We hate to break it to you, but Labor Day is right around the corner—so time to make the most of the next few weeks! Need some inspiration? Check out our end-of-summer to-do list and get going!
1. 77th Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Balloon Fest
Kick off the end of summer with hot air balloon launches and rides, plus more county-fair staples.
2. Unlimited Rides at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Calling all daredevils: On Tuesdays and Fridays now through Labor Day, you can hop on as many rides as you want, as many times as you want for just $18 per person.
3. Free Outdoor Concerts
Jersey’s beaches and parks host tons of concert series throughout the summer. Check out our list of the best places to rock out for free!
4. Free Outdoor Movies
Ditch expensive tickets and stuffy theaters and spend your summer nights watching free family flicks at these local beaches and parks.
5. Pick-Your-Own Peaches
August is prime peach picking time! Take the kids to one of these PYO farms to pick fresh, Jersey peaches right off the tree.
6. 20th Clam Festival
For the freshest seafood, live entertainment, kid rides and more, head to the Jersey Shore. And, as if this could get any better, it’s totally free!
7. New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show
From carousel rides and circus performances to pig races and a hay maze, New Jersey’s biggest agricultural fair is not one to miss.
8. National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
Can you think of a more delicious holiday (number 16 may give this one a run for its money!)? Celebrate (for free!) at Casino Pier’s Waffles and Ice Cream Eating Contest.
9. 96th Mercer County 4-H Fair
Hayrides, homemade ice cream, 4-H animal shows and more—don’t miss this free, old-fashioned fair!
10. Dozin’ with Dinos
What’s better than taking a day trip to Field Station: Dinosaurs? Sleeping over! Camp out overnight in tents right next to the dinos.
11. Peach Harvest Festival
Remember how we said that August is all about the peaches? Well, here’s one more way to enjoy them. Pick your own and eat peachy treats (homemade peach ice cream and peach shortcake—yum!) at this festival.
12. Middlesex County Fair
Treat the kids to a week filled with good, old-fashioned fair fun, like pony and carousel rides.
13. Somerset County 4-H Fair
For go-cart racing, magic shows and 4-H animals, this free county fair is a must-do!
14. Atlantic County 4-H Fair
Drop by the barn to see tons of farm animals or step outside to hop on a carnival ride at this free 4-H fair.
15. Butterfly Festival
Make your creepy-crawler-obsessed kid’s dreams come true by taking him to see an insect zoo and a bug parade!
16. National S’mores Day
Celebrate August’s other amazingly delicious holiday by roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, telling campfire stories and singing songs at the Tenafly Nature Center. Can’t make it? Try one of these s’mores recipes at home!
17. Hunterdon County 4-H Fair
Fireworks, rides, family entertainment and 4-H animals are all part of the line up at this free 4-H fair.
18. Land of Make Believe
This pirate-themed amusement and water park has been a New Jersey staple for 57 years. From now through Labor Day, cool off on its river ride and pirate ship!
19. Jersey Lakes
Beat the August heat by diving into one of Jersey’s lakes! Find one near you on our list.
20. Diggerland USA
If your kid’s truly happiest when he’s pushing a dumptruck, this brand new construction-themed park may be the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to him. Your little hard-hatter can dig, dump and drive trucks, but only through mid-September!
21. Fishing
Did you know New Jersey has over 400 lakes, ponds and reservoirs where families can fish? Find a family-friendly one near you on our list, and get fishing!
22. Jersey’s Best Ice Cream
Readers shared with us their favorite Jersey ice cream joints, and we listened! Grab a scoop or an old-fashioned shake at one of these awesome ice cream parlors.
23. Tubing Down the Delaware River
August may mark the end of summer, but that doesn’t mean the weather isn’t hot! Skip the pool and spend the day tubing down the Delaware River.
24. Sandy Hook
Nothing says “summer” like the Jersey Shore, but by the time August rolls around, no one wants to travel too far. For a beach that’s nearby, family friendly and fun, head to Sandy Hook!
25. Lucy the Elephant
This 32-foot-long, six-story-tall elephant may be over 100 years old, but climbing to the top of this landmark still just as fun as ever!
