Have you enjoyed the seasonal change in the weather? Fall is something special in Monmouth County. Farms and businesses around the area offer pumpkin picking, haunted hayrides, fall festivals and more. Keep your calendar ready, because in the coming weeks, we will have you busy from now until Thanksgiving! Brock Farms 375 Route 34, Colts Neck 4189 Route 9 North, Freehold Halloween comes to life Brock Farms beginning in mid-September. Brock Farms unveiled its Halloween Impressions stores in both locations. Search for the perfect costumes, masks and Halloween decorations. Other activities …

In this week's Frugal Family, tt's all about the greatest free resource we have in Monmouth County: our wonderful libraries. There are more than just books these great homes for the best works of literature and public opinion. Each branch has programs galore for residents. Some are free, some charge a nominal fee, but all of them have your unique interests in mind. Read to the Dogs Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125, Symmes Road, Manalapan The popular Read to the Dogs program returns to Monmouth County Library Headquarters on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children in first …

It's back to school here in Monmouth County and while your days may not be as fun-filled as they were this summer, there's still plenty for the kids to do this fall. This week, we're going to take a look at some fun places your kids can go for after-school activities that will allow them to have fun, make friends, and stay active. The following are just a sample of what we have available for kids in our area, so keep your eyes out for other creative outlets that will suit your child. The Art Room Studio & Gallery 14 Agers Lane, Little Silver Registration is still being taken for The Art Room'…

The kids are getting restless, you are all summer-ed out, and there's still some time until school starts. What to do? Now that we're starting to recover from Hurricane Irene, it's time to treat ourselves enjoy the fun activities in Monmouth County for kids and families. Check out our list of upcoming events and deals below and keep on sending us your suggestions of family-friendly items in the area. Chuck E. Cheese's 1107 Route 35, Middletown Not only is Chuck E. Cheese's still delivering one of the safest places you can bring your kids for food and fun, they are also showcasing positive …

Teen Art Club Middletown Township Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, Middletown Have a budding artist in the family? The Teen Art Club at the Middletown Township Public Library meets Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is open to kids ages 13 to 18. The club offers hands-on activities, occasional artist workshops and a chance to meet fellow young artists. Yoga for Everyone Community Center at Bucks Mill Park, Colts Neck Learn yoga poses and movements to create a balance in your body by developing strength and flexibility. Mary Lehmann, a yoga instructor for over thirty years, will …

It's back to school shopping time and the deals are for the taking at almost every store in Monmouth County. The down economy has stores cutting prices lower than ever, which is a plus for busy moms and dads who have to get their kids off to school in style. This week, the deals are all about basic needs for kids and every store is having them. If you don't see your favorite store listed here, don't despair. Check your local circular for some of the best buys of the season, and don't forget to continue to send us your tips on the hottest deals in your neck of the woods. We'd love to hear them…

Correction: The Monmouth County Library Headquarters SAT class is Friday, Sept. 23, not Friday, Aug. 12 as originally reported. Still have enough steam to get through the rest of the summer? So do we. And as the heat rages on, there are more and more fun things to do in Monmouth County. Treat yourself to some live music. Get the kids some much needed free education and advice. Taste the sweet fruits of our state. Grab some bargains at a huge yard sale. It's all right here. If you know of any deals in Monmouth County that Patch readers should know about, feel free to post them in the comments …

There are so many good things to do coming up in Monmouth County, we don't know where to begin to list them all. We've highlighted some of our favorites. Many are free, some charge a nominal fee, but all are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Check these out and be sure to let us know of other great family deals in the county in the comments section below. Rita's and the Fun Bus 1300 Route 35, Middletown On Tuesday, Aug. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., drop your kids off at Rita's in Middletown to enjoy ice making, a sampling session with the Rita's Treat Team, and 30 minutes of …

Selena Gomez and the Scene PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel If you are the parent of a tween or teen, chances are you know exactly who Selena Gomez is. First, as the star of the Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place, second, as the girlfriend of Justin Bieber. Her likable blend of bouncy/non-threatening pop music is coming to the PNC Bank Arts Center on Saturday August 20th at 7 p.m. Lawn seats, priced at $15 are still available. Freehold Rocks! Concert Series 1 E. Main St., Freehold Tired of the endless summer heat? Bored of beaches and malls? Head over to Downtown Freehold and spend a …

Barnes & Noble Chess Club Monmouth Mall, 180 Route 35 Eatontown Have a chess lover in your family? The Barnes & Noble Chess Club will meet Wednesday, July 20, and every other Wednesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Monmouth Mall Barnes & Noble cafe. All experience levels are welcome. Boards will be provided, but you may bring your own. Movies in the Park Sycamore Recreation Complex, 977 Sycamore Ave., Tinton Falls Drive ins may be a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean outdoor movies have to be. Enjoy a free showing of Field of Dreams on Friday, July 22 at 8:45 p.m. at the Sycamore …

