By Tricia Berwick

High gas prices and a weak economy have forced many American families to reevaluate their vacation plans this summer.   Instead of traveling many miles to amusement parks and other popular tourist attractions, more people are opting for a “staycation” instead.  This new type of “vacation” has become quite the buzzword during these troubled economic times.  Some decide to turn their backyards into a vacation paradise and really get into vacation mode by cutting off contact with the outside world.   Others stay local and visit the sights in nearby towns.  However you decide to enjoy your “staycation” this summer, the important thing is to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation without spending a lot of money.

If finances are really tight and day trips are not possible, simply enjoy all of the comforts of home without the distractions and responsibilities of everyday work life.  In order for this type of “staycation” to be successful, it requires a lot of effort and willpower to really unplug yourself from outside connections.  The computer and the phone both need to be turned off.  Your office also needs to know that you really are on vacation and that you cannot be disturbed!   Now start changing into relaxation mode and let the “staycation” begin!   Make yourself a fancy breakfast of homemade waffles and fruit.  Have that second cup of coffee you always want but never have time to enjoy.  Read entire newspaper articles instead of just scanning the headlines.  Take time to do the small, daily things you normally don’t have time for as you are rushing out the door.  Who knows?  Maybe you’ll even decide to go back to bed after breakfast.  It is your “staycation,” so take time to lounge and relax as you would on a normal vacation.

After breakfast, decide if you will enjoy your backyard and sit by the pool with a drink and a good book.  If you don’t have a swimming hole, maybe it’s time to invest in that hammock you’ve always wanted.    Instead of going away, some people are turning their backyards into an oasis.  Cindy Harrison of Point Pleasant spent a few extra dollars this summer to maximize her outdoor living space.

“My husband and I have fixed up the backyard so we have a sitting area with an outdoor rug” says Harrison, who is the mother of two-year-old twins.   “The kids have a small pool that they love, too.”

While you are outside, maybe you’ll order in some lunch for a special treat.  Or perhaps you won’t even make it onto your patio or deck.  Maybe you’ll decide to have a “pajama day” and watch movies, pop popcorn, and have some pizza delivered.   Since you’re on vacation, really let loose and abandon all chores for the week—no vacuuming, no making the bed, cleaning out the closets, or pulling weeds.  You wouldn’t do those things on a regular vacation would you?  Whether you are outside or inside, the important thing is to detach yourself from your daily work life and relax.

In fact, for many parents, having a “staycation” is more relaxing, especially if they have younger children.  When you are at home, you don’t have to pack up the pampers, bottles of formula, and special toys.  Everything is right at your disposal.  But, in order to fight off the crankiness, it’s best to keep the kids busy with planned activities.  Create different games and activities, such as a horseshoes or hopscotch.  Let the kids make sno-cones as a special treat.  Maybe you could even rent a movie and a projector from your local library and show the film on the side of your house or on a large sheet.  Invite the neighbors over with their kids and hand out candy and popcorn for the kids to enjoy while watching.

Talk to your kids and ask them what they would like to do on the “staycation.”  Let them plan a list of daily activities they would enjoy doing.   Kids love when they are provided a say in how the family spends free time.  Maybe they want to stay up late and catch fireflies in the dark.  Then set up a tent and spend the night camping in your own yard!  That certainly doesn’t cost a lot of money and definitely helps in preserving the “staycation” budget.

If you do have some money in the bank and would like to venture out, try researching some local points of interest.  How about a museum or a new restaurant?  What about visiting a new park, bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying a good book?  For the ultimate in relaxation, how about visiting a day spa for one or two of their services?

Harrison is certainly feeling the economic crush this summer and had to alter her plans accordingly.  However, with a little ingenuity, she is still planning on enjoying a great summer with her family.

“We had originally planned to fly down to North Carolina and stay with friends but the airline prices are as high as ever because of the fuel costs. So we had to nix that idea and be more creative,” says Harrison.  “We are actually going to a Yankees game with friends and leaving our twins at home. Luckily, my parents have a house down in Cape May so we will go and spend a few nights there with the twins.  They have a pool and we plan on taking them to the Cape May Zoo.  We also visit Bay Head beach a few times a week.   My husband and I will be going to a concert in August, too.   So even though we aren’t packing up and heading to an exotic location we have managed to fill our summer calendar with some fun family and couple activities.”

