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Community Special Events
Happy Halloween, Middletown!
Russell the Recreation Duck here, with some fun news. Starting today, I will be traveling around town dressed in different Halloween costumes visiting more of my favorite places in Middletown!
Where am I today? Here's your hint:
Do you love sports? I sure do.
This park I'm in has baseball, basketball and soccer too!
There's courts for tennis and a playground for fun,
with the picnic shelter, there's something here for everyone!
When you find me, please upload your picture to our google drive:
Boo! Where's Russell? - Wednesday (10/28/2020)
Still need to upload a previous photo or want to see what costumes Russell was wearing earlier this week?
Boo! Where's Russell? - Monday (10/26/2020)
Boo! Where's Russell? - Tuesday (10/27/2020)
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 (check back soon!)
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.
LIVE - Science Experiments with Miss Danielle
November 2, 4 - 6 | 3:15pm—4:00pmRegister Here
Fee: $16 (R) | $19 (NR) per family
Join Miss Danielle as she walks you through 4 sessions of fun experiments that you’ll replicate at home! Each day you’ll log in to virtually meet and conduct a new experiment. Topics include: Let’s Make Noise, Bubble Solutions, Mineral ID, Magnetic Attractions.
Middletown Month Skills Challenges
November 2 - 25 | time varies by locationRegister Here
Fee: $5 (R) | $6 (NR) per 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, check back for the meeting information
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!
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
Live Menorah Lighting & Kahoot! Trivia
Join us LIVE through Webex, check back for the meeting information
FREE
Don't miss out on this LIVE stream of our Menorah Lighting, followed by a festive family game of Kahoot! Trivia.
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 sing some Christmas carols, dance, and listen to Santa read some of his festive favorites! Limited spaces available. Pre-registration required.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, Jan 18, 2020 | 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
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 18, 2020 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Middletown 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
- King of Kings Preschool
- Middletown Preschool
- Sandy Hook Child Care
Mother-Son Mini Golf Tournament
Monster Mini Golf, 749 Hope Road, Eatontown
$32.00 per pair, $16 per additional child (non-resident fees apply)
Pre-registration required.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 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
Maple Sugaring
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.
Daddy-Daughter Dance | Princess Ball
Friday, March 6, 2020 | 6:00-9:00pm
Grades K-5
Jacques Reception Center
500 Palmer Ave, Middletown
Adult: $50 (R) / $60 (NR)
Child: $45 (R) / $54 (NR)
SOLD OUT!
Hear Ye, Hear Ye...
All Princes & Princesses from across the land are gathering for an event that's sure to be grand! Limited seating available.
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 for this are SOLD OUT!
Community Science at Poricy Park
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.
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.