Kids Guide New Jersey | Family Biking, Camping | Pick Your Own Farms | Horseback Riding | Outdoor Education | Jersey Shore

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

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.

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 Management, 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 Brook Rd., Rt. 513, Fairview Ave., Naughright Rd., Four Bridges Rd., Bartley Rd. or Schooley's Mountain Rd. in Washington Twp.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park
Park Office: 145 Mapleton Rd., Princeton, 609-924-5705. 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; crosscountry 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 (Rt. 29, Stockton, 609-397-3586 for program info), Bulls Island or Frenchtown, off Bridge St. Campsites available at Bull's Island Recreation Area, 2185 Daniel Bray Hwy, Stockton, 609-397-2949.
Call 609-924-5705 for schedule of seasonal nature and history interpretive hikes, bike tours and programs or visit the Park website for schedule and information on canoe, kayak or bike rentals, weekend family programs, school outreach and many free scout programs.
Ongoing
Nature and History Interpretive Hikes and Programs, Bike Tours, Boy Scout and Girl Scout Badge and Patch Programs, call or visit dandrcanal.com for schedule.

Patriots Path
Map at Morris County Park 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 Washington Valley 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 Wildlife Management 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 NY Susquehanna 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 in Branchville. 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 Eastern propane 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. Call the trout hotline (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. Visit TakeMeFishing.org for boating and fishing info and tips.

boating
For a list of registered and licensed charter and party boat operators on the Jersey shore, visit Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife website and search
"Charter and Party 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 Liberty State 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, 908-482-2400. 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.

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 fee Memorial 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 through Labor 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.
Jul 4
10th Annual Independence Day Celebration & Reading, 1-4pm. Reading at 2:30pm.

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
Jul 4
     Independence Day, 1776 Educational Hike, 10-11:30. Pre-register.
Jul 12
     Raspberry Ramble, 10-12. South Parking Lot. Call to check date the berries ripen.
Jul 26
     Round Valley Beginnings, 10-11:30.
Aug 2
     Snakes Alive, 10-11:30. Pre-register. South Lot.
Aug 16
     A Mid-Summer Day's Dream: Butterflies & Other Bugs, 10-11:30. Hike the 2.5 mile Water Trail.
Aug 23
     Introduction to the Birds, 10-11:30. Binoculars suggested.
Sep 13
     Raptors, 11-12. South Parking Lot.
Sep 20
     Autumn Bird Walk, 9-11. South Parking Lot. Binoculars and field guide suggested.
Sep 27
     We Gotta Get Out of the Place, 10-11:30. Hike and learn how wildlife prepares for the cold.

Shawnee River Trips
The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, One River Rd., Shawneeon-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.

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. $5. 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.
Aug 16
     Games on the Pond, ages 6-15 with parent can improve paddling skills. 1-3. Adult $18, youth/sr. $15.
Can-U-Cannu?
Introductory canoe workshops teach basic paddling, handling and safety on Branta Pond at the Environmental Education Center. $10 per adult/$8 per youth/senior.
Jul 7
     5:30-7pm.
Aug 2
     10-11:30am.
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. $18 per adult/$14 per youth/sr.
Jun 21
     1:30-3:30pm.
Jul 22
     6-8pm.
Aug 2
     1-3pm.
Kids on the Water
A trip on the Passaic River for ages 6-15 with parent. Prior participation in Can-U-Cannu or Kan-U-Kayak classes is required. $10 per person.
Jul 26
     1-3pm.
Sept 20
     9-11am.
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. $23 per adult/$20 per youth/sr.
Sept 2
     9-noon.
Evening Delaware and Raritan Canal Paddle
Paddle on the peaceful and still Delaware & Raritan Canal. Bring a bag dinner and money for ice cream. $45 per adult/$35per student/senior.
Aug 4
     3-8pm.
Sept 24
     3-8pm.

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 & holidays 11-6:45. June 29-July 31: Mon.-Fri. 11-5:45. Aug. 5-Sept. 4:Wed.-Fri. 11-5:45. 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.
Selected Special Events
Jul 8, Aug 3
Stream Exploration, ages 4-8. Wear shoes or boots. 10am. $3.
Dec 18
Winter Solstice Celebration, outdoor beach gathering to participate in the historical and ceremonial aspects of the solstice. Ages 6 & up. 7-8:30pm. $5.

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.

family camping
See listings under The Great Outdoors for additional references 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 Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, PO Box 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 (available online); 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 guide to activities and facilities at New Jersey's state parks and forests can be picked up at any state park service office or can be mailed by calling 1-800-843-6420.
Information is also available online. Ask for a Passport when visiting a state park, forest or historic site and collect an
official passport sticker as 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 & RV Park Guide for New Jersey, call, write or email: request@newjerseycampgrounds.com.

national park service
Individual campsite reservations for National Park Service sites can be made up to 6 months in advance on a rolling basis. For Yosemite, individual
campsites can be reserved up to 5 months in advance with inventory going on sale on the 15th of each month. Cabins and lookouts can be reserved up to 6 months in advance for all sites. Group facilities can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.

Check the National Park Service reservation website for reservation and campground details. Reservations can be made online, by phone or in person at a site. 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 the National Park Service website. Additional information 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. 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 the Junior Ranger website. For those who are unable to visit a national park, an online Junior Ranger program with activities and rewards can be completed.

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 DelawareWater 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. Available to organizations and families during the spring, fall and winter seasons, facilities include modern, winterized cabins with meals in the dining hall or rustic Adirondack shelters with firepits for cooking and campfires (spring and fall only). Seasonal activities include canoeing/boating, archery, swimming, fishing, orienteering, arts and crafts.
Oct 30-Nov 1
Family Weekend.

Frost Valley YMCA
2000 Frost Valley Rd., Claryville, 845-985-2291. Established in 1901 as one of the nation's first summer camps, Frost Valley YMCA is a 6,000 acre residential camping, environmental education and conference center open to individual families, scouts and community groups.

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
50 Camp 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
Weekend Getaways, volunteer-led themedprograms are open year 'round to adult members and non-members.
Family Adventure Camps & Weekends are offered at AMC locations in New Hampshire during school vacations and summer. Check website for dates,

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 Recreation Area, 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/kayaking, 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.

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 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 offering Christmas trees, farm tours, pick-your-own produce, farmstands and harvest activities, visit the website 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.

Howell Farm 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. Sevenfoot 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.

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. Pickyour-own apples in a scenic old orchard. Pick your own pumpkins, some still on the vine, in our pumpkin patch. Enjoy the fall colors on our 68-acre farm. Hayrides, cider and warm donuts on weekends. 30+ varieties of apples, by the pound. School trips.
Sept-Oct
Pick Your Own Apples, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, 7 days a week 9-4:30pm.

