Entertaining and Educational Activities for All Ages - October 27 through November 2

Basking Ridge, NJ - The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge has scheduled the following Naturalist-led programs to help children and adults enjoy the wonder and the beauty of nature as fall takes hold in Somerset County. The Environmental Education Center provides many entertaining and educational programs for children and adults year around.

Preregistration is required for programs and may be done by calling 908-766-2489 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment. Registration is available online at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Nature Hikes for Tykes

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 28 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Children ages 2 to 3 and a parent will examine nature using all five senses through crafts, hikes, and hands-on activities. Theme is “Spooky Spiders”
Fee is $8 per pair and $4 per additional child.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Passaic Paddle

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 29 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Paddlers will enjoy a relaxed trip through the Great Swamp Basin, flowing through floodplain forest and many unique wetland habitats.
Fee is $18 per adult and $15 per student or senior.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Wacky Wednesday

Date and Time:
- Wednesday, October 29 from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - ages 2 to 4 with parent
- Wednesday, October 29 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. - ages 3 to 5 with parent
Children and a parent will learn about all the wonderful things in nature that begin with “W”.
Fee is $8 per pair and $4 per additional child
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Duke Island Nature Explorers

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 29 from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon
Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent will meet at Duke Island Park to explore the outside world through games, activities, and crafts. Theme is “Spooky Spiders.”
Fee is $8 per pair and $4 per additional child.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

A Walk to Remember

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 29 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Adults will enjoy a Naturalist-led hike through the Great Swamp observing the swamp's cycles through the year. Participants should bring a journal to record what you see and to reflect on the monthly changes found on subsequent hikes..
Fee is $9 per person.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Amazing Animal Architects – NEW

Date and Time: Thursday, October 30 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent will discover the amazing shelters that animals build to ensure their survival.
Fee is $8 per pair and $4 per additional child..
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Why Don’t Spiders Get Stuck?

Date and Time: Thursday, October 30 from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Children ages 7 to 9 will discover why a spider does not get stuck in its own web and other answers about this amazing animal.
Fee is $5 per person.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Yikes!

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 31 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.-ages 3-5 w/parent
Children will discover how spooky and scary bats, spiders, and owls really are. Costumes are welcome!
Fee is $8 per pair and $4 per additional child.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Spooky Scary Twilight Delaware & Raritan Canal Paddle

Date and Time: Friday, October 31 from 3:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Paddlers will enjoy a relaxed but spooky trip along the Canal, guided only by candlelight. Come in costume for a howling good time.
Fee is $37 per adult and $27 per student or senior.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

The Age of Aquarium

Date and Time: Saturday, November 1 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon
Children ages 7 to 9 with a parent will learn how to set up an aquarium after a walk into the swamp to see how nature does it. Fee includes tank, instruction, and a Siamese Fighting Fish.
Fee is $20 per pair.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Responsible Pet Care Series

Date and Time: Saturday, November 1 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Family and friends will learn about the variety of common household pets and the responsibilities attached to caring for them. The class is perfect for families interested in adopting a pet. Theme is “Small Mammals.”
Fee is $6 per person.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Sourlands Autumn - NEW

Date and Time: Sunday, November 2 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Family and friends (age 6 years and older) will take a leaf peeping hike with a Naturalist to discover the rich history, ecology, and beauty of the Sourland Mountain Preserve.
Fee is $10 per person.
Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Information on Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.