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Community Special Events
Santa Ferry Ride
Saturday, December 7, 2019
NY Waterway Belford Ferry Terminal - 10 Harbor Way
Fees: General (ages 1+) $17.00 / $21.00 (NR)
Infants (ages 1-) $5.00/ $6.00 (NR)
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and their friends on a festive ferry ride! The township’s Santa Ferry Ride will be held on Saturday, December 7th. The yuletide ride features visits from Santa and friends, goodie bags, and a wonderful scenic view of the Statue of Liberty. Ferries leave and return to the NY Waterway Belford Ferry Terminal at 10 Harbor Way.
**Tickets will go on sale 10/2, 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Poricy Park. After these dates tickets will be on sale during regular office hours. Non-residents can purchase tickets 10/9**
Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 8, 2019 | 5:00Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
FREE - Middletown Residents Only
Join us in kicking off the holiday season with an exciting tree lighting ceremony. The day’s FREE art activities and entertainment will be enjoyed by hundreds of local families and features an art exhibition, tree lighting, visit from Santa, carols, children’s crafts, and much more! Funded and managed by the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and Middletown Recreation. For more information, please call 732-706-4100.
Annual Dodgeball Tournament & Toy Drive
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 8:00amCroydon Hall Gymnasium
Co-Sponsor: Middletown Social Services
Pre- registration Required - Registration begins September 1
Fees: $55 per team & 1 unwrapped toy per person
Get ready for some family fun. Join us for our 11th Annual Dodgeball Tournament and Toy Drive! Registration fee is $55 per team. We ask that all participants bring an unwrapped toy the day of the tournament. All toys will be given to Middletown Social Services. Registration deadline is November 27 - NO exceptions. Division start times will depend on final number of teams. Times listed below are estimates!
Space is limited in each division - sign up fast! Pre-registration is REQUIRED! Registration is from September 1 - November 27. No registrations will be taken after the deadline.
Team Registration Form
2019 Waiver
2019 Dodgeball Tournament Schedule
Juniors
A Little Bit Older
Teen A + B
Adults
Please note: game times are subject to change
Divisions:
- Juniors (Grades 1-3)
- A Little Bit Older (Grades 4-6)
- Teen A* (Grades 7-9)
- Teen B* (Grades 10-12)
- Adult (Ages 19+)
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, December 21 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:6-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Colonial Candle-Making
Join us in our colonial-era farmhouse to learn the basics of dip candle making. We’ll be melting beeswax down in the hearth kitchen so everyone can make their very own candle to take home. Because of the wax involved, this event is for ages 6 and up.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, Jan 19 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:3-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Slime Workshop
All slime, all the time. Come learn about these amazing non-Newtonian fluids—from oobleck to slime to silly putty. We’ll try fluffy slime, butter slime, super stretchy slime, and more. Space is limited, sign up early.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Middletown Preschool Information Fair
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2019 | 6:00pm - 8:00pmMiddletown Public Library
Free!
Middletown Recreation is bringing preschools throughout the town together in one place for your convenience! Representatives from various organizations will be present to speak to you regarding class options, program structure and help answer any other questions you may have! This year, we will have activities to entertain the children while parents talk to the representatives, so no need to worry about a babysitter!
Schools attending our Information Fair:
- Child's Place
- Ivy Hill Preschool
- Kindercare
- King of Kings Preschool
- Middletown High School South Preschool
- Middletown Preschool
- Oak Hill Academy
- Sandy Hook Child Care
- St. James School
- St. Leo the Great
- St. Mary's Preschool
- Westminster Preschool
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday,
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:3-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Maple Syruping
*Update: Date postponed due to weather.
With cold nights and warm days, February is the perfect time for maple sap in New Jersey. Join us outside as we tap some trees. Taste fresh maple sap and compare to the finished, concentrated product.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Middletown Preschool Open House
TBD | 6:00pm
Tonya Keller Community Center, 50 Bray Avenue
Free!
Did you miss us at the Preschool Information Fair? Want to know more about our program and facility? Come stop in and ask us any questions you may have!