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; camp; annual special events.
Selected Special Events
Jul & Aug
     Discovery Walks on the Farm Trail, 1.5 hr. educational tour with snack and craft can be scheduled for groups of 10 children or more.
Jul 12
     Firefly Festival, nature activities, music, food. 5-9pm.
Jul 13-17, Jul 20-24
     Farm Summer Camp, for ages 7-10. 9-3:30, limited space, call early.
Aug 1
      Pam's Annual Freezing, Canning & Preserving Class, 10-11. Free, reservations.
Sept 19-20
     Apple Day, farm activities, entertainment, music, pick-your-own apple & pumpkins. Admission $5, under 3 free.
Sept 26-27, Oct 24-25
     Fall Family Fun Weekends, pick-your-own, entertainment, food, live music. No admission.
Read and Pick Children's Program
Children's program combines picking fruit or other farm activities and listening to a themed story. For ages preschool to 8 yrs. with adult. 9:30 & 11am. $7 per child, pre-registration requested.
Jul 7
     Blueberries.
Jul 21
     Vegetables.
Aug 4
     Peaches
Aug 18
     Pears.
Sept 1
     Apples.
Sept 15
     Sunflowers.
Sept 29
     Indian Corn.
Oct 6
     Mini Pumpkins.

Valley Shepherd Creamery
50 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, 908-876-3200. Visitors can learn about sheep dairy farming as practiced in Europe for the last 4,000 years. 112 hr. creamery tours are given 1 & 4pm on weekends in spring and summer. Cheesemaking workshops are offered on the 3rd Sun. of the month. Participants return 2 mos. later to pick up aged cheese. Farm parties; special events.
Selected Special Events
Mar-Nov
     Cheesemaking Classes, book online.
May
     Annual Shearing Festival.
Spring
     Newborn Lamb Tours.
Spring-
Summer
     Milk & Cheese Tours, 1.5-hr. tour offered at 1& 4pm on weekends in spring and summer.
Oct
      Autumn Leaves Cheese Festival, book online, limited admission.

Well-Sweep Herb Farm
205 Mt. Bethel Rd., Port Murray, 908-852-5390. Mon.-Sat. 9-5. Call first Jan.-March. Garden paths lead through a formal herb garden and display gardens including butterfly, medicinal, perennial and rock gardens. Visitors are welcome to picnic and visit farm animals. Group tours; guest speaker program; special events; craft/horticulture workshops are offered. Gift shop.
Nov 7
      Christmas in the Country, gifts and decorations.
Nov 27
     Christmas in the Country Open House, winter greenhouse tour, craft class, gift shop. 9-5.

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. 15, pick your own apples thru Oct., pick your own peaches thru peach season (9am-5pm, family membership required) and explore the mazes. Starting Sept. 12, 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 & organization 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
For a guide to Christmas tree farms throughout the state, visit www.njchristmastrees.org.

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

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

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

Carriage House Tree Farm
39 Newton Ave., Branchville, 973-948-5102.

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Farm
231 Adamic Hill Rd., Milford, 908-995-4365.

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

Cole's Country Tree 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 Hill Rd., 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.

Lantier Tree Farm
163 Dey Grove Rd., Monroe Twp., 732-446-9799.

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

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

Plut's Christmas Tree Farm
220 Flocktown Rd., Long Valley, 908-852-6669.

Rolling Green Farm
61 Hacklebarney Rd., Chester, 908-879-4497.

Shale Hills Farm
98 Pond School Rd., 973-875-4231.

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
· Hunterdon County Park Commission
· Morris County Park Commission
Trail maps available by logging onto website.
· New Jersey State Parks Calendar of Events
· Somerset County Park Commission
908-722-1200 x351.
· Union County Parks & Community Renewal

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 Creek Railroad (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 Brook Trail. Maps available from Morris County Park 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-Aug
     Kayak Eco Tours on Cheesequake Creek, preregistration required, 732-566-3208.
Jul 26
     Yellow Trail Hike, 1pm. Bathhouse Pavilion.
Aug 9
     Nature Hike, 1pm. Bathhouse Pavilion.
Aug 30
     Osprey Talk, 1pm. Bathhouse Pavilion.
Sep 13
     Nature Hike, 1pm. Interpretive Center.
Sep 20
     Gerry's World of Snakes, 1pm. Interpretive Ctr.
Sept 27
     Crabs, Crabs, Crabs, 1pm. Interpretive Center.

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 website 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 Worthington 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 NJ offers 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.

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 for schools, scouts, youth and adult organizations (908-647-2508), outreach speakers (973-635-1083), and Swamp in a Box loan program (908-647-5740). Ongoing
     Junior Refuge Manager Activity Guides for ages 5-13 sell for $2 each. After guide is complete, child will receive a certificate and badge.
2nd Sunday
     Second Sundaywith Friends, nature programs and guided walks, 2-4pm.
Jul 12
     The Incredible Honey Bee.
Aug 9
     Butterflies & Dragonflies.
Sept 13
     World of Fungi.
Sept 12
     10th Annual Fall Festival, walks, exhibits, displays, hands-on activities, tour of new Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center. 10am-3pm.
      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.
Selected Programs
Pre-registration required. Free for members. Non-member adults $10, over 5 $5, $30 per family, under 5 free. Register online, or call 973-538-3500, x20.
Ongoing
     Scavenger Hunt, download form from website, complete and get a sur-prize.
Jun 14
     Creatures of the Swamp, Pond Dip for Families. 11-12:30pm.
Jun 26
     Secret Places of the Watershed Hike, Tiger Lily Lane, Harding Twp., 6:30-8pm.
Jul 11
      Moonlight Hike, Wildlife Observation Center, Long Hill Twp., 8:30pm.

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.
Ongoing
Junior Naturalists, after school adventures for ages 6-9.
Homeschool Naturalists, enrichment activities for homeschoolers ages 6-10.

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
955 Weldon Rd., Jefferson Twp., 973-697-3140. 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 21/2 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, or online. 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 Jersey Astronomical 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 $170. Summer & Christmas camps. Now offering moonlight, beach rides, home shows, year end banquet and more! mjsalvetti@yahoo.com.

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.

River Edge Farm
1575 River Rd. East, Bedminster, 908-420-1274. English riding lessons for children and adults. Year round. Also offers riding summer camp for girls. See listing under Camps. For more info visit the website.

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.
Jul 5, 19, Aug 2, 23, Sept 6
     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.
     Lead Line, on pony or horse, half-hour sessions available daily.
Oct 24
     Halloween Party, haunted hayrides, children's games, pony rides, music. 6-10:30pm. Young child-friendly hayride 6-7.

