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Community Special Events
Science Clubs
(snow makeup days will be Fridays of same week, if necessary)
Location: Poricy Park—Nature Center
Ages: Grades 2—5
Fee: $60.00 Register Here
Topic:
STEM Science Experiments - Interested in how things work? Like building and creating contraptions? Each week of this program explores a different topic related to STEM. We’ll take on different design challenges, test our results, and have a lot of fun along the way!
Guided Hikes
Dates: January 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 or 28, 2021 | 4:00pm - 4:30pmDay: Wednesdays or Thursdays
Location: Poricy Park
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per child per hike
Register Here
Get out and stretch your legs! Great for all ages. Each week a new topic will be discussed along the trails at Poricy Park.
Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Topics:
Jan. 6th/7th: Hibernation Strategies
Jan. 13th/14th: Wind
Jan. 20th/21st: Letters in Branches
Jan. 27th/28th: Owls
Science Clubs
Dates: February 2 – 23, 2021 | 4:00pm - 5:00pmDay: Tuesdays (4-week session)
(snow makeup days will be Fridays of same week, if necessary)
Location: Poricy Park—Nature Center
Ages: Grades 2—5
Fee: $60.00
Register Here
Topic:
Geology in Action - Rocks can tell us about the past and about the future. This session covers rocks, minerals, erosion, fossils, and much more!
Guided Hikes
Dates: February 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 or 18, 2021 | 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Day: Wednesday or Thursday
Location: Poricy Park
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per child per hike
Register Here
Get out and stretch your legs! Great for all ages. Each week a new topic will be discussed along the trails at Poricy Park. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Topics:
Feb. 3rd/4th: Groundhog Day
Feb. 10th/11th: Tapping Maple Trees
Feb. 17th/18th: Collecting Maple Syrup
Maple Sugaring for Scouts
Date: February 20, 2021 (pick your 1 hour session time on registration)Day: Saturday
Location: Poricy Park—Nature Center
Fee: $90.00 (R) | $108.00 (NR) per group of 15
Register Here
With cold nights and warm days, the later winter is the perfect time of year for maple sap in New Jersey. Join us to learn why you can collect sap only during this time, how to identify maples and other trees in the winter, and how boiling increases solution concentrations to create syrup! One hour session includes hike, experiment, and checking on tapped trees. Maximum of 15 scouts and up to 5 adults.
Mother-Son Corn Hole Tournament
Date:Day: Saturday
Location: Croydon Hall Gym
Age: Grades K— 5
Fee: $40.00 per pair $15.00 each additional child (R)
$48.00 per pair $18.00 each additional child (NR)
Register Here
Team up with mom for an exciting day of corn hole! Double elimination format guarantees each team at least 2 games. A custom corn hole set will be awarded to the top mother-son team in each grade! Prizes will also be awarded to the best dressed team. This registration includes lunch.
Science Clubs
Day: Tuesdays (4-week session)
(snow makeup days will be Fridays of same week, if necessary)
Location: Poricy Park—Nature Center
Ages: Grades 2—5
Fee: $60.00
Register Here
Topic:
Guided Hikes
Dates: March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, 2021 | 4:00pm - 4:30pmDay: Wednesday or Thursday
Location: Poricy Park
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per child per hike
Register Here
Get out and stretch your legs! Great for all ages. Each week a new topic will be discussed along the trails at Poricy Park. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Topics:
Mar. 10th/11th: Robins
Mar. 17th/18th: Leprechaun Hunt
Mar. 24th/25th: Skunk Cabbage
Mar. 31st/Apr. 1st: Tricks in Nature
Maple Sugaring for Scouts
Date: March 6, 2021 (pick your 1 hour session time on registration)Day: Saturday
Location: Poricy Park—Nature Center
Fee: $90.00 (R) | $108.00 (NR) per group of 15
Register Here
With cold nights and warm days, the later winter is the perfect time of year for maple sap in New Jersey. Join us to learn why you can collect sap only during this time, how to identify maples and other trees in the winter, and how boiling increases solution concentrations to create syrup! One hour session includes hike, experiment, and checking on tapped trees. Maximum of 15 scouts and up to 5 adults.
