July is all about fairs and festivals, sand sculpture contests, music jams, and walking on the boardwalk. Don’t forget to pick some blueberries before the season ends (sunflowers are coming soon!) or watch a baseball game.
WEEKEND
Cumberland County Cooperative Fair
3001 Carmel Rd., Millville
Through Saturday
Activities include dog shows, horse shows, rabbit shows, poultry shows, goat shows and lots of rides. There will be exhibits, livestock, chicken BBQ and more great eats.
Atlantic Highland’s Fireman’s Fair
Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor, Atlantic Highlands
Through Saturday
There will be games, ride, a food court, live music every night, and fireworks at 9:45 pm Friday.
Freedom Festival
Randolph Township
Thursday – Saturday
Celebrate Independence Day with carnival rides, games, music, a beer garden, craft vendors and plenty of food. Don’t miss the fireworks show on Saturday night.
State Fair Meadowlands
The Meadowlands Fairgrounds, East Rutherford
Through Sunday
The Meadowlands is packed with rides, games, entertainment, carnival food and tons of family fun. Look for the Batcopter and the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, keep your eyes peeled for the strolling magician, pet some animals, see pigs race, watch the lumberjack competition and take in a motorcycle stunt show. There will be every type of carnival food available.
Sand and Sea
The Morris Museum, Morristown
Through Sunday
From swimwear style to souvenirs to art, the objects in this exhibit will make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.
Dino Safari
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway Twp.
Through Sunday
LuminoCity Festival brings 50 lifelike dinosaurs to Morris County. They blink, they breathe, they move their heads, they flap their wings. Kids can also go on dino-themed rides or play detective. After dark the prehistoric creatures become illuminated.
Red, White and You!
Washington’s Headquarters, Morristown National Historic Park, Morristown
Through Sunday
Take tours of the Ford Mansion during the week. Over the weekend, you will have a rare opportunity to tour and compare Washington’s headquarters at the Ford Mansion to his “mobile headquarters” tent.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Gloucester Premium Outlets, Blackwood
Through Sunday
Bring the kids for fairway rides, the Anastasini Circus and the midway. They’ll interact with police officers who share information about substance abuse and violence prevention.
L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Through Sunday
This carnival will have rides, games and lots of entertainment for the whole family, including a circus performance.
Liberty Weekend
Trenton
Friday – Sunday
Warren Street in Trenton is the site of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence outside of Philadelphia. Community members will hold a historic reading of the document on Friday for all to hear. Take a tour of the State House afterward. On Saturday night or Sunday morning, visit the Trenton War Memorial for Art All Night. Saturday night, there will be a ball game and fireworks at the Trenton Thunder stadium. Sunday, learn about an Italian who brought wine and olive oil to the colonies. There will be historical site tours all weekend, too.
Blueberry Bash
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
While celebrating “everything blueberry,” take a stroll around the farm and pick your own blueberries. Take the kids to Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre before eating at Pam Mount’s Blueberry Bash Buffet. Listen to country music while you sip on the Harvest Blues wine, or get kids blueberry ice cream or apple cider slush. The kids’ area includes a discovery barn, play houses, the hippity hop corral and pony rides.
Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival
Downtown Haddonfield
Saturday – Sunday
This beloved fest returns for its 29th year with more than 200 artists showcasing the best of fine art and craft from the region and beyond.
Maplewoodstock
Memorial Park, Maplewood
Saturday – Sunday
This festival is a free two-day celebration of music and arts that is run entirely by volunteers. The “founding father” James Buchanan passed away this past January at age 80, so he’ll be remembered this year. There will be music, art, food vendors and a KidZone.
Adventure Crossing USA Food Truck Festival
Adventure Crossing USA, Jackson
Saturday – Sunday
There will be food trucks on site, as well as wine from Laurita Winery, and you’ll have access to the sports complex with golf, virtual reality games and the TopGolf Swing Suite. There will also be live music, face painting and outdoor beer. Kids under 21 are free, but adults will get a free wine tasting glass to keep with their paid admission.
Summer of 1898
Fort Mott State Park, Pennsville
Saturday – Sunday
This reenactment event based around the Spanish American War will focus specifically on Fort Mott and the 14th National Guard Pennsylvania, who were stationed there during the war. There will also be special display of photographs that were taken by a sergeant in the 14th during his time at Fort Mott.
