state campground has 23 private campsites in the woods and 6 shelter cabins each furnished with 2 bunk beds, woodburning stove & small table &benches. Several miles of hiking trails lead thru rugged, rocky terrain with scenic overlooks to Delaware Water Gap and other vistas; convenient to Land of Make Believe. United Astronomy Clubs of NJ Greenwood Observatory open 8-10: 30pm Sat. late April thru Oct. for presentations and public observing.
Sat
Apr-Oct    Stargazing &Lectures, 8-10:30pm. Beginners and children are welcome.

Kymer's Camping Resort
69 Kymer Road, Branchville, 973-875-3167, 800-526-2267. E-mail: Kymers@nac.net. Open April 1­Oct. 31. Located in Sussex County near the Kittatinny Mountains offering trailer and cabin rentals and trailer and tent campsites with water, electric and cable TV hookups.

Mohican Outdoor Center
50Camp Rd., Blairstown, 908-362-5670. Former boy scout camp on the banks of Catfish Pond, a 60-acre glacial lake, is now operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club in partnership with the National Park Service. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail, fishing, swimming, canoeing, biking, rock climbing, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, campsites and lodging available.
   Outdoor programs for all ages and levels of interest are offered year round for members and non-members. Facilities, available on a space-available basis, include lodge with heated central gathering area, seasonal meals, shower and fireplace; shared bunkroom and private cabins; seven rustic campsites; group campsite; and three tent platforms and ground site overlooking Catfish Pond. 
Ongoing
     Family Adventure Camps &Weekends, are offered at AMC locations in New Hampshire during school vacations and  summer.
Jun 14-15, Jul 12-13
     Family-friendly Trail Work Weekends.

Panther Lake Camping Resort
6 Panther Lake Road, Andover, 973-347-4440, 800-543-2056.  E-mail: pantherlake@nac.net. Open April 1­Oct. 31. Located in Sussex County on Panther Lake offering trailer and cabin rentals and trailer and tent campsites with water, electric and cable TV hookups.

Pocono Environmental Education Center
Rt. 209, Dingmans Ferry, PA, 570-828-2319. Located in a -former Pocono resort in the Delaware Water Gap National RecreationArea, PEEC offers daytime and overnight nature programs for families. Educational family weekends, nature and birding treks, homeschool programs, workshops for educators, scout/school trips and other special events are held throughout the year.

Wharton State Forest
Batsto Village, Rt. 542, Hammonton, 609-561-0024; Atsion Office, Rt. 206, Hammonton, 609-268-0444; 609-567-4559. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day: $5 weekends. The largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park system, Wharton State Forest is the site of Batsto Village in the Pine Barrens, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867, and features miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and horseback riding, trails for hiking, rivers and streams for canoeing, and numerous lakes, ponds and fields for wildlife observation. The 50-mile Batona Trail connects Wharton, Brendan Byrne (formerly Lebanon) and Bass River State Forests. Campsites include tent and trailer sites, wilderness campsites and nine furnished cabins.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free
Jun-
Sept
     Guided Canoe Tours of Batsto Lake, call for schedule and reservations, 609-567-4559.
Jul 13
     The Carpenter Frog Pinelands Hike, 2-4 miles. 10.
Aug 2
     The Pinelands Summer Zenith Nature Hike, 2-4 miles. 10am.
Aug 9
     Astronomy in the Pines Presentation, 7-8pm.
     Starwatch, sunset to 11pm.
Sep 15
     FallBeauty in theWetlands Hike, 2-4 miles, 10.

YMCA Camp Mason
23 Birch Ridge Rd., Hardwick, 908-362-8217. Family camping weekends are generally offered over Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and for Fall Foliage. Fee includes accommodations in heated duplex cabins with full bathrooms and bunk beds, meals, self-directed and staff-led activities, and use of all facilities. Group rentals available at other times.

FARMS/PICK YOUR OWN

Visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's -website at www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov for a list of pick-your-own farms, community farmers' markets and a selection of Jersey Fresh recipes.
For information about farms in Sussex County that offer Christmas trees, farm tours, pick-your-own produce, farmstands and harvest activities, visit sussexfarmvisits.com or call 1-800-473-0363.
For a guide to Christmas tree farms throughout the state, visit www.njchristmastrees.org.

Hillview Farms
223 Meyersville Rd., Gillette, 908-647-0957. Daily 10-6. Pick your own blueberries, tomatoes, zinnias, peaches, apples, and pumpkins in season. Be sure to call first for availability. Shop in our store for Jersey-fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, fresh baked pies and much more. School tours.

HowellFarm Corn Maze
Valley Rd., 1 mi. west of Howell Living History Farm, Titusville (off Rt. 29 2 mi. south of Lambertville), 609-397-2555. Open weekends Sept.-Nov. plus Columbus Day. Seven-foot tall, walk-through puzzle cut into 3-acre cornfield is annual fundraiser to restore 200-yr.-old barn at Howell Farm. On weekends, visitors can enter and find their way out using maps, clues and "mailboxes." Estimated time for walk is 30 min. to 2 hrs.

Longmeadow Farm
561 Blairstown Rd. (Rt. 521), Hope, 908-459-5351. Open weekends and Mon. holidays 9-5 starting Labor Day weekend. Berry picking starts late July. No admission fees or membership required. Free parking. Schools and groups scheduled by appointment.
   Pick your own raspberries, blackberries, apples and pumpkins. 14 great apple varieties on easy pick dwarf trees. Take a spooky hayride to the pumpkin patch. Farmstand features our own honey, a huge selection of jams and jellies and no-sugar-added fruit spreads and fruit butters. See display ad on page 64.

Norz Hill Dairy Farm &Market
116 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough, 908-371-COWS. Pumpkin patch, farm tours, corn maze, and pony rides late Sept. thru Oct. Haunted trail open Oct. weekends. Market stand. School tours.

Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Rd. (turn north onto Oakdale at the Exxon on the eastern end of Main St.), Chester, 908-879-5353. Daily 9-4:30pm, seven days a week in Sept. and Oct. only. Pick-your-own apples in a scenic old orchard. Pick your own pumpkins, some still on the vine, in our new pumpkin patch. Enjoy the fall colors on our 68-acre farm. Hayrides on weekends. 27 varieties of apples by the pound. School trips. Cider.
Sept-
Oct
     Pick Your Own Apples, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, 7 days a week 9-4:30pm.

Stony Hill Orchards
8 Rt 24, Chester; 15 North Rd., Chester; 908-879-2908 or 908-879-2696. Open 9-6 seven days a week. Call or check website for corn maze hours. Summer mazes $5; gemstone mining $4-6; corn maze $10 child, $12 adult.
   Pumpkin, apple and strawberry picking, farm animals, hayrides, fresh produce, baked goods. Fun for all ages.
Thru
Aug 29
     SummerMazes, Gemstone Mining open.
Aug 30-
Nov 9
     Corn Maze open.

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, 609-924-2310. Pick-your-own May to Oct. from berries, cherries and flowers to peaches, apples and pumpkins. Read and Explore and Read and Pick programs for preschoolers and parents are held year-round for $5 per child. Farm store, farm yard and farm trail open to the public daily all year. School and group tours by appointment; birthday parties; annual special events.

ValleyShepherd Creamery
50 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, 908-876-3200. 112 hr. creamery tours are given 1 &4pm on weekends only April-Nov. Cheesemaking workshops on 3rd Sun. of the month. Participants return 2 mos. later to pick up aged cheese.

Wightman's Farms
Route 202 (5 mi. south of Morristown/exit 30B Rt. 287), Morristown, 973-425-9819. Store open every day 8am-6pm featuring all varieties of apples, fruits and vegetables, fresh baked pies, donuts, gourmet foods and fresh apple cider made in our own mill. Starting weekends Aug. 16, pick your own apples thru Oct., pick your own peaches thru peach season (9am-5pm, family membership required) and explore the mazes. Starting Sept. 6, bring the family for a scenic hayride and pick your own pumpkin. Sat. &Sun. 10am-5pm. No reservations required. Suitable for all ages. Weekend mazes and kiddie corn pit. Group & organ-ization hayrides by appointment only during weekdays beginning Sept. 10. If inclement weather, please call first.

Williams Nursery & The Gift House
524 Springfield Ave., Westfield, 908-232-4076. Hayrides and pick your own pumpkins in Oct. Call for times and to book your school now.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Alger
7 Beacon Light Rd., Tewksbury, 908-832-2298.

Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
114 DaumRd., Manalapan, 732-786-9277.

Black Oak Farm
9 Black Oak Lane, Asbury, 908-537-4133.

Cherryville Farms
Quakertown/Cherryville Rd. at W. Sidney Rd., Franklin Twp., 908-806-4580.

Cole's CountryTree Farm
478 Country Rd. 579, Alexandria Twp., 908-735-5706.

Cook's Evergreen Farm
7 Railroad Lane, Whitehouse Station, 908-534-2260.

Country Heritage Farm
129 Plains Rd, Augusta, 973-875-5590.

Deerfield Farm
14 Pulaski Rd., Whitehouse Station, 908-534-2523.

Dixiedale Farm
Hillside Ave. &River Rd., Chatham, 973-635-2097.

Evergreen Farm
4 Bass Lane, Lebanon, 908-236-9550.

Giamarese Farms
155 Fresh Pond Rd, E. Brunswick, 732-821-9494.

Hidden Hollow Farm
18 Spring Lane, Washington, 908-689-5678.

Holiday Tree Farm
44 Augusta HillRd., Augusta, 973-948-7488.

Holly Bough Plantation
88 Cole Rd., Whitehouse Station, 908-534-2622.

Keris Tree Farm &Christmas Shop
848 Rt. 524, Allentown, 609-259-0720.