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, handicapped 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.
     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.
     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.
Sun
     Private Group Rides available to groups of ten or more over the age of 9 on Sunday a.m.

outdoor education centers
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. 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. Wed.-Fri. 10-4, Sat. & Sun. 10-5. Adults $6, ages 3-11 $5, 2 & under free. Modest fee for train ride and carousel. Combination ticket available with New Jersey State 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.
Weekend Family Festivals
12-4pm Educational activities, games and crafts while supplies last.
Jul 11-12
     BlueBEARy Blast & Celebrate NJ Day.
Jul 25-26
     Storybook Celebration.
Aug 8-9
     Peach Party.
Aug 22-23
     Chocolate & Vanilla Festival.
Sep 12-13
     Hefty Harvest & Scary Scarecrows.
Sep 26-27
     Faeries & Wizards Festival.
Oct 10-11
     Mum Madness & Pumpkin Parade.
Oct 24-25
     Goblins in the Garden.
Nov 14-15
     Train Festival.
Special Events
Oct 31
     Safe Trick or Treat, 12-4pm.
Nov 28-Jan 2
     Holiday Festival of Lights, Fri. & Sat. nights.

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary
324 Forest Dr. S., Short Hills, 973-376-3587. Stone House Museum: Mon.-Fri. 9-4:30, Sat. 10-11:30. Summer: Mon.-Fri. 9-noon, closed Sat. Closed school vacations, state holidays and August. 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 University School 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. Indoor display gardens are closed. Consult website for latest schedule of nature programs and tours.
Ongoing
     Watch the activity at a Bald Eagle nest as parents care for their eaglets on the live Eagle Cam online.
Open
     Walk on the Wild Side, 1.25- mile self-guided nature walk is free and open to the public Fri.-Sun. from 10-3. Call ahead for information on trail availability.
Apr-Nov
     Estate Park & Nature Tour, one hour bus tour explores the estate's core 700 acres. $10.
     Scenic Bike Tours and Twilight Bike Tours, bring your own bikes and gear for a 2-hr. tour of the estate.
Wonder Walk for Families
Geared for families with children in grades K-6. Space is limited, advance registration required for all programs. Register by phone between 11-2 or online. $8 per person, $5 for New Jersey Audubon Society members, maximum $20 per family.
Jul 25
     Mysteries of the Meadow, 1:30-3pm.
Aug 5
     Moonlight Adventure, 7:30-9:30pm.
Aug 15
     Surprises in the Stream, 10-noon.

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, closed holidays. Serves as a central headquarters for most of the environmental groups in Essex County including the Sierra Club, Audubon Society (973-226-6082), Master Gardeners, 4-H Club, Rutgers Cooperative Extension and others. Library; natural history exhibits; education programs for toddlers to adults; centerbased and outreach programs; scout programs; birthday parties; summer day camp.
Tues
     Bug Club, for ages 6-10 with a passion for insects. 4-5pm. Advance registration required.
     Let's Get Growing Garden Club, meets all year for ages 6-12. 4-5pm. Advance registration.
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.
Thurs
     Bug Club, for ages 6-10 with a passion for insects. 4-5pm. Advance registration required.
     Green Kids, after-school nature program for ages 9-14. 4-5pm. Advance registration required.
Ongoing
     New Jersey Audubon Society Bird Watching Field Trips, for beginners to experts. Two-hour weekday trips are free. 3-hour or remote trips are $8 non-members, $6 members. Space is limited, call 973-226-6082 to register.
Selected Children's Programs
Advance registration required for all programs.
Jul 2, 16, 30, Aug 13
     Native American Three Sisters' Garden, ages 4-6. 10-11. $25, 4-session program.
Jul 8, 15, 22, 29
     Little Explorers Summer Nature Program, ages 3-5. 10-11am. $5, pre-registration required
Jul 11
     Yoga in Nature, ages 10-16. 10-12. $5.
Jul 14
     Power of the WindExplore Wind Energy, ages 8 & up. 6:30-8pm. $10 materials fee.
Jul 16
     Field Sketching, ages 8 & up. 7-9pm.
Aug 8
     Butterfly Safari, all ages. 10:30-12. Adult $7, child $5, family $9.
Aug 11
     Twilight Hike, all ages. 7-9pm. Adult $7, child $5, family $9.
Aug 22
     Canning & Preserving Your HarvestSauces, Relishes & Pickled Vegetables, ages 10 & up. $12.
Aug 24
     Family Astronomy ProgramA Night Sky Adventure, build a star finder, get to know the constellations and bright stars, do a celestial treasure hunt. 6:30-8:30pm. $25 per family includes Family Night Sky Adventure Kit.
New Jersey Audubon Family Programs
For children in kindergarten to 3rd grade. $7 non-members, $5 members. Pre-register at 973-226-6082, limit 15.
Sept 12
     Amazing Insects, 10:30-noon.
Nov 14
     Turkey Time, 10:30-noon.
Selected Special Events
Thru
Sept 14
     2009 Annual Nature Photography Contest & Exhibit, all ages invited to submit photos that capture the outdoors in Essex County.
Oct 3
     Essex County Octoberfest 2009, games, canoeing, activities, crafts, food. 11am-4pm. Free.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 E. Hanover Ave. (Rt. 511), Morris Township, 973-326-7600. Haggerty Education Center: 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 County Park Commission. Horticulture programs for adults, children and scouts, 973-326-7603.
     Friends of Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion and maintenance of Morris County Park Commission's horticultural facilities sponsors adult and children's programs, plant sales and other events. Advance registration required for all programs, 973-326-7603.
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. Registration begins in February.
     Garden Sprouts, introduces children ages 3-kindergarten to plants and nature.
Selected Events
Jun 28
     Fairy Day: The Sidhe are Coming!, build a fairy house. $25.
Jul
     Fairy House ExhibitFocus on Scotland, view the fairy houses in Sylvan Terrace and throughout the gardens. 9am-sunset. Free.
Jul 26
     Family Day Focus on Scotland, crafts, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, tours, talks on Scotland's culture and horticulture. Storytelling at 1 & 3pm. Concert by Pipes & Drums of the Atlantic Watch at 4pm. 12-5. $5 per person, $10 per car.
Jul 31
     Focus on ScotlandTreasure Island, the Muppet version, movie night for kids ages 5 & up. 7-9pm.$7.