Bluegrass & Blueberries
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Saturday – Sunday
The fun begins during the kickoff weekend, where there will be tons of fresh local blueberries, blueberry-themed food, beverages, live bluegrass and country music, food trucks, kids’ activities and shop specials. During July, savor blueberry-themed food and drink specials served every day in the restaurants and eateries.
Pirates & Mermaids
Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from the merchant shops, the weekend will include special pirate- and mermaid-themed activities. There will be craftsmen, artisans and food vendors, along with 4-H hosted crafts, a basket raffle and train and/or trolley rides.
Grandparents Weekend at the New Jersey Sunflower Trail
VonThun Farms, Washington
Saturday – Sunday
If you’ve got grandkids and you’re babysitting this weekend, bring them to VonThun’s for a day packed with games and activities, hayrides, u-pick berries and summer flowers, a visit with the barnyard animals and shopping in the country market. Grandparents get free admission both days.
Touch-a-Tractor
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
Saturday – Sunday
Kids can climb on board a tractor and get up close to other farm equipment, like plows, tillers and seeders. Ask the Norz family members about farm life.
FRIDAY
Amateur Sand Sculpting Festival
Heather Beach Pier, Wildwood Crest
Can you dig it? Get your shovels ready and head to the beach where you can make your own gigantic castles, animals and structures out of the sand. Or, pack a lunch and watch the pros use their tools to create their magnificent pieces of art.
First Fridays Roots & Culture
Downtown Trenton
There will be performances, vendors and food celebrating all Trenton has to offer presented by the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County, in partnership with 1911 Smokehouse BBQ, Trenton Downtown Association and The City of Trenton.
KIDZ BOP: Never Stop Live Tour
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden
Kids will be bopping to the music they love! This children’s group produces family-friendly cover versions of pop songs, such as “Dance Monkey,” “Call Me Maybe” and “Levitating.”
A Taste of Italy Under the Stars
Silverton Farms, Toms River
Call the babysitter so you can your date can take part in this farm-to-table experience. After you taste some of the antipasto, you’ll get a tour of the farm. Then sit down for pasta, chicken, seafood and dessert, many of the ingredients which will come from Silverton Farms. It’s hosted by Della Cucina Italian Market.
SATURDAY
Roselle House Music Festival
Warinanco Park, Roselle
The 8th annual party in the park is a a one-day family-friendly electronic dance music celebration. The king of gospel house music, vocalist Kenny Bobien, is set to appear. Listen to your favorite deejays like DJ Beloved, Jihad Muhammad, DJ Chill-X, DJ Yuko, JusTheDJ, Born Will, DJ Crue Paris and DJ Willy Wonka. Master of Ceremonies is Ras Anthony. Dance and eat while perusing vendor craft tables.
Pupstock Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Bring Fido to the puppy foam party, dog costume contest, pool party and play zones. There will be pet adoption agencies on site, plus a beer garden, food trucks, vendors, live music, art, and the original peanut butter eating contest.
Freehold Township Day
Michael J. Tighe Park, Freehold Twp.
Rock with the Broc as Screaming Broccoli headlines the concert portion of this all-day festival. The Phil Engel Band will also entertain while you check out the car show, kiddie rides, Teen Center, food vendors, vendor booths, playground, and fireworks at 9 pm.
South Jersey Caribbean Festival
Wiggins Park, Camden
Experience the music, foods and vendors of the Caribbean community who live in the area. There will be steel drum music, jerk chicken, and fun on the Camden waterfront. Hosted by TyTy “Mr. International” and Debbie “Jazzy” Agbessi.
Sand Sculpture Contest
North End, Ocean Grove
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to build their sand masterpiece during the annual contest.
Vintage Base Ball
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
Dressed in authentic uniforms from the 1900s, the Flemington Neshanocks and the Enterprise Club of New Bridge will play against each other with 19th century rules and equipment in a double header game. In between games, short walking tours of the grounds will be available by Bergen County Historical Society interpreters.
Summer Market
Blue Cork Winery, Williamstown
Shop from dozens of vendors and speciality food trucks, including Two Wicks, Glass Crafts by Gina, Lazy Days Apparel and Hands Down BBQ.