Mt. Bethel Christmas Tree Farm
41 Mt. Bethel Rd., Washington, 908-852-5811.

Perfect Christmas Tree Farm
999 Rt. 22, Phillipsburg, 908-387-1225.

RollingGreen Farm
61 Hacklebarney Rd., Chester, 908-879-4497.

Village Tree Farm
8 Meyersville Rd., Green Village, 908-236-9202.

Wyckoff's Tree Farm
Mile Marker 39, Rt. 519, Belvidere, 908-475-4508.

GREAT OUTDOORS

county and state park -calendars

· Essex County Park Commission
www.co.essex.nj.us
· Hunterdon County Park Commission
  www.co.hunterdon.nj.us
· Morris County Park Commission
  Trail maps available by logging onto www.morrisparks.net
· New Jersey State Parks Calendar of Events
 www.njparksandforests.org
· Somerset County Park Commission
  908-722-1200 x351. www.somersetcountyparks.org
· Union CountyParks &Community Renewal
  www.ucnj.org/parks/index.html

hiking
The website for the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a federation of groups and individuals dedicated to maintaining marked hiking trails and protecting related open space, provides information about easy hikes, Hikes of the Week, and offers regional trail maps and books for sale.

Allaire State Park
Rt. 524 (exit 98 GSP), Wall Township, 732-938-2371. Nature Interpretive Center: 732-938-2003. Parking fee. Site of historic Allaire Village and the antique steam trains of the Pine CreekRailroad (see Historic Sites), Allaire State Park also features canoeing and fishing on the Manasquan River and trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Nature programs are offered throughout the year. Facilities include a Visitor Center/museum, food concession, and campsites.

Black River Park
 973-326-7600. Located in Chester Township, Black River Park is a unique linear park with beautiful hiking trails through Black River Gorge connecting the four cultural sites of Cooper Mill, Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook, and Willowwood Arboretum. Trails can be accessed from any of these sites. From Cooper Mill, the Black River Trail (blue blaze) follows the Black River for 2.3 miles to Kay Environmental Center. The red Conifer Pass Trail travels another 1.8 miles from Kay to Bamboo BrookTrail. Maps available from Morris CountyPark Commission.

Cheesequake State Park
Exit 120 Garden State Parkway, Matawan, 732-566-2161. Interpretive Center: 732-566-3208. Open daylight hours year-round. A unique variety of plant and animal life is found in this park's open fields, salt and freshwater marshes, white cedar swamp, pine barrens and hardwood forest. Three main trails (longest is 3.5 mile green) crisscross the park. Exhibits, nature programs and trail guides are available at Interpretive Center. Hooks Creek Lake features a bathing beach with lifeguards in summer (no flotation devices permitted). Bathhouse, concession stand, playground, short boardwalk to crabbing bridge nearby. Fishing in the lake and blue claw crabbing in Hooks Creek can be fun in late summer. 53 campsites are located across the parkway.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free
Jun 14
     Take Me Fishing Day, pre-registration required for fishing rods. 10am.
Jun 29
     Salt Marsh Hike, 1pm.
Jun-
Sept
     Kayak Eco Tours on Cheesequake Creek, call for details and registration, 732-566-3208.
Jul 27
     Yellow Trail Hike, 1pm.
Aug 10
     Nature Hike, 1pm.
Aug 31
     Osprey Talk, 1pm.
Sept 14
     Gerry's World of Snakes, 1pm.
Sept 21
     Natural Weaving for Children &Adults, 1pm.
Sept 28
     Crabs, Crabs, Crabs, 1pm.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Rt. 80W, stop at Kittatinny Point Visitor Center (off 80) for info &map. Dingmans Falls & Visitor Center is located off Rt. 209 near milepost 14 in Dingmans Ferry, PA. Visitors Centers are open 9-5 Memorial Day Sat.-Labor Day, closed Tues. &Wed. Open weekends and some weekdays in fall. The road to Dingmans Falls and Visitor Center is closed when icy conditions set in. Visitor Services: 570-426-2452.
   Short guided walks leave from Visitor Centers. Jr. Naturalist & Jr. Ranger materials are available. Consult www.nps.gov/dewa for a schedule of ranger-guided activities and children's materials. Pick up a park map to access boat and canoe launch points and trailheads for the Appalachian Trail and Mt.Tammany.
   In summer, enjoy a leisurely day tubing, canoeing, or rafting the Delaware River. Old sneakers help for walking on river bottom. Access the river from many points along Old Mine Rd. in NJ or from PA. River guide available at Visitor Centers. Fishing, hiking, bicycling; campsites available on the river at Worth-ington State Forest, 908-841-9575. Just north of Worthington Park headquarters is the Douglas Trail to Sunfish Pond, a natural glacier lake atop the Kittatinny Ridge.
   In winter, two major areas are maintained, when conditions permit, for beginner and advanced cross country skiers. Slateford Farm Ski Trail in PA (off 80) offers 5 miles of gentle trails. Blue Mountain Lakes Trail in NJoffers 8 miles for varied abilities.
Ongoing
     Adventure Guide for Teens, a 16-page introduction to the Appalachian Trail within the park is available at Visitor Centers or online. A patch is available if successfully completed.
     Junior Naturalist patch can be earned by completing a 4-page activity sheet available at Visitor Centers or online.
     Junior Park Ranger badge and patch can be earned after completing a 16-page Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook, available at Visitor Centers or by mail.
Friends of the Delaware Water Gap
Non-profit organization devoted to park conservancy sponsors lecture series and Family Fun Days at Bushkill Meeting Center, Rt. 209, just south of Bushkill Falls, 570-426-2490.
Nov 15
     Family Fun Day with Darryl Speicher of the Pocono Avian Research Center, bird-feeding basics, crafts and activities. 10am.

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Headquarters: 152 Pleasant Plains Rd., Harding Twp., 973-425-1222. Open Mon.-Fri. 8-4:30, Sun. hours spring-fall. Trails open dawn to dusk. More than 200 species of birds are found in the Great Swamp. 10 miles of trails leave from the trailhead at the northeast end of White Bridge Rd. &Laurel Trail. The Wildlife Observation Center off Long Hill Rd. has information center and short 1 mile trail with blinds for observing wildlife. Even if you don't find any unusual birds, this easy walk is always good for spotting turtles, frogs, snakes, etc. from the boardwalk.
Friends of Great Swamp
197 Pleasant Plains Rd., Harding Twp., 973-425-9510. Sat. &Sun. 11-5. Closed July and Aug. except for special events. Stop in for maps, information and visit the Discovery Den for -children, bookstore and gift shop. Friends of Great Swamp offers public and members-only programs, special events, group tours (908-647-2508), outreach speakers (973-635-1083), and Swamp in a Box loan program (908-647-5740).
Selected Public Events
Programs are free, no registration required unless noted.
Jul 12
     Refuge Work Day, volunteers needed. 8:30-noon.
Jul 13
     Second Sundaywith Friends: Butterfly Identi-fication, 2-4pm. All ages. Bookstore &Gift Shop open 11-5.
Aug 10
     Second Sundaywith Friends: Dragonflies, 2-4pm. Indoor program, guided walk, Discovery Den activities. All ages. Bookstore &Gift Shop open 11-5.
Aug 30-
Nov 2
     Wildlife Observation Center will be staffed to answer questions, record sightings during fall migration season.
Sept
     Discovery Den­Wildflowers, how wildflowers and insect pollinators depend on each other.
Sept 6
     9th Annual FallFestival, talks & walks, exhibits, kids activities, free food. All ages. 10am-3pm.
Sept 14
     Second Sundaywith Friends:Habitat Restoration, learn about restoration projects, take a guided walk. 2-4pm.

Great Swamp Watershed Association 
568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown, 973-538-3500. Membership-based nonprofit organization protects drinking water and preserves land in the Great Swamp watershed region. Educational programs for individuals and families, in-school programs and educators' workshops are offered.

Hacklebarney State Park
119 Hacklebarney Rd., Long Valley (from Chester, 24W 3 mi. to park entrance), 908-879-5677, 908-638-6969. Parking fee Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hacklebarney surrounds a gorge of unusual beauty where two feeder streams, Trout Brook & Rheinhart Brook, flow into the Black River. 5 miles of hiking trails, many picnic facilities throughout the gorge equipped with charcoal grills. Waters, stocked with trout, provide good fishing. Topography is rugged, wear comfortable walking shoes. Kids love to climb on the huge, flat boulders that line the ravine to the river.

High Point State Park
1480 Rt. 23, Sussex County, 973-875-4800. Interpretive Center: 973-875-1471. Cross Country Ski Center, 973-702-1222. Hike to the highest point in New Jersey along the Kittatinny Mountain ridge and Appalachian Trail. Panoramic views of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Camping, fishing, swimming (with bathhouse), boat launch, picnicking, food concession, playground, nature center.
   In winter, a cross country ski center features 15 km of groomed trails, 6.5 km with snow making equipment. Lodge, lessons, equipment sales and rentals, ice skating on Lake Marcia.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free
Jun 26, 27, Jul 10, 17, 24, Aug 8, 15, 22
     Fledgling Naturalists, ages 3-5. Pre-registration required. June 26 at 1pm; June 27, Aug. 8, 15, 22 at 10am; July 10, 17, 24 at 9:30 &11am.
Jul 11, 18, 25, Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
     Friday Family Nature Study, all ages. 11am. Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 12:30pm.

