06/19/2026
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. No registration required.
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.
*No registration required.
June 20 & 21 Naturalist’s Choice
LOCATION: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
DATE: Saturdays and Sundays
TIME: 2:00 – 3:00pm AGE: All
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, January 5 – March 30
TIME: 1:30 pm FEE: Free 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, January 5 – March 30
TIME: 2:00 pmFEE: Free 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: Saturdays, January 4 – March 29
TIME: Between 1:30 – 3:00 pm, ongoing
FEE: Free AGE: 3 - 5 years
Father’s Day Drop-In
Join us for a quick make-and-take craft and create a gift sure to please any Father or Grandfather this Father’s Day!
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATE: Saturday, June 20
TIME: 1:00 – 3:30 pm, ongoing
FEE: Free AGE: 3 – 9 years
“Night of the Stars” at Jakes Branch
Spend the night under the stars with A.S.T.R.A., The Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area. Whether you’re a budding astronomer or simply a casual stargazer, this night is for you. Volunteer members of the club will be on-site to share their out-of-this-world knowledge and answer your questions about the great unknown. They will have tele¬scopes that will leave your mind reeling in amazement for days from the views you see. If you have your own telescope, feel free to bring it along and come a little early. The club members will be happy to give you pointers on how to find the planets and locate constellations. No registration required.
****ENDING TIME APPROXIMATE. WEATHER PERMITTING! ****
LOCATION: Sports Field Parking Lot, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATE: Saturday, March 21
TIME: 8:00 – 10:00 pm
FEE: FREE AGE: ALL
CLOVERDALE FARM COUNTY PARK
Cloverdale Farm’s Plein Air Weekend
Some of the most awe-inspiring works of art are associated with nature. Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, John James Audubon’s watercolors of North American birds, and Albert Bierstadt and Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings of land¬scapes all have left impressions upon our hearts. Cloverdale Farm County Park is open¬ing its gates to all types of artists from dawn to dusk. Bring your own blank canvases and medium materials and get ready to create in this plein air-style (outside in open air) event. Keep in mind your eco footprint. Anything you bring must be brought back home with you, including solvents or paint water, so be sure to pack containers and plastic bags.
LOCATION: Entire Park, Cloverdale Farm County Park, Barnegat
DATES/TIMES:
Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
FEE: Free AGE: All; children must be accompanied by adult