Family Fun Day
The Morris Museum, Morristown
As part of the Water Workshop Weekend series, you’ll watch the movie “Age of Humans: Water,” which shows how humans have impacted the Earth’s water, and details what we can do to change the path of our future. Other activities include Spark!Lab’s “Help Clean Up the Ocean,” the game, “A Day in the Life of a Drop of Water,” the “Water-Match Challenge” and a watercolor activity.
Evening Blacksmithing
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Learn about the finer points of shaping metal when blacksmith Daniel Lapidow fires up the forge and heats wrought iron for bending, hammering and sharpening. Help out by turning the crank of the forge blower until the iron glows orange, while he makes harness hooks, gate hinges and other hardware needed on the farm.
Clinton Township Food Truck & Music Festival
Bundt Park, Clinton Twp.
Stop by for 15 gourmet food trucks, live music, vendors, beer, margaritas, sangria, kids’ activities, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, sand art, knockerball, bungee trampoline, a bounce house, mini golf, a slide and more.
Summer Market
Horseshoe Lake Park, Succasunna
There will be vendors, food trucks and music at this vintage, handmade and vendor marketplace.
Live Music
Riamede Farm, Chester
Come to the barn for live music by local band Silent Q, who will be playing acoustic rock covers. Randolph’s Fort Nonsense Brewing Company will serve several of their beers and hard seltzers on tap. Feel free to bring food, a picnic blanket or a chair to spend the day.
Somerset Patriots Day
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Stop by the mall for your chance to win tickets to a Somerset Patriots baseball game (if you donate items for the county food bank). You’ll get to meet some of the Somerset Patriots players and Patriots mascot Sparkee, dance with the deejay, get your face painted and take balloon art home.
SUNDAY
Freestyle By The Sea
2200 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Bob Kelly will host, DJ Slice will mix the beats and Lime, Johnny O, Cynthia, Coro, Denine and Peter Fontaine will perform. Presented by Seaport Pier and Touchin’ Lives With Positive Vibes.
TacoPalooza
Hilltop Fields, Hopatcong
Kick off summer with a fiesta! There will be food trucks, a beer garden, live music, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, knockerball, a bounce house, a bungee trampoline, vendors, mini golf and sand art – and all the tacos you want!
Audubon Butterfly Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Walk the gardens and fields looking for the many butterflies that visit the garden. You’ll identify the butterflies and discuss host plants and nectar sources they need to live.
Hackettstown Street Fair
Main Street, Hackettstown
There will be artisans, vendors, live entertainment, food and more! Shop at the local businesses, too.
Excursion Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Sit back and relax as a train excursion takes you on a 45-minute, roundtrip ride through Morris and Essex counties. Bring your camera, since you will see lots restored rail cars and locomotives at the museum site in Whippany, along with historic railroad exhibits and operating model train layouts.
Fanwood Summer Fan Jam
Fanwood
The music fest includes mini concerts of classic and punk rock, oldies, soul, metal and a Tom Petty tribute. There will also be a classic car show and food trucks.
Hackettstown Street Fair
Main Street, Hackettstown
There will be artisans, vendors, live entertainment, food and more! Shop at the local businesses, too.
Inclusion Fest
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
Join members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office fpr a day of food trucks, fun activities, face painting, games, music, presentations and more.
Summer Concert & Fireworks
Marlboro Rec Center Lawn, Marlboro
This party starts in the evening, with a performance by Epic Soul at 7:30 pm. Food vendors include Jersey Eatz, The Mexi-Boys, Ice Cream Creations and John & Debbie O’s Concession. Once the sun goes down, the fireworks go up.
Forest Bathing
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Take a walk is at an easy pace that will focus on connecting to nature through mindfulness. You will
explore your senses through short, guided meditations and breathing exercises in the forest. At the end of the walk, you will sample a tea made from pine and spruce needles foraged on the Weis property, which is meant to show gratitude and connect to the land.
Annie and The Natural Wonder Band
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, Milford
Annie and Safari Bob Grilli write and sing about nature. Their shows are interactive and include songs from their nine nature-themed CDs. Reps from Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse will cook up some treats that are made with seasonal ingredients from the farm and other producers. The show is kid-friendly and special needs-friendly.
