From exploring more than 60 fossils to experiencing a spectacular magic show, we’ve found a wide variety of activities for you and your little ones. And if you’re looking to entertain the kids without spending any of your hard-earned cash, check out these free things to do in July.
Take a Ride at the Fair
Looking for some fun in the sun and some wild rides for the kids? Head to the State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford from June 20 to July 7, where the kids can enjoy rides like Go Gator, the Merry-Go-Round and Speedway and be sure to stop by on July 6 for a free concert with James “Murr” Murray. QuickChek is hosting their 37th annual New Jersey Festival of Ballooning from July 26-28. As hot air balloons soar above you, catch a lineup of concerts by artists like Dan Zanes + Claudia Eliaza, ABBA the Concert, The Band Perry and the legendary Beach Boys. Bonus? While your kids go crazy on the rides, parents can enroll in a pilates class.
Add Some Magic To Your Life
After appearing on Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon, The Today Show and YouTube (where they’ve racked up 30 million views), the Champions of Magic—Summer Spectacular is coming to NJ on July 17. The whole family can experience the marvels of levitation, illusions with supercars and a water torture cell. Looking for some interactive magic for your kids? On July 25, the Morris Museum will be home to a Prismatic Magic Show, including pop and rock songs and carnival-inspired laser games. Try some free magic at the Bound Brook Library, which’ll host Doug Wonder on July 8. Experience lights, magic and comedy with your kids as they witness a mind read (maybe their own)! Catch a glimpse of fairy homes on a fairy walk in Millburn and be sure to follow the signs for South Mountain Reservation’s Locust Grove parking lot, right across from the town library.
Back in the Barnyard
Bask in the sun by joining Happy Day Farm and pick-your-own fresh raspberries, blueberries, and bright yellow sunflowers with the kids starting in July. Pick your own cherries at Wightman Farms on the weekends, or stop by City Green Farms on July 12 for the Twilight Farm Festival for live music, various food vendors, and lawn games. Take a trip to Abma’s Farm where the kids can enjoy a barnyard filled with goats, ponies, bunnies, pigs and other animals. While the kids go wild with the animals, head to the market where an assortment of fresh locally grown produce is sold. On your way out, don’t forget to try their fresh bakery sweet treats made with fresh produce.
All Aboard
Catch Thomas the Train Engine while bringing the little ones along for the ride on July 14. On a short train ride, meet friends like Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the railway. The kids can also get temporary tattoos, work on arts and crafts and listen to a story from Thomas himself. On July 7, grab a sweet treat at the Whippany Railway Museum, then jump on an hour-long train ride. You can also hop on a train at the Camden Children’s Garden on July 14. There, you’ll celebrate blueberries, explore the butterfly house and dig into a cup of blueberry ice cream.
Dig Your Way to Science
Learn about the water cycle, its impact on culture and society and its effect on the landscape at Lake Hopatcong along with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service from July 1-August 10. Your kids can explore the wonders of science as they learn about paleontology, geology and puppetry. Each Saturday is a new chance to see a variety of Science Superstars, beginning on July 6. Explore with your child as you both dig for fossils and investigate the Dino Dig with more than 60 fossils at the Liberty Science Center, where all adventurists are welcome. Get your STEM on at Hudson’s House of Play in New York. The kids will learn about the world of electricity and learn how to DIY your very own toys.