This weekend’s lineup of fun in NJ features a Harlem Globetrotters trick show, hot air balloon festival and a Christmas in July party.
WEEKEND
Premier League Experience
The Rink at American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursday – Friday
Before the 2025 Premier League Summer Series kicks off next month, fans can see the iconic Premier League Trophy, meet league players and mascots, compete in soccer challenges and shop for new merch.
Holidays in July
Broadwalk, Red Bank
Thursday – Friday
The Broadwalk area will be decorated with Christmas decorations from last year. There will be live music by the musicians of Holiday Express, cookie decorating, ornament decorating, and visits by Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Stores throughout Red Bank will hold specials and sales.
Harlem Globetrotters
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Thursday – Friday
Watch the world record-breaking trick-shot b-ball stars bring their signature spins, dunks and slams to the court against the Washington Generals. The kids may find themselves mid-court during the Halftime Skills Showcase.
Burlington County Farm Fair
Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1960 Jacksonville-Jobstown Rd., Columbus
Thursday – Saturday
Come by for opening night and stay for the fireworks. There will be lots of barnyard animals on display. Thursday is Kids Day, where they can pretend to be a farmer. Saturday features a public pet show.
Monmouth County Fair
Monmouth County Park System, 1500 Kozloski Rd., Freehold
Thursday – Sunday
This year’s free entertainment includes Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, Tommy Turvey’s stunt horses and dogs, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Mutts Gone Nuts, Bluey and Bingo, Ocean Avenue Stompers, Blake Wallenda’s High Wire Act and Crunchy the T-Rex. Check out the 4-H shows and exhibits, rides and games, live music on the Main Stage, living history displays, home and garden demos and lots of food.
Santa’s Summer Holiday
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Thursday – Sunday
Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking a mid-summer vacay at The Golden Plough Inn. While at Peddler’s Village, you’ll find them eating at restaurants, shopping in the boutiques and enjoying summer activities. Catch them on a photo hunt for a special prize. Say “hi” during the Safari Party or murder-mystery dinner. Kids will have “snow” much fun at the free snow-foam party.
Sharks at the Park
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Mantua Twp.
Thursday – Sunday
Coinciding with Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, EFP will host fossil digs, prehistoric trivia games, family movie night, marine life galleries, shark-themed treats, yoga with the dinosaurs, and a chance to win epic prizes.
Planetarium Shows
Longo Planetarium at County College of Morris, Randolph
Friday – Saturday
“Mars: The Ultimate Voyage” will take you on a flight to the red planet. “Edge of Darkness” explores comets, asteroids and Pluto. “One Sky” is a great intro to the night sky using stories from around the world. All shows include a tour of the night sky and feature Digistar 7, the world’s most advanced planetarium system.
Morris County 4-H Fair on the Farm
Friday – Sunday
High View Farms, 416 Sand Shore Rd., Mt. Olive
There will be lots to see and do at the fair. There will be 4-H animals including goats, chickens, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs. Kids will have fun at the animal shows, presentations, quiz bowls, on the hayride, at the arts and craft exhibits, on the monster truck rides and eating at the food trucks.
Mercer County 4-H Fair & Wheat Threshing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
The fair includes animal shows and exhibits, homemade ice cream, hayrides, pony rides, music, magic shows, and farm tours. Check out displays by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, Mid-State Beekeepers Association, and more.
Jus Nice Sneaker and Trading Card Convention
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
The only sneaker and trading card convention of its kind in southern New Jersey, the weekend is packed with sneaker culture, vintage clothing, independent brands, streetwear, accessories, rare trading cards, celebrity appearances, live trading sessions and giveaways.
Antique & Summer Market
WheatonArts, Millville
Saturday – Sunday
Antique dealers from the Mid-Atlantic area will showcase books, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, memorabilia, toys and vintage accessories. There will be free hands-on family art activities, like finger knitting, jellyfish and wrapped-yard butterflies. You can also explore the Museum of American Glass, the Down Jersey Folklife Center, artist studios, museum stores and the nature trail.