There are amazing offerings for affordable family fun in Monmouth County this week. Check out concerts in Middletown, kids yoga in Red Bank, half-price wings in Eatontown and more. Cool Kids Concerts Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown The Middletown Arts Center is offering a concert series for families this summer. Cool Kids Concerts With Miss Sherri takes place every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 25. The interactive shows are open to children ages one through 10 and their parents. Admission is $5. Call 732-706-4100 for more information. Yoga for Kids Red Bank …

Freehold Raceway Mall Concert Series Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 US Hwy. 9, Freehold Freehold Raceway Mall will host a summer concert series each Wednesday through August 31. The family-oriented bands brought in will perform on the grassy area in front of The Cheesecake Factory. Should it rain, the concert will be moved inside on the upper level of the Mall, Macy's wing. The concert schedule is as follows: Wade Preston & Movin Out Band on July 6; B Street Band on July 13; Dr. Cheeko Island Soul on July 20; Strawberry Fields on July 27; Country Band on Aug. 3; Yosi & Super Dads on Aug. 10; The…

Intro to Capoeira Monmouth County Library-Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan Shrewsbury Eastern Branch, 1001 Rt. 35, Shrewsbury Come and experience the energy and intensity from the martial arts game, capoeira. Capoeira features an exciting combination of martial arts hidden within dance. Registration is required, and the kids will be active, so have them dress comfortably. "Intro to Capoeira" is for grades six and up. The Shrewsbury event is being held on July 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the Manalapan event held on July 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hartigan's Grille 3 Tennent…

This week, there are several ways to save and more ways than ever to get outside and enjoy some of the best activities Monmouth County has to offer. Bath & Body Works can give you the bliss you deserve, LaRosa's bakery has treats galore, and there are three fabulous items for the kids that you would be foolish not to jump on! Have fun and continue to post your suggestions in the comments--we love to hear from you! La Rosa's Pastry Shop 79 E. Newman Springs Road, Shrewsbury Besides all the mouthwatering cakes, pastries and cookies available at their Newman Springs Road location, La Rosa's is …

We are hitting the ground running this week at Frugal Family with fun activities and events scheduled in and around Monmouth County. The weather is fine, the kids are finishing up with classes, and there's no better time to enjoy getting together as a family! This week, we have the deets on Freehold Township Day, delish deals at Le Peep, free Father's Day crafts, summer movies in the park in Fair Haven and of course, the granddaddy of all NJ fireworks, the annual Red Bank fireworks celebration. Why are you still sitting here reading? Get moving! Saladworks 2136 State Highway 35-South, Holmdel…

Olde Freehold Day Lake Topanemus, Freehold Olde Freehold Day is back on July 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Topanemus, better known as ”the Pond.”  In addition to a variety food and beverages, Olde Freehold Day offers boating on the lake, a fishing derby (for children under 12), a triathlon, a treasure hunt for all ages, a Minute to Win it contest, and popular local bands from ”back in the day” including Eddie Testa and Step A Side. For more information, please call 462-4558. Longstreet Farm 50 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ Throughout the year, Longstreet Farm hosts free weekend activities…

This week's Frugal Family has deals galore at your favorite stores, as well some favorite local restaurants where you can bring the whole family. Check out the hottest specials in Monmouth County and make sure to visit your local family-run businesses as well; they are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods and what makes us unique. If you know of any great deals in your town, post them in the comments section. Home Depot 300 Trotters Way, Freehold 3700 Route 35, Hazlet 1334 Lakewood Road, Toms River Get 10 percent off your first in-store purchase when you open a Home Depot credit card, as …

When you can find a deal that's amazing that's one thing. But, when you can piggyback them with in-store savings, well that takes you to a whole other level of wonderful. We love saving money at Frugal Family, and we love sharing our finds with you at the best stores in Monmouth County. Head over to Kohl's, Men's Wearhouse and Pier 1 for finds for your family and your home and then, when you've worked up an appetite, let your nose lead you over to Gaetano's and Pop's Garage, where the ambience alone will grab you and the food will keep you. Kohl's 2145 State Route 35, Holmdel 168 Route 9, …

Despite the rainy weather we've been experiencing, don't think you can't head out and plan activities outdoors. There are many exciting things coming up in Monmouth County free or limited cost that are perfect for families. We've done the legwork for you and come up with five upcoming events to show your brood a good time. Remember to keep those ideas and posts coming about happenings in your area--we'd love to hear from you. Kimisis Annual Greek Festival 20 Hillcrest Road, Holmdel The Kimisis Annual Greek Festival is the most fun you'll have outside of Athens. The event is held at Kimisis …

The weather is getting warmer and the outdoor events are increasing around Monmouth County. This week, we have some fun events guaranteed to get your taste buds and your bodies moving. Take the kids, get outside and have some fun. Remember to keep those suggestions coming — we love hearing from you and posting your finds. Red Bank Farmers' Market 2 Bridge Ave, Red Bank The Galleria Red Bank Farmers' Market offers fresh, locally-grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers and also showcases unique crafts and wonderful eateries. The Galleria Red Bank Farmers' Market will run Sundays …