The Manasquan Reservoir in Howell is well-known to nature lovers, but did you know there are plenty of activities for the kids and it’s all free?
Start your day at the Environmental Center, where you’ll find lots of info on the area, plus activities for kids, live animals on display (turtles, snakes and fish) and (bonus!) air conditioning. The park is ideal for walking, hiking and kayaking.
We recently took part in one of the Fishing 101 classes, which is offered on Thursdays through August 22. You can pop in anytime from 9 am to 1 pm and meet with college intern stewards who are willing to help you and the kids catch some fish. They’ll talk to you about the red worms used as bait, how to hold the fishing pole, the types of fish you can catch, and how to release the line.
Stop by the bait shop inside the Visitor Center to sign up. There are vending machines, restrooms and a fireplace there, as well as program activity rooms. The second-level observation deck has beautiful views of the water.
The program is geared toward kids 10 and under, but adults are also welcome; the only requirement is that anyone aged 16 to 69 needs a freshwater fishing license through the State of New Jersey; you must buy it in advance (buy it online or go to a place like Dick’s Sporting Goods).
Fish in the reservoir include bass, catfish, muskie and panfish. The stewards are very patient and great with teaching kids all the fishing basics. You’ll also learn about the ecology of the area, the inspection of boats for invasive species, and the overall health of the environment.
Bring snacks, a hat, sunglasses and sunblock for the kids and make sure you’re all wearing close-toed, slip-resistant sneakers because you’ll have to climb over some rocks on the water’s edge. Bait and poles are provided, but since this is a drop-in event, keep in mind there may be a wait, or even a one-hour fishing limit, if the site gets crowded.
There are plenty of other activities around the reservoir. If you like to hike, try the 1-mile Cove Trail for walkers and explore the wetlands near the Environmental Center. The 5.1-mile Perimeter Trail is a multi-use trail that loops around the reservoir and offers pretty views. It’s considered moderate due to its length. You can run, hike, bike, ride horseback along the way.
There is also a playground, bird watching and picnic sites. Some activities have a fee, such as renting a kayak or row boat, or taking a 45-minute boat tour of the reservoir. The boat ramp is open from March 1 to November 30, so you can buy a daily or season pass. Sign up for private sailing lessons (kids 8 and up welcome) or rent a sailboat.
During the winter, you can still hike, fish, boat and ice skate, depending on the weather.
The Manasquan Reservoir is located in Howell. The Visitor Center is at 311 Windeler Rd. (call 732-919-0996), the Environmental Center is at 331 Georgia Tavern Rd. (call 732-751-9453) and the Winter Run Activity Center and 4-H Program Area is at 270 Southard Ave. (call 732-919-0996). You can also call the Ranger Station at 732-938-6760
The park opens daily at 6 am from April 1 to October 31, and then at 7 am from November 1 to March 31. Closing time is 9 pm through August 18; 8:30 pm August 19 to September 8; and 8 pm September 9-22.
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Read More:
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