Wildwood Co-Ed Beach Ultimate Tournament
Beach areas from Montgomery to Schellenger avenues and Oak to Magnolia avenues, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
Known as the world’s largest beach Frisbee tournament, the 33rd annual event will bring in more than 400 teams from all over the world. It’s a 4-v-4 co-ed team competition for players of all skill levels, ages 18 and over. There will be an additional high school division on Sunday only. There’s a cost to play, but it’s free to watch from the sidelines.
FRIDAY
Christmas in July
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
There will be live music by Kelsey Brown, a meet-and-greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, face painting, food and ice cream, and access to the exhibits.
Nature Board Game Night
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Choose from a selection of nature puzzles and board games, or bring a puzzle or game from home to play and share with others.
Whitesbog Blueberry Summer Fest
Whitesbog Historic Farm & Village, Browns Mills
Take a trip to the Pine Barrens to pick a pint of blueberries, listen to live music, buy a blueberry pie, and learn about the beloved state fruit in its birthplace. This weekend’s theme is the Jersey Devil.
Christmas in July at The Farm
Alstede Farms, Chester
Holiday-themed activities include PYO Elf Berries (aka blueberries), Santa’s Summer Stroll (a walk through the sunflower trail), pictures with Santa, holiday music with a summer twist, and scenic hayrides.
SATURDAY
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month.
Hub City Holiday Presents Christmas in July
New Brunswick
Take selfies with Santa, show off your snowball throwing skills at the dunk tank, compete in lawn games, build snow-free sandcastles and snowmen in sand pits, write a Letter to Santa, and sing along to holiday hits with DJ Runthefade.
Christmas in July at the Waterpark
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Entertainment and activities include the Pa-Rum-Pum-Pum Drumline; photos with Santa and The Grinch; meet-and-greets with Holiday Mr. & Mrs. Mouse and Buddy & Jovi, and music by the Ho! Ho! Ho! Let’s Go Band.
Summer STEAM Programs
Newark Public Library, Newark
Dress your kids ages 5 to 10 in something that can get messy, because this program wants them to dive into different hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math projects. Parents must attend, too.
Artisan Market
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Premier League Summer Series
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Soccer fans will have the chance to see all four teams play in double-header matchdays: AFC Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United and West Ham United.
North Wildwood Christmas in July with Santa
North Wildwood Beach
Take a photo with Santa, ask for a candy cane, sing along to live holiday music, decorate your beach blanket, and create your own reindeer games.
Surfing Santas
15th Avenue Beach, North Wildwood
You can get dressed up in holiday outfits to watch Santa surf, paddleboard and boogieboard in the water. Santa hats, snacks, and drinks will be available while supplies last.
Wildwood’s Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade
Wildwoods Boardwalk
Decorate your golf cart with twinkling lights, inflatable Santas, beach balls, Santa hats and tropical elves, and then parade down the boardwalk.
Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival & Boat Parade
Sunset Lake, near Atlanta and New Jersey avenues, Wildwood Crest
During the festival, Jamison performs holiday-themed songs, pop and rock hits. There will be magic and variety shows, face painting, free photos with Santa and food vendors. Approximately 40 boats decorated for the Christmas season will travel through Sunset Lake.
‘The Fantastic Four’ Movie Release Party
MarketFair, Princeton
This free event will include interactive characters, photo ops, a craft activity and a sweepstakes.
SUNDAY
Jersey Shore Summer Comic Book Show
Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River
The collectibles festival features comic books, trading cards and toys. Meet artists, writers, celebrities and costume groups.
Golden Retriever Experience: Opening Day
Camp Goldie, Millstone Twp.
Spend two hours playing with fluffy, cuddly golden retrievers. After a special Golden Greeting with the pups, it’s off to Zoomie Zone for a game fetch and bubble popping. Next, spend some quality time in the Besties Barn for petting, cuddling and brushing. Then the dogs will head over to the Splash Station for water play.
ONGOING
Middlesex County’s Music-in-the-Park Free Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, through August 27, Thompson Park, Jamesburg/Monroe Twp.
Sundays, through August 24, Spring Lake Park, South Plainfield
Thursdays, August 7 and 14, Joseph Medwick Park, Carteret
August 21 at Johnson Park – Children’s Summer Series
Wednesdays, through September 10, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy
Bring a lawn chair and snacks and listen to live music played at these free family outdoor summer concerts.