Mother-Son Mini Golf Tournament
Saturday, March 2, 2019 | 10:00am - 12:00pmMonster Mini Golf, 749 Hope Road, Eatontown
$30.00 per pair, $12.50 per additional child (non-resident fees apply)
Pre-registration required.
Team up with mom for an exciting round of mini golf under the black lights! Prizes will be awarded to the top mother-son team with the lowest score in each grade. Prizes will also be awarded to the best dressed team! Registration includes a $5.00 game card, goody bag, and two rounds of the Laser Maze for each child. Lunch is included for mother and son.
Middletown March Madness Skills Challenge
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 | 6:30pm
Croydon Hall Gym
$5.00 + 1 non-perishable good
Pre-registration required.
Join us and test your basketball skills. We will be first looking at your dribbling agility. Then you will grab a partner and perfect your passing. Lastly, you'll hit the net and aim for the best score to win our awesome friendly competition.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, March 16, 2019 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
$3.00 per child
Pre-registration required
Animal lovers needed! Make some new friends at Poricy Park by meeting our little menagerie. We’ll be bringing out our turtles, bugs, and guinea pig to play. We’ll discuss the care and diet of all our animals and be asking for some help with their feeding.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Daddy-Daughter Dance | Boots & Belles
Friday, March 29, 2019 | 6:00-9:00pmGrades K-5
Jacques Reception Center
500 Palmer Ave, Middletown
Fees Apply:
Adult: $50 (R) / $60 (NR)
Child: $45 (R) / $54 (NR)
Pre-registration required
Limited seating available - be there or be square. Girls may be escorted by a relative or family friend, 21 or older. As with all Township events, alcohol is prohibited. Your evening includes:
- Complete buffet dinner
- DJ music, fun and games
- Souvenir photo with frame
- Special Keepsake
*Tickets will go on sale February 6, 2019*
Easter EGGstravaganza
Saturday, April 13, 2019 | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center
FREE!
Come join us for an Easter fun-filled day! The first 500 children will receive goodie bags. Parents bring your cameras to get your photo op with the Bunny! Enjoy the famous Doodle Dude, arts and crafts, and more!
Spring Break Camp
April 22 - 26, 2019 | 9:00am - 12:30pmAges: 3-5 years old
Poricy Park Nature Center
Fees Apply:
Resident: $105.00 for the week
Non-Resident: $126.00 for the week
Pre-registration required
Topic: Builder Bees
Be as busy as a bee this week as we explore one of nature's most fascinating builders. We'll be looking into why and how bees build, exploring differences across species, and seeking inspiration for our own building projects. Little engineers will be challenged with a range of building materials to play with and learn from. Each day is a mix of stories, experiments, games, creating, and of course some fresh air walks outside to get the creative juices flowing. Hope you'll "bee" there!
Children should bring a snack and a refillable water bottle. Sneakers are a must.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, April 20, 2019 | 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Owl Pellets
Come to Poricy to discover what's hidden in an owl pellet. Use tweezers to dissect a pellet to find the bones of mice, shrews, or even small lizards,Lots of treasures to be found!
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, April 28, 2019 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
A Weekend in Old Monmouth
Saturday, May 4, 2019 | 10:00am-5:00pmSunday, May 5, 2019 | 12:00pm-5:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Free!
A Weekend in Old Monmouth is an annual two-day event when 48 of the Monmouth County history sites open their doors to visitors and waive their admission fees. A Weekend in Old Monmouth is a self-guided tour. Weekend in Old Monmouth is also available online. A Story Map Tour℠ has been created to present all 48 tour locations in a linear, place-based narrative with photos. To use the Story Map, go to http://arcg.is/2n0FD6P
*This event is run by the County, but the Murray Farm House and Barn will be open to the public!
For the full listing of sites please visit this site:
https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=3464
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, May 18, 2019 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Netting in the Pond
Find whats at the bottom of the Murray Pond. Look for frogs, turtles, and snakes. Use our nets to catch tadpoles, fish, insect larve, snails, and other critters. Dress to get muddy!
