Oftentimes, "family-friendly" events are geared primarily for little ones, and don't have much to offer older siblings and accompanying grown-ups. You may find yourself escorting your child to an event, but spending the majority of the time chatting with other parents while the kids have all the fun. Other times, you drop the children off to play, and spend the kid-free time getting errands, cleaning, or other less-than-fun chores done.
With that in mind, we say: kids shouldn't be the only ones who get to have fun; have the whole family join the festivities. The following events have something for everyone, not just the kids!
Daddy and Me Barbecue and Craft Workshop
Liberty Hall Museum; June 9
Just in time for Father's Day, you and your child will create a special craft while enjoying hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft drinks.
Get Outdoors Day
Jockey Hollow; June 9
Join the National Park Service in celebrating Get Outdoors Day with special Ranger hikes at Jockey Hollow and games at the Wick House.
Seasonal Scavenger Hunt
Tenafly Nature Center; June 9
Families will receive a set of clues to help solve active nature riddles on the trails. Each family will need to work as a team to complete the hunt and receive a small prize.
Nature Day
Tenafly Nature Center; June 10
Celebrate the beginning of summer with a scenic canoe ride on Pfister’s pond (a once-a-year treat). Enjoy animal encounters, family hikes, and seasonal crafts. Performers and local artisans will be featured at the campfire ring and the Visitors Center.
Rubbery Ducky Festival and Car Show
Passaic River Park; June 9
Thousands of small rubber ducks, each “adopted” for $5, are launched in the Passaic River and race to the finish line at the Passaic River Park. “Parents” of the ducks first crossing the finish line receive prizes donated by local businesses. There will also be water balloons, games, Moonwalk, food, and music, and for older visitors, a car show.
Straw-bear-y Surprise and Nature in Art Day Family Festival
Camden Children's Garden; June 9 and 10
This is a celebration in honor of strawberries with a special twist to honor Mum Bear, the garden’s mascot, on her seventh birthday. This event will include nature crafts and a planting activity. Families can cool off at the Very Berry Strawberry concession stand.
Spring Family Fun Day
Hoboken Historical Museum; June 10
This event will offer several all-ages, hands-on activities including a performance by Puppet Heap, a museum scavenger hunt, free hot dogs from Tony and Neil's Hot Dog Cart, and a hand-puppet-making activity for kids and their parents.
Irish Sports Expo
Seton Hall Kelly Field; June 10
Head out for an afternoon of Irish sport and culture. There will be three hurling matches (a sport similar to lacrosse), BBQ, Irish vendors, bag pipers, drummers, and kids' games and amusements, including a kids hurling clinic.