All of these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.  Ideas for how to enjoy a restful and relaxing “staycation” are virtually unlimited!  With a little planning and creativity, it can be accomplished.  The important thing to remember is to treat it like a regular vacation, as if you were traveling somewhere.  Remember to take pictures, too.  You wouldn’t forget taking your camera on a vacation, would you?  Your “staycation” should be no different.  You are enjoying yourself and making memories with the ones you love.

Breakwater Beach

Casino Pier, Seaside Heights, NJ

732-793-6488

Cenral Shore region

Starting with their new Toddler Area, it is ideal for the smallest member of any family. With safe, soft play throughout, your little one will slide and have a splashtacular good time.

They have something for everyone. Their Family Play Section is a totally interactive multi-level area for everyone from 3 to 103. With their water slides you will find a different experience with each twist and turn. Also, with hundreds of interactive play elements and dancing fountains you will not stay dry for long. All while having fun with your family and creating life long memories. Watch Out for the Tipping Troller, you may get thousands of gallons of water dumped on you (hopefully there won’t be any sharks). If after playing you are feeling a little chilly, jump into one of 2 new Hot Springs that will easily fit 20 people each.

For the brave at heart, test their Zero – Gravity Racer. This 6 Lane Racing Slide lets you compete against others as you plummet on a mat to the finish line. Forget relaxing in our LazyCrazy River … with cannons being shot off, bubbles coming from every direction and depth charges shooting you with water; you will never know what will be around the next curve. If you do want to relax, you can recline in one of our many lounge chairs throughout the park. Our other amenities include, bathrooms, lockers, changing areas, food
concession, and a gift shop for all your needs. As always, trained lifeguards are on duty to safely monitor all water activities.

This is only the beginning of a multi-year renovation to this new water park. Next year even more and exciting attractions will be added to what will be “The Best Water Park, On The Jersey Shore”

What’s New

Enjoy your day in your own private cabana where you can sit, relax, and take in the sun! Each cabana features 2 chaise lounge chairs, 2 beach-style chairs, 4 large bottles of water, a small locker rental, as well as food & beverage service right to you.

Cabanas are available for rent on a first come/first serve basis. Because of demand, we encourage advance reservations.

2010 Cabana Pricing

Cabana (all day) = $85 plus tax
Cabana (3 hour) = $60 plus tax

Please note that waterpark admission is NOT included with Cabana Rental. Admission into the waterpark is a separate charge. If you rent a cabana for the day, your admission wristbands must be valid for the entire day. Food, drink and gratuities are not included in cabana rental fee.

CoCo Key

Indoor Water Park

Mt. Laurel Marriott, 915 Route 73, Mount Laurel NJ

856-234-7300

Southern NJ

CoCo Key Water Resort, New Jersey’s ultimate indoor water park is located at the Mt. Laurel Marriott. CoCo Key Water Resort is an indoor water park. They have a  relaxing adventure river to  an incredible 40-foot slides, interactive play area, indoor/outdoor spa, state of the art arcade ! Wouldn’t it be great to be able to get away to the tropical islands any time you want without having to leave New Jersey? Now you can, at CoCo Key Water Resort, New Jersey’s Newest & Largest Indoor Water Resort.  CoCo Key combines the relaxation and enchantment of the islands with the wild excitement of a 55,000-sq. ft. indoor water park. Every day is a bright, sunny 84 degrees at CoCo Key, featuring a selection of signature attractions including:

CoCo Key Water Resort is seconds away from exit 4 of the NJ Turnpike, just 12 miles outside Philadelphia and minutes away from Adventure Aquarium and Cherry Hill Mall.

Hurricane Harbor

537 Monmouth Rd, Route 537, Jackson, NJ
732-928-1821

Central NJ

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is conveniently located in Jackson, New Jersey.

Soak up the sun at the one of America’s best water parks — Six Flags Hurricane Harbor! This tropical island paradise offers a million-gallon wave pool, one of the world’s longest lazy rivers, nearly 20 water slides and a massive water playground for wet and wild fun!

What’s New

Tot Tornado whirlwind.  The Tornado, an enormous funnel-shaped water attraction, will offer guests the ultimate in tubing thrills all summer long when it opens May 29.

This exciting new water ride will blast thrill seekers down a 135-foot long vortex tunnel and into a 60-foot wide funnel.  During the journey, guests will blast into the eye of the storm, swishing from side to side by more than 5,000 gallons of water before being released into a calm and refreshing catch pool. Families can enjoy Tornado together in specially-designed, cloverleaf-shaped tubes that seat four.  Those not brave enough to take on this new thrilling adventure can ride out the storm from the observation platform which will feature a spectacular view of all the action.  The Tornado will touch down between the water park’s tube slides “Bada Bing, Bada Bang, Bada Boom!” and the speed slide complex “Jurahnimo, Cannonball & Wahini Falls.”