Forest Bathing Walk
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
This walk will be at an easy pace and focus on connecting to nature through mindfulness. There will be short, guided, meditations and breathing exercises in the forest using all of your senses.
Food Trucks & Fireworks
Johnson Park, Jackson
Nine Deeez Nite will be the band of the day, which also includes food trucks, a deejay and fireworks at night.
ONGOING
Student Archaeology Classes
The Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in July
Kids 7-14 will learn about what an archaeologist does in the field by taking part in an actual excavation on the grounds of the Andaloro Farmhouse.
Reynols Art Exhibition
Flemington DIY, Flemington
July 7-31
Reynols formed in the 1990s in Buenos Aires, Argentina, led by drummer and vocalist Miguel Tomasin, who has Down syndrome. On display will be photography, silk screened posters, Xerox art and audio from Reynols. Opening night is July 7.
Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays in July
Each week there will be a different musical style represented, such as Flamenco, New Orleans brass, jump blues, vintage rock, pop rock, country, R&B, pop, funk, blues, jazz and cover bands.
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It!
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Saturdays in July
Through hands-on gardening, a tour of the museum’s historic rooms, and an art-making experience with a New Jersey artist, kids and their caregivers can enjoy nature while learning about life in the past.
The Wizard of Oz
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
July 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; and August 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13
Kids ages 3-10 can watch the tale of Dorothy, Toto and their friends in a performance geared toward them.
Summerfest
Windward Beach Park, Brick Twp.
Tuesdays, July 6-27
Each week a different band will perform, starting with Super Trans Am and finishing with Garden State Radio. There is a fireworks display after every concert. The evenings include a food court and beer garden. Other SummerFest events include National Night Out on Aug. 1, the annual car show on Aug. 3 and a drive-in movie featuring Top Gun: Maverick on Aug. 11.
The Woman Who Built the Brooklyn Bridge
Theatre Intime, Princeton
Friday-Sunday, July 8-30
This one-act show tells the story of Emily Roebling, a female engineer who helped complete New York City’s iconic bridge. It has fun music and silly characters to get kids interested in engineering. This is Princeton Summer Theater’s annual children’s show.
Summer Vibes Festival
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
July 8 – August 12
The theme park will take on a new look with bold and colorful installations. Look up under the Umbrella Canopy for hundreds of colorful umbrellas providing shade plus beauty. Look down along Whirly Way and you’ll walk through a spinning tunnel filled with tens of thousands of pinwheels. Whether or not you’re brave enough to ride The Joker, you’ll see the biggest beach balls around right out front. Plus, there will be specialty food options and live entertainment. The festival is included with your admission.
Rise of the New Jersey Diner
Hannah Memorial Garden at Paterson Museum, Paterson
July 8 – September 23
The newest exhibit, “Order’s Up!” Paterson and the Rise of the New Jersey Diner, acknowledges what we already know: that New Jersey is the “Diner Capital of the World.” Learn how Paterson played a role in this statewide phenomenon.
Salsa at Grundy Park
Grundy Park, Jersey City
Sundays, July 9, July 23, August 13, August 27, September 10
Enjoy the rhythms of salsa music, along with dance lessons and performances led by master teachers from top dance companies, while dancing along the waterfront.
Cinderella
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
July 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16; August 30 and 31; and September 1, 2 and 3
This performance will be specially tailored to kids ages 3-10.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel’s Feast
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lyndhurst
July 12-15
Expect nightly entertainment, music, rides, attractions, games and raffles. At the same time, attend Lyndhurst’s Free Summer Concert Series to hear Jersey Sound, The Happenings, Big Hix, Thompson Square, Coast 2 Coast, Yacht Rock Gold, New York Bee Gees, and a freestyle concert on Saturday night featuring TKA, The Cover Girls, Betty D and Soave.
Ocean County Fair
Robert J. Miller Air Park, Bayville
July 12-16
Experience a variety of musical acts and animal events. Meet animals raised by local youth, learn new things in the 4-H general tent and participate in fun games and activities. There will be rides, food and vendors.