Huber Woods Park
Brown's Dock Rd. (off Navesink River Rd.), Locust Section, Middletown, 732-872-2670. Hands-on environmental center, short nature loop and Discovery Path and guide for children. Six miles of wooded trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Weldon Rd., Jefferson Twp., 973-663-0200. Visitors Center at Saffin Rock-Rill Area. Morris County Park system's largest park encompasses more than 3,000 acres with over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Softball fields, picnic facilities, radio-controlled car track and field archery course. Camping is available year round in 18 wooded trailer sites, 8 tent sites with platforms, or 4 Adirondack shelters. Shower and restrooms. Reservations recommended. Fishing, ice skating, and cross country skiing in winter. Canoe rentals 1-4pm weekends in July and Aug. on Saffin Pond, life jackets provided. Private boats or canoes are not permitted.

South Mountain Reservation
Access trails from Locust Grove (Glen Ave. &Lackawanna Place) in Millburn, Elmdale entrance off Brookdale Dr., Turtle Back Zoo, or Summit Field off Crest Drive. 2,048 acre park with twenty miles of carriage roads used for jogging, walking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Five trails provide 19 miles of hiking paths. Turtle Back Trail (orange blazes) is an easy day hike of 212 miles roundtrip. Lenape Trail (follow yellow blazes) leads through deep woods, Maple Brook cascades and Hemlock Falls (after plenty of rain or snow). Maps available from Essex County at 973-268-3500, ext. 238.
  The South Mountain Conservancy, a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and promoting wise use of the Reservation, offers group guided hikes for individuals and families with children 10 and older who are strong walkers. Designated hikes are designed for younger children. Access website for current schedule.

Union County Watchung Reservation
Coles Ave. &New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 908-789-3670. 13+ miles of marked hiking trails include the 11-mi. Sierra loop (maps available at Visitor Center). 1845 Feltville/Deserted Village, fishing at Surprise Lake, Seeley's Pond and Blue Brook which are stocked with trout annually. Picnic facilities, ballfield, playground, horseback trails, Trailside Nature &Science Center.

Voorhees State Park
Rt. 513 (Rt. 78 exit 17 to Rt. 31N), Glen Gardner, 908-638-6969. Hiking through woods, to scenic overlooks and along Willoughby Brook, picnicking, playground, ballfield, 2 small fishing ponds for children (catch &release), 50 wooded campsites within walking distance to New JerseyAstronomical Association Observatory open to the public June-Oct. on Sat. night 8:30-10:30pm and Sun. 2-5pm, weather permitting. Call 908-638-8500 for observatory schedule.
Sat &
Sun
     Observatory open to the public, Sat. 8:30-10:30pm, Sun. 2-5pm June-Oct.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Center Line Farm
245 Old Turnpike Rd., Route 517, Tewksbury, 908-832-9448. Mon.-Sun. Summer and winter ride from 9am-9pm in our spacious indoor arena. Specializing in English riding (pleasure, jumping and dressage) with gentle attention to children and beginner adults. Private or small group lessons. We are known for our very supportive and friendly family atmosphere. Call for more information or to visit our farm in beautiful Tewksbury. Lesson package includes four half-hr. private lessons for $160. Summer &Christmas camps. Now offering moonlight, beach rides, home shows, year end banquet and more! mjsalvetti@yahoo.com. See display ad on page 68.

Palermo Show Stable
1555 Burnt Mills Rd., Bedminster, 908-719-7500. Info@palermoshowstable.com. Tues.-Sun. 8am-1pm, 3-6pm, after hours by appointment only. Horseback riding lessons, ages 6 to 65, beginner to advanced. Summer day camps, ages 6 to 16 and youth camp ages 3-5. Boarding, training, showing, horse sales and leases, and monthly horse shows. See display ad on page 69.

River Edge Farm
1575 River Rd. East, Bedminster, 908-420-1274. See listing under Camps.

Seaton Hackney Stables­Equishare
440 South St., Morristown, 973-644-3355.

Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable
256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge, 908-766-5955. Office hours 9am-5pm seven days a week. Lord Stirling Stable offers English horseback riding, group lessons from beginner through jumping levels, and several special events year round for all ages. Riding on 14 miles of well groomed trails or in the large indoor or outdoor rings. Lead line available by the half hour for children eight years old or younger who can sit and hold on by themselves. Pony parties.
Introductory Rides for ages 12 & up. Brief lesson followed by trail ride. Registration must be done in person, begins 2 wks. before each ride.
Ongoing
     Horse Fan Badge, 2-hr. program for girl scouts ages 9 and older. 908-766-5955.
Jun 15
     Father's Day Ride, non-equestrian family members can join the rider in the family on a relaxing trail ride. 11-noon, registration required.

Union County Watchung Stables
1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside, 908-789-3665. Adult and children's troops, private lessons, recreational riding in the ring on an hourly and half-hourly basis, guided rides, horseback rides with lead lines for riders under the age of 9, handi-capped riding program, and summer equestrian camp for ages 9-17. Barn and facility is open for visits during business hours. Birthday party room.
Ongoing
     Horse Fan Badge, one-time session for -junior level girl scouts.
     Just the Two of Us, 30 min. program introduces adult and child under the age of 9 to the world of horses and riding. Spring and fall sessions, limited to four families.
Sun
     Private GroupRides available to groups of ten or more over the age of 9 on Sunday a.m.
New
     Learn About Horses, one-hour group program includes tour of the facility and learning about care of horses. $40 per group of 10-25. Lead line horses may be added for children under the age of 9.
New
     Brownie "Try-It" Program, 112 hr. non-riding program. $50 per group.
     Kiddie Clinics, mini-clinics designed for ages 5-8 to learn about horses.
May 11
     Mother's Day Ride, 9:15 &10:30am.
Jun 15
     Father's Day Ride, 9:15 &10:30am.
Oct 24-26
     Annual Fall Mounted Troop Horse Show. Show begins Fri. at 4, Sat. &Sun. at 8:30am.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION
New Jersey State Parks offer a variety of interpetive programs, hikes, bike, canoe and kayak trips at different parks throughout the season. The Park Service publishes a calendar twice a year for Apr.-Sept. and Oct.-Mar. available at Visitor Information Centers, State Park offices or online at www.njparksandforests.org.
Or contact the -specific park of interest for their most current schedule. See State Park listings under other Outdoors categories for selected interpretive programs.

www.state.nj.us/dep/seeds
Visit the SEEDS (State Environmental Education Directory) website for an online catalog of resources available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Field trips and outreach programs for schools, groups, -families and organizations are available.

Camden Children's Garden
3 Riverside Dr., Camden, 856-365-8733. April 16-Sept. 15: Daily 9:30-5:30. Sept. 16-April 15: 9:30-4:30. Weekend hours 10-5. Adults $6, children $4, under 2 free. Modest fee for train ride and carousel. Combin-ation ticket available with New JerseyState Aquarium.
    Four-acre interactive garden includes a butterfly garden, railroad garden, dinosaur garden, maze, picnic garden, treehouse, amphitheater, carousel and storybook gardens. Visitors can enter the Butterfly House to observe 200 Monarch and Swallowtail butterflies in a lush tropical environment. School Festivals; party packages; gift shop.
Selected Events
Jun 14
     StrawBEARy Surprise &Nature in Art Day. 12-4.
Jun 28
     Festival de Aibonito, Hispanic arts & crafts, games, entertainment. 12-4pm.
Jul 12
     BlueBEARy Blast &Celebrate NJDay Family Festival, 12-4.
Jul 16
     Faerie Garden Funtasie, parent & child workshop, 10-11:30. $20/$15, reservations.
Jul 26
     Storybook CelebrationFamily Festival, 12-4.
Aug 9
     Peach Party Family Festival, 12-4.
Aug 20
     Eat This! Flowers to Tickle Your Taste Buds, parent & child workshop. 10-11:30. $20/$15, reservations required.
Aug 23
     Chocolate &Vanilla Family Festival, 12-4.
Sept 13-14
     Hefty Harvest &Scary Scarecrows Family Festival.
Sept 28-29
     Faeries &Wizards Family Festival, 12-4.
Oct 11-12
     Mum Madness &Pumpkin Parade Family Festival, 12-4.
Oct 25-26
     Goblins in the Garden Family Festival, kids in costume receive half-price admission.
Oct 31
     Safe Trick or Treating, kids in costume receive half-price admission.
Nov 1
     Eco-Explorer Try-It Brownie Girl Scout Work-shop, 9:30-1: 30. $8 per scout, reservations.
Nov 8-9
     Train Festival, 12-4.
Nov 15
     Wildlife Badge Junior Girl Scout Workshop, 9:30-1:30. $8 per scout, reservations required.
Nov 29
     Tree Decorating, Santa's Arrival, Holiday Lights Begins, tree decorating 12-4, Holiday Lights on 5:30-8.
Dec
     Holiday Festival of Lights, 100,000 holiday lights and animated light sculptures through 4.5 acres of gardens. Santa, Butterfly House, carousel, train ride. 5:30-8. $4 per person.

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary
324 Forest Dr. S., Short Hills, 973-376-3587. Stone House Museum: Mon. 9-1, Tues.-Thurs. 9-4:30, Fri. 9-3, Sat. 9:30-11:30. Closed school vacations and state holidays. Grounds open daylight hours year 'round. 16 acres of woodland with 3 miles of walking trails. Adult day trips and hikes; youth &family nature programs for ages 2-grade 8; summer discovery program for ages 4-5; scouting programs. Membership is required for youth programs. Registration on first come first served basis with preference to Millburn Twp. residents.

Duke Farms
80 Rt. 206S, Hillsborough, 908-722-3700. 2,740 acre estate and wildlife sanctuary was developed by tobacco and hydropower magnate James Buchanan Duke beginning in 1893. The estate will be open on a limited basis until spring of 2010 while undergoing renovation and construction to refocus its operations as an environmental showcase and learning center. New partnerships with the New Jersey Audubon Society, Raritan Piedmont Wildlife Habitat Partnership, and the Rutgers UniversitySchool of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Office of Continuing Education will enable expanded environmental programs for families and professionals and increase self-guided public access over time. 
Open
     Estate Park &Nature Tour open on a limited basis. Nature programs, bike tours andhorticultural classes continue. Indoor display -gardens are closed. Consult website for latest schedule.

