Soak Up the Sun at a Farm or Lake

Take a hay wagon ride around the farm, munch on an all-you-can-eat breakfast with the fam, pick your own produce and enjoy live entertainment at Alstede's Very Berry Pancake Breakfast in Chester. The fun is on July 2. On July 7-9, head to Phillipsburg for a Day Out with Thomas. If your little one love locomotives or Thomas the Tank Engine, he'll have a blast getting a ride from Thomas himself, after which he’ll get to meet Sir Topham Hatt, take photos and make crafts. There will also be a juggler, ventriloquist and more. Alstede's is having another pancake breakfast on July 9th, this time blueberry-themed (it's part of the Blueberry Festival!). Nothing beats farm fresh breakfast or produce. Eat what you can then explore the grounds on a scenic hayride. Enjoy live entertainment, too.

Sunrise Lake Beach Club in Morris Township is hosting Tiny Tot Tuesdays all month long. Enjoy the sand and water at Sunrise Lake with your little guppies. Kids under 4 get comfortable in the water under the supervision of a parent. Wagner Farm Arboretum's Festival of Nature is on July 15th. From butterflies to alpacas to raptors, there’s no shortage of wild animals at this outdoor celebration. See animal exhibits, learn to extract honey, walk through the butterfly pavilion and stop by the petting zoo. July 22-23 is the Sweet Corn Festival at Oasis Family Farm in Robbinsville. Bite into a farm fresh corn muffin or corn on the cob. Taste the real deal, then go for a pony or wagon ride, play free games and explore other farm attractions.

Take in a Show

Watch Magician Steve Woyce put on a special show for little shark lovers at The Magic of Sharks at Cranford Community Center on July 5. This comedy magic act teaches audiences about sharks, plus has games and shark magic. On the same day, you can see Play Theater Kids Cabaret at La Grande Park in Fanwood. Witness a group of talented little thespians perform theater classics about growing up. This brief outdoor concert will be followed by a movie, so bring goodies to munch on during the film and a blanket to sit on. On July 13, see Bubble Trouble at the Morris Museum. Jeff Boyer impresses audiences of all ages with bubble sculpting, blowing, designing and building. See a bubble roller coaster, bubble volcano and more.

On the 19th, animal lovers can see Wildlife Wendy and her Tropical Birds, also at the Morris Museum. These macaws are pure magic. See the gorgeous creatures up close and personal, and witness everything from talking, singing and free flying. 101 Dalmatians is running the weekends of July 21-22 and 28-29 at the Summit Playhouse. A show especially for kids, this production features adorable stars, a scary villain and a wonderful score. Will the puppies escape Cruella as she tries to snag them for a fur coat? On the 26th, see Squirrel Stole My Underpants at Bickford Theatre in Morristown. Follow Sylvie on an adventure after a squirrel steals her favorite piece of clothing while she’s hanging laundry in the backyard. She gets transported to a new world once she chases the critter. Will she recover her prized possession? On the 29th, head to Trolls Tea Time in Ridgefield Park. Join Princess Poppy for a day of sweet treats, maid and butler trolls, photo shoots and songs. Your little one will feel like a troll, too.

Have a Fairly Great Time at a Fair or Festival

Manasquan's Quakers Friendly Fair on the 8th is a get-together is in its 61st year that features antiques, a flea market, baked treats, crafts and live entertainment. There are games for kids and tasty food options, too. The Firefly Festival at Duke Farms in Hillsborough is running the July 8-9. There, you can see the night sky come alive with the glow of fireflies. Your fam can wander two miles of woods by the lake to see lightning bugs in action. Learn about them, visit the café and stroll the farmers’ market. On July 18-22, head to the Burlington County Farm Fair in Columbus to see the Farm Fair Pageant and antique tractor parade with your little one. Pigs and horses steal the show in races and equestrian displays, while kids can take part in a tractor pull, arts and crafts, a wagon contest and more. You can get active on the 22nd with the crew at the Come Out & Play Festival on Governor’s Island in New York. Get down in summer weather at this free family day hosts tons of street games and kids activities in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn.

Kick Back at a Movie

On any Tuesday, head to Elizabeth for Union County’s Family Fun and Flix, an outdoor movie series. Come all summer to see films like Sing and Secret Life of Pets. The State Theatre in New Brunswick is doing a summer series of free movies throughout the month, too. July 5th is the screening of The Incredibles a flick about a superhero family that comes out of retirement to save the world. On July 11, see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a film that's been adored by young audiences for ages. Get your kids a golden ticket to the screening where they'll discover Charlie Bucket’s story. On the 18th, the flick will be Finding Dory; dive into this underwater adventure with Dory, Nemo, Marlin and friends as the beloved blue tang searches for her kin. The film emphasizes the importance of friends and family. And on the 25th, Zootopia, a story about a wild metropolis full of all types of creatures, will make your kids will laugh out loud.

 

More Like This:
Go Take a Hike (in New Jersey)!
Where to Find Free Outdoor Movies in NJ This Summer
The Disturbing Reason Your Eyes Turn Red in the Pool