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.
Mon
     Toddler Trek, walk and story for toddlers ages 2-3 with adult. 10am. $5/child, registration required.
    Sept 14, Sept 28
Tues
     Pre-K Walk, hour-long nature walk and craft for ages 4-5 with adult. Reservations required 2 weeks prior to event, $5, limited space.
     Sept 22
     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.
     Homeschool Science Series, designed for homeschool students ages 6-8.
     Awesome Animal Artists, learn about and draw a different New Jersey animal each class. Ages 5-8. 4pm. $5 per class, registration required.
    Jul 8, Aug 5, Sept 2
Thurs
     Nature's Little Explorers, 6-week nature program for parent and toddler ages 2-3 yrs. $50.
     Sept 10-Oct 15 Registration begins Aug. 20.
     Woodland Adventures, nature program for parent and child ages 4-6 yrs. 1-2pm. $8.
     Sept 17, Sept 24
Sat
     Tyke Hike, 45-minute kid-sized nature hike. 10am. $3, pre-registration required.
     Aug 29, Sept 26
Selected Special Events
Preregistration required, unless noted.
Jul 2
     Creepy Crawlies, ages 7-10. 10am. $5.
Aug 14
     Dazzling Dragonflies! ages 6 & up. 3pm. $3.
Sept 6
     Early Morning Laurel Tail Hike, ages 18 & up.
8am. Free.
Sept 13
     Fall into Fall!, ages 5 & up. 1pm. $3.
Sept 17
     Amazing Adaptations, ages 7-10. 4-5:30pm. $5.
Sept 20
     Lenape Day, games, crafts, Lenape Indian shelter.
All ages 12-4pm. $4, no registration.
Sept 27
     Trees of the Great Swamp, ages 12 & up. 10. $3.
Oct 24
     Trail Tales, spooky tales along nighttime trails for all ages. 5:30-8pm. $3, time slots fill up quickly.
Nov 5
     Kids Nature Fest: Bird Brained, for students in grades 1-4. A day of games, crafts, hiking and activities related to birds. $30.

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. Programs on nature, camping and outdoor skills are available to groups both on- and off-site. Popular offerings include summer day camps, after-school nature programs, canoe trips and free summer concert series.
2nd
Thurs
Home School Environmental Series, monthly programs explore diverse natural science topics for ages 5-12 Sept.-May. 1-2pm, Echo Hill.
Family Nature Programs
Children must be accompanied by an adult. $3 per person.
Jul 17
Batty About Bats, ages 8 & up. 8-9:30pm, Echo Hill. $3.

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.
Selected Summer Events
Pre-registration required, 973-635-6629.
Jul 16
     Wonderful Wildflower Walk, ages 18 & up. 2. $3.
Jul 21
     Black River Hike, moderate strenuous. 3:30-5. $3.
Aug 4
     Pond Critter Kids, ages 6-10. Dress for getting dirty. 4-5pm. $3.

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. Special events and trips are planned at Kay Center and at Conservancy preserves in Warren, Sussex, Cumberland and Cape May Counties. Visit online calendar for info.
Selected Event
Free, pre-registration required
Monarch Migration Mania, presentation. 11-12.

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.
Jul 2, 16
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4 & 5. 10-11.
Jul 11
     Timber Rattlesnakes in NJ, all ages. 11-12.
Jul 17
     How to Attract Birds & Butterflies to your Garden, adults & ages 8 & up. 11-12:30.
Jul 18
     Lenape Lifeways, all ages. 11-12.
Aug 1
     The Great Horned Owl & The Crow, all ages. 11-12.
Aug 8
     Backyard Bugs, adults & ages 6-12. 10-11.
     Bike Ride, 11:30am.
Aug 13
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4 & 5. 10-11.
Aug 15
     Dragons & Damsels, adults & ages 6-12. 11-12.
Aug 27
     Cat-Tales Story Hour, ages 4 & 5. 10-11.
Sep 2
     The Magic of Monarchs, ages 6-12. 4-5pm.
Sep 3
     L'il Tykes Hike, adults with children 5 & under. 4-5pm.
Sep 12
     Discover Kittatinny Valley State Park: Family Nature Hike, all ages. 11-12.
     Bike Ride, 11:30am.
Sep 17
     L'il Tykes Hike, adults with children 5 & under. 4-5pm.

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 (908-496-4333) 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.
Jul 11, 25
Explore the Estuary, 10-12.
Jul 18, Aug 1
Summer Shorebird Walk, 10-12.

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. Swimming, 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 Ecology Center
150 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, 973-835-2160. See separate listing under Great Outdoors.
· Essex County Environmental Center
(NJAS partner site), 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-8776. See separate listing.
· Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
headqtrs. 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.
Selected Special Events
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.
Aug 6-9
      NJAS Retail Store Sale, at all NJAS gift shops.
Sep 19-20
     Bird Seed Sale Days, support the Audubon Society. Order forms are available online.

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. Trails open daily. 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; interactive exhibits trace environmental history of the Meadowlands; nature walks; teacher development 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 County Park, Secaucus. Paddlers can explore the marshlands of the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area . Guided tours; pontoon boat tours. For info, call 201-968-0808 or visit website.
Open May-Sept
William D. McDowell Observatory. Hackensack River Pontoon Boat Rides, 2-hr. evening trips depart River Barge Park and Marina in Carlstadt. Adults & ages 10 & up.
Canoe Trips, 3-hr. trips launch from Mill Creek Point Park in Secaucus and Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area. Ages 10 & up. 201-460-4640.

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 except for special events. 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.
Ongoing
     New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Exhibit.

