The Millennial Farmhouse

The Jersey Shore. There are so many things one can assume about the Jersey Shore, especially if they base their assumptions on tv shows. However, there are so many hidden gems near the Shore that make a visit to New Jersey completely worth it. New Jersey has some really popular beach towns, vibrant music and nightlife scenes, and serene parks all over the state. I am sharing an affordable and family friendly park in this travel guide. 

Located in Neptune and Wall Townships, Shark River Park is a great place to visit near the Jersey Shore. In this Shark River Park Travel Guide, I will share a few amenities that make this park a must-see locale in the Summer. Not only can you read about the park in this travel guide, but you can see some of the amenities this park has to offer in my latest youtube video. Check out The Millennial Farmhouse youtube channel to watch a Family Friendly BBQ Spot at the Jersey Shore. 

Affordability

Shark River Park is super affordable. It is so affordable that a general visit to this park is free! The park does not charge entry fees or require “donations” for general services. You have access to public areas in the park and the amenities that come with it. The park system does charge fees for use of picnic pavilions or shelters. These areas provide coverage and are reserved for specific gatherings. You can find more information about that on the Monmouth County Park System website. They do have free picnic areas that are smaller, but still accommodate large parties. It is a “first come, first serve” park, so at any given day or time there is the possibility of overcrowding. However, I have never had to worry about limited spacing in any area of the park, but it is something to keep in mind. 

Parking 

You do not need to pay for parking at Shark River Park. There are multiple parking lots throughout the whole park system. The parking lots are uncovered, and parking is “first come, first serve”. 

Bathroom Access

The park provides free restrooms. There are bathroom shelters – multi-stall restrooms in buildings – as well as portable toilets in different areas of the park. If you enter the park on Schoolhouse Road you will find both portable toilets (early in the season) and bathroom shelters in this area of the park. 

Golf Course

Shark River Park does have a golf course. The golf course does require reservations for tee times. The park system offers different types of golf passes for various fees. You can read more about that on their website.  

Food and Beverages 

If you are planning a picnic then you will incur the costs of all food and beverages that you bring to the park. The park does offer vending machines in certain areas. You can purchase light snacks and drinks from these machines. In addition, there are one or two water stations in highly populated areas. 

Park Guide

Shark River Park offers many different amenities and activities that you can engage in all year. They have a park brochure that provides a map and some information on the park features. You can download the brochure to see all that the park system offers. The activities range from hiking trails to ice skating in the Winter. You can keep reading this Shark River Park Travel Guide for some insight into the amenities offered by the park. 

Picnic Areas 

The Schoolhouse Road entrance has multiple picnic areas. The open picnic areas are free to use, and they meet your basic picnic needs. There are about two outdoor grills in each area, which take charcoal briquettes. In addition to the grills, you will find 4 – 6 picnic tables in each area. The free picnic areas are large enough to accompany small or large gatherings. You will also find a picnic pavilion and shelter, both of which require reservations and fees. 

Pros: 

• Free to use 
• Accommodates a lot of people 
• Grills provided 
• Tables provided
• Trash cans and recycle bins available in the area

Cons: 

• No water stations in free picnic areas 
• No shelter or cover from wind or rain

Water Features

If you are visiting in the area and you are not planning a picnic, you can still visit Shark River Park for other activities. This park system does have lakes and ponds. You can engage in fishing activities, kayaking, or boating. There are different rules and requirements for certain activities, so be sure to find out more from the park system. If you are not interested in any of the water activities you can still enjoy the views near the water. 

Playgrounds

There is a playground in Shark River Park near the Schoolhouse Road entrance. This playground is great for toddlers and younger kids. In fact, even teenagers still use this playground. On the playground you will find two separate areas or jungle gyms. One is smaller and made for toddlers. The larger jungle gym is for young kids who may want to play in the park without interfering with smaller kids. The large jungle gym has bigger slides and a small rock wall feature. In addition, there are swings that are great for both kids and adults to leisurely sit and “play”. 

Hiking Trails

Shark River Park is great for those who love outdoor adventures. If you like taking scenic trail walks or getting pumped up with a rigorous hike then this park is for you. You can find three different trail designations among more than five paths for hiking at Shark River Park. There are two trails or loops for easy hikes. These trails are great for leisurely walking and taking in the views. 

There are four moderate trails that take you away from the main paths for various reasons. You can use these trails to hike through the hills, reach bird and wildlife viewing areas, and trek through marsh-like grounds. Shark River Park has one trail that is designated as challenging. It is a 1 mile trail along the river. In addition, you can find a fitness trail that guides you through a workout. Some trails are for pedestrian traffic only and others allow bikes. 

Open Fields

There are quite a few open fields in Shark River Park. These open fields are uncovered, grassy areas that are perfect for picnics and playing games. You can spend time in these fields just laying around and enjoying the day, or you can set up games for the family. I highly recommend bringing some throwing balls and frisbees for a more relaxed affair. You can also set up relay games and enjoy some playful competition. My family definitely took advantage of the open fields recently and we had a blast. You can watch it on The Millennial Farmhouse youtube channel in a Family Friendly BBQ Spot at the Jersey Shore. 

Takeaway

Shark River Park has a lot to offer. There are so many activities for people to do, and the activities are for people of all ages. This park is a great place to host a family barbeque, take a hike, or spend some time playing outdoors. In this Shark River Park Travel Guide I shared some of the amenities that my family uses often. This park provides many different levels and types of family fun, and it is affordable for all. I definitely recommend this place. If you are spending the Summer at the Jersey Shore then consider this park. I hope you have been inspired by this travel guide to visit Shark River Park this Summer.