Posted in New Jersey Nature November 30, 2017 by Kristen

The Amazing Natural Ice Skating Rink In New Jersey You’ll Want To Visit

There are quite a few ice skating rinks in New Jersey. Some are indoors and some are outdoors but the best rinks are actually lakes. What makes them so great? In addition to the scenery, they just feel more…authentic. While the Garden State has several, one stands out.

Holmdel Park is part of the Monmouth County Parks system and has a lot to offer, all year long. Best of all, it's free to visit.

The 566-acre park has nearly 10 miles of trails. You can bike, hike and even ride horses, here. Trails range from easy to moderate.

In addition to the trails, you'll find picnic areas, four tennis courts, two playgrounds and a lake for fishing.

The park is also home to the David C. Shaw Arboretum. Its 22 acres contain hundreds of species, cultivars and varieties of ornamental trees and shrubs.

And, it has a fantastic family-friendly attraction that everyone in New Jersey should visit at least once - Historic Longstreet Farm. "The sights, sounds, and smells of rural Monmouth County in the 1890s have been re-created on 9 acres."

The authentic agricultural homestead comes complete with buildings and artifacts, working animals and crops. It's a real farm! Period interpreters take part in both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities.

And you can participate! Free events include blacksmith and cookstove demonstrations. You can also take part in parent/child chores for a small fee. Participants will help the farm staff milk a cow, collect eggs from the chickens, and feed the livestock.

The farm is open throughout the winter, and you'll surely want to check it out after enjoying other seasonal activities including cross country skiing, sledding and...

Ice skating! When the ice is at least 5 inches thick and has been inspected, you'll find signs that say "skating today." Bring your skates and get ready to twirl (or in my case, fall) while surrounded by the beauty of this picturesque park.

You can visit Holmdel Park at 44 Longstreet Road in Holmdel. When conditions are safe for skating, the park is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For the most updated information on current conditions, contact the park office at 732-946-9562. Click here for upcoming events at Longstreet Farm. For more winter fun in New Jersey, take this holiday trolley ride.