Plainsboro Preserve
80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. 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 six 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.
Jun 22-Aug 28
     Summer Camp for grades 1-6. Sign up for one week or the whole summer. 9am-4pm.
Family Nature Programs
Sat. 3:30-5pm. Perfect for beginning naturalists and their families ages 6 to adult. $5, $3 members, pre-registration is encouraged.
Jul 11
     Dangerous Animals & Poisonous Plants of New Jersey.
Jul 18
     Life Under A Log.
Jul 25
     New Jersey's Threatened & Endangered Wildlife.
Aug 1
     Stories of Nature in Summer.
Aug 8
     Do Butterflies Bite?
Aug 15
     Forest Foray.
Aug 22
     Dragons of the Summer Skies.
Aug 29
     Amazing Insects.
Sept 5
     Bats on the Brink of Extinction.
Sept 12
     Birding.
Sept 19
     Wonders of Wetlands.
Sept 26
     Animal Homes & Habitats.
Oct 3
     Radical Raptors.
Oct 10
     Keeping A Nature Journal.
Oct 17
     Fall Foliage of Our Forest.
Oct 24
     Stories from the World of Nature.
Oct 31
     The Creepy Crawly Critters of Halloween.
Nov 7
     Wildlife Up Close.
Nov 14
     Wildlife & Winter.
Nov 21
     Tracking: Making Plaster Casts.
Nov 28
     The Wild 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
     Baby & Me Hikes for parents, grandparents or caretakers and infant children to discover nature. All babies must be in front- or backpack; no registration.
Aug 18
Tues
      Toddler Treks, toddlers ages 2 & 3 with an adult learn about nature with walks and stories on a new topic each month. 10am. $5.
Jun 9, Sept 15
     Preschool Walk & Craft. Monthly guided theme walk and activity for ages 4 & 5 with an adult. 10am. $5, advance registration required.
Jun 16, Sept 29
     Nature's Classroom, 4-week hands-on science education for home-schoolers 6-8 yrs. old. 1-3pm. $40.
Sept 22-Oct 13
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 9-Oct 14
Wed
     Awesome Animal Artists, for ages 5-7. Indoor/outdoor program features a different animal each session. 4-5pm. $5.
Jun 10, Jul 15, Aug 12, Sept 23
     Woodland Adventures, weekly program for ages 4-6 with adult. 1-2pm. $8.
Jun 10, Sept 16, Sept 23
Thurs
     Nature's Classroom, 4-week hands-on science education for home-schoolers 8-12 yrs. old. 1-3pm. $40.
Sept 17-Oct 15
Selected Events
Advance registration required, unless noted.
Jul 18
     Family Insect SearchEasy, ages 5 & up. 10am. $1.
Jul 21
     Mission: Monarch Search, all ages, 2-3pm. $1.
Jul 26
     Wildflowers on the White Trail HikeEasy, ages 5 & up. 10am. $1.
Aug 1
     Reservoir Views HikeModerate, ages 7 & up. 10am. Free.
Aug 5
     Mission: Monarch Search, all ages. 2-3pm. $1.
Aug 15
     History of Pyramid Mountain HikeModerate, ages 7 & up. 10am. Free.
Aug 19
     Mission: Monarch Search, all ages. 2-3pm. $1.
Aug 23
     Reptiles of Pyramid Mtn. HikeModerate, ages 7 & up. 10am. $1.
Aug 29
     Bear Rock HikeModerate, ages 7 & up. 10am. Free.
Sept 11
     Annual Meet a Monarch Butterfly Festival, games, crafts, music, activities for all ages. 1-4pm. $4.
Sept 29
     Going Batty! Bat Program and Hibernaculum Trip, ages 8 & up. 6pm. Ages 8-12 $10, ages 13 & up $15.

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; gift shop.
Jul 4
     Independence Day Tour Talks, guided tour, on-site hawk release. 11 & 2pm. Adults $15, 12 & under $5, registration required.
Sept 5
     Raptor Trust Tour Talks, guided tour. 11 & 2pm. Adults $10, 12 & under $5, registration required.
Sept 19
     Focus on Raptors, close-range photo opportunities for committed shutterbugs. 2-4pm. $150, adults only. Limit 10, registration required.

Reeves Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave., Summit, 908-273-8787. Grounds open daily daylight hours. Office and library open Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Gift shop open Mon.-Sat. 10-4. Memberships 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.; family education programs; 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.
Jun 26
     Backyard Campout, bring a picnic dinner and pitch your tent. 6pm. $25 per family non-members, $20 members. Advance registration required.

Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuaries
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. Hotline: 908-766-2661. Trails open 7 days to 5pm, Hoffman building open Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. noon-5. 276-acre wildlife sanctuary belongs to the New Jersey Audubon Society. The new Hoffman Center for Conservation and Environmental Education features an environmental learning center, treetop level observation deck, exhibits, book and gift shop. 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-middle school; overnight camps; teacher workshops. Group programs and tours by reservation; outreach lectures and slide programs available for club meetings and special events; ecotravel. Publishers of Bridges to the Natural World, a manual for exploring New Jersey habitats with children.
Selected Adult & Family Events
Advance registration required. Member fees are listed first, then non-members.
Jul 1
     Travels of a Seed, ages 6-8. 10-11:30. $7/$5.
Jul 4
     Butterflies of Scherman-Hoffman, 1-3pm. Free.
Jul 22
     Insects of the Night, 7:30-9:30pm. $8/person, $15 max/family; $5/person, $10 max/family.
Aug 12
     Exploring the Fungus World, focused teens and adults. 10-noon. $7/$5.

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.
School Year Programs
Tues
     Environmental Book Club, adults only. 7pm. Free.
     Sept 22, Oct 15, Oct 27, Dec 8
Wed
     Walkabout for Preschoolers & Kindergartners.
Ages 3-5. 10-11am and 1-2pm. $10/$15.
Thurs
     Walkabout for Preschoolers & Kindergartners.
Ages 5-6. 2-3pm. $10/$15.
     Health Hike, adults only. 9:15a.m.
     Sept 10, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17
Fri
     Walkabout for Preschoolers & Kindergartners. Ages 2-3. 9:45-10:45am. $10/$15.
Sept-Nov
     Homeschooler Trimester, monthly program for grades K-12. $30 per member/$50 non-member.
Selected Events
Pre-registration required for all programs. Fees listed first for members, then non-members.
Jul 15
     Hike Mendham! India Brook Park Hike, 9:30-11:30. Free.
Jul 19
     Fungus Foray, ages 12 to adult. 10am. Free.
Jul 28
     Bugs Galore! Storytelling and Sing-Along. 6:30-7:30pm. $10.
Jul 30
     Cooking with Wineberries, eat some invasive plants, ages 13 to adult. 7-8:30pm. $10.
Aug 3
     Hike Mendham! Tempe Wick Reserve Hike, 9:30-11:30am. Free.
Aug 25
     Baby & Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per family.
Sep 17
     Hike Mendham! Buttermilk Falls Hike, 9:30-11:30am. Free.
Sep 20
     2nd Annual Family Farm Festival, 11-4. Cost TBA.
Oct 4
     Ful
      Moon Hike, ages 8 & up. 6:30-8pm. Members free, non-member $5.
Oct 17
     Hike Mendham! Dismal Harmony Hike, 2-4pm. Free.
Oct 20
     Baby & Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per family.
Oct 24
    Wild Costume Parade, all ages. 1-2:30pm. $7.
Nov 5
     Children's Vacation program: Secret Lives of Owls, ages 6-12. 9:30-12:30 or 1-4pm. $15/$20.
Nov 6
    Children's Vacation Program: Hello, Deer! ages 6-12. 9:30-12:30 or 1-4pm. $15/$20.
Nov 13
     Hike Mendham! Meadowood Park Hike, 9:30-11:30am. Free.
Dec 15
     Baby & Me Hike, 9:30am. $1 per family.
Dec 29-30
     Holiday Break Hikers, ages 6-12. 10-12 or 1-3 p m , attend one or both days. $10/$15.