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Town Wide Garage Sale
Saturday, May 18 & 19, 2019 | 8:30am - 4:00pm
Middletown Township
Pre-registration required
$5.00
Sign up to be on the township map. This map will include your address and any featured items. Don't worry if your home isn't on a main street, the map allows buyers to hit all the houses they want in Middletown! The map also helps buyers look for specific items.
2019 Town Wide Garage Sale Map
*Please check back closer to May 18th for an updated map!
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2019 | 10:00amParade begins at Bayshore Middle School. The route is as follows: Leonardvile Road to Appleton Avenue to Center Avenue to Brevent Avenue; turn right onto Highland Avenue, then left on Leonard Avenue and right on Viola Avenue to the American Legion Post home on Route 36. Parade ends at approximately 11:30am.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, June 15, 2019 | 3:00-4:30pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Colonial Tea
Tea and light refreshments will be served in our historic 18th century farmhouse, where a period-dressed interpreter will be on hand to instruct in colonial manners. Additionally, children will craft an 18th century toy.
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, June 30, 2019 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Movie in the Park: Lego Movie 2
Thursday, June 27, 2019 | 8:30pmNormandy Park
Free!
Join us while we watch a movie outside at the park. Make sure to pack your chairs and some snacks to enjoy this movie with your family!
Featured Movie: “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild. The battle to defeat them and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet, Lucy, Batman and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are.
Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series
Tuesday, July 9 & 23, 2019 | 7:00pm - 9:00pmMiddletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Free! July 9: TBD
July 23: TBD
The free concerts are held from 7 - 9 p.m. on the Middletown Art Center's northern lawn. The public is invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited. Free parking is on site. Call 732-706-4100 for more information.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, July 20,2019 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Tinker Sprinklers
Beat the heat by creating your own water park! We will work together to create sprinklers using PVC pipes and connectors - will it be a bike wash station, a water slide, a water balloon filler? How about all three!
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Middletown Night at Lakewood BlueClaws
Thursday, July 25, 2019 | 7:05pm Game Time
Game day: 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood
Purchase tickets: Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
$15 per person (Middletown Residents only)
Join Middletown Township for a relaxing evening at FirstEnergy Park to watch the Lakewood BlueClaws take on the Charleston Riverdogs! Mayor Tony Perry will have the honor of throwing out the games first pitch. It's also Italian Heritage Night where the Park will have food and drink specials, unique promotions, and more! The night will end with post-game fireworks.
Tickets are $15 per person and include entrance to the game, a hot dog, soda, and ice cream.
Limited number of tickets available on a first come, first serve basis. All tickets must be purchased in person at the Middletown Recreation office located at Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank.
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, July 28, 2019 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00 (NR)
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Music in the Parks Concert Series
Tuesday, August 6 & 20, 2019 | 7:00pm - 9:00pmMiddletown Arts Center, Middletown, NJ
Free!
The free concerts are held from 7 - 9 p.m. on the Middletown Art Center's northern lawn. The public is invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited. Free parking is on site. Call 732-706-4100 for more information.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, August 18, 2019 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Moth Hunting
Did you know there are 10 times as many more moth species in NJ compared to butterflies? Come learn how to make your own moth traps to safely capture this elusive insect. We'll also check the Poricy traps and see who we find!
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, August 25, 2019 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Ideal Beach Party
Ideal Beach, Middletown, NJ
FREE!
Don’t miss this great family event filled with fun and games, music and dancing. DJ Rich Kaufman will be on hand to provide the evening’s entertainment. Goldy's Ice Cream will be in attendance for some refreshing treats! Bring a beach chair or towel. Games, activities and prizes for all children. Watch the beautiful sunset overlooking the Sandy Hook Bay. Make sure to stick around for our movie!
Movie in the Park
Thursday, August 29, 2019 | 7:30pmLocation: Ideal Beach
Free!
