06/05/2026
Your Ocean County Parks have FREE WEEKEND PROGRAMS all year.
Most all are “ALL AGES”
CATTUS ISLAND COUNTY PARK
“Scales and Tales”
Join a park naturalist as they dispel the myths and fears of native reptiles. You will see some of our live snakes and turtles up close and personal. Learn what makes these native species so special, and why they are such an important part of the ecosystem. This program is sure to inspire all young nature lovers.
LOCATION: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
DATE: Saturdays and Sundays
TIME: 1:30 -2:00 pm AGE: All
“Cattus Island Nature Walks”
Be a part of a 40-year Ocean County tradition! Join a park naturalist and follow in the footsteps of such legendary local environmentalists as A. Morton and Betty Cooper, Dorothy Hale and Pete McLain. Be prepared to discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world.
June 6 & 7 “Carnivorous Plants”
LOCATION: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
DATE: Saturdays and Sundays
TIME: 2:00 – 3:00pm AGE: AlL
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JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK
“Live Animal Talks”
Come in and meet the animals of Jakes Branch County Park. Visitors will get an up-close look at the parks inhabitants and learn about each species.
**Talks will last approximately 20 minutes**
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATE: Sundays, April 12 – June 28
TIME: 1:30 pm
AGE: All
“Discovery Nature Walks”
Join a park naturalist on these brief but informative nature walks through Jakes Branch Park. **Weather permitting - walks will not exceed 30 minutes**
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATE: Sundays, April 12 – June 28
TIME: 2:00 pm
AGE: All
“Drop In and Discover”
What will you discover about nature when you drop by any time between 1:30 and 3:30 and join us for a FREE activity and craft?
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATE: Sundays, April 12 – June 28
TIME: Between 1:30 – 3:00 pm, ongoing
AGE: 3 - 5 years
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CLOVERDALE FARM COUNTY PARK
“Monthly Bird Walks”
Learn how Cloverdale Farm County Park’s bird population changes month by month. This informative bird walk is perfect for beginners. Please be prepared to walk a mile, wear comfortable sneakers or boots, dress for the weather, and bring a pair of bin-oculars. If inclement weather, the program will be canceled.
LOCATION: Program Room, Cloverdale Farm County Park, Barnegat
DATE: Saturday, June 6
TIME: 8:00 - 9:00 am
AGE: 9 years – Adult
“Armchair Birding”
During this program, we will set up our chairs on the back porch to watch the birds at the feeders. A Naturalist will be at your side to help you identify all the birds. This program is great for beginners and those with limited mobility. Please bring a camp chair.
LOCATION: Program Room, Cloverdale Farm County Park, Barnegat
DATES: Saturday, June 6
TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 am
AGE: 12 years – Adult
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CEDAR BRIDGE TAVERN
What does 250 mean to you?
In this program for children in Kindergarten through Third grade, we will explore what it means to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country. We’ll read a kid-friendly story about how fairness, community, and working together helped us grow into the America we know today. We’ll talk about what this big anniversary means and why we commem¬orate it. Then we’ll create a patriotic craft and add our input to a special commemorative 250 art piece. All supplies provided, parent must accompany child.
LOCATION: Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site, 200 Old Half-Way Road, Barnegat
DATES: Saturdays,
Saturday, June 6............... 189332 - 9J
Sunday, June 14.................189332 - 9K
Saturday, June 27...............189332 - 9L
Sunday, June 28.................189332 - 9M
TIME: 10:30 am - 11:45 am
FREE, but must register AGE: 5 – 9 years