The Tornado will join a host of thrilling Hurricane Harbor rides and attractions including an enormous half million gallon wave pool, one of the country’s longest “lazy rivers,” a massive, two-story family water playground and nearly 20 high-speed thrill slides.

“We are excited to add a new dimension of thrills to our water park,” said Mark Kane, park president of Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor.  “The Tornado’s innovative shape and enormous size will allow families and friends to experience the ultimate in non-traditional tubing, together.”

Sahara Sams

Indoor Water Park

535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ

856-767-7580

Southern NJ

Imagine traversing a cargo rope obstacle course suspended over a rain forest lagoon, splashing your way through a 410 foot adventure river ride, having 1,000 gallons of water unexpectedly rain down from above, navigating through a wild maze of twisting and turning rapids with your family. Imagine experiencing it all indoors.
Welcome to Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park — New Jersey’s only freestanding Indoor Water Park and state of art arcade.

Sahara Sam’s is an innovative entertainment and activity experience that is a premier family attraction located in southern New Jersey just minutes from Philadelphia and accessible by major highways and bridges in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. The $23 million venue offers nearly 58,000 square feet of water rides, interactive games, dining, party rooms and much more. Located in West Berlin NJ on a 13-acre parcel along Route 73, Sahara Sam’s represents the next step in providing affordable familydestination fun.

Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park features a wide array of exhilarating, state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, interactive games, and great ticket and party packages.

RETRACTABLE ROOF: One of the most unique aspects of Sahara Sam’s is its one-of-a-kind retractable roof, which opens up to let the outdoors in on sunny days.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Sahara Sam’s remains a warm 84 degrees of low humidity weather all year long thanks to a state-of-the-art temperature control system.

Pirates Cove- Land Of Make Believe

354 Great Meadows Road – Rt. 611, Hope, NJ
908-459-9000

Northwest NJ

For 56 years, the Land of Make Believe has been entertaining families from the tri-state area. Family favorites include our million dollar Action River Ride, a Roller Coaster, Buccaneer Pirate & Wading Pool, Tilt-A-Whirl, Civil War Locomotive, Hayride, Old McDonald’s Farm, Middle-Earth Theater, “Black Hole” #1 Rated Waterslide, Grand Carousel, Sidewinder, Pirates Fort, Pirates Cannonball, the Brand New Pirate’s Plunge, Jump Around Frog and Lots, Lots More.

As New Jersey’s Premiere Family Amusement & WaterPark, the Land of Make Believe features Safe and Wholesome recreation, entertainment and activities for real families like yours. You’ll find Exciting Rides, Shows, Attractions, Games, WaterPark, and Picnic Area on over 30 acres. The Land of Make Believe and Pirate’s Cove has been designed exclusively for an action-packed day of special family fun for parents and their children.

The Land of Make Believe is located in northwest New Jersey, 60 miles west of New York City, and 10 miles east of the Delaware River just off Route 80, exit 12. Nestled in the foothills of the famous Jenny Jump Mountains and State Park, the Land of Make Believe is a landmark in the historic town of Hope. Only one hour from the Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge, 90 minutes from Philadelphia or Scranton, PA.

Free Parking, Free Picnic Area and Free Water Park included with paid admission!

What’s New

Pirate’s Plunge,

Escape the pirates in this adventurous body slide. 42″ minimum height requirement to ride alone. Children under 36″ must ride w/adult.

New Jersey’s First Indoor Waterpark!

Splash Zone

3500 Boardwalk, Wildwood NJ

609-729-5600

Southern NJ

Mixing adrenaline-pumping thrills with family-style fun is our specialty. With more than 16 attractions, Splash Zone Water Park offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Adventure seekers can find super soaking thrills riding the white water rapids of The Beast of The East, the only 6-person raft ride on the east coast. Or roar through total darkness on The Midnight Run, a twisting, turning enclosed tube slide. Speed fans will enjoy testing their skills while soaring down the Speed Dominator. Giggle Bay offers an interactive water playground featuring our famous 1000-gallon bucket of water that crashes down, drenching everyone in its path. And the smallest water park fans can splash in Zoe Zone, a tiny tykes play area featuring a shallow pool of water, fountains, and soft play equipment. Everyone in the family can enjoy slides, body flumes, water blasters, or a meandering ride through the park on an inner tube in Adventure River. And when you’re not getting drenched in the water, Splash Zone offers sunbathing areas, a picnic facility and mouthwatering food at the Zone GrillFree Parking!

