Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and there are plenty of ways to make the day feel a little more personal. Celebrate with hands-on workshops, backyard-style BBQs, a LEGO fest, car show and more.
June 18 and 20
Father’s Day DIY Workshop for Kids
Abma’s Farm, Wyckoff
In this hands-on DIY workshop, kids will design a festive “toolbox” planter, pick out a veggie plant to fill it, and decorate the planter to give as a gift.
June 18-21
Tri-County Fair
Christ Church, Rockaway
This Father’s Day weekend tradition treats Dad to carnival rides and games, monster truck rides, Arestov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza, a fireworks show, and lots of fair foods.
June 20
VFW Post 5700 Classic Car Show
VFW Post 5700, Hightstown
Aside from the car show, there will be live music and a 50/50 raffle.
Summer Train Fest
Pacific Southern Railway, Skillman
James “Murr” Murray of Impractical Jokers fame, and his wife Melyssa, are putting on a summer train show at their 5,000-square-foot Pacific Southern Railway train museum, one of America’s longest running non-profit model railroads. You’ll see multiple train layouts running throughout the property. There will also be balloon animals and face painting, outdoor activities in the yard, a live band a food truck a working R2D2, and meet-and-greets with members of the Rocky Hill Fire and EMT departments.
Father’s Day Make ‘N Take
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Little farmers will make their own farm-themed gift and homemade cards for their dad, granddad or father figure.
Frank Thomas Memorial Fluke Tournament
Highlands
This Father’s Day tradition sends six fisherpeople out on a boat. After you weigh your fish for prizes, there will be a BBQ cookout.
Rev250 Encampment: Spend Father’s Day Like a Founding Father
Monmouth County Library System, Manalapan headquarters
Ogden’s First NJ Regiment, a key Continental Army unit, will set up camp at the library. Hear firsthand accounts of military life, watch a surgeon demonstrate period medical practices, and observe camp followers managing daily necessities. Join hands-on activities, period games, and demos that bring Colonial America to life.
Dad and Me Father’s Day Cooking Class
UNO Pizzeria & Grill, Hamilton and Clifton
An UNO chef will teach Dad and the kids how to make Detroit-style pizza together.
New Jersey Beer & Food Festival
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
For men who want some alone time without the kids, Crystal Springs is hosting an unlimited BBQ buffet and tastings of over 200 beers, ciders and hard seltzers. There will be live music by The After Party Band; goat races, axe throwing, laser clay shooting, hoppy-hop races and giant beer pong; lawn games and more.
Earthquake’s Father’s Day Comedy Show
NJPAC, Newark
Comedian Earthquake brings his annual Father’s Day Comedy Show to NJPAC, along with Sheryl Underwood, Mr. Bishop, D’Lai, Junior, TK Kirkland and Donnell Rawlings.
June 20-21
New Jersey Brick Convention
Warehouse 100 (iPlay America), Freehold Twp.
Little LEGO fans can build their own structures to add to the LEGO City, see massive Star Wars display, meet master builders and buy kits to bring home.
Father’s Day Open Swim
Five Star Swim School
Saturday: Cherry Hill, East Hanover
Sunday: Deptford, Eatontown, East Brunswick, Edison, Galloway, Oakland, Princeton
Dads can relax while swimming in the heated, indoor, saltwater pools with their families.
Father’s Day Winery Weekend
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
The whole family is welcome at Terhune. Kids can visit the barnyard of animals and play on the tractors. There will be live music and light food. Dads get $2 off their wine tastings. Take a walk on the farm trail and pop into the farm store. On Saturday, Antique Automobile Club of America-Mid-Jersey Region will set up a classic car show.
North to Shore Festival Bazaar
Grand Arcade, Asbury Park
The weekend has a little bit of everything: shopping for Father’s Day at the marketplace, music by 198X Band on Saturday and DJ Uro on Sunday, World Cup matches streamed live from Mutiny Beach, and food specials at the restaurants along the boardwalk.
Father’s Day Weekend Fan Fest
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Sesame Summer Splash kicks off during Father’s Day weekend, with a World Cup-themed fan zone, visits with the mascot of the Philadelphia Union soccer team and the Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball team, a Furry Fans dance party, a performance by the West Powelton Steppers & Drum Squad, and a special Father’s Day Dine.
June 21
Take Your Dad Down: Father’s Day Wrestling Event
Pride WC, Newfield
Kids will challenge their dad’s to a night of wrestling on the mat to see who’s stronger. No experience necessary.
Father’s Day BBQ Rub Making Class
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Make your own custom blend of sweet, smoky, savory and spicy BBQ rubs.
Father’s Day Car Show & BBQ
Cucina Calandra, Fairfield
The outdoor BBQ will have live music live on the patio. They’ll be serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, hot and sweet sausage, corn on the cob, pasta salad; and more a la carte items from the menu.
Batsto Mansion Father’s Day Open House
Batsto Mansion, Hammonton
Talk to historians about the village’s history and other stories. They’ll show off the first two floors of the Victorian vacation home.
Father’s Day Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Take Dad along a 45-minute, 10-mile ride on a historic, vintage train. Stop off at the museum, where you’ll see historic railroad locomotives, rolling stock, and an operating model train layout.
Father’s Day Brunch at The Bistro
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Treat Dad to a brunch buffet at The Bistro, and then he gets to ride free all day at iPlay America next door.
Farm-to-Table Father’s Day BBQ
Alstede Farms, Chester
Fill up on the BBQ buffet, then head to the farm for PYO strawberries. There will also be tractor-drawn wagon rides, farm animals, a self-guided museum tour, and shopping at the farm store.
Father’s Day / Family Hike
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Take a guided summer walk with a TNC Environmental Educator to honor the caregivers in our lives—whether they are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, or anyone who plays a nurturing role in your family.
Father’s Day Showdown
RPM Raceway, Jersey City
Dad can chase his best lap time in an electric go-kart, challenge the kids in the arcade, or right zombies in the VR arena. There’s also state-of-the-art racing simulators, billiards, and 14-lane bowling alleys.
Father’s Day at Shannon Rose
Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey
The family can order their pub favorites off the menu, and Dad will get a free whiskey-dipped cigar.
Daddy & Me Tea Party
Glitter & Glam, Paramus
Little girls will be treated to a princess updo hair style bun with a mini tiara to keep, plus glittery makeup. There will be storytime with the royal princesses during the daddy-daughter tea party.
Father’s Day at The Museum
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, New York
Every child can bring their dad for free to explore the museum’s exhibits.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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