Join us while we watch Ralph Breaks the Internet! Make sure to pack your chairs and blankets. Bring your favorite snack and sit back and relax while watching this family favorite film.
9/11 Memorial
Middletown Arts Center- World Trade Center Memorial Gardens, Middletown, NJ
Free!
Please bring a candle and join us for a moment of silence and wreath tribute to honor the 37 Middletown friends and neighbors we lost in the World Trade Center attack.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Topic: The Microscopic World
Come discover the hidden world of tiny things. Use our kid-friendly microscopes on pencils, bug parts, plants, yarn, and even your own fingertips. Step even closer with our high-powered digital microscope to see some freshwater single-cell organisms.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Middletown Day
Croydon Hall
Free!
The fall festival boasts activities for all ages including a business and community showcase, craft fair, live local music, children's activities, a petting zoo, hayrides, and a food court. For a complete listing, please see our special Middletown Day website.
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, September 29 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Santa Ferry Ticket Sales
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road
Join us on this special evening sale to be the first to purchase your tickets! Make sure to arrive on time as tickets are limited. All tickets must be purchased in person. Sales will resume business hours on Thursday.
This pre - sale is for Middletown Township residents only and for our Santa Ferry event. Households are only allowed to purchase a max of 8 tickets. All non - resident purchases can be made starting 10/9.
Be prepared: download and fill out the registration form prior to purchase!
Harvest Hullabaloo
Saturday, October 19, 2019 | 4:00-7:00pmPoricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Free! - Middletown Residents Only
This spooktacular evening presented by Middletown Recreation and the Middletown Arts Center, includes costume contests, cartooning with the Doodle Dude, haunted hayrides, a Trunk or Treat and more! Be sure to bring a flashlight! Ice Cream treats will be available for purchase. Costume contests for several age groups and groups of 2 or more begin at 4:15pm. Hayrides start at 5:30pm. A limited number of free reusable trick or treat bags will be given out prior to the Trunk or Treat.
The Murray Farm House: Will be using our old cider press to make fresh cider. We also will be offering tours of the Farm house and barn.
Veteran's Day Parade
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00pm
Parade steps off from Bayview Elementary School at 1:00pm. Parade route travels to the VFW Post 2179 located at 1 Veterans Lane, Port Monmouth. Join the crowd at the Grand Stand in Campbell's Junction.
All residents and community members are cordially invited to have lunch with veterans at the VFW Post 2179 upon the parade's conclusion. Please join us and "Thank a Veteran".
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, Nov 16, 2019 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:3-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Electricity
Join us for some shocking experiments at Poricy Park. Link up some series and circuits, play with electrical play-doh, use potatoes for batteries, and more.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Turkey Soccer Shootout
Saturday, November 23, 2019 | 10:00am - 11:00amCroydon Turf Field
Per person: $5.00 (R), $6.00 (NR)
Ages: 6 to Adult
Pre-registration preferred
Think you've got the best Penalty Kick in town? Put it to the test at the Soccer Turkey Shoot Out & Food Drive. Each player will line up and take 5 shots on the goal. Players will shoot from the designated area 12 yards from the goal line. Aim for the target to score points. The player in each age category will receive a medal and a turkey! Second and third place medals will also be given out per age category. After the overwhelming response, we have added older age categories, including 1 for adults!
All participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food to donate. All donations received will be given to Middletown Social Services to be distributed to residents in need. Help give our fellow residents a fantastic Thanksgiving! - Age categories: 6-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-17, Adult (18+)
- Preregistration is not necessary, but preferred
North vs. South Alumni Soccer Game
Saturday, November 23, 2019 | 11:30am
Croydon Turf Field
Fee: a nonperishable canned good is requested for admission
Join us as we kick off the Thanksgiving holiday with a good ol' fashion alumni game! Former players are invited to participate. Those interested should sign up through Community Pass and send an email to recreation@middletownnj.org. All donations received will be given to Middletown Social Services to be distributed to residents in need. Help give our fellow residents a fantastic Thanksgiving!