Mountain Creek

200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ

973-864-8444

Northern NJ

Mountain Creek Water Park in Northern NJ .The Park offers a variety of water-based activities for all ages and all swim levels.  Height restrictions are posted for all attractions and enforced.  Minors (anyone under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The parent/guardian is solely responsible for supervision of their minors. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors. The park cannot accept any responsibility for unattended minors. Children are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Only you know your own, your child’s, or anyone you are supervising level of swimming skills.  We strongly recommend all Guests under 48″ or who are weak or non-swimmers wear Coast Guard approved lifejackets where appropriate. In the wave pool, all guests under 48″ are REQUIRED to wear a lifejacket and be accompanied by an adult.  We insist that parents keep their children within arms reach for their close supervision on all water activities. Life Jackets are available Free Of Charge at Guest Information located inside the park.  When in doubt, wear a life jacket!

What’s New

Mountain Creek has a whole new twist on coming down the mountain. Introducing the Alpine Pipeline, a high-flying, two person Alpine express that goes from daylight to darkness in the blink of an eye. Come ride the new Alpine Pipeline and discover for yourself the unparalleled sensation of screamin’ down the mountain like a comet through a carwash.  It’s definitely NOT for wimps.

Keansburg Runaway Rapids

275 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ
732-495-1400 Right across the street and just a few steps from The Keansburg Amusement Park is Runaway Rapids Water Park. You can purchase a two park pass so you can go to the waterpark or Amusement Park all day. Runaway Rapids has dozens of rides and interactive attractions. There is also a very nice sunbathing area surrounding the play pool areas. The park has been recently cleaned up a bit and some all  new features have been added to the waterpark.

Raging Waters-Morey’s piers

Morey’s Piers, 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood NJ

609-522-3900

Southern NJ

Enjoy the thrills at Raging Waters Waterpark in Mariner’s Landing Amusement Pier located on Schellenger Ave. in Wildwood, NJ.  Morey’s Piers original beachfront waterpark offers the thrills and the fun things to do that you and your family have come to love on your family beach vacation.  Attractions include:

• Waterpark rides and waterpark attractions for all ages
• Two interactive children’s play areas
• Picnic facility for group outings
• Wreckers beach grille
• Raging Waters waterpark locker shop
• Central location – a great pier!

Ocean Oasis – Morey’s piers

Morey’s Piers, 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood NJ

609-522-3900

Southern NJ

Ocean front water park. Kids of all ages will love Bonsai Beach, a 10,000 square foot interactive water play area. Several fun water slides the older kids will enjoy, also. While the kids enjoy the great rides, mom and dad can relax in the all new resort-themed atmosphere, which features include family cabanas and huts, hammocks, massage therapy, and plenty more! Beach Grille and Oasis Cafe are open all day to satisfy the entire family.

Clementon Splash World

114 Berlin Road, Clementon, NJ

856-783-0263

Central NJ

Cool off with over 13,000 square feet of splashing, sliding, drenching, beat-the-heat fun. This Polynesian-themed adventure includes 8 slides, 10 different play platforms and more than 125 sprays, jets, bubbles, streams, squirts, wheels and waterfalls. And high atop the 50-foot tall structure sits the big Kahuna himself—with a giant water bucket that dumps more than 422 gallons of water on the unsuspecting islanders below. Children under 6 years of age must have adult supervision. Some slides have a minimum of 36 inches, others have a minimum of 40 inches.

Thundering Surf Waterpark

8th Street & Bay Ave. Beach Haven (LBI), NJ

609-492-0869

Central Shore Region

Thundering Surf Water Park is definitely the place to spend a few hours with the entire family! We are located in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, NJ. We have something for all ages! Toddlers can play in our BRAND NEW Kiddie Play Area called “Cowabunga Beach”. This area is designed specifically for ages 9 months to 5 years old. Our new “Dancing Fountains” are something everyone will love! Take some great pictures of your children trying to catch the fountains as they jump and dance around the kiddie area! Our 6 Giant Waterslides are designed for single and double tubes. Parents are able to slide together with a child! Experience our one-of-a-kind “Lazy Crazy River!” While the river is Lazy, cruise around with the current and relax. But don’t get too cozy…. when the river turns “Crazy”… be prepared as a small wave rolls through the river because you’re going to get wet! Along the river, parents and children can interact with others that are outside of the river with slap targets and super soaker water guns. So don’t think that just because you are standing on the interactive bridge that you are going to stay dry! And watch out for the “Giant Tipping Bucket” as you cruise around the river and under the bridge!

