Best Water Activities in Monroe: Monroe, NJ Water Recreation Guide

Best Water Activities in Monroe

When it comes to visiting or living in Monroe, NJ, water activities are a large part of the outdoor entertainment in the area. Those living in Monroe's luxury homes near the water can step out of their front doors. Fortunately for those who live in Monroe's condos and townhomes further away from the many brooks winding through the township, they only need to make a short walk or drive to find the best water activities in Monroe, included in our list below.

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Go Kayaking at Assunpink Wildlife Management Area

Assunpink Wildlife Management Area Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Boat launch
  • Picnic area

Assunpink Wildlife Management Area features the large Assunpink Lake, a fantastic spot for kayaking. Anyone who has engaged in the sport knows kayaking can create a satisfying burn on the shoulders and arms. Those looking to kayak for at least an hour and a half to two hours will thoroughly enjoy kayaking at Assunpink. So long as visitors follow the perimeter of the lake, they will engage in a long but fun workout.

Those who want to enjoy a shorter kayaking adventure can row down the center of the lake and back. When completing this shorter kayaking adventure, guests can expect to only spend roughly 30–45 minutes on the water.

A boat launch is available for all visitors to use. However, a $15 boat ramp permit or other relevant license is required at Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. Residents over 70 years old are exempt from needing the boat ramp permit but must have proof of age, such as a driver's license with their birth year.

The best time to visit Assunpink Wildlife Management Area for kayaking is during spring. The flowers begin to bloom, clouds are normally blocking half of the sunlight, and the temperature isn't too hot. However, there is never a bad time to kayak at Assunpink.

Fish at Manalapan Lake

Manalapan Lake Amenities

  • 30 acres
  • Regularly stocked
  • Near Thompson Park animal haven

Manalapan Lake is a 30-acre lake perfect for fishing any time of year. Located within the 675-acre Thompson Park, those who enjoy fishing will be delighted to know the lake is regularly stocked by the State Division of Fish and Wildlife.

To fish at Manalapan Lake, visitors 16 years or older must hold a valid fishing license and display it visibly on their clothing. Residents over 70 years old are exempt from needing a fishing license but must have proof of age. No gas-powered boats are allowed on Thompson Park property, but small electric motor boats are permitted. However, it's best practice to consider only bringing canoes, kayaks, or other small, non-motorized water vessels onto Manalapan Lake.

After a day of fishing, guests are encouraged to visit the animal haven in Thompson Park. The farm contains pigs, goats, deer, peacocks, and an emu. There are even turkeys and other animals for guests to see. Thompson Park and its amenities are open from dawn to dusk.

Splash Around Crystal Springs Family Waterpark

Crystal Springs Family Waterpark Amenities

  • Activity pool
  • Family pool
  • Kiddie pool
  • Lap pool
  • Recreational pool
  • Lazy river
  • Spray park
  • Water slides

Crystal Springs Family Waterpark is the first municipal waterpark in the entire state of New Jersey. Because it was constructed as an outdoor park, it's open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. When temperatures are still low at the beginning of the season, it's normal for the waterpark to be open on the weekends. However, when summer is in full swing, visitors can expect the waterpark to be open daily.

The crystal clear water in the park gives the park its name. Visitors can expect to enjoy various amenities, including an activity pool, family pool, kiddie pool, lap pool, and recreational pool. There is also a lazy river, spray park, and plenty of water slides.

A concession stand is available with an array of menu options. In addition to food, guests can purchase sunscreen, goggles, earplugs, nose clips, and waterproof ID holders. However, no personal grills are permitted, and guests shouldn't bring their own speakers, whether portable or Bluetooth. The facility is smoke-free, alcohol-free, and glass-free.

Work Out at the Apex Swim Club

Apex Swim Club Amenities

  • Swim lessons
  • Open swim
  • Aquatics Performance Training

Apex Swim Club is designed to teach swimmers of all ages how to improve their technique. Whether one has never been in the water before or wants to speed up their lap time, the swim schedule is available to accommodate most individuals' needs.

Apex Swim Club also offers open swim on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and weekend afternoons for those who don't want to engage in a swim class. During open swim, visitors can jump in the pool and have a good time. Some open swim times are reserved for competitions, but these notices will be provided well in advance. Open swim is a nominal fee of $5 per person per day, with longer passes available.

Aquatics Performance Training is also based in the Apex Swim Center, offering programs for everything from aquatic strength and cardio to prenatal and senior water aerobics. Aquatic treadmills, cycling bikes, and strength training equipment are used at several resistance levels to challenge clients in personal or group training. The workouts take advantage of many benefits of training in the water, including lower skeletal impact and muscle soreness, improved endurance, and more.

Rent a Canoe at Turkey Swamp Park

Turkey Swamp Park Amenities

  • 17-acre lake
  • Water vessel rentals
  • Archery range

Turkey Swamp Park boasts a range of activities for visitors to engage in throughout the year. However, the most popular attraction is the 17-acre lake. On the lake, guests can rent a canoe, which is best used by at least two people. Visitors riding solo can rent a paddleboat or single-person kayak.

The water vessel rental shop at Turkey Swamp Park is only open seasonally. Typically opening in early May and closed by late October, guests can rent their preferred water vessel from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. on weekends. Typically, only June and July allow for weekday rentals. All other months typically allow weekend rentals only.

When renting a canoe, rowboat, paddleboat, or single-person kayak, guests can choose to rent for one hour or four hours. All rentals come with paddles and a life vest, and every rental requires a $10 refundable deposit. Prices for the rentals (not including the $10 refundable deposit or tax) are $15 for one hour or $35 for four hours.

The scenery in Turkey Swamp Park is a glimpse of a primitive wilderness filled with bogs, bracken ferns, and catfish. Bait worms can be purchased from the Campground Office, and once visitors are back onshore, they can explore the pitch pines through the park's trails and campgrounds. There's even an archery range, though archers should bring their own equipment.

Dive Into the Possibilities of Monroe

Between the quick access to New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport, and fun parks and water activities, what isn't there to love about Monroe? The variety in things to do and iconic restaurants to eat at creates a unique area perfect for visiting for the weekend or calling home for years to come. Monroe's tight-knit community is a perfect blend of lifelong residents and those looking to change their routines. Whatever the reason for visiting or living in Monroe, few can argue there's a better small suburban town.

If you're ready to call Monroe Township home, contact The Dekanski Home Selling Team of RE/MAX 1st Advantage with New Jersey Real Estate Network at (800) 691-0485 to get in touch with experienced Monroe real estate agents and find your ideal Monroe home today.

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