Picture this: it is a bright, sunny day out and the temperature has finally hit that perfect. breezy 70℉. You find yourself looking for something to do, but what? You want to take advantage of the good weather, but not just take a walk- you want to find something new and fun to do with your friends. Look no further than this guide of nearby things to do outdoors. This guide is broken down into what is free and what costs money, as well as how much physical activity is required (we all know we have those lazy moments). 

Free Things:

Visiting a Local Park:

Activity Level: Varies 

Although visiting a local park seems like a no-brainer on a nice day, the unique qualities of parks are often overlooked. Not only can you see some nature native to your area, you can also choose your own adventure. Parks are the perfect place to have picnics with friends, ride a bike, walk your dog, run around, or even just to sit by a tree and read a book. Senior Noah Smock said that his favorite thing to do during the Spring is to play tennis at places such as Wolcott Park in Eatontown. Another great thing to do at a park is skateboarding (as long as that is allowed within the park’s guidelines); Sophomore Constance Bricker said it was her favorite Spring activity. Check out Wampum and Wolcott Parks in Eatontown, and Atchinson and Hockhockson in Tinton Falls. 

Find Free Concerts:

Activity Level: Mild

During the Spring and Summer months, Freehold and Belmar both host a free concert series, not only for people in their town, but for anyone who would like to come and enjoy some music. Belmar’s free concerts take place on Friday nights from 6pm-9pm in Pyanoe Plaza (unfortunately this year’s schedule has not been posted yet, but you can find it here once it is updated). Freehold’s free concerts take place on Thursday nights from 7:30pm-9:30pm at the Hall of Records; you can find the 2024 schedule here. Although there are never any big name bands playing, since these are free concerts after all, they are still a fun way to get out and dance to some fun music.    

Go to the beach:

Activity Level: Varies

Since we live on the Jersey Shore and have easy access to the beach, it would be great  to go to your favorite location or try a new one before all of the out-of-towners come in for the summer and payments start to be required. The beach is great if you want to relax and have a lazy day, but it also works if you want to play volleyball or soccer. Beach picnics are also a great way to meet up with friends- just make sure it is not too windy before you go, that way your food does not get all sandy. If you are looking for a beach with plenty of options for shopping, then go to Pier Village or even visit the towns of Bradley Beach or Asbury Park. History teacher Mrs. Hermanns said that her favorite thing to do in Spring is go to the beach. 

Walk around Downtown Red Bank:

Activity Level: Mild 

From shopping, to art, to music, to parks, to historical sites, to nightlife, Red Bank has it all. Meet up with friends to window shop or see some cool art. This is my personal favorite thing to do on a warm day because it makes you feel like even if you walked around alone, you would never feel completely alone. Red Bank is always lively with events happening in the Spring and Summer months. The town often has jazz nights at Riverside Park and usually has multiple sidewalk sales throughout the warmer months. Looking for more information? Click here. 

Things that Cost Money:

Rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat:

Activity Level: Mild to High

If you are looking to be more adventurous, then I suggest you rent a kayak or paddle boat at a nearby marina. This is the perfect activity for the transition of Spring into Summer weather because it is an easy way to cool off and have fun with friends, family, or significant others. Unfortunately, these rentals do cost more money than most other activities (prices can range anywhere from $25 to $95), but are definitely worth it for a fun experience! If you are looking for more information on kayak rentals, click here, and if you are looking for more information on paddle boats, click here.  

Go Out for Ice Cream:

Activity Level: Low

A great activity for families, or just something to get out and do with friends when you do not really know what to do, is to go out and get ice cream. Options are endless in our area, as we have places like Carvel, Ryan’s Homemade Ice Cream, Nicholas Creamery, The Lighthouse, and Rita’s, just to name a few. A popular activity for many, Child Development teacher Ms. DiMarco said that this is her favorite springtime activity. 

Go on a Horse Trail Ride:

Activity Level: Mild to High 

If you have a love of horses or know someone who does, I suggest that you go on a horse trail ride this Spring. Here, you get the experience of riding a horse through scenic areas around a farm! This is a fun way to get in touch with your animal lover side; however, it might put a dent in your wallet, since horseback riding is usually not a cheap activity. If you are interested in a day of riding fun, click here to find different farms in our area that offer this activity.

Find a Nearby Festival or Fair:

Activity Level: Mild

Another personal favorite activity of mine is going to fairs and festivals that happen all Spring and Summer long. The best part about going to a festival or fair is that they usually only charge a flat entrance fee and then you decide to spend your money on whatever other things your heart desires. Fairs and festivals are a great place to meet up and hangout with friends, because you never run out of things to see or do. If you are looking for festivals or fairs in your area, click here to see a monthly breakdown.  

Visit Allaire or Smithville:

Activity Level: Mild to High 

While historical places are sometimes considered as boring, Allaire State Park and Historic Smithville are far from that. At Allaire State Park, you can step back in time and see what it looked like during the colonial era, as well as shop for fun novelties (for more information click here). Allaire State Park does charge admission, but Historic Smithville does not. Historic Smithville is about 45 minutes to an hour away from our location, while Allaire State is closer.At Historic Smithville, you can shop, walk around, and even eat at different restaurants (for more information click here). Both places also host a variety of events throughout the year, with the majority of their events taking place in the warmer months.