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 and kayak 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.
Jul 5, Aug 2, 9, 30, Sept 6, 27
Exhibitions
Sept 8-Oct 16
     Amphibians of the Eastern United States, fine artwork exhibit of amphibians.
Selected Special Events
Oct 4
     The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival, experience daily colonial life and craft industry. 10:30-4:30. $4 suggested donation.
Oct 23-25
     Nature of Halloween Night Walks, ages 3-6 with parent meet various "critters" portrayed by staff. 6-8pm. $4, reservations required.
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.
Aug 1
     Aquatic Adventures, muck about. 10:30-12. $9.
Aug 16
     Geocaching 101, 9-11:30. $15.
Aug 26
     Butterfly Basics, 10-11:30. $9.
Aug 26, Sept 11
     Basically Bats, 6:30-8. $9.
Sept 10
     Ribbit Rendezvous, walk to the Lilly Pad Pond, 6-7:30. $10.
Sept 19
     Lovable Lepidoptera, 10-11:30. $9.
Sept 24
     September Sunset Stroll, 6:30-8. $10.
Sept 26
     Amazing Apples, 10-11:30. $12.

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, adults and families, summer camp, teacher workshops, school and group on-site and outreach programs. 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.
Ongoing
     Pre-School Series, for ages 3-5.
Jul 7-Aug 11
     School-Age Series, for ages 6-9.
Jul 7-Aug 11
     Tiny Tot Walks for ages 18-36 mos., child must be walking and accompanied by adult. 10-11am. Members $7, non-members $10.
    Jul 13, Aug 7, Sept 16, Oct 23
Aug 17
     Butterfly House Tour, 10-11am Mondays June 22-Aug. 17. Members free, non-members $5.
Family & Adult Programs
Registration required for all programs, unless noted. Call 609-737-7592 to register. Member fee listed first/then nonmember.
Jul 8
     Exploring the Night: Bats at Dusk, adults and families with children over age 5. $3/$5.
Jul 10
     Friday Family Fun Day, adults and families with children over age 6. 9:30-3:30. Adults $20/$25, children $15/$20.
Jul 11
     Great Watershed Stream Exploration: Rock Brook, 9:30-11am. Free/$5.
Jul 18
     Great Watershed Stream Exploration: Cranbury Brook, 9:30-11am. Free/$5.
     Insect Safari on the Watershed Reserve, I9:30-11am. $4/$6.
Jul 20, 27, Aug 3, 10
     Movin' NaturallyYoga for Preschoolers, ages 3-5, parent must stay with child under 4. 11:15-12. $7/$10 per session, $23/$40 per series.
Jul 22
     Butterfly Tea Party, 10:30-12. $8/$12.
Jul 25
     Great Watershed Stream Exploration: Lewis and Stony Brooks, 9:30-11am. $3/$5.
Aug 1
     Perrineville Lake Park Exploration, 9:30am. $3/$5.
Aug 6
     Exploring the Night: Full Moon Hike and Great
     Nocturnal Insect Safari, adults and families with children over age 5. 8:30pm. $8/$12.
Aug 8
     Shady Sourland Mountain Hike, adults and families with children over 5. 8:30pm. $8/$12.
Sep 8
     Fall Preschool Series begins.
Sep 10
     Fall School-age Series begins.
Sep 18
     Exploring the Night: Creepy Spider Hunt, 7:30pm. $8/$12.
Oct 24
     Let's Hear it for the Birds! 11am-2pm. $5.

Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, 201-568-6093. Visitors Center open Mon.-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.
Ongoing
     Family Nature Walks, different seasonal topics and activities each month. All ages. Sun. 3:30-4:30. Members free/non-members $5.
    Jul 12, Aug 2
     Little Naturalists, series for ages 212 and 3 with a different topic each week. No strollers or siblings. 1:30-2:30pm. Series ($50/$75) or individual ($15/$20) sessions.
      Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
    Discovery Classes for children pre-K-grade 5. Sign up for series or individual sessions.
Summer Programs
Programs intended for adults and families with children of recommended minimum age. Registration required for most programs, sign up online. No strollers on trails. Fees below are $5 for members/$10 nonmembers, unless noted.
Jnl 26
     Seasonal Scavenger Hunt, ages 4 & up. Arrive anytime between 2-4pm.
Aug 1
     Summer Family Night Hike, ages 5 & up. 7-8pm.
Aug 9
     Pond Discovery, ages 5 & up. 1-2:30. Free/$5.
Aug 22
     Seasonal Scavenger Hunt, ages 4 & up. Arrive anytime between 2-4pm.
Aug 30
     Bats for Beginners, ages 5 & up. 7-8pm.
Sep 27
     Apple Cider Making, bring 3 apples per person. 12:30-1:30 or 2-3pm. Free/$5.
Sep
     Autumn Family Campfire, ages 5 & up.

Union County Trailside Nature and Science 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 and Visitor 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 an adult, unless noted. Programs are held rain or shine unless weather is severe. Pre-registration is required. Fees are listed as in-county/out-of-county.
Jun 30, Jul 14
     Night Time Munchies, nocturnal animals. 8-9pm. $6/$7.
Jul 7
     Evening Pond Search, Seeley's Pond. 7:30-9. $7/$8.
Aug 4
     When I'm Sleepy, stories and short walk for ages 3-5 with adult. Come in your p.j.s. 7:30-8:30pm. $6/$7.
Jul 21
     The Benefit of Bats, meet at Seeley's Pond. 8-9pm. $6/$7.
Jul 28, Aug 11
     Flashing Fireflies, bring a flashlight. 8-9pm. $6/$7.
Summer Friday Evening Family Programs
For all ages with adult. Rain or shine unless weather is severe. Babies must be in backpacks. Fees are listed incounty/out-of-county. Pre-registration is required.
Jul 3
     Snakes & Turtles, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Headwaters Hike, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3. $6/$7.
Jul 10
     Meadow Magic, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Deserted Village Walking Tour, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3. $6/$7.
Jul 17
     Pond Life, meet at Seeley's Pond. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3. $6/$7.
     Scavenger Hunt, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
Jul 24
     Snakes & Turtles, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Headwaters Hike, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3. $6/$7.
Jul 31
     All About Birds, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Stream Stroll. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3. $6/$7.
Aug 7
     Scavenger Hunt, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Deserted Village Walking Tour, 10-11:30 or 1:30-3. $6/$7.
Aug 14
     Meadow Magic, 10-11 or 1:30-2:30. $5/$6.
     Pond Life, meet at Seeley's Pond. 10-11:30 or 1:30-3. $6/$7.
Selected Special Events
Wed Jul-Aug
     Wednesday Matinees, entertainment series for families with children ages 4 & up. 1:30pm Wednesdays during July and Aug. $4. Tickets go on sale at 1pm on the day of presentation.
Jul 10-11, Jul 24-25
     Family Camp Out for Beginners, intro to camping for families with children ages 6 & up. 6pm-10am. $20/$25, pre-register.
Aug 5
     End of Summer Family Campfire, all ages. 7-8:30pm. $7/$8, pre-register.
Sept 27
     Annual Harvest Festival, 11-5. Colonial crafts, live music, Revolutionary War encampment, kids games, food. Rain or shine.
Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, Nov 6
     Hayrides & Campfires, 6:30pm. Tickets go on sale Aug. 15, advance tickets requires.
Oct 22-24
     Haunted Hayride, for ages 6 &up with adult. 6:30-9:30pm, 10:30 on Fri. & Sat., in Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park. Advance tickets required. Tickets go on sale Sept. 15.
Nov 1
     The Great Pumpkin Sale, 6-9:30pm. 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 6
     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-Jun
     Outdoor Adventures, weekly themed hikes/nature related talks on Saturdays Sept.-June All ages. No pre-registration required.