Essex County Environmental Center
West Essex Park, 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-8776. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. Environmental Center open Mon.-Fri. 9-5,Sat. 10-2. Serves as a central headquarters for most of the environmental groups in Essex County including the Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Master Gardeners, 4-H Club, Rutgers Cooperative Extension and others. Library; natural history exhibits; education programs for toddlers to adults; center-based and outreach programs; scout programs; birthday parties; summer day camp.
Wed
     Little Explorers Nature Program, explore nature through stories, walks and crafts. Ages 18 mos.-3 yrs.: 10-11am. Ages 3-5: 3-4pm. Advance registration required.
SelectedEvents
Jun 14
     Father's Day Paddle, for experienced paddlers ages 14 & up. 9-1. $18, registration required.
Jun 20-21
     Essex CountyBio Blitz, help identify flora and fauna in SouthMountainReservation. Family Day activities on Sat. Call to volunteer. 5-5. Free.
Jun 28
     Bugfest!, 10:30-2. Adults $7, child $5, family $9.
Jul 12
     Turning Tops, with Essex County 4-H and NJWoodturners. Free, tops created will be for sale.
Jul 17
     4th Seeing Eye Dog Demonstration, 7-9. Free.
Aug 12
     Twilight Hike, bring binoculars. 7-9. Adult $7, child $5, family $9.
Aug 19
     Grow Your Own Pizza, help Young Gardener's 4-H Club harvest their garden. 10-11. Free.
Aug 23
     Canning &Preserving Your Harvest, for adults and children ages 10 &up. 10:30-12:30. $12, advance registration.
Sept-
Dec
     Call for fall schedule of events.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 E. Hanover Ave. (Rt. 511), Morris Township, 973-326-7600. Haggerty EducationCenter: Mon.-Sat. 9-4:30, Sun. noon-4: 30. Grounds: 8am-dusk. Beautifully maintained estate known for its rose garden, lilac collection and ideal setting for informal picnics. Self-guided trail booklets and children's walking tour map available in the Mansion, headquarters for the Morris CountyPark Commission. Horticulture programs for adults, children and scouts, 973-326-7627.
Ongoing
     Backpack Field Trips, available to Morris County school teachers, provide tools to guide students on a self-paced tour of the arboretum.
     Branching Out, seasonal program for ages 5-13 to learn about gardening, botany, horticulture.
     Tack House Crafts, drop-in program for young explorers to make a craft related to a monthly theme. Sundays during school year, 1-4pm. $1.
Jun 15, 22, 29
     Tack House Crafts: Plant Explorers, make and decorate a simple compass. $1.
Jul 13
     Fairy Day, 1-4pm. $25 per family includes concert and one fairy house.

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township, 973-635-6629. Visitor Center open daily 9-4:30. Interactive exhibit area and library. Pick up a self-guiding trail booklet for the 2 miles of trails and boardwalks that lead through wooded and swamp habitats. Weekend family programs, puppet shows, guided trail walks, Baby &Me Hikes, scout and school programs, teacher training workshops available.
Ongoing
     Outdoor Adventure, naturalist-led walks, hikes or other outdoor activities scheduled every week.
     Homeschool Science Series, designed for homeschool students ages 6-8. Call for fall info.
Mon
     Toddler Trek, walk and story for toddlers ages 2-3 with adult. $5 per child, registration required.
Tues
     Pre-KWalk, hour-long nature walk and craft for ages 4-5 with adult. Reser-vations required 2 weeks prior to event, $5, limited space.
     Baby & Me Hikes for parents, grandparents or caretakers and infant children to discover nature at different park locations. All babies must be in front- or backpack; no siblings or strollers. 9:30-11. $1, registration required.
Wed
     Wednesday Wanderings Hiking Series, adult hiking series (18 & up). $2 per hike, registration required.
     Awesome Animal Artists, learn about and draw a different New Jerseyanimal each class. Ages 5-7. 4pm. $3 per class, registration required.
     Jun 11, Jul 16, Aug 13, Sept 17
Thurs
     Nature's Little Explorers, 6-week nature program for parent and toddler ages 2-3 yrs. $50.
     Woodland Adventures, nature program for parent and child ages 4-6 yrs. 1-2pm. $8.
Sat
     Tyke Hike, 45-minute kid-sized nature hike. $3, pre-registration required.
     Jun 14, Sept 20
Preschool Walks (see Tuesday above for info)
Jun 17
     Meet at Tree, 10am.
Sept 17
     Rainbow of Color, 10am.
Toddler Treks (see Monday above for info)
Aug 25
     Bugs are Buzzing!, 10am.
Sep 8
     Butterflies are Fluttering!, 10am.
Sep 22
     Pond Life, 10am.
Woodland Adventures (see Thursday above for info)
Jun 12
     Feed Me!
Sep 18
     Sense-ational, using your senses.
Sep 25
     Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!
Selected Events for Families
$3, unless noted. Pre-registration required.
Jun 15
     Father's Day Stroll, 2pm. Free.
Jul 6
     Beat the Bugs!, morning stroll, all ages.
Jul 10
     Pond Exploration, ages 8-12. 10-11:30.
Jul 12
     Children's Hike, guided walk, all ages. Noon.
Aug 7
     Animal Survival!, ages 6-10. 2pm.
Aug 9
     Wild Edibles!, ages 12 & up. Noon. $5.
Aug 10
     Swamp Romp, all ages. 1pm.
Aug 16
     Wildflowers of Summer, all ages. 10am.
Aug 2
     Trees of the Great Swamp, ages 12 & up. 10am.
Sept 11-
Oct 16
     Nature's Little Explorers, 9:45-10:30.See Thursday above. Registration begins Aug. 21 at 8am.
Sept 21
     Fall into Fall!, ages 5 & up. 1pm.

Hunterdon County Parks & Recreation
Office location: 1020 Rt. 31N, Lebanon Twp., 908-782-1158. Surrounding park headquarters are 2 miles of nature trails winding through display gardens including children's garden and picnic area. Over 7,000 acres of public open space at parks and preserves are maintained throughout the county.Parks staff lead a wide selection of daytime and evening nature, sports and crafts programs for children, families, adults and school/community groups. Popular offerings include summer day camps, after-school nature programs, canoe trips and the free summer concert series.

Kay Environmental Center
200 Pottersville Rd., Chester Twp., 908-879-0566. Former 400-acre estate with hiking trails through fields, forest and along the Black River. If you follow the red trail blazes to the river, a left before the bridge will take you to a beautiful -hemlock gorge, short waterfalls and to the stone ruins of an old summer house and dam.
Jul 24
     Kids' Wildflower Hike, ages 5-10. 3:30. Free, registration required.

The Nature Conservancy
908-879-7262. Headquartered in New Jersey at Kay Environmental Center, The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization whose mission is to protect -ecologically important open spaces, primarily through acquisition. Field trips, programs and volunteer opportunities are available for members and the public.

Kittatinny Valley State Park
Goodale Rd. (off Rt. 206N), Andover, 973-786-6445. Featuring glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings and access to the Paulinskill Valley and Sussex Branch rail trails, this State Park offers challenging mountain biking, easy family biking, hiking, fishing, boating and kayaking as well as cross country skiing and ice fishing in winter. Interpretive programs are scheduled year round, each weekend during the spring and summer, with less frequency during fall and winter.
Ongoing
     Junior Naturalist Workbook &Program for ages 7-12. Stop by the park visitor center for info.
Selected Interpretive Programs
Free, pre-registration required unless noted.
Jun 14
     Fly Fishing for Beginners, adults &age 10+. 10-12.
     Trail Hike, 10am.
Jun 26
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4 & 5, 10-11.
Jun 28
     Backyard Bugs, adults & ages 6-12. 11-12.
Jul 10
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4-5, 10-11.
Jul 19
     The Great Horned Owl &the Crow, all ages, 11-12.
Jul 24
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4 & 5, 10-11.
Jul 26
     Butterfly Basics, ages 6-12, 11-12.
Jun 28
     Backyard Bugs, ages 6-12. 10-11.
Aug 2
     Dragons &Damsels, adults & ages 6-12, 11-12.
Aug 7
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4-5, 10-11.
Aug 9
     Kingdom of the Coldbloods, all ages, 11-12.
Aug 16
     Wolf Visions, all ages, 7-8pm.
Aug 21
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4-5, 10-11.
Sep 1
     Labor Day Hike, 10am.
Sep 9
     The Magic of Monarchs, ages 6-12, 4-5.
Sep 10
     The Magic of Monarchs, ages 6-12, 4-5.
Sep 11
     L'il Tykes Hike, ages 5 &under with adult, 4-5.
Sep 14
     Trail Hike, 10am.
Sep 25
     L'il Tykes Hike, ages 5 &under with adult, 4-5.

Lakota Wolf Preserve
89 Mt. Pleasant Rd. (Rt. 80W, exit 4), Columbia, 877-733-9653. Wolf watch programs presented twice daily; closed Mon. Summer: 10:30 & 4. Fall &winter: 10:30 & 3. Call for reservations. Adults $15, under 12 $7. Enjoy a scenic walk to an observation area in the center of four packs of Tundra, Timber and Arctic wolves. Learn about them through informal talks with caretakers and direct observation. Picnicking, hiking and swimming at Camp Taylor Campground is included in fee.