Gloucester County 4-H Fair
July 24-27
4-H County Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike (Rte. 77), Mullica Hill
Four days of family fun include 4-H project displays, Day at the Farm, a draft horse pull, a baby parade, crafters and vendors, nightly BBQ, musical guests, contests, meet-and-greets and animal shows.
Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Balloon Festival
July 26 – August 2
1350 Strykers Rd., Phillipsburg
After watching the hot air balloons launch you can head to the Demolition Derby and Rafter Z Rodeo. Traditions include an arts expo, kids’ corral, 4-H shows, free concerts by local bands, the garden tractor pull and a beer garden.
Acoustic Open Mic
The New Weis Center, Ringwood
July 27, August 31, September 28
Play your instrument or listen to others perform. A stage will be set up by the 1800s-era farmhouse for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers) in a variety of genres.
Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags
The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 10
As America gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday next year, take the kids now to see a collection of 16 flags that flew during the Revolutionary War.
Mercer County Summer Concert Series
Mercer County Festival Grounds, West Windsor
Fridays, through August 22
Bring a blanket or chair and listen to live music from acts like Yellow Brick Road, All About Joel, Yacht Rock Gold and Men of Soul.
Picnic in the Park
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Through the summer season
You can order a curated picnic lunch that you can eat with the family in the Acer Courtyard (where the peacocks hang out) or anywhere within the 42-acre sculpture garden.
Free Weekly Summer Programs
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Tuesdays to Saturdays, through August 29
Each day has a different themed program. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are storytime with crafts, Wednesdays and Fridays are drop-in activities at the Imagination Studio, and Thursdays are crafts from the activity cart.
Safari in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through August 31
There is a spectacular display of safari-themed sand sculptures, both large and small, that you can view as you walk through the village for shopping and eating.
Butterfly House
Middlesex County EARTH Center, South Brunswick
Saturdays – Sundays, through August 31
See hundreds of beautiful butterflies as they fly around the exhibit.
Jaw-some Adventure
Adventure Aquarium
Through August 31
Shark-themed activities include walking across the shark bridge and through the shark tunnel, snorkeling with sharks, seeing species up close at the touch tank, and booking a behind-the-scenes tour in the Shark Realm.
Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 1
This real-life interpretation of the book Grossology teaches your kids all about farting, burping, sneezing and other bodily functions in a fun, educational – and awesomely gross – way. You all can climb a wall of skin that uses pimples and warts as footholds, dodge a snot ball, compete in an arcade game about urine, and play a game of Operation.
The Longest Yarn
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through September 1
The Longest Yarn is a 3D wool exhibit, knitted and crocheted by hundreds of volunteers worldwide. It measures 80 meters (265 feet) and honors the 80 years since D-Day and the 80 days of battle it took for the Allies to liberate Paris. It’s coming from the UK to New Jersey for a few months.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Tipsy Tiki Bar Pop-Up
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through September 2
There’s a menu of 10 tropical drinks (including mocktails) you can sip on while catching all the summer vibes. Book a resy for a table with the family, or make it a Moms Night Out and hang at the bar.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 5
Come to the historic apple orchard for wine, music and food. Music styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock and will change artists each week.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through September 7
In the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, have a glass of wine, listen to live music from local artists, snack on food, shop in the farm store, or take a stroll with the kids on the farm.
Sesame Place Philadelphia 45th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Through September 7
The season-long birthday party features the daily Sesame Street Birthday Parade and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their birthday outfits. The park will be decorated with bright balloons, colorful garland and birthday presents. From July 25 to August 2, a slate of birthday celebrations take place. July 30 is the “C…is For Celebrate!” fireworks show.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through September 28
Come for the Waterlily Court but stay for the Rose Garden, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, Idea Garden, Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Meadow Garden and indoor West Conservatory. You can visit on any day, but special events are planned for the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, as well as Fountain Fest Weekends.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates, through November 9
This will be the final season of the dino-themed park, which has 30 life-sized dinosaurs, a bounce house, live musical shows, meetings with paleontologists and science shows.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through October 16
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University; professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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