07/26/2025
Free Weekend Programs in Toms River
FREE WEEKEND PROGRAMS
***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
FEE: FREE 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 McClain. Be prepared to
discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world.
*No registration required
July 26 & 27 “Life in a Mosquito Ditch”
*No registration required.
LOCATION: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
DATE: Saturdays and Sundays
TIME: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
FEE: FREE AGE: All
Discovery Backpacks at Cattus Island
Cattus Island County Park has discovery backpacks that may be borrowed for FREE*. The packs include: a pair of binoculars, field guides, an audio guide to bird sounds, a dip net, tools for catching and observing insects, and a list of suggested activities and games. The packs are appropriate for groups of children of any age.
*A member of the group must provide a driver’s license for the staff to hold until the pack is returned.
Tour Cattus Island by Bike
Cattus Island has a small amount of bikes to loan out for use within the park. The bicycles are FREE* to use. Twenty-six inch adult bikes and twenty inch children’s bikes and helmets are available. Helmets are required. You may borrow a bike for 2 hours, seven days a week between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Bicycles may not be taken out of the park.
No baby/toddler seats are permitted. * A member of the group must provide a driver’s license for the staff to hold until the bike is returned.
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***JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK***
Drop In and Discover
What will you discover about nature when you drop by and join us for a FREE activity
and craft?
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATE: Saturdays, beginning July 5 – September 20
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 pm, ongoing AGE: 3 - 5 years
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
DATES: Sundays, beginning July 6 – September 21
TIME: 1:30 pm AGE: All
Discovery Nature Walks at Jakes Branch
Join a park naturalist on these brief but informative nature walks through Jakes Branch. *Weather permitting* walks will not exceed 30 minutes.
LOCATION: Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
DATES: Sundays, July 6 – September 21
TIME: 2:00 pm AGE: All