Daddy-Daughter Day
Date: Day: Saturday
Location: Poricy Park—Nature Center Lawn
Age: Grades K—5
Fee: $50.00 per pair $20.00 each additional child (R)
$60.00 per pair $24.00 each additional child (NR)
Register Here
Get ready for a day of fun and create a cherished memory that will last a lifetime. Enjoy an afternoon of games, lunch and even a scavenger hunt for daughters and their fathers. Couples will receive a souvenir photo and girls will be given a special keepsake.
Each couple will be seated in their own socially distant circle. You may choose your own circle based on the seating chart provided during registration. Please dress appropriately for a picnic lunch and walk around the park to participate in the scavenger hunt.
Easter EGGstravaganza
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
Ages: 3-5 years old
Poricy Park Nature Center
Fees Apply:
Resident: $84.00 for the week
Non-Resident: $101.00 for the week
Pre-registration required
Topic: Eggs
Let’s celebrate the spring with a week focused on eggs, and the different animals that lay eggs – it’s not just birds! Join us for four fun-filled days of stories, experiments, games, creating, and of course time spent outside looking for animals at Poricy Park.
Middletown March Madness Skills Challenge
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 | 6:30pm CANCELED
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
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
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
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Free!
A Weekend in Old Monmouth is an annual two-day event when 50 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, there is a printable tour booklet as well as an interactive tour map available online.
This event is run by the Monmouth County Historical Commission, and the Murray Farmhouse and Barn are one of the many stops that will be open. For more information, visit the Commission's website at: https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=3464
Community Science at Poricy Park
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
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 16th for an updated map!
Memorial Day Parade
Parade 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 Fossil Hunt
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. All children must be accompanied by and adult.
Movie in the Park
Location TBD
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: TBD
Community Fossil Hunt
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.
Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series
Tuesday, July 7 & 21, 2020 | 7:00pm - 9:00pmMiddletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Free! July 7: TBD
July 21: 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 Fossil Hunt
Sunday, July 26, 2020 | 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.
Ideal Beach Party
Ideal Beach, Middletown, NJ
FREE!
Don’t miss this great family event filled with fun and games, music and dancing! 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
Location: Ideal Beach
Free!
Join us while we watch a movie on the beach! Make sure to pack your chairs and blankets. Bring your favorite snack and sit back and relax while watching a family favorite film.
Music in the Parks Concert Series
TBD | 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.
Movie in the Park
TBD | 7:30pmLocation: TBD
Free!
Join us while we watch a movie in the park! Make sure to pack your chairs and blankets. Bring your favorite snack and sit back and relax while watching a 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. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Parking will be available at the Middletown Train Station. Police will be directing traffic. Tribute will be held rain or shine.
Movie in the Park
NEW DATE: Friday, October 23, 2020 | 6:30pm
Location: Poricy Park
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per household, up to 6 family members
Register Here
Join us while we watch this great family film in the park! Make sure to pack your chairs and blankets. Movie snacks are welcome and a limited selection will be available for purchase courtesy of the Middletown Arts Center. Social distancing is required - upon registration you will choose your seating circle. Limited to 6 family members per circle. Must wear masks while not seated.
Space is limited. Walk-ups are not permitted.
Featured Movie: Rise of the Guardians (PG)
This film tells a story about Guardians Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and the Sandman, who enlist Jack Frost to stop the evil Pitch Black from engulfing the world in darkness in a fight of dreams.
Mayors 5K Challenge
5K Race: $30
1mi Race: $20
Mileage Tracker - Bikers: $20
Mileage Tracker - Walkers: $20
Sign Up Here!
Join us for our second annual Mayor's Challenge with proceeds to benefit Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer. New for 2020, we will be heading into the virtual world. Options for this will include runners, walkers and bikers, too!
This virtual challenge is one that can be completed anywhere. Participants can run, walk, bike, or even crawl the race distance wherever they want during the suggested race dates. We honor ALL miles. The possibilities are limitless: miles can be completed on vacation, along your favorite trail, doing laps in your backyard, or even at the gym. Sign up to join one challenge, or sign up to join them all! (Discounts are available when a participant signs up for more than one challenge in a transaction. Only one shirt per participant.)
