The new year calls for new adventures! Check out these free or inexpensive events in Monmouth & Ocean Counties that will help you kick off the new year with good times – not high price tags.

January 3

U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland (Cream Ridge) – If you’re trying to soak up every second of the holiday spirit while you still can, Holland Ridge Farms’ Winter Wonderland is the place to be – coming to an end after January 4th. Although Santa has since made his return to the North Pole, you can still enjoy an array of twinkling lights and holiday displays, interactive family-fun activities, festive food, sweet treats, and handcrafted beverages. Admission is $20 per person all weekend long, with children ages 2 and under free of charge. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

January 10

Under the Winter Stars (Colts Neck) – Bundle up and search for the wonders of the universe at Dorbrook Recreational Area Soccer Field Parking Lot from 7:30pm-8:30pm. You will gaze into the night sky in search of constellations, planets, and satellites – and you might even see a shooting star streak across the sky if you’re lucky. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. There is no entry fee to attend. The event will be cancelled in the event of overcast skies or inclement weather. For more information, click on the Monmouth County Winter 2026 Parks & Programs Guide and search for “Under the Winter Stars.”

Winter Beach Walk (Manasquan) – Who says beach days are only for summer? Bundle up and take a walk along the beach at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in search of the ocean’s treasures from 11am-12:30pm. A Park System Naturalist will take you on a guided walk, identifying some of those treasures and letting you stop to collect some along the way. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and bring something to carry shells in. There is no entry fee to attend. For more information, click on the Monmouth County Winter 2026 Parks & Programs Guide and search for “Winter Beach Walk.”

January 14

Princess Tea Party with Elsa (Toms River) – Your little ones will feel like they are right out of a Disney story at the Mathis House’s Princess Tea Party beginning at 6:30pm. You and your crew can enjoy an assortment of treats and teas while exploring the beautifully decorated mansion. Plus, Elsa will make a special appearance for a sing-along, story time, and pictures with the children. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Click here to learn more and visit The Mathis House page on RESY to book your visit.

January 17

Nature Walk: Signs of Animals of Winter (Toms River) – Bundle up and search for signs of the animals that call Cattus Island home for the winter on Saturday or Sunday, beginning at 2:00pm. A Naturalist will teach you about the Cattus Island ecosystem and help you search for the clues animals leave behind. You will meet at the Cooper Environmental Center before beginning your winter walk. There is no entry fee to attend and registration is not required. For more information, search “Signs of Animals of Winter” in the Ocean County 2026 Winter Program Guide & Newsletter.

January 18

Sandy Snow Globes (Beachwood) – If the winter weather has you daydreaming of warmer days, head over to Jakes Branch County Park to make sandy snow globes from 10:30am-12pm. You will design a snow globe using only sand and seashells – so every time you peer inside, you can be transported to a summer day. Tickets are $10 per person and include all materials. This activity is intended for those ages 14 and up. A registration form and check must be mailed to the Ocean County Parks & Recreation Administrative Offices prior to attending the event. For more information, as well as registration form instructions, search “Sandy Snow Globes” in the Ocean County 2026 Winter Program Guide & Newsletter.

Solving STEM Problems with LEGOs (Barnegat) – Put your creativity and problem-solving skills to the test using LEGOs (and your brain) at Cloverdale Farm County Park from 10:30am-11:30am. You will create simple contraptions that solve practical STEM-related problems one LEGO piece at a time. There is no entry fee to attend, however; registration is required. A registration form must be mailed to the Ocean County Parks & Recreation Administrative Offices prior to attending the event. For more information, as well as registration form instructions, search “Solving STEM Problems with LEGOs” in the Ocean County 2026 Winter Program Guide & Newsletter.

January 24

Book Sip N’ Swap (Howell) – If you have any books on your bookshelf that are getting dusty, consider finding them a new home at the Howell Library Book Sip N’ Swap from 2:00pm-3:30pm. You and other fellow booklovers will have the chance to bring five new or gently used books you no longer want, to trade for new ones. Plus, you can enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate while you search for your next read – or five. There is no entry fee to attend. Registration is not required. Learn more here.

January 25

Country Line Dancing & Cornhole (Toms River) – Bring the family down to Fun Bags Cornhole Lounge for a night of cornhole and line dancing from 6pm-9pm. If you’re new to line dancing, there will be beginner lessons from 6:00pm-6:30pm that are sure to get you moving on the dance floor. The event is BYOB for anyone ages 21 or older. Tickets are $12 per person in advance of the event and $13 per person at the door. Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets.

On behalf of the team at First Financial, we wish you and your loved ones continued success and joy as we enter the new year.