#MorrisCty Parks – What’s New?

Sergeant Tim Albine Memorial Toy Drive

Sergeant Tim Albine Memorial Toy Drive

Toy Donations needed! The Morris County Park Police are continuing a special holiday tradition by seeking donations and distributing toys to Morris County children in need in honor of Sergeant Tim Albine. Over the past 14 years, the Sergeant Tim Albine Memorial Toy Drive has donated thousands of toys to ill and needy children in local hospitals and shelters, all thanks to the community!

Help spread the holiday cheer this year. Please drop off a new, unwrapped top at one of the following drop off locations by Friday, December 14:

  • Park Police Headquarters, 300 Mendham Road, Morris Township
  • Haggerty Education Center at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 E Hanover Ave, Morris Township
  • Mennen Sports Arena, 161 E Hanover Ave, Morris Township
  • St. Virgil Church, 250 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains
  • Morris County School of Technology, 400 East Main Street, Denville
  • Date:
    Wednesday, November 28—Friday, December 14
  • Time:
    9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Location:

    See description.

  • Cost:
    N/A.
  • Contact:
    973.326.7654.

Gingerbread Wonderland & Craft Show

Gingerbread Wonderland & Craft Show

A candy lover’s dream, now in its 27th year! Marvel at the creativity and skill displayed at this festive and charming exhibit featuring 150+ edible masterpieces crafted by local schools, scout troops, and families. With past creations from Hogwarts, to enchanted gardens, pirate ships, and Santa’s Workshop, this is a must see for all ages. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite! This event is sponsored by The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

Monday – Thursday & Weekends: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Complete your holiday shopping with ease at the 9th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland Craft Show. Check out local artists and crafters’ beautiful and affordable handmade creations, perfect for that special person on your list.

Craft Show is Weekends Only: December 1, 2, 8 & 9 – 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Date:
    Friday, November 30—Sunday, December 9
  • Time:
    Monday – Thursday & Weekends: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fridays: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Location:

    Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.

  • Cost:
    $2 per person gains entry to both the Holiday Craft Show and Gingerbread Wonderland. Children under age 2 are FREE.
  • Contact:
    973.326.7601. Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation.

Civil War Christmas

Civil War Christmas

00:00/01:00

Travel back in time and experience the holidays during the Civil War-era. Learn how soldiers prepared food, built winter huts to keep warm, and wrote special letters home to loved ones. Visit the historic Vail House to read actual letters from Union troops and admire the simple, yet elegant period decorations. Attend an Officer’s Ball to enjoy fiddle music, dancing, and festive costumes.

  • Date:
    Saturday, December 1—Sunday, December 2
  • Time:
    Saturday: 12 noon – 5 p.m. & Sunday: 12 noon – 4 p.m.
  • Location:

    Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown.

  • Cost:
    $7 per adult, $6/senior, $5 per child age 4 – 16, FREE per child age 3 and under.
  • Contact:
    973.285.6537.

Winter Recreation

Winter Recreation

Discover the best spots to sled, ice skate, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and more, all right here in Morris County! Make the most of this season, and experience the great outdoors with exciting winter activities.

Click here to check out the facilities and programs the Morris County Park Commission has to offer.

  • Date:
    Saturday, December 1—Thursday, February 28
  • Time:
    Sunrise to Dusk.
  • Location:

    Morris County Parks.

  • Cost:
    Various based on activity and/or program.
  • Contact:
    973.326.7600.

Baby and Me Hikes

Baby and Me Hikes

Calling all new parents – it’s time to get outside! Put your baby in a backpack, and explore one of many wonderful Morris County area trails on select Tuesdays in December. All adults are welcome to join.

December 4 – Scherman Hoffman, Bernardsville.
December 11 – Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, Chester Township.
December 18 – Patriots’ Path, Mendham Township.

  • Date:
    Tuesday, December 4—Tuesday, December 18
  • Time:
    9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • Location:

    See description.

  • Cost:
    $2 per adult.
  • Contact:
    Preregistration is required. To register, 973.635.6629.

Minecraft in New Jersey

Minecraft in New Jersey

All Ages.

If Minecraft was set in New Jersey, what kinds of natural resources would be found? Explore this fascinating idea through the lens of Minecraft.

  • Date:
    Tuesday, December 4
  • Time:
    4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Location:

    Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township.

  • Cost:
    $3 per person age 3 & up.
  • Contact:
    Preregistration is required. To register, 973.635.6629.

Outdoor Skills: Shelter Building

Outdoor Skills: Shelter Building

Ages 10 – 15.

Learn about primitive shelters, and build your own shelter in the woods.

  • Date:
    Saturday, December 15
  • Time:
    10 a.m. – 12 noon.
  • Location:

    Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township.

  • Cost:
    $10 per child.
  • Contact:
    973.635.6629.

Morris County Park Commission enjoy the experience