Start tracking your miles October 17 through November 30. Once registered, you will have the ability to enter your times and mileage, depending on the challenge you signed up for.
Sunday, October 25, 2020 - photo/video clip deadline
FREE
Click here to submit your photo or short video clip!
Share your Halloween spirit with us! Submit a photo or short video clip (no more than 5 seconds) of you in your Halloween costume to join our Virtual Halloween Costume Contest! Judges will review all photos and choose a winner by age group for each category. Category choices include: Most Original, Best in Scene, Judge's Choice.
Age groups include: 2 and under, 3-5, 6-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14+
Use the link above to submit your entry into the contest! One submission per person (parents/guardians may submit each of their children once.)
Where's Russell?
Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30, 2020
FREE
Russell is back! Russell, the Recreation Duck, is all dressed up and ready to go places! Join in his Halloween fun this October by following clues to locate his hiding spots around town. Hints will be posted on Facebook (@middletownrec) and prizes will be awarded to those who play along!
Middletown Month
November 2020Virtual Business Showcase - YouTube Channel
We will be moving full force into the digital world via our Virtual Business Showcase YouTube Channel where we will be hosting live musical entertainment as well as shows for kids and families throughout the month.
After-hours Pre-Sale: October 30th from 4pm - 6:30pm at Poricy Park.
Regular sale begins Monday 11/2, normal office hours
(Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm.)
Middletown Month Skills Challenges
November 2 - 25 | time varies by locationRegister Here (Choose the Middletown Day 2020 season)
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per entry into the challenge
Please consider donating a canned good or unwrapped toy to support your fellow residents this Holiday season.
This November we're coming to a park near you! We challenge YOU to come out and test your skills in baseball, basketball,
soccer, and football. Social distancing is required - upon
registration you will choose your event time slot.
Awards will be given to the winners in each age division: 6-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-17, and Adult.
Skills Include: Pitch, Hit, & Run | Dribble, Dish, & Swish | Soccer Shootout | Punt, Pass, & Kick
Veteran's Day Parade
Sunday, November 8 | 1:00pmParade 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".
LIVE - Get Creative with Miss Danielle
November 30—December 4 | 3:15pm—4:00pmRegister Here
Fee: $20 (R) | $24 (NR) per family
Join Miss Danielle for 5 sessions of crafting creations! Each day you’ll log in to virtually meet and start a new piece from materials easily found around the house. Topics include: Wonderful World of Watercolors, Felt Stuffed Animals, Origami Time, Pipe Cleaner Creations, Christmas Lego Building.
Live Christmas Tree Lighting & Kahoot! Trivia
Join us LIVE through Webex
FREE
Don't miss out on this LIVE stream of our Christmas Tree Lighting, followed by a festive family game of Kahoot! Trivia with Santa, Mrs. Claus & friends!
Meeting Link: https://middletownnj.webex.com/middletownnj/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed6468a60e55af77d3ff3749f85598816
Event Number: 179 058 3092
Event Password: Tree2020
Guided Hikes
Location: Poricy Park
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per child per hike
Register Here
Get out and stretch your legs! Great for all ages. Each week a new topic will be discussed along the trails at Poricy Park.
Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Topics:
Dec 9/10—Deer & Reindeer (Track Identification)
Dec 16/17—Pine Cones & Evergreen Trees
Join us LIVE through Webex
FREE
Don't miss out on this LIVE stream of our Menorah Lighting, followed by a festive family game of Kahoot! Trivia.
Meeting Link: https://middletownnj.webex.com/middletownnj/j.php?MTID=m5488f30ef8ed1a64985c5bd66d7ad1d7
Event Number: 179 507 4814
Event Password: Menorah2020
Virtual Story Time with Santa
December 13 or 20 | 7:00pmRegister Here
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per family
Join Santa Claus and his Elves for a fun light-hearted night sharing the spirit of family and friends together! Join us virtually to enjoy Christmas music, participate in a festive family drawing session with the Doodle Dude, and listen to Santa read a Christmas story and chat with those in attendance! Limited spaces available. Pre-registration required.