Come have some fun…. or just relax and sunbathe on our SunDeck located inside the waterpark so you are never too far from you children!

PLEASE  POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT ANY OF THESE FAMILY- FRIENDLY WATER PARKS. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS,TIPS AND INSIGHTS.

July 21-25, 2010

Monmouth County Fair

East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Rd, Freehold

Wed, Thu & Fri: 5pm-11pm, Saturday: 11am-11pm,
Sunday: 11am-6p Night Fireworks: 9:15pm (weather permitting)

4-H Events ▪ Animal Shows & Exhibits ▪ Rides & Amusements,Free stage Entertainment ▪ Lumberjack Shows ▪ Racing Pigs

Kids Races ▪ Home& Garden Competitions ▪ Bwana Jim ,Admission: $7.00 ▪ Ages 12 & under admitted Free,Free Parking

For More Information (732) 842-4000 ext 4312, www.monmouthcountyparks.com

July 13 – 18

Ocean County Fair, Robert J. Miller Airpark, Route 530. Continuous entertainment, animal shows, horse shows, exhibils, childrens contests every day with ribbons and prizes, demonstrations and exhibits, all included in admission. Information: 732-914-9466 or www.oceancountyfair.com

- BERKELEY TOWNSHIP

July 4

Independence Day Parade & Concert, 20th St. & Central Ave. to 10th St. Boat Ramp. 7 pm. Olympians on Parade, flags, floats and music. Information: 609-494-9196 or www.barnegatlight.org

- BARNEGAT LIGHT

Fireworks Extravaganza, Beach Area. 9:30 pm. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 5

Yosi, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 7

Outdoor Concerts 2010: Jennifer Mylod & the Boys of County O’Cean, Brick Beach III, Route 35 N. 7 pm. Free. Information: 732-262-1044 – BRICK

Celebrate Jersey Fresh Fruits: Blueberries, Toms River Farmers Market, Huddy Park, on Water Street. 11 am – 5 pm. Rain or shine. 1st Wednesday of each month from June 9 – October 27. Enter to win a basket of Jersey Fresh produce! Farmers & vendors will feature the fruit of the month. Demonstrations & sampling by Downtown restaurants and businesses. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com – TOMS RIVER

July 8

Sand Sculpting Contest, Beach, 25th St. 2 pm. Compete and build your own castle. Information: 609-494-9196 or www.barnegatlight.org – BARNEGAT LIGHT/LONG BEACH ISLAND

July 9

Grove Gatherings at Murray Grove, Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center, 431 Route 9. Potluck dinner (BYOB) 6 pm – 7 pm, entertainment 7 pm – 9 pm. Musical/Artistic Coffee House in the tradition of the English Folk Music Club where performers share their craft and engage the audience. $ Information: 609-693-5558 or www.murraygrove.org

- LANOKA HARBOR

Classic Car Cruises, downtown, Arnold & Bay Aves. 5 pm – 9 pm. Antique Cars, collectible cars, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles & live music. Rain date May 11. Information: www.pointchamber.com/classic_car_cruise.asp/ – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Concert: Toms River Municipal Band, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 10

Rainforest Rescue, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. All day Spend the day learning abut their resident inhabitants, what they should mean to you and how you can help! Included in general admission. Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

July 11

Brick Summerfest 2010: Speed Garvey , Windward Beach, Princeton Ave. 7 pm. East Coast Boat Racing Club of New Jersey. Food Court and DJ begin at 5 pm. Shuttle buses run from Drum Point School, Midstreams Elementary School, and Brick High School (Chambers Bridge Rd). From 5 pm – 8 pm continously. Return trips from at 9 pm. All children 16 years old or under must be accompanied by an adult. Information: 732-262-1006 – BRICK

Concert: The Tone Rangers, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 12

The Dazzling Mills Family Unicycle Juggling Act, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 14

Wild West Day, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 2 pm – 5 pm. Dress up as a cowboy and cowgirl, arts & crafts, face painting, storytelling, pony rides etc. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Cruisin’ Downtown 2010, downtown Toms River, Washington St. 6-9 pm. Live Bands & Entertainment, street vendors, contests along with classic cars & motorcycles. Information: 732-341-8738 or   TOMS RIVER

