December
Birds of Belleplain Forest
1:30 p.m.
FREE
Belleplain State Forest, Conference Room
(609) 861-2404
Note: 1/2 hour DVD presentation; ADA accessible
The Pine Barrens, "Up Close & Natural"
1 p.m.
FREE
Belleplain State Forest, Conference Room
(609) 861-2404
Note: 1/2 hour DVD presentation; ADA accessible
Double Trouble Village Tours & Hikes
Call for arrangements
FREE
Double Trouble State Park
(732) 341-4098
Note: Individual or group historic village tours or hikes of varying mileage may be scheduled most weeks Wednesdays through Sundays. Elementary school and secondary school science and social studies field trips or outreach may be arranged. Boy Scout and Girl Scout advancement requirements may be met by visiting Double Trouble State Park - see the Double Trouble section of www.njparksandforests.org for a list of advancement opportunities.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Nature and History Interpretive Programs and Tours
Call for dates, topics and times
FREE; donations welcomed
D & R Canal State Park
(609) 924-5705
www.dandrcanal.com
Note: ADA accessible
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Boy and Girl Scout Badge and Patch Programs
Call for arrangements
Fee: To be determined
D & R Canal State Park
(609) 924-5705
www.dandrcanal.com
Note: ADA accessible
Interpretive Hikes and Programs
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Fledgling Naturalists
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Note: For 3 to 5 year olds and an adult partner
Homeschool Naturalists
Call for dates and times
Fee: Program fees may apply
High Point State Park
(973) 875-1471
Note: Enrichment activities for homeschoolers ages 6 to 10
“Commuters, Immigrants, and Vacationers, Oh My!”
CRRNJ Terminal Walking Tours – approx. 30 minutes
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FREE
Liberty State Park, CRRNJ Terminal Building
(201) 915-3412
Note: ADA accessible
Historic Tours of Somers Mansion
Please call for times
FREE
Somers Mansion Historic Site
(609) 927-2212
December Weekends
Diesel Train Operates for the Public
Noon to 4 p.m. thru Dec. 23rd
Fee: $4 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
(732) 938-2371
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
December 1
The Christmas Express
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
(732) 938-5524
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children. Advance tickets highly recommended.
Christmas at Allaire
Noon to 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $7 per adult; $4 per child ages 5 to 14; horse and wagon ride fee additional $7.50 per adult and
$5 for children under 12
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village
(732) 919-3500
Sponsor: Allaire Village, Inc.
Kid’s Christmas at the Seashore
1 p.m.
FREE
Cape May Point State Park
(609) 884-2159
Note: ADA accessible
Yuletide Tour
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Hancock House State Historic Site
(856) 935-4373
Sponsor: Friends of the Hancock House Inc. and Hancock House State Historic Site
Note: Partially ADA accessible
Backyard Birdfeeding
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registratin required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Learn to identify winter birds and how to attract them to your yard by making your own pinecone and peanut butter birdfeeder during this indoor program. For adults and children ages 6 to 12; ADA accessible
Explorer Hike
Call for time and location
FREE
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
(201) 274-9805
Bird Walk
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Liberty State Park, Nature Interpretive Center
(201) 915-3409
Note: Join us for a leisurely stroll along Liberty Walkway in search of winter visitors to the park. Possible species sightings may include ruddy ducks, mergansers, grebes, buffleheads and many more. Dress to be outside, bring binoculars if you have them, we have a limited number that can be borrowed; ADA Accessible
Christmas at Lusscroft
Time to be announced
Fee: To be announced
High Point State Park, Lusscroft Farm
(973) 875-4800
Sponsor: Heritage and Agriculture Association
www.lusscroftfarm.com
Holiday Open House
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: Adults $8, seniors $7, children ages 6 to 12 $5; children under 6 free
Ringwood State Park, Skylands Manor
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 962-9534
Note: ADA accessible
December 2
The Christmas Express
11a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
(732) 938-5524
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Christmas at Allaire
Noon to 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $7 per adult; $4 per child ages 5 to 14; horse and wagon ride additional $7.5 per adult and $5 for children under 12
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village
Sponsor: Allaire Village, Inc.
