Discover Toms River

When choosing where to stay, it can be helpful to consider which interests you want to combine during your trip. Toms River offers several distinct points of interest: Cattus Island County Park focuses on trails and environmental education; the Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum adds a historic watercraft collection; and the Robert J. Novins Planetarium presents a variety of shows beneath a dome. There is also the house named for Elizabeth Sculthorp Force, with furnished rooms from the 19th century and a historical timeline exhibit. You can explore Toms River through interests in nature, maritime history, and culture, and decide which highlights you want to shape your stay.

Nature and Environmental Education at Cattus Island County Park

Cattus Island County Park covers 530 acres and has 7 miles of trails. The area and trail length describe different aspects of the park: its size as a natural area and the trails within it. The park is also home to the Cooper Environmental Center. Its interactive educational displays include a live osprey-cam feed, a bird-watching area, and live reptiles and fish. While the trails connect visitors with the landscape, the center draws attention to specific animals and observation. This nature-focused experience combines open space and trails with environmental education and wildlife viewing.

Maritime Collection and Historic Heritage

The Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum is located at the northeast corner of Water Street and Hooper Avenue in Toms River. Its historic watercraft collection includes the A-Cat Spy, built in 1924, and the Barnegat Bay Sneakbox Sheldrake. These two vessels provide specific points of interest in the museum’s maritime collection.

Another way to explore the area’s cultural history is through the house named for Elizabeth Sculthorp Force. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, and on the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail. The house includes furnished rooms from the 19th century and a historical timeline exhibit in the Birdsall Room. The rooms offer a glimpse into the 19th century, while the exhibit adds a chronological perspective. The museum focuses on maritime history, while the house brings together historic rooms and a sense of chronology.

Planetarium: Shows and Visit Planning

The Robert J. Novins Planetarium presents laser shows, star shows, and full-dome films in a dome theater with 103 seats. The program offerings may change. Access to the dome is available only during scheduled showtimes. Check the current showtimes before your visit so you can take this access information into account when planning.

In addition to public shows, the planetarium offers programs for school and summer-camp groups, birthday parties, and special themed events; these offerings may also change. Public shows and group programs are distinct parts of the program. If you want to include a particular format in your trip, check the current schedule.

Discover More Destinations

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For the broader travel overview: Ocean.