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 Norvin Green State Forest and the surrounding Highlands. Weis Center features a visitor center with snakes, turtles and seasonal displays, nature store, aviary and butterfly gardens. Programs for children and families, adults and teens, serious hikers, summer nature day camps, and day and residential programs for schools, scouts and other groups are offered year 'round.
New
     2009 Nature Discovery Club Adventures will be announced. Call to be added to the mailing list.
Selected Programs for Kids, Teens & Families
Pre-registration required for all programs, limited space. Fees are $5 members, $8 non-members, family maximum $15 members, $24 non-members, unless noted.
Jul 3
     Family Fun Day: Sunset Hike, pre-teens and up. 7-9:30pm.
Jul 4
     Family Fun Day: Habitat HuntA Day in the Life of a Forest, best suited to elementary-ages, younger siblings welcome. 9:30-11am.
Jul 3, 4
     Family Fun Day: Aquatic Adventure, explore Blue Mine Brook, best for elementary ages, younger siblings welcome. 12-1:30pm.
Jul 24
     Family Fun Day: Rocks Rock!, guided hike to Roomey Iron Mine, best for older elementary ages and pre-teens. 10-11:30am.
     Turning Bat Habits Into Good, slideshow and outdoor walk for adults and interested youth. 7:30-9pm. $5/$8.
Jul 25
     Birds of New Jersey: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, learn how to attract to your backyard habitat. Adults and teens. 9:30-11am. $5/$8.
Aug 1
     Hiking 101, hiking basics for adults and teens. 10-noon. $5/$8.
Aug 5-7
     Junior Naturalists Nature Day Camp, for children entering kindergarten. 10-12. $35/$45.
     Parents at Play hikes and adventures for parents while children attend camp. $6/$10 per day or $18/$30 for the week.
Aug 8
     Birds of New Jersey: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, learn how to attract to your backyard habitat. Adults and teens. 9:30-11am. $5/$8.
     Aug 15, 16
     Family Fun Day: Survival Shelters, best for older elementary ages and pre-teens. 10-11:30am.
Dec
     Christmas Tree Sale.
Merit Badge Series
All sessions $12 members, $18 non-members, limited enrollment. Pre-registration required.
Jul 5
     Plant Science Merit Badge, 1-5pm.
Jul 25
     Forestry Merit Badge, 1-5pm.
Aug 8
     Mammal Study Merit Badge, 1-5pm.
Aug 9
     Environmental Science Merit Badge, 1-5pm.

parks and playgrounds
For more information about playgrounds throughout New Jersey including photographs and a mom's commentary, visit www.njplaygrounds.com.

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.

Essex County Kip's Castle Park
22 Crestmont Rd., Montclair, 973-268-3500. Estate grounds open dawn to dusk. April-Oct.: Castle open for first floor self-guided tours Mon.-Thurs. 12-4. 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
as county offices, public meeting space, museum space and educational programs are 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 Brook Reservation
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 North Branch of the Raritan River 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. New climbing and play structure replaced the famous wooden castle in 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.

White Oak 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 community 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.
Oct, May
Peak of fall and spring migrations. Bird walks and birding workshops are scheduled.