(732) 919-3500
Christmas at Lusscroft
To be announced
Fee: To be announced
High Point State Park, Lusscroft Farm
(973) 875-4800
Sponsor: Heritage and Agriculture Association
www.lusscroftfarm.com
Geocache the State Park
1:30 to 4 p.m.
Fee: $2 per person; pre-registration required
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center
(609) 737-0609
Geocaching is a high-tech update on the old-fashioned scavenger hunt game utilizing GPS technology to locate objects hidden among the forests, fields and trails of parks, playgrounds, natural areas and other open lands. Participants will learn how to obtain information and hints from the Geocaching.com Web site, on the location of over a dozen geocache sites located in and around the park. They will then use handheld GPS devices to go out and find as many caches as possible. Once a cache is found, participants typically will sign in on the log contained within and then take an object from the cache box after leaving a trinket for subsequent geocachers. Participants should bring a pocket full of trinkets to exchange when they locate caches. Trinkets can include small toys and balls, plastic jewelry, pens, pencils, scratch pads, patches, action figures, coins, etc. A limited number of GPS navigation devices will be made available to participants. Bring your own handheld GPS device if you have one.
Holiday Open House
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: Adults $8, seniors $7, children ages 6 to 12 $5; children under 6 free
Ringwood State Park, Skylands Manoar
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 962-9534
Note: ADA accessible
December 4
Owls: Hunters of the Night
4 to 5 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Everything you ever wanted to know about owls will be presented in this slide-show, followed by a short outdoor “owl-prowl.” For adults and children ages 6-12; ADA accessible
December 5
Wednesday Walk in the Woods
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; pre-registration required
Bass River State Forest
(609) 296-1114
Note: Walk off any extra Thanksgiving pounds by joining Volunteer Master Naturalist Kathy Gardiner for a free, 5-8 mile, moderate-paced hike around the forest. Be advised that it is hunting season, so please wear orange hat or vest. Bring lunch and a drink and be prepared for mostly flat walking. Heavy rain cancels.
December 7
Christmas Express Nights
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
“A Christmas Carol”
7:30 p.m.
Fee: $15 per person; advance tickets recommended
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village Chapel
Sponsor: Allaire Village, Inc.
(732) 919-3500
Note: ADA accessible
December 8
The Christmas Express
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Christmas Lantern Tours
5 to 8 p.m.
Fee: $12.50 per person; advance tickets recommended
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village
Sponsor: Allaire Village, Inc.
(732) 919-3500
Note: 90-minute tours every 15 minutes
Christmas Express Nights
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Christmas of Yesteryear
1 to 4 p.m.
FREE; donations welcome
Blackwells Mills Canal House
598 Canal Road, Somerset
Sponsor: Blackwells Mills Canal House Association
Note: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and sing along with the carolers from the Six Mile Run Reformed Church; partially ADA accessible
Geocaching for Beginners
11 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Indoor tutorial, then discover “hidden treasures” on a fun family adventure in the park. Discover how your family can enjoy this popular activity! Loaner GPS units available. For adults and children ages 7 & up; partially ADA accessible
December 9
The Christmas Express
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Christmas Candlelight Tours
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $5 suggested donation; pre-registration required
Rockingham Historic Site
Sponsor: Montgomery Twp. HS Live Historians Club, Rockingham Association and Stony Brook Garden Club
(609) 683-7132 until Nov. 18; (609) 683-7136 after Nov. 18
Note: Docents in 18th-century dress will conduct tours through Rockingham, which will be decorated with early American restraint. Tours will have a special theme separate from the regular house tour and period music will be performed in one of the rooms. Light refreshments will be available and the Museum Store will be open for holiday shopping. Light refreshments; Partially ADA accessible
Batsto Christmas Celebration
12:30 to 4 p.m.
