Best NJ Places to Take Preschoolers in August

We're talking space, magic and adventure.

From getting down into the dirt to transforming your kids into fairies, we’ve found a wide variety of activities for you and your little ones. And if you’re looking to entertain the kids without breaking your budget, check out these free things to do in August.

©istockphoto.com / FamVeld

Down in the Dirt

Bring the whole family to Macculloch Hall Historical Museum for Dig it! Plant it! Eat it! on August 3. There’ll be hands-on gardening, a tour of the museum and a mini art experience with a native New Jersey artist. Get into a peachy mood as Jersey Fresh celebrates its annual Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards on August 3. Kids can hop on a pony ride, get their faces painted and pet animals at the traveling zoo while live music plays. Adults can also sample award-winning white, red and fruit wines. Treat yourself and your family to an all-you-can-eat farm-to-table peach pancake breakfast on August 11. Breakfast will feature a variety of foods including pancakes, sausage, eggs, bacon, potatoes and beverages. Go back in time as your kids experience early American farm life in rural south Jersey on August 10 or 11. Historic Cold Spring Village’s Down on the Farm Weekend provides kids with activities, farm chores and visits with sheep, pigs and chickens.

Get Your Space On

Blast away at Jack’s Adventure in Space, where he discovers the solar system on August 1 at the Morris Museum. The show is a sensory-inclusive performance for those with special needs. That same day, help a family looking for the perfect planet to take a vacation at the planetarium at RVCC. Will they land on Mars, Jupiter or another planet? On August 16 at the New Jersey Maritime Museum, get your kids involved with hands-on activities including Gyotaku fish printing, smartphone telescopes and make-and-take seaside goldenrod planting.

Magic, Magic and More Magic!

Get crafty as your kids discover what it’s like to be a fairy princess while making their own tiaras and wands on August 9 at The Eclectic Chic Boutique in Montclair. Take a break from the heat and dive into Casino Pier’s Breakwater Beach to discover The Magic of Sharks show by magician Steve Woyce. Learn all about these oft-misunderstood creatures on August 9 (it’s included with waterpark admission). Join the Darress Theatre in Boonton as they continue their tradition of Magic on Main, where you’ll see a few magicians perform their best tricks.

Fairs in the Air

Take the lil’ ones to one of the Garden State’s many fairs. Watch hot air balloons float above you and dig into some strawberry shortcake from July 27-August 3 at the 82nd Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival. Get jazzy at the 8th Annual Montclair Jazz Festival on August 12, where you and your family can get a free experience with the Jazz House Kids and tune into live music. Hit the Watershed Butterfly Festival on August 3 in for a butterfly and bug parade. Visit Founders’ Park in Pennington for the annual New Jersey Fair from August 2-10, where the fam can experience a carnival with a farm-style twist. The kids can jump on rides, learn to make scarecrows or ride the pedal tractor.

©istockphoto.com / globalmoments

Crack Open a Book

Adventures await at your local library—we’re talking stories and crafts. Create some amazing artwork fit for the fridge by creating 8-bit pixel art on August 29 at the Cranford Public Library. Join Englewood Public Library for its 7th Annual Summer Jazz Concert Series on both August 1 and 8. Artists include Lines of Reason and Sharp Radway. August 9 is National Book Lover’s Day, so not only do your kids have an excuse to finish up their summer reading, it’s a great time to pick up a new read.

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