Liberty State Park Interpretive Center
Morris Pesin Dr. (Exit 14B NJ Tnpk.), Jersey City, 201-915-3409. Free. In addition to being a launching point to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Liberty State Park is a scenic natural area featuring bike/walking paths, a giant playground and an interpretive center with nature trail, exhibits, offering environmental programs, outreach -programs and professional development workshops for educators. Also see listing under Historic Sites. 
Selected Interpretive Programs
Free, pre-registration required unless noted.
Jun 28
     Urban Bird Day, 10-1.
Jul 12
     Summer Shorebird Walk, 10-12.
Jul 19
     Explore the Estuary, 10-12.
Jul 26
     Caven Point Bird Walk, 9-11.
Aug 2
     Explore the Estuary, 10-12.
Aug 16
     Butterfly Day, 10-12.
Aug 17
     Nature Cinema &Craft:Pond &River, 1-2.
Aug 23
     Summer Shorebird Walk, 10-12.
Sep 6
     Explore the Estuary, 10-12.
Sep 27
     Estuary Day Volunteer Beach Clean Up, 10-12.
Sep 28
     Caven Point Bird Walk, 9-11.

Merrill Creek Reservoir
34 Merrill Creek Rd. (Exit 4 Rt. 78W), Harmony Twp., 908-454-1213. Open daily daylight hours. Visitors Center: weekdays 8:30-4: 30, weekends 10-4. 290-acre environmental preserve surrounds this reservoir that was developed by 7 electric utility companies to store water for release to the Delaware River during periods of low flow. Visitors Center features hands-on exhibits, dioramas and displays. Emphasis is on low-impact activities-hiking trails, wildlife observation blind, cross-country skiing. Swim-ming, camping and picnicking are prohibited. Stocked reservoir is popular for fishing and boating (canoes, sailboats and fishing boats, no gas motors). Naturalist-led environmental education programs available for all organized non-profit groups, ages pre-K to adult.

New Jersey Audubon Society
Independent, membership-supported organization has the mission to foster environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among citizens, protect New Jersey's birds and other animals and plants, and promote preservation of New Jersey's natural habitats. The organization maintains stewardship of 34 sanctuaries and conducts adult, family and children's programs at eight staffed facilities.
· Lorimar Sanctuary
790 Ewing Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-891-2185.
· Weis EcologyCenter
150 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, 973-835-2160. See separate listing under Great Outdoors.
· Essex County Environmental Center (NJASpartner site), 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-8776. See separate listing.
· Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary­headqtrs.
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. See -separate listing.
· Sandy Hook Bird Observatory
Bldg. 20, Hartshorne Dr., Fort Hancock, 732-872-2500.
· Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. See separate listing.
· Cape May Bird Observatory
Center for Research &Education: 600 Rt. 47 N., Cape May Court House, 609-861-0700.
Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May, 609-898-8848.
Northwood Center: 701 E. Lake Dr., Cape May Point, 609-884-2736.
· Rancocas Nature Center
794 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly, 609-261-2495.
May-
Aug
     Harbor Safari, seine Cape May Harbor to discover the diverse marine life there with special emphasis on horseshoe crabs. Contact Nature Center of Cape May for info.

New Jersey Meadowlands Environment Center
2 DeKorte Park Plaza (east end of Valley Brook Rd.), Lyndhurst, 201-460-8300. Weekdays 9-5, Sat. & Sun. 10-3, closed holidays. Interactive learning center and observatory, built to LEED standards, is -situated in a portion of Richard W. DeKorte Park, an area of several hundred acres of reclaimed landfills and revitalized wetlands along the Hackensack River and an annual migratory stop for thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds. Barrier-free trails with bird and photo blinds; year 'round environmental and astronomy education programs for -children and adults; nature walks; teacher develop-ment workshops; school programs; outreach programs; scout programs; summer camps; gift shop.
   From April-Oct. canoe and kayak rentals are available at Hackensack Riverkeeper Paddling Center in Laurel Hill CountyPark, Secaucus. 201-968-0808 for info. Paddlers can explore the marshlands of the SawmillCreek Wildlife Management Area.
May-
Sept
     Hackensack River PontoonBoat Rides, 2-hr. trips depart Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus, on select dates.
Apr-
Aug
     Canoe Trips, 3-hr. trips, ages 10 & up. Call for schedule.
New
     William D. McDowell Observatory opens.
Jun 21
     Soho­Summer Solstice & the Sun, solar activities  and viewing for all ages, 11:30-2. $5.
Oct 18
     The World of Robots, scientist Jack Burrus bring world of robots to life.
Nov 22
     Native American Storytelling &Music, with Tchin, artist and educator of Indian arts & culture.

Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center
Rt. 46 (Rt. 78 to Rt. 31N to Rt. 46E 2 miles), Oxford, 908-637-4125. Open Mon.-Fri. 10-4; closed weekends June 2008; call for summer hours. Free. 600,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout are raised here annually to stock over 200 public waters. Self-guided tour, videos, exhibits, hiking trails and picnic grounds. Group programs. Children and adult workshops related to wildlife and natural resources are offered select weekends. Check website for monthly listings. www.NJfishandwildlife.com.
Ongoing
     New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Exhibit.

Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. Nov. 15-Mar. 15: Tues.-Sat. 9-4, Sun. 12-4. Mar. 16-Nov. 15: Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. Hiking trails open daily dawn to dusk. A joint effort of the Township of Plainsboro, County of Middlesex and New Jersey Audubon Society, the preserve includes a nature center with exhibits, reference library, nature store and over five miles of trails through a variety of habitats. Programming includes family nature programs, field trips and programs for adults and teens, and school vacation and summer camps for ages 6-12.
Family Nature Programs
Sat 3:30-5pm. Designed for beginning naturalists and their families ages 6-adult. $5, $3 members, pre-registration is encouraged.
Jun 21
     Terrific Turtles.
Jun 28
     Tracking Wild Animals.
Jul 5
     Creatures Beneath the Water, in the brooks of the preserve.
Jul 12
     Nesting Birds­Up Close.
Jul 19
     Animal Habitat Hunt.
Jul 26
     Amazing Insects.
Aug 2
     A Taste of Organic Gardening.
Aug 9
     Forest Foray.
Aug 16
     Bring on the Butterflies!
Aug 23
     Stories of Nature in Summer, from native cultures.
Aug 30
     Sensory Safari.
Sep 6
     Amazing Insects.
Sep 13
     Intermediate Birding, bring binoculars and field guide.
Sep 20
     Wonders of Wetlands.
Sep 27
     Animal Homes &Habitats.
Oct 4
     Radical Raptors.
Oct 11
     Getting Crafty with Nature.
Oct 18
     Fall Foiage Forest Foray.
Oct 25
     Stories from the World of Nature.
Nov 1
     Bats: The Misunderstood Mammal.
Nov 8
     Coexisting with Wildlife, live animal presentation.
Nov 15
     Animals Prepare for Winter.
Nov 22
     Animal Tracking.
Nov 29
     The Wily New Jersey White-Tail.

Pyramid Mountain
247 Boonton Ave., Boonton, 973-334-3130. Park open year 'round dawn to dusk. Visitors Center Wed.-Sun. 10-4:30. Call for winter hours. Trail guide available at Visitors Center for wooded trails to Tripod Rock, a 180-ton boulder balanced atop three smaller rocks, Bear Rock, and to the top of Pyramid Mountain for fabulous views of the New York City skyline. Nature programs; guided hikes; preschool walks; nature puppet shows; school programs;  scout badge programs; birthday parties.
Ongoing
     Preschool Walk &Craft. 45-min. nature walk and craft for pre-schoolers age 4-5 with adult. Call for scheduled dates. Reser-vations required 2 weeks prior to event, $10, limited space.
     Baby &Me Hikes for parents, grandparents or caretakers and infant children to discover nature. All babies must be in front- or backpack; no registration.
Wed
     Nature's Little Explorers, 6-week nature program for parent and toddlers age 2-3. 9:45-10:30am or 10:45-11:30. $50.
Sept 10-Oct 15
     Registration begins Aug. 20.
     Awesome Animal Artists, for ages 5-7. Indoor/outdoor program features a different animal each session. 4-5pm. $3.
Jun 18, Jul 23, Aug 20,Sept 10
     Woodland Adventures, program for ages 4-6 with adult. 1-2pm. $8.
Thurs
     Nature's Classroom, 4-week hands-on -science education for home-schoolers 7-12 yrs. old. 1-3pm. $40.
     Sept 18-Oct 9
Woodland Adventures (see Wed. above for details)
Sept 17
     Sense-ational.
Sept 24
     Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall.
Selected Family Programs
Pre-registration is required for programs below. Free, unless noted.
Jun 15
     Family Hike with Dad, easy, ages 5 & up. 10am.
Jul 6
     Hike &Stretch, moderate, ages 7 & up. 10am.
Jul 12
     Family Insect Hike, easy, ages 5 & up. 10am.
Jul 20
     Hiking 'Round the Mountain, strenuous, ages 16 & up. 10am.
Jul 23
     Mission: Monarch Search, all ages. 2-3pm.
Jul 26
     Morning Bird Hike, moderate, ages 7 & up. 8am.
Jul 27
     Tripod Trek, ages 8 & up. 8am.
Aug 2
     Wonders of Wildflowers Hike, easy, ages 5 & up. 10am.
Aug 6
Mission: Monarch Search, all ages. 2-3pm.
Aug 10
     Turkey Mountain Trot, moderate, ages 7 & up. 10am.
Aug 16
     Reservoir Ramble, moderate, ages 7 & up. 10am.
Aug 20
     Mission: Monarch Search, all ages. 2-3pm.
Aug 24
     Scaling the Trails Reptile Hike, moderate, ages 7 & up. 10am.
Aug 30
     Bear Rock Hike, moderate, ages 7 & up. 10am.
Sept 5
     Toddler Program­Discovering Butterflies, ages 2-3 with adult. 10am. $5, pre-register.
Sept 7
     Golden Oldies Hike, moderate, ages 7 & up. 10am.
Sept 9
     Going Batty! Bat Program & Hibernaculum Trip, ages 8 & up. 6pm. Ages 8-12 $10, 13 & up $15, pre-registration required.
Sept 13
     3rd Annual Meet a Monarch Butterfly Festival, all ages. Games, crafts, music, activities. 1-4.
Sept 27
     Oaks &Acorns Hike, moderate. 10am.