Fee: $5 donation for performance
Batsto Historic Site
(609) 561-0024
Bird Walk
9 to 11 a.m.
FREE
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
December 11
Owls: Hunters of the Night
4 to 5 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Everything you ever wanted to know about owls will be presented in this slide-show, followed by a short outdoor “owl-prowl.” For adults and children ages 6 to12; ADA accessible
December 14
Christmas Express Nights
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
“A Christmas Carol”
7:30 p.m.
Fee: $15 per person; advance tickets recommended
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village Chapel
Sponsor: Allaire Village, Inc.
(732) 919-3500
Note: ADA accessible
Public Skywatch for Geminid Meteors
FREE
Belleplain State Forest, Athletic Field near Lake Nummy
Sponsor: SJAC
www.sjac.us/
Note: ADA ccessible
December 15
The Christmas Express
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Christmas Lantern Tours
5 to 8 p.m.
Fee: $10 per person; advance tickets recommended
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village
Sponsor: Allaire Village, Inc.
(732) 919-3500
Note: 90-minute tours every 15 minutes
Christmas Express Nights
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Wreaths Across America at Finns Point National Cemetery
Noon to 1 p.m.
Fort Mott State Park
(856) 935-3218
Note: partially ADA accessible
Soldiers Christmas
5 to 7 p.m.
Fort Mott State Park
(856) 935-3218
Sponsor: 9th Division WWII Historical Preservation Society
www.9thdivision.com
Note: This is an outdoor event, please wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes. Lantern tours of encampments depicting soldiers of different time periods during the Christmas holiday; partially ADA accessible
For the Birds
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Liberty State Park, Nature Interpretive Center
(201) 915-3409
Note: Come to the Interpretive Center and make some tasty treats that you will take home and put outside to help our feathered friends make it through the cold days of winter; ADA accessible
Verge of Winter Hike
10 a.m.
FREE
Wharton State Forest
(609)-567-4559
Sponsor: Wharton State Forest
Note: 2-mile to 4-mile hike
December 16
The Christmas Express
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Family Woodland Walk
1 p.m.
FREE
Ringwood State Park, Botanical Gardens
Sponsor: NJBG Skylands Association
(973) 962-9534
www.njbg.org
Note: Rain cancels
December 21
Christmas Express Nights
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Lantern Walking Tours
7 and 7:30 p.m.
Fee: $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors; pre-registration required
Washington Crossing State Park, Johnson Ferry House
(609) 737-2515
Note: 2 tours of the Historic District and 2 Historic Sites; refreshments included
December 22
The Christmas Express
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Christmas Express Nights
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
Winter Solstice Hike
10 a.m. to noon
FREE; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Celebrate the holiday season by experiencing the sights and sounds of the serene winter woods on this 4-mile, moderate hike; for adults
Winter Solstice Hike
2 to 4 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: Hike the Water Trail on one of the shortest days of the year
Lecture: “The Christmas Night Crossing and The Battle of Trenton”
2 p.m.
Fee: Program fee may apply
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-9303
Note: ADA accessible
December 23
The Christmas Express
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $6 per person
Allaire State Park, Pine Creek Railroad
Sponsor: NJ Museum of Transportation
(732) 938-5524
Note: Santa rides the train and talks to all the children; advance tickets highly recommended
December 25
The Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment
1 p.m.
FREE
Washington Crossing State Park
(609) 737-9303
Note: ADA accessible
December 30
PRE-First Day Hike
1 p.m.
FREE
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: Meet at the Nature Center to enjoy the end of year 2012 with a brisk hike through the trails of Cheesequake. The Park naturalist will interpret the winter sights and sounds during this one-hour hike. Wear appropriate outdoor clothes and footgear. Ages 12 and up.