July 16

A-Cat Races, Island Heights Yacht Club. 5:30 pm. Sailboat races. Presented by Toms River Seaport Society. Information: 732-349-9209 or www.tomsriverseaport.org

- ISLAND HEIGHTS

Concert: Toms River Municipal Band, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 17

Shore Dreams for Kids, Municipal Dock & Ball Field, Rt. 35. 11 am – 3 pm. Entertainment for Special Olympics, Make A Wish, Oceans of Love Support Group for children with cancer, mentally, physically challenged children. Free powerboat rides, vintage and antique car displays, live music, food, drinks and planned activities and games. Raindate July 18th. Information: 201-906-2668 or www.shoredreamsforkids.org – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Slider’s 5th Birthday Party, Breakwater Beach Waterpark, 62 Grant Ave. 11 am – 3 pm. Slider, Breakwater Beach’s mascot celebrates his birthday with special riends, including Perky the Penguin from Jenkinsons Aquarium. Enter waterpark between 9 am-noon and get a Buy-One, Get-One FREE, arrive after noon with non-perisable food donation for the local Food Kitchen and get $5 off admission. Games, photographs, balloonists, & tattoos. Rain date July 24th. Information: 732-793-6488 ext. 8211 – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Toms River Seaport Society’s Annual Wooden Boat Festival, Huddy Park, W. Water St. & Route 166/Main St. 9 am – 5 pm. In the water boat on display, nautical vendors, marine artists, family boat building and model boat building. Meet the Valhalla Pirates. Games and boat rides. Food available. Information: or 908-303-1710 or tomsriverseaport.org – TOMS RIVER

8th Annual New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival, downtown Washington St. 11:30 am – 5 pm. Tasting from noon – 3:30. Attracting Ice Cream shops from NJ and National Brands, the best way to beat the heat in Toms River! Games, rides, food, and entertainment. Sponsored by Downtown Toms River. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com

- TOMS RIVER

29th Annual Family Chicken Barbecue, Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department, 40 Clayton Ave. Noon – 7 pm. Cost includes ½ chicken, corn, salad, rolls, watermelon, 2 drinks. Order made to go. Kids bounces, face painting, fire truck rides, pony rides, live music by The CPR Revival. Also, door prizes, food, display of Antique Gas Engines & Pedal Tractors, Buster of Lakewood BlueClaws, Toms River Then & Now Expo. Information: 732-363-5296 or www.ppfd30.com – TOMS RIVER

July 21

Christmas in July, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 1 pm – 5 pm. Santa goes to the Shore 6 months early, pictures, snowfall on beach, face painting, arts & crafts, holiday music and more. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com - POINT PLEASANT BEACH

July 20

Blood Drive
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
Please come and support the cause. . For more information please call 732-974-8314.

Location: The Goddard School of Wall  1981 Highway 34 (Wall Circle Park)

There will also be an open house,  please stop in for some complimentary food and beverages.

July 24

Point Pleasant Elks BPOE #1698

16th Annual Van Duyn Open Combo

Fluke Tournament

, Point Pleasant Elks Lodge, 820 Arnold Ave. 6 am – 10 pm. Food, beverages, souvenirs. $ Information: 732-899-5121 or www.pointpleasantelks.org

$40,000.00+ IN PRIZES

(Based on Minimum of 250 Boat Entrees) & Average Calcuttas

July 25

13 & Over Movies on the Beach: E.T., Hiering Avenue beachfront. At dusk. Free movies on the beach for 13 years of age and over. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Concert: The Roustabouts, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 26

T-Bone Musical Show, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 28

Hot Halloween Festival, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 2 pm – 5 pm. Wear your Halloween Costume early to the beach, face painting, arts & crafts, spooky shows, storytelling, free admission to Fun House with a costume. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Sea Critter Round-Up, Arlington Bay Beach, 13-16th St. and the Bay. 10 am. Join the Alliance for a Living Ocean volunteers and interns to seine the bay and discuss the interesting creatures you find. $ Donation. Information: 609-494-7800 or www.livingocean.org – SHIP BOTTOM/LONG BEACH ISLAND

July 30,31

Exit 82: A Toms River Theatre Company Presents: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Auditorium, Toms River High School North, 1245 Old Freehold Road. 8 pm. A Rip-Roaring, Tap-Dancing, Fun-Loving Musical Comedy for the whole family! $ Information: www.exit82theatre.com – TOMS RIVER