Winter Fun in the Parks

Winter fun heats up when the temperature drops and snow flies in the Monmouth County Park System. Whether you’re looking to fly down the sledding hill, strap on your cross-country skis, or lace up your ice skates, the Park System is the place to be. When snow is on the ground and conditions are safe, the sledding hill in Holmdel Park in Holmdel opens from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Groomed trails are open to cross-country skiers at Thompson Park, Lincroft, as weather permits. Marked, ungroomed trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Clayton Park, Upper Freehold; Hartshorne Woods Park, Middletown; Holmdel Park, Holmdel; Huber Woods Park, Middletown; Shark River Park, Wall; Tatum Park, Middletown; and Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold. Please note that the Park System’s Deer Management Program will be underway until February 17 at several of these sites. For complete details, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com.

Need equipment? Head over to Thompson Park, Lincroft. Cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment is available for rent at the Thompson Park Ski Hut, located next to the Three Barns Parking Area. Conditions permitting, rentals are available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily through March 11. The cost is $20 to rent ski equipment and $15 for snowshoes. Skis and/or snowshoes are available on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call 732.842.4000, ext. 4312.

The fun really starts after a week or so of freezing temperatures when Holmdel, Shark River and Turkey Swamp Parks post their “Skating Today” signs. Hours for ice skating are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Ice skating isn’t the only fun to be had! Manasquan Reservoir, Thompson Park and Turkey Swamp Park open for ice fishing in designated areas. Always check with park rangers before heading onto the ice.

Please be aware that these activities are offered only when conditions permit. Be sure to visit MonmouthCountyParks.com for the latest updates on conditions.