Gateway National Recreation Area
Sandy Hook (GSP Exit 117), 732-872-5970. Park: Daily sunrise to sunset. Lifeguards on duty 10-6 daily Memorial Day-Labor Day. Beach parking fee 7am-4pm Memorial Day-Labor Day: $10. Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center: Daily 10-5pm. History House, a restored 1898 lieutenant's residence on "Officers Row:" Weekends 1-5pm, daily after June 21. 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); Brookdale Community College's Ocean Institute in Bldg. 53 (732-224-2435); and the
American Littoral Society (732-291-0055).
Open
     Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, in Fort Hancock Bldg. 20. New Jersey Audubon Society site offers public and school programs at this key location on the Atlantic Flyway. 732-872-2500. Closed summer.
     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, 1-4:30; weekdays beginning mid-JuneAug. 1-4:30pm. Children must be 48 in. tall to climb tower. Reserve tours for scouts and groups in advance, 856-546-0514.
     Multi-Use Pathway, shared by bicyclists, skaters and pedestrians, extends 5 miles north from the park entrance to Fort Hancock.
Jun 20-Aug 22
     Fort Hancock Museum, former post guardhouse featuring exhibits and old army jail cells is open weekends 1-5pm.
     Battery Potter, Sandy Hook's oldest gun battery, completed in 1894, is open weekends 1-4:30.
Families Investigate Science Hands-On Programs
Building 22, Fort Hancock, 732-872-1300 ext. 30 or 19. New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium offers 3-hr. hands-on marine-themed workshops for families (FISH) during spring, summer and fall; summer camp; and scout programs. Consult website for current schedule, registration information and fees.
Apr-Oct
     FISH, hands-on family workshops.
Oct 24
     Hallow-Marine, haunted marsh tour of Sandy Hook, 45-min. tours 5-8pm, may be scary for children under 5. Reservations required.
Jul & Aug
     Marine Sciences Day Camp, one week sessions of outdoor exploration and laboratory investigations for grades 3-8.
American Littoral Society
Mid-Atlantic chapter is headquartered on Sandy Hook, 732-291-0055. Organization founded by scientists, naturalists and divers focuses on coastal education, advocacy and conservation activities. Hands-on school outreach programs; group programs on the beach; local, national and international field trips.
Summer Events for Adults & Families
Free, unless noted.
Mon, Wed & Fri
     Seining the Salt Marsh, look for "seining today" signs along Hartshorne Dr. Mon., Wed. and Fri. beginning June 22 or call Visitors Center for location and explore creatures in the bay. Wear footwear that can get wet. 9:30-11:30am.
Tues & Thurs
     Canoe Sandy Hook Bay, Tues. at 9am, Thurs. at 2pm. Children must be at least 7. Reservations.
Fri
     Battery Gunnison in World War II, meet a living history historian at Battery Gunnison 1-5pm every Fri. in July and Aug 7 & 14.
Jul 11, 19, Aug 8, 16
     Nike Missile Radar Site, tour the site where radar once guided missiles that protected New York City. Open 3-8pm. Parking Lot L.
Jul 16, 30, Aug 20
     Junior Ranger Naturalist, kids ages 7-12 can help National Park Service researchers unlock the mysteries of Sandy Hook's Asian Shore Crabs. 9am-12pm. Free, reservations required, 732-872-5970.
Aug 29
     Battery Gunnison Preserved, restoration volunteers in period uniforms will be on hand. 12-5.
Jul 2, 9, Aug 6, 25
     Night Prowl, bring a flashlight. 8:30 in July, 7:30 in Aug. Sandy Hook Visitors Center.
Jul 9, 23, Aug 6, 13
     Junior Ranger Historian, kids ages 7-12 can help National Park Service researchers uncover Sandy Hook's past. Free, reservations required,
732-872-5970.
Jul 10, 24, 31, Aug 7, 21
     Campfire on the Beach, stories and sing along. 8pm. Meet at the Sandy Hook Visitors Center.
Jul 14
     Bunker of the Week: Battery Potter, 7pm. Meet at Post Theater Parking Lot.
Jul 16
      Fort Hancock Lantern Tour, 8:30pm. Meet at Post Theater Parking Lot. Bring a flashlight.
Jul 17, 30, Aug 13
     Weird Sandy Hook, myths & legends of Sandy Hook. Wear long pants, bring a flashlight. 8:30pm in July, 8pm in Aug. Meet at the Post Theater.
Jul 21
     Bunker of the Week: Battery Gunnison, 7pm. Meet at Post Theater Parking Lot.
     Birding for Beginners, all ages. 6pm. Meet at Visitors Center parking lot. Bring binoculars.
Jul 21, Aug 4, 18
     American Littoral Society Family Nights at the Hook, pull a seine net and use a field microscope. 6pm. Fee, reservations, 732-872-0055.
Jul 23
     Cold War Defenses, 7pm. Meet at Nike Ajax Missile launch site.
Jul 28
     Bunker of the Week: Mortar Battery, 7pm. Meet at Post Theater Parking Lot.
Jul 29
     All Women's Lifeguard Tournament, all day event from 9am. Beach Area E.
Aug 4
     Bunker of the Week: 9 Gun Battery, 7pm. Meet at Post Theater Parking Lot.
Aug 11
     Bunker of the Week: Batteries Peck and Morris, 7pm. Meet at Post Theater Parking Lot.
Aug 17
     Nike Missile Launch Site Tour, 4pm. Meet at Nike Ajax Missile launch site.
Aug 18
     Bunker of the Week: Battery Mills, 6pm. Meet at Visitor Center Parking Lot.
Aug 20
     Birding for Beginners, all ages. 6pm. Meet at Visitors Center parking lot. Bring binoculars.
     Fort Hancock Lantern Tour, 8pm. Meet at Post Theater Parking Lot. Bring a flashlight.

Island Beach State Park
Rt. 35, Seaside Park (GSP exit 82), 732-793-0506. Interpretive Programs, 732-793-1698. Parking fee thru Labor Day: weekdays $6, weekends $10. After Labor Day: $5. Beautiful wide beaches, dunes, fishing, nature center, and 16 miles of trails including paved bicycle path, nature trails and canoe/kayak trail in Barnegat Bay. Horseback riding by reservation only Oct. 1-Apr. 30. On hot, sunny, summer weekends, it's best to arrive before 9am or after 1pm to avoid park closure. Surf chairs available for disabled. Aeolium (house of the wind) nature center, about 1.5 miles from entrance gate, features exhibits about barrier islands
and their habitats and short nature trail. Discovery Trails of Island Beach State Park brochure lists self-guided nature trails. Interpretive center at the Historic Forked River Coast Guard Station #112 is open Fri.-Sun. 8-4. A guide to the park can be found online at friendsofislandbeach.com.

Marine Mammal Stranding Center
3625 Brigantine Blvd., Brigantine, 609-266-0538. Open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours change seasonally; call before you visit. Donation. Organization rescues, rehabilitates and releases stranded or otherwise distressed marine mammals and sea turtles. Sea Life Education Center features 25 life-size replicas of marine mammals and fish, educational exhibits and gift shop.
Summer
Workshops and camps for ages 4 and up. Call or fill out registration form online.

The Noyes Museum of Art
Lily Lake Rd. (GSP exit 48), Oceanville, 609-652-8848. Tues.-Sat. 10-4:30, Sun. 12-5. Adults $4, students/srs. $3, 6 & under free. The only fine arts museum in southern New Jersey features American art, especially folk art and crafts and a massive collection of working decoys. Adjacent to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Group tours and workshops; group outreach programs available.
Sat
Art workshops for ages 3-12 one Sat. each month. Reservations recommended.

Seven President's Oceanfront Park
Ocean Ave. (GSP exit 105, Hwy. 36E), Long Branch, 732-229-0924. Monmouth County Park System: 732-842-4000. Daily 8am to dusk. Admission and parking fee charged Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day weekend. Expansive beach, 2 playgrounds, snack pavilion, jetty fishing, boat ramp, volleyball, skateplex, restrooms and showers. Surf chair for persons with disabilities available at pavilion. Lifeguards on duty 10-5 daily mid-June through Labor Day.

Tuckerton Seaport
120 W. Main St. (GSP exit 58), Tuckerton, 609-296-8868. See listing under Historic Sites.

Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd. (GSP exit 10), Stone Harbor, 609-368-1211. Mon.-Sat. 9:30-4:30, Sun. 10-4. Winter: closed Sun. & Mon. Adults $7, ages 2-11 $5. 6,000 acres of coastal wetlands are a living laboratory for education and research with salt marsh trail, observation tower, exhibits and museum shop. Open in winter for self-guided tours. In summer, daily events may include wetlands and wildlife workshops, family programs, guided walks, kayaking or back bay boat cruises.
Ongoing
     Official New Jersey site for Junior Duck Stamp entries & judging, for K-12 students.
     NEHST (Nature Education for Homeschool Students & Teachers) program meets monthly.
Sept 19-20
     Annual Wings 'n Water Festival, family celebration of the coast with folk music, food, artists, crafters, demonstrations and guided walks.Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Fri. evening opening reception and benefit auction.

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