The Raptor Trust
1390 White Bridge Rd., Millington, 908-647-2353. Education Center, 908-647-1091. Open year round 7 days during daylight hours. Suggested donation $2 ea. adult. Avian rehabilitation center supplies care, diet and housing for distressed wild birds with the goal of returning healthy, self-sufficient birds to the wild. Outdoor display area for unreleasable hawks, eagles, falcons and owls is open to the public. Group outreach, on-site programs, and telephone advisory service for wild bird related problems.
Selected Special Events
Jul 5, Aug 30, Sept 20
     Raptor Trust Tour Talks, guided tour of aviaries. 11 &2. Adults $10, children 12 & under $5. Reservations recommended.
Oct 4
     "Heads Up for Hawks!," Family Day, activities, food, entertainment. $5, no registration.
Oct 25
     Happy HOWLoween Owl Program, all about owls, ages 7-12. 10-11:30. $8, limit 30.
Nov TBA
     Great Swamp Owl Prowl, ages 12 to adult. $8-10pm. 15, registration required.
Nov 29
     Raptor Trust Story Program &Hot Cider Tour, ages 8 to adult. 1-3pm. $10, registration.

Reeves Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave., Summit, 908-273-8787. Grounds open daily daylight hours. Office and library open Mon., Tues, Thurs. &Fri. 9-3. Member-ships available. Woodland walks, perennial gardens, rose, daylily, herb and -daffodil gardens. Picnics and dogwalking are prohibited. Elephant Tree Nature Camp for children in July and Aug.; school programs; nature birthday parties for ages 4-8; adult workshops. Garden Shop.
Apr
     Daffodils, see over 30,000 in bloom.
Jun
     Butterfly Garden in bloom.
Selected Family Events
Jun 27
     National Wildlife Federation Great American Backyard Campout, bring a cold picnic dinner, sleep under the stars. Arrive 6pm, special guest 7pm. $25 per non-member family, $20 member family. Reservations required.
Jul 23
     Wildflower Lore, ages 12 to adult. 3-4:30pm. $10 non-members, $8 members.
Aug 4
     Family Meadow Meander, 6:30-8pm. $15 non-member family, $12 member family.

Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuaries
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. Hotline: 908-766-2661. Trails open 7 days to 5pm, Hoffman building housing exhibits and Book & Gift Shop open Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. noon-5. 260-acre wildlife sanctuary belongs to the New JerseyAudubon Society. 3.2 miles of trails lead through woodland, field and floodplain habitats. Patriot's Path can be reached from the Scherman parking lot. Field trips; adult and family programs; summer natural history day camp for ages 4-high school; overnight camps; teacher workshops. Group programs and tours by reservation; outreach lectures and slide programs available for club meetings and special events; eco-travel. Publishers of Bridges to the Natural World, a manual for exploring New Jersey habitats with children.
Fri-Sat
     Free Nature Walks, 8-9am. Meet at the Hoffman Parking Lot.
Jul 5
     Butterflies of Scherman-Hoffman, butterfly inventory walk, beginners welcome. 1-3pm. Free.
Aug 1
     Insects of the Night, 8pm. $8 non-members, $5 members; $15 max. non-member family, $10 max. member family.

Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mendham, 973-543-6004. Schiff Natural Lands Trust, a nonprofit corporation, owns and operates the 340-acre Schiff Nature Preserve as public open space. Eight miles of trails are open daylight hours for hiking, biking, horseback riding or nature study. Year round natural history programs for children and adults, homeschooler program, summer day camps for children (see Camps), and environmental book club for adults are offered. Discounts available to members.
Selected Events
Pre-registration required for all programs. Fees listed first for members, then non-members.
Jun 8
     Bluebird Day, ages 10-adult. 1pm. Free.
Jun 23-Aug 22
     Schiff Summer Nature Programs, 5 weeks for kids ages 6-12, one week for ages 13-15.
Jul 22
     Baby &Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per adult. Children must be carried in a backpack.
Jul 27
     Fungus Foray, ages 12-adult. Bring a lunch. 10am.
Aug 12
     Perseids in the Great Meadow, 9pm. Free.
Sep 20
     Schiff Scavenger Hunt &Picnic, 11am. Free/$5 per non-member family. Raindate: Sept. 21.
Sep 30
     Baby &Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per adult.
Oct 14
     Sock Walk, ages 9-12. 4-5:30pm. $10/$13.
Oct 15
     Sock Walk, ages 6-8. 4-5:30pm. $10/$13.
Nov 13
     Full Moon Hike, ages 8-adult. 7pm. $5/$8.
Nov 18
     Baby &Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per adult.

Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center
190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-2489. Daily 9am-5pm. No admission. Home to Secrets of the Great Swamp exhibit hall (closed for renovations) and a host of classes, lectures, walks, and other environmental education programs. 430 acres bordering the Great Swamp and Passaic River feature 812 miles of walking trails with 8,000 ft. boardwalk and special boardwalk for handicapped, bird blind and frog ponds. Year-round nature and discovery programs are offered for children ages infant­5 with parent, preschoolers­age 12, families and adults; canoe andkayak trips; field trips; summer camps; teacher workshops; outreach to Somerset County schools; cross country skiing in winter. For a full listing of programs for toddlers through -families, call 908-766-2489 or access website.
Sun
     One Hour Wanderings, hour-long interpretive walk with naturalist for adults and ages 4 & up focuses on different theme each week, no registration necessary (not designed for organized groups such as scouts). Noon-1pm selected Sun. Free.
Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 3, 10, 17, Aug 24, 31, Sept 7
Selected Family &Friends Programs
For adults and ages 4 yrs. or older. An adult must accompany anyone younger than 15. Fees are per person, pre-register.
Jun 15
     Father's Day Fun, 2-3:30. $9.
Jul 1
     Down by the River, walk along the Raritan River in Duke Island park. 11-12. $6.
Jul 8
     Reptibians &Amphitiles, slides &outdoor walk with dipping nets. 5-7pm. $8.
Jul 12
     Aquatic Adventures, pond study. 10-11:30. $8.
Jul 27
     Picture Painting, ages 7 & older. 10-12. Adult $25, student/sr. $20.
Aug 28
     Basically Bats, slide show &field walk. 7-9. $12.
Sept 11
     Ribbit Rendezvous, at Lily Pad Pond. 6-7:30. $8.
Sept 18
     September Sunset Stroll, 6:30-8. $8.
Sept 26
     Fall Harvest Hike, Boondocks &Back, level ground. 10-12. $12.
Sept 27
    Fall Harvest Hike, Newman's Lane, more difficult. 10-12. $12.
     Amazing Apples, 2-3:30. $12.
Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center
Selected Special Events
Dec
     35th AnnualFestival of Trees, over 50 trees decorated by community groups & individuals.
Exhibits
Open 9-5pm except holidays. Free.
Sept 13-
Oct 15
     Focus on Frogs, live frogs, frog photographs and artwork.
Somerset County Park Commission Junior Ranger Program
Colonial Park, Franklin Twp., 732-873-8585. Duke Island Park, Old York Rd., Bridgewater, 908-722-7779. Junior Ranger activity book is available for ages 6-12 to learn about the environment and its inhabitants. After -completion, a Park Ranger will review work and present an official Junior Ranger badge.

Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association
31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington, 609-737-3735. Reserve open dawn to dusk. Nature Center open Tues.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4. Butterfly House open dawn to dusk daily May-Oct. Member supported non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the natural environment drained by Stony Brook and the Millstone River offers education programs for children and families, summer camp, teacher workshops and River-Friendly school outreach program. The reserve features hiking trails, pond, open-air Butterfly House, and Buttinger Nature Center which houses two Discovery Rooms with hands-on activities, live animal exhibits and nature shop.
Selected NaturallyFunFamily Programs
Jun 23-
Aug 18
     Butterfly House Tour, 10am. Free.
Jun 24
     Exploring the Night: Firefly Watch, 8:30-9:30. $8/$12.
Jun 26
     A Natural Sense of Wonder, program for parents to learn how to facilitate nature exploration. Family hike follows on Sat. 7:30. Free.
Jul 9
     Exploring the Night­Bats at Dusk, ages over 5. 8-9:30pm. Free.
Jul 10
     Butterfly Tea Party, 10:30-12. $8/$12.
Jul 26
     Fungus Among Us­Mushrooms of the Reserve, fungi hike. 9-11:30am. Free.

Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, 201-568-6093. Visitors Center open Tues.-Sun. 9-5. Trails open dawn to dusk. Free admission. Six miles of trails, pond, Visitors Center with live animals and interactive displays. Afterschool programs, parent/child programs, weekend family programs, scout programs, seasonal activities, outreach and summer camp.
Monthly
     Family Nature Walks, different seasonal topics and activities each month. Sun. 3:30-4:30. Members free/non-members $5.
Family Programs
Registration required for most programs, sign up at www.tenaflynaturecenter.org. No strollers on trails. Fees below are for members/nonmembers.
Jun 15
     Father's Day Hike, 1-3pm. Free/$5.
Jun 20
     Summer Pond Watch, 7-8pm. $5/$10.
Children's Programs
Jun 23-25
     Dinosaur &Mineral Camp, hands-on activities for ages 6-12 with educators from Dinosaurs Rock. 1-4pm. Individual sessions or series.
Jun 30-
Jul 3
     Nature Day Camp, preK-8, for more info, www.tenaflynaturecenter.org/camp.html.
Jul 7-
Aug 29
     Abrakadoodle Art Camps, preK-grade 3.