White Meadow Lakes Festival Days
White Meadow Lake, Rockaway
July 13-16
The common activities include rides, music, food, drinks, games, entertainment, a magician, strolling performers and a vendor market. Throughout the week there will also be a hot dog eating contest, watermelon eating contest, Gellyball, karaoke, a water balloon toss and a psychic. Fireworks are Sunday night.
Plays-in-the-Park: Ain’t Misbehavin’
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Through July 15 (except Sundays)
This musical celebrates legendary jazz great Fats Waller. It’s a 1978 Tony Award-winning best musical that goes through his career, ranging from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley, over to Hollywood and concert stages across the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Philip Smallwood Juneteenth Art Exhibit
Paramus Park Mall, Paramus
Thursday – Sunday, through July 15
Smallwood is an acclaimed watercolor artist who will honor Juneteenth, which is the end of slavery in America, through a select collection of works showcasing strength, resilience and community. Smallwood’s “Lifescapes” portray subjects in their natural environments and expose the souls of his subjects, as well as his own, to the viewer.
Blueberry Summer Fest
Whitesbog Preserve, Browns Mills
Saturdays, through July 22
Kick off the blueberry season at Whitesbog Preservation Trust. A country fair takes place in this historic village of the Pine Barrens with museum and historic home tours, tractor-pulled wagon rides, craft vendors and more.
Salsa at Grundy Park
Owen J. Grundy Park, Jersey City
Sundays, July 23 and August 27
This season’s dance party will have a wellness theme, offering free health awareness information. Take a dance lesson and move to the beat of the rhythms of salsa music, and then watch performances led by master teachers and live salsa bands.
Shipwrecked
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison
Through July 30
During this outdoor performance, adventure lovers of any age will see The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont on the streets of 19th-century London, on the ocean, in Australia and back on a world tour.
The Little Mermaid
Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
August 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
The theater puts its own spin on the classic story. Geared toward kids ages 3-10.
Six Flags Flavors of the World Food Festival
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Through August 13
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can taste foods from seven different countries in the world – no passport required! There will be fireworks on select nights.
Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Resorts AC Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City
Select dates through August 19
Miami’s Fab Four are investigating a potential murder hit – when they become suspects in a completely different murder! Use your detective skills to figure out which character is responsible and what their motive is – could it possibly be one of our favorite friends who is guilty?
Movie House
Paramus Park Mall, Paramus
Thursday – Saturday, through August 26
Movie fans will love the 10 different rooms packed with games, virtual reality-inspired experiences, photo ops, “easter eggs” from movies and more. Snap photos in the Alice in Wonderland Illusion Room or the Under The Sea room; navigate through the Willy Wonka Infinity Tunnel, take a walk through munchkin land in the Wizard of Oz room, experience the magical Harry Potter-inspired room, or head over to the beach-themed room. There’s also a Movie in the Park Experience (with a real movie playing every night), and movie-themed games including interactive Movie House Trivia in a Blockbuster Room. You can take part in the Movie House Scavenger Hunt, too.
Morning Walk
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through August 26
New Jersey Audubon is hosting a weekly morning walk so you can enjoy a quiet morning at the sanctuary, walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. The walk is informal and informative: you’ll discover birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians along the way.
Nature Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Virtual option as well
Saturdays, through August 26
Yoga teacher Kristin Mylecraine will show how yoga is a great way to relax, find inner connection, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class hosted by New Jersey Audubon.
Disney 100: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 27
Disney fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at their favorite characters, movies and theme parks. Walk through 10 different galleries that will immerse you in sight, sound and touch.
Sand Sculptures in The Village
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Through August 31
Celebrate summer vibes with six larger-than-life sand sculptures that celebrate your and your kid’s favorite stories from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Winnie-the-Pooh, Mother Goose stories and Alice in Wonderland.
Yoga By the Bay
Old Bridge Waterfront Park, Cliffwood Beach
Sundays and Tuesdays, through September
Bring a mat or towel because these one-hour yoga classes will be held on the grass overlooking the water.
Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays, through September 2
Each week there will be a different musical style represented, such as Flamenco, New Orleans brass, jump blues, vintage rock, pop rock, country, R&B, pop, funk, blues, jazz and cover bands.
Beach Yoga
Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Long Branch
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 3
Put on sunscreen, wear a hat and bring lots of water, because these one-hour hatha vinyasa classes are on the beach along the Atlantic.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Rio Grande Avenue Boardwalk, Wildwood
Select weekends, through September 3
As you stroll down the boardwalk, check out the artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more. The dates are May 27 and 28, June 17 and 18, July 1, 2 and 3, July 15 and 16, August 12 and 13, August 19 and 20, and September 2 and 3.
Statue at Sunset Cruise
Pier 16, New York, NY
Every day, through September 3
Bring your kids or date on board a small, intimate Circle Line vessel, where you’ll sail along the East River for an hour during sunset, passing by NYC landmarks such as the Statute of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be a photo stop at Lady Liberty.
Identity & Restraint: Art of the Dog Collar
AKC Museum of the Dog, New York
Through September 4
This unique exhibit presents an array of dog collars from the National Sporting Library & Museum. Fine art from the AKC Museum of the Dog and American Kennel Club Collections will help develop an understanding of the collar as both art and object and how its design changed in relation to different dog breeds and their uses.
Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 4
Kids can learn, play and solve problems while finding themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Younger kids can practice counting objects, comparing sizes and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running.
Wind Therapy Wellness Sails
Wilbur’s Marina, Forked River (Lacey Twp.)
Select dates, through September
There are many options aboard the Wind Therapy sailboat: sunrise sails, sunset sails, full-day sails, teen camps, teen wellness and a full moon retreat. You take a gentle sail along the Barnegat Bay and then dock for meditation, crystal bowl singing and a quick chair massage.
Gaming Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Through September 4
Once you get to the theme park, use the app to reserve your spot and get ready to play in one of the Custom Gaming Houses. You’ll feel like you’re playing like the pros.
Ocean Xperience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 15 (LSC is closed Mondays)
You’ll become an “Xplorer” as you pilot the OceanXplorer, the most advanced research ship in the world. Deploy its research vehicle, conduct a guided mission, study orca groups and then watch OceanX footage of the ocean.
Members’ Juried Exhibition
Center for Contemporary Art, Bedminster
Through September 15
Take your time viewing 75 works of art in painting, printmaking, charcoal, ink, graphite, pastel, fiber, photography, mixed media, ceramics and more.
Bonfires on the Beach
Asbury Park
Through September 29
On Fridays in May and June, Wednesdays in July and August, and Fridays again in September, you can visit one of several beaches in Asbury for a family bonfire. Bring your chairs, blankets and s’more-making items.
Cowtown Pro-Rodeo
Cowtown Rodeo, Pilesgrove
Saturdays, through September 30
There will be tons of bull riding fun, including steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping and team roping.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
50 West 34th Street, New York, NY
Through October 15
This immersive exhibit is dedicated to all things Harry Potter. The exhibition features the iconic moments, characters, settings and beasts seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and also includes the costumes, props and imagery from the Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can choose a Patronus, cast a spell, test their Quidditch skills, and brew potions while you’re there.
Little Falls Farmers Market
Little Falls
Sundays, through October 29
Soupeteer, Doughboy On The Rise, Jersey Pickles, High Mountain Foods, Pastabalities, Rosie’s Empanadas, Jersey Spirits, Seven Tribesmen and Cousins Main Lobster are just some of the returning vendors for the season. Live music will be from Your Mom’s Hot and new this year will be live jazz music from Hunter Hays – plus DJ Allstar Spotlight.
Mountain Creek Resort Bike Park
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Through October 29
The bike park at Mountain Creek has 52 downhill trails that challenge everyone from first-time bikers to downhill professional racers. Zip tours feature a series of ziplines ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length. On Wednesday, May 17, the bike park opens for the season at Mountain Creek, followed by the opening of the zipline tours on May 27.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Sundays, through November 12
The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
T-Rex Takeover
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Select days, through November 12
The park will be home to more than 30 larger-than-life-sized dinosaurs and includes the Jurassic Jump attraction, activities like dino trivia or feeding a T-Rex, time to speak with actual paleontologists and a scavenger hunt.
Aerial Adventure Park Night Climb
Great Gorge Golf Club, Vernon
Select dates, through November 18
Night climbs give you three hours of access to the 10 original aerial obstacle courses, plus the new zipline course, The Black Creek Flyer. You can spend the night climbing, zipping, