Family Highlights of Toms River, New Jersey

Along the Jersey shore, between the Asbury Park once haunted by the Boss and the eastern seaboard gambling hub of Atlantic City, one finds the boardwalk of Seaside Heights. Just inland is the Ocean county seat, Toms River. Over the past several decades this area has grown at a mind-boggling pace, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. So what is there for a family to do here?

Many of the usual choices are found, with the OC mall, multiplex theatres, a public golf course, playgrounds for the kids, and the beaches barely ten minutes east. Yet looking more closely, there are numerous spots where action and enjoyment can be found.

In the winter there is skating at Winding River park, frequented by loads of families and teens. A new arena in town, the Ritacco center on the North high school campus, hosts a variety of concerts, shows and conventions. (See http://www.ritaccocenter.com/)

Many special events take place in the borough near the intersection of Main and Water Streets. A unique one which changes every month is called First Friday, bringing a variety of activity for families, couples, and individuals of all ages. Along with Halloween, Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day parades, there are an Olde Time Antiques & Collectibles Faire, a Wooden Boat Festival, an annual Chili & Salsa Cook-off, a Holiday Pops Spectacular at Ocean County College Fine Arts Theatre, and a Founders Day Festival every June.

Near the center of downtown are all the Ocean County government buildings, including the library, currently expanding to include a caf�©, and a number of rooms for educational and cultural programs. This section of Washington Street is where many of the special events are located. Right down the block from the library at 17 Washington Street one will find the incredible Colonel Charles Waterhouse Historical Museum, filled with amazing paintings of patriotic heritage and wartime action. The artist and family staff this fine exhibition.

On the river for which the town is named there are aquatic activities, including an enjoyable cruise aboard the festive River Lady, located at One Robbins Avenue. In the charming neighborhood known as Island Heights one finds great views of the region, and a lovely Bed & Breakfast, Cottage on the River at 10 Ocean Bend. Here too one can get further information about the area’s boating and fishing.

Ocean County college campus boasts another favorite attraction, the Robert J. Novins planetarium. One of the largest and most active planetariums in New Jersey, it offers shows and programs for all ages, such as public sky expositions and observation sessions. Also on campus is the aforementioned Fine Arts Center, home of the Ocean County College Theatre Company, the Community Chorus of Ocean County College, the OCC Concert Band, and the Three Story Players.

A plethora of fine restaurants of tremendous variety abound, as one might expect in a community of about 86,000 residents. There are spas, salons, and specialty stores aplenty to visit. For further recreation one can go bowling, visit the Flea Market on Route 70, attend a minor league baseball game at Blue Claw’s stadium in nearby Lakewood, or go hiking and cycling at gorgeous Cattus Island park.

If a visit to the Toms River area is in order, be sure to first check out the local web-site, http://www.tomsriveronline.com/ for the latest current events, and prepare to enjoy this fine area of the mid-Atlantic!