Union County Trailside Nature andScience Center
Watchung Reservation, Coles Ave. &New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 908-789-3670. Visitor Center: Daily 12-5pm. Free. Located within the 2000-acre Watchung Reservation with 13+ miles of marked trails, the Trailside Museum andVisitor Center offers many opportunities to explore nature. Museum features hands-on exhibits for young children and taxidermy exhibits of local wildlife. Live reptiles and fish live in ponds at the base of a 34-foot-tall beech tree inside the newly renovated Visitor Center. Interactive exhibits explain local plants, geology, Lenape Native American history and conservation. Weekly nature and exploration programs for children include adult/child interactive programs for toddlers and ages 3-4, drop-off programs for ages 4-6, after-school programs for grades 1-5, weekend -family programs and summer day camps for preschoolers to grade 9. Scout badge and group programs; outreach programs; birthday parties.
Summer Tuesday Evening Family Programs
For ages 6 & up with adult. $6 per person in-county, $7 per person out-of-county, unless noted. Pre-registration required.
Jul 1
     Night Time Munchies, evening walk. 8-9pm. Raindate: July 2.
Jul 8
     Evening Pond Search, with headlamps and nets. Wear shoes that can get wet. 7:30-9pm. $7 in-county/$8 out-of-county.
Jul 15, Aug 5
     When I'm Sleepy, wear P.J.s for stories, short walk for ages 3-5 with adult. 7: 30-8:30.
Jul 22
     The Benefit of Bats, 8-9. Raindate: July 23.
Jul 29, Aug 12
     Flashing Fireflies, bring a flashlight. 8-9. Raindate July 30 or Aug. 13.
Summer Friday Evening Family Programs
For all ages with adult. Rain or shine unless weather is severe. $6 per person in-county, $7 per person out-of-county, unless noted. Pre-registration required.
Jun 27
     Time for Turtles, 10-11 or 1: 30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Stream Stroll, wear shoes that can get wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Jul 11
     Bubblemania, wear bathing suit or clothes that can get wet. 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Pond Life, wear shoes that can get wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Jul 18
     Scavenger Hunt, 10-11 or 1:30-2: 30. $5/$6.
     Creepy Crawlies, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Jul 25
     Pond Life, wear shoes that can get wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
     Animal Architects, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
Aug 1
     Time for Turtles, 10-11 or 1: 30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Stream Stroll, wear shoes that can get wet. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Aug 8
     Scavenger Hunt, 10-11 or 1:30-2: 30. $5/$6.
     Family Fishing for Beginners, ages 6 & up with adult. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Aug 15
     Bubblemania, wear bathing suit or clothes that can get wet. 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Creepy Crawlies, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3.
Selected SpecialEvents
Wed Wednesday Matinees, nature, science and earth-friendly entertainment for ages 4 & up in air-conditioned auditorium. 1:30pm. $4 per person, tickets go on sale at 1pm on day of presentation.
Jun 25, Aug 6
     Beginning &End of Summer Family Campfire, stories, songs and skits. All ages. 7-8:30pm. $7/$8, pre-registration required.Raindates: June 26 or Aug. 7.
Jul 11-12, Jul 25-26
     Family Camp-Out for Beginners, adults with children ages 6 &up. Participants must provide own tent, sleeping bags and flashlights. 6pm-10am. $20/$25 per person, pre-registration required. Space is limited.
Sept 28
     Annual Harvest Festival, 11-5. Colonial crafts, live music, Revolutionary War encampment, kids games, food. Rain or shine.
Sept 19, Oct 3, 10, 17, Nov 7
     Hayrides &Campfires, 6: 30pm. Tickets go on sale Aug. 16, advance tickets required.
Oct 24-26
     Haunted Hayride, for ages 6 & up with adult. 6-9pm in Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park. Advance tickets required. Tickets go on sale Sept. 20.
Nov 1
     The Great Pumpkin Sale, 6 or 7: 30pm. Echo Lake Park, Mountainside. Bring your pumpkin to illuminate and float on Echo Lake. $6 per family of 4, $1 ea. additional person. Advance tickets required. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1.
Dec 7
     Holiday Lights Celebration, 2:30-5:30 at the Watchung Stables. Petting zoo, Santa & Mrs. Claus visit, children's crafts, refreshments, caroling. Admission is dry or canned food or a new, unwrapped toy for local charities.
     Nature Craft Show, 11-5 at Trailside.
Sat
Sept-
June
     Outdoor Adventures, weekly themed hikes/nature related talks on Saturdays Sept.-June 10-11am. Admission by donation for most -programs.

Weis Ecology Center
150 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, 973-835-2160. Wed.-Sun. 8: 30-4:30. Over 24 miles of trails depart from the Center's -private grounds and explore adjacent NorvinGreen State Forest and the surrounding Highlands. Weis Center features a visitor center with snakes, turtles and seasonal displays,  nature store and aviary. Programs for children and families, adults and teens, and day and residential programs for schools, scouts and other groups are offered year 'round.
Jul 7-
Aug 1
     Nature Day Camps, grades K-8.
Fantastic Family Fun Days
Pre-registration required for all programs, limited space. $8 non-members, $5 members; $24 nonmember family maximum, $15 member family maximum.
Jul 5
     Sunset Hike, bring a flashlight. Best for families with preteens or older. 7-9:30pm.
Jul 5, 6
     Habitat Hunt:A Day in the Life of a Forest, best for elementary-aged children, younger siblings welcome. 10-11:30am.
Jul 18, 19
     Aquatic Adventure, explore the Blue Mine Brook, best for elementary-aged children, younger siblings welcome. 10-11:30.
Aug 8, 9
     Rocks Rock!, guided hike to Roomey Iron Mine, best for older elementary-aged children and preteens. 10-12.
Aug 15, 16
     Survival Shelters, best for older elementary-aged children and preteens. 10-11:30.
Selected Adult &Teen Programs
$8 non-members, $5 members, pre-registration required.
Jun 21
     Solstice Stargazing, 7:30-9pm.
Jul 18
     Turning Bat Habits Into Good Ones, 7:30-9.
Jul 26
     Hiking 101, 10-noon.
Aug 16, 22
     Birds of New Jersey: Ruby-Throated Humming-bird, 9:30-11am.

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

Brookside Park
Hetfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Baseball field, basketball court, preschool playground, picnic area, field house, roller hockey, pond with trail.

Essex County Kip's Castle Park
22 Crestmont Ave., Verona/Montclair, 973-268-3524. New park property features historic castle and beautifully landscaped grounds. Castle is currently closed to the public.

Somerset County Park Commission Colonial Park
Off of Amwell Rd., Franklin. 651-acre park with picnic areas, softball, tennis center, putting course, paddle boats, gardens, and leash-free dog area. Playground features barrier-free equipment.

Columbia Park
Plainfield Ave., Berkeley Heights. Ballfields, basketball courts, shuffleboard court, ice rink, practice handball-tennis board, 6 tennis courts, skate park. Children's playground and separate toddler playground. Picnic tables.

Somerset County Park Commission
Duke Island Park
Old York Rd., Bridgewater. 339-acre park along the North Branch of the Raritan River features picnic areas, prime fishing, softball, bandshell, walking trails, and visitor center. Playground features barrier free equipment.

Hedden County Park
Reservoir Rd., Dover, Randolph &Mine Hill, 973-829-8257. Six-acre lake, ballfields, hiking and biking trails, picnic sites and shelter, Indian Falls and playground.

KidStreet
Claude Dr. at Garretson Rd. &Commons Way, Bridgewater. Large wooden play and climbing structure.

Kip's CastlePark
22 Crestmont Rd., Montclair, 973-268-3500. The former estate of Frederic Ellsworth Kip is Essex County's newest park encompassing a 9,000 square foot mansion that replicates a medieval Norman castle and 11 acres on the ridge of First Mountain with spectacular views of New York City. The park will become the County's premiere cultural resource center with county offices, pubic meeting space, museum space and educational programming being developed.

Lewis Morris Park
Rt. 24 West, Mendham, Morris and Harding Twp., 973-326-7600. Daily 8am-dusk. 1,154 acres, adjacent to Jockey Hollow. Saturn Kids Kingdom in Doe Meadow features a wood and plastic climbing structure with slides, rings, rope ladder on woodchip surface. Picnic areas nearby along with miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, parcourse fitness circuit, ballfields and Sunrise Lake.

Littell People's Park
Memorial Park, Wahler Rd., Livingston. Ramps, rings, ladders and slides on woodchip surface within fenced area; sandbox.

Loantaka BrookReservation Morris Township, 973-326-7600. Dawn to dusk. Access trail from Loantaka Way, Kitchell Road, Green Village Road or South St. Five mile paved recreation/bicycle trail from Green Village Rd. in Chatham Township to Seaton Hackney Stables in Morristown.Duck pond at Kitchell Rd. with picnic areas, small playground, ballfields. Playground at South St., also with picnic area and ballfields.

Lurker Park
East Hanover. New tot lot features handicapped-accessible swings and two jungle gyms, one for smaller children.

Mabie Playground
26 Elm St., Summit, 908-277-2932. Preschool playground with mulch, basketball courts, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits and game tables across from the train station, a short walk from downtown Summit.

Meadowland Park
N. Ridgewood Rd., South Orange, 973-378-7754. Large park with vast fields, tennis courts, platform tennis, playground, duck pond and the Baird Center housing the South Orange art gallery and recreation department. Site of summer outdoor jazz concerts and community events.

Memorial Field
Ashland Ave., Summit. Two wood climbing structures-one for preschoolers, one for elementary age, large sandbox, paved walks for bike riding and rollerblading, tennis courts and backboard, basketball, ballfields, kite flying, -picnic tables.

Mindowaskin Park
Downtown Westfield. Scenic park with walking/strolling trail around duck pond, playground and bandstand.

Nomahegan Park
Springfield Ave., Cranford, 908-527-4900. Paved bike/jogging/walking path, fitness circuit, playground, ballfields, pond, picnic area and rest rooms.

Somerset County Park Commission
North Branch Park
Milltown Rd., Bridgewater. 185-acre park along the NorthBranch of the RaritanRiver is home to the Somerset County Park Commission administrative offices. Picnic areas, prime fishing, large fields provide space for soccer, softball, flying model aircraft and launching model rockets. Playground features swings, slides, suspension bridge, bars and rings.

Pleasant Valley Park
Valley Rd., Bernards Township. Large, pretty park features wood playground with open climbing structure, pond, picnic shelter, walking/bicycle trails, tennis and paddle tennis courts, fitness trail, athletic fields, amphitheater and community pool.

Riverside Park
Valley Rd., Gillette, 908-647-8000. 24-acre site includes three -tennis courts, basketball, bocci and horsesehoe courts, -children's playground designed for ages 2-5, two soccer/lacrosse fields, walking paths, canoe launch and picnic grove at the Passaic River. Restrooms available.

Schooley's Mountain Park
Camp Washington Rd., Long Valley, 908-829-8257. Lake, ballfield, picnic areas, hiking trails, mountain biking and fishing.

Shunpike Park
Shunpike Rd., Chatham Twp. Soccer and baseball fields, basketball court. Massive castle playground has been dismantled and is scheduled to be replaced in spring 2008.

Taylor Park
Main St., Millburn. Fenced in playground, ballfields, walking/strolling trails, duck pond, tennis courts, teen center, basketball courts, site for summer concerts.

Tourne County Park
40 McCaffrey Ln. or Old Denville Rd., Boonton Twp. &Denville, 973-326-7600. 500 acre-park includes a bird sanctuary, wildflower trail, ballfield, family picnic areas, group picnic shelter, playground and trail system with picturesque overlook.

Union County Echo Lake Park
Springfield Ave., Mountainside, 908-527-4900. New playground, picnic area, large field provides space for soccer and softball, fitness trail, fishing, fenced in Dog Park and amphitheater.

Union County Watchung Reservation
The Loop, Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, 908-527-4900. Play and climbing structure with lookouts, platforms, tube slides, tire swings, sliding poles and track riders. Upper, middle and lower tiers accommodate children ages 2-12. Open fields, swing sets, picnic sites (with grills), trails nearby including trail to Trailside Nature &Science Center and Museum.

Van Saun Park
216 Forest Ave. (Rt. 4E to Forest Ave., turn right at exit), Paramus, 201-262-3771. Playground with multiple-age play areas, sprinkler, picnic areas, zoo, train ride and carousel. See listing for Bergen County Zoo.

WhiteOak Park
Baird Rd., Branchburg, 908-526-1300. 127-acre park features soccer/lacrosse fields, baseball/softball fields, batting cages, tennis courts, practice wall, basektball court, sand volleyball courts, 1.5 mile walking/jogging path, nature trails, playgrounds, wooden tot lot, pavilion, picnic tables, campfire ring, pond, restrooms and concession stand.

 Special Needs

See general listings under this category for additional playgrounds with barrier-free equipment.

Memorial Park
Westfield. Built by Greg Ryan, Jr. in 2004 for his Boy Scout Eagle Project, the new wheelchair-accessible playground includes a sidewalk from the parking lot to a ramped playground structure with rubber surfacing, two infant, two regular and four special needs swings, one accessible picnic table and four benches.

Morris-Union Jointure Playground
Central Ave., New Providence. Open for use by the public on weekends and after 6pm weekdays. Playground, specially designed for children with special needs, features swings with high sides, platform swing, basketball court, enclosed slides, reduced-height climbing bars, cushioned with a 15-inch carpet of wood chips.

Phil Rizzuto Park
Morris &North Aves. (across from Kean University), Union, 908-527-4900. 10.4-acre recreational area features a "Boundless Playground," a fully accessible play area for children of all physical abilities. The park is decorated with baseball themes, a baseball-style seating area, gazebo with stadium-theme overhead, and granite dedication monument. Other attractions include a spray pool, pedestrian bridge, soccer field and para-course fitness stations.

Rainbow Land
Midland School, Readington Rd., North Branch. Fully handicapped accessible playground for student and com-munity use features sandbox and planter, mock post office and bank, large tire toy, small theater, wheelchair slider, slides, swings and numerous other sensory-motor activities.

 THE SHORE
See Activity categories under History, Museums, Outdoors and the Arts for more listings down the shore.

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Great Creek Rd. (off Rt. 9), Oceanville, 609-652-1665.  Refuge headquarters features changing wildlife displays: Open weekdays 10-3. Wildlife Drive and trails are open seven days sunrise to sunset (check website for periodic closings). Entrance fee supports refuge operations. Brochures available at self-service info center.
   46,000 acres of coastal area in southern New Jersey is actively protected and managed for migratory birds. The  refuge's location in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths makes it an important link in the vast network of national wildlife refuges administered nationwide by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An eight-mile auto trail and nature trails lead visitors through tidal salt marsh, field and woodland habitats visited by more than 275 species of migratory land and water birds.
Spring,
Fall
     Best viewing of migratory birds.

Gateway NationalRecreation Area
Sandy Hook (GSP Exit 117), 732-872-5970. Park: Daily sunrise to sunset. Beach parking fee Memorial Day-Labor Day: $10. Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center: Daily 10-5pm. Fort Hancock Museum: Weekends 1-5pm; daily July & Aug. 1-5pm. History House, a restored 1898 lieutenant's residence on "Officers Row:" Weekends 1-5pm. Note: When parking areas are full, the park closes until parking becomes available. To avoid delays on weekends, arrive before 10 or after 3.
   612-mile-long barrier peninsula with ocean beach on one side and Sandy Hook Bay on the other, features salt marshes, dunes, hiking trails, migratory shore birds -habitat and historic Fort Hancock, established in 1895 as part of the defenses for New York harbor. Seagull's Nest open deck restaurant open April-end of Oct. at Beach Area D. Lifeguards are on duty at five ocean beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Ranger programs throughout the summer include nature and history walks, canoe cruises, and gun battery tours. Marine science summer camps, environmental education programs for all ages, family, school and teacher workshops are offered by NJ Marine Science Consortium in Fort Hancock Bldg. 22 (732-872-1300 ext. 30; www.njmsc.org); Brookdale Community College's Ocean Institute in Bldg. 53 732-224-2435;www.brookdalecc.edu/staff/sandyhook/index.html); and the American Littoral Society (732-732-291-0055; www.littoralsociety.org).
Open
     Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, in Fort Hancock Bldg. 20. Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. in June 10-5; Sat. in July &Aug. 10-3; Sun. in June 10-3; closed Sun. in July &Aug. New Jersey Audubon Society site offers public and school programs at this key location on the Atlantic Flyway. 732-872-2500, njaudubon.org
     Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the U.S.'s oldest operating lighthouse (1764), is restored and open to the public weekends April-Nov.., 12-4:30; Dec.-March, 1-5; weekdays beginning mid-June­Aug. 1-4:30pm. Grounds and video in adjacent barn are always open. Children must be 48 in. tall to climb tower. Reserve tours for scouts and groups in advance, 856-546-0514.
Open
     Multi-Use Pathway, shared by bicyclists, skaters and pedestrians, extends 5 miles north from the park entrance to Fort Hancock.
Sat &
Sun
     Battery Potter, explore Sandy Hook's oldest gun battery completed in 1894. 1-4pm.
     Nike Missile Radar Site, tour the Cold War site. 1-4pm alternate Sat. &Sun. June 2-Aug. 25.
Fri
     Junior Naturalist, ages 7-12 invited to join a Park Ranger for exploration of a Sandy Hook habitat. Bring sunscreen, insect repellant and water. 2pm. Free, reservations required.
June 27, Jul 18, Aug 1, Aug 15
     Junior Environmentalist, ages 7-12 become environmental stewards. 2pm.
     Jul 11, Jul 25, Aug 8
Dec
     Open House at History House, decorated for the holidays during World War II.
Selected Interpretive Programs
Jun 24, 26
Jul 1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 15-17, 21-24, 30, 31
Aug 5, 6, 13, 14, 18, 19, 28
     Canoeing Sandy Hook Bay, first come-first served, max. 10. Children must be at least 7. 9am. June 24 at 10am.
Jun 19, 25, 30, Jul 6, 18, 22, Aug 1, 5, 12, 21
     Holly Forest Ramble, 10am. June 30, July 6, Aug 5 & 12 at 2pm.
Jun 23, Jul 1, 9, 14, 25, 28, Aug 8
     Beach Succession Walk, 2pm. June 23, July 25 at 10am.
Jun 20, 27, Jul 2, 11, 15, 23, 29, Aug 4, 15
     Salt Marsh Walk, meet at Park Area L. 10am. July 15, 23, 29 at 2pm.
Jun 19, 20, 23-25, 30
Jul 2, 3, 7, 8, 14, 16, 17, 21, 22, 28-31
Aug 4, 6, 7, 11-14, 20, 27
     Seining the Salt Marsh, walk to Horseshoe Cove's salt marsh anytime to participate. 2-4pm. June 25, 30, July 9, 14, 28, 29 at 9-11am.
Jun 13, 24, Jul 1, 11, 15, 25, 29, 31
Aug 8, 12, 14, 22
     Night Prowl, bring flashlight. 8pm. Aug. prowls at 7:30pm.
Jun 20
     ALS Summer Solstice Walk, 8pm.
Jun 21