25 Fun Things to Squeeze In Before Summer Ends

Read this list then make your plans!

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / PORTISHEAD1

If you’re worried about summer slipping away, there’s still time to get some fun in! From wacky museums to a daring rodeo to a boardwalk visit, here are our picks for some last-minute summer fun!

Go Old School at an Arcade

You’ll want to spend a day in Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park. Play hundreds of games, some originating from the 50s and beyond, as you compete against friends and family. 

Hang With Animals

Collect sheep from the pasture and eggs in the henhouse at Howell Living History Farm. Learn about blacksmithing and more at their weekly events.  

Travel Upside Down Seven Times

This original floorless roller coaster is back at Six Flags! Scream your heart out as you’re flipped seven times and travel 60 mph on Medusa. Not a fan of heights? Head over to the safari to see your favorite animals in their almost natural environments.

Fly In a Hot Air Balloon

Another way to soar high in the sky is the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festivals. The last of this year’s three festivals is coming up in September.

Tour a Mine

See the renowned “Rainbow Tunnel” along with drilling and a blasting demonstration at Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Feel Like an Inventor

Travel back in time at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Edison’s home and laboratory. Walk inside his chemistry lab and the Black Maria, his first film studio.

See the Falls

Stare down at stunning waterfalls and learn about Paterson, a historic industrial city where steam locomotives were assembled, at Paterson Great Falls

Have an Adventure on the Water

Grab a lifejacket and a guide and go whitewater rafting, kayaking or tubing down the river.

Take In the Views

Walk along the water, grab lunch at a food truck and enjoy the New York Skyline all from Hoboken Waterfront Walkway. Snack on treats from the bakeries and delis in Hoboken, too! 

Have a Meal Outside

There are many great restaurants that overlook the water and the NYC skyline. Some let you bring your dog, others have great happy hour specials. It’s great for a summertime date night!

Enjoy The American Dream

You’ll never run out of things to do at American Dream Meadowlands, where the Dream Wheel provides magnificent views and LEGOLAND challenges your creativity. Test your strength at the Legends of the Hidden Temple Ropes Course Challenge, the world’s tallest ropes course with a daring 9-levels! If you’re hungry, don’t skip the new food hall or Oreo Cafe.

Get Digging 

Get your hard hat on because Diggerland is no joke. Operate a crane, fly in a zipline and test your strength at the ropes course in this construction themed amusement park. 

Live Like “The Sopranos”

Fan of The Sopranos? Why not eat ice cream where the series finale was shot? Take a picture in the booth Tony Soprano himself sat at before digging into iconic diner food at Holsten’s

Eat Funnel Cake

The boardwalk is a great place to stroll, eat, watch the sunset, play some games, go on some rides and take in the beautiful Jersey Shore sights and sounds. Funnel cake is a must-have staple while you’re there!

Watch A Rodeo

The oldest weekly running rodeo is well and alive, right here in New Jersey. For almost a century, Cowtown Rodeo has been proudly showcasing the excitement of a rodeo, so don’t miss out!

Discover NJ’s Novelties

The Morris Museum houses one of the largest collections of mechanical musical instruments while NorthlandZ is the world’s largest miniature wonderland. 

Live in Color

Tour Luna Parc, the home and studio of artist Rocky Boscarino. You’ll be amazed by its bold and intricate design as well as the trinkets inside!

Make Some S’mores

Find a spot and set up a tent – the days are hot, the nights are cool, and campgrounds are a great place to spend the night or a few days.

Get Buggy

Fan of bags? Meet dozens at Insectropolis where you can view insects from around the world and touch a live tarantula!

Jump Around

Wibits are the new craze: inflatable bounce house-type obstacle courses that sit on the water. Your kids will love burning off their energy in the summer sun.

Food in Design

The Cookie Jar House and Gingerbread Castle are sure to make you hungry! Walk around these charming structures with unique backstories behind them.

Take Flight

The Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum showcases the first hovercraft created by Charles Fletcher as well as helicopters and airplane models. 

Practice Your Swing

Practice your gentle swing, that is, while playing mini golf. Many courses have arcade games inside or a driving range, too.

Pick Fruit

New Jersey is The Garden State after all! Pick apples and sunflowers at any of the amazing pick-your-own farms. While you’re there, pop into the farm market for some fresh apple cider donuts

Party It Up in Wildwood 

There is still a lot of excitement down in Wildwood. Don’t miss the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum’s Airfest, Restaurant Week and the Irish Fall Festival.

Need more inspiration? Discover other ways to have fun in The Garden State here! And see what else you can do this weekend before Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Get fun things to do in NJ delivered straight to your inbox.

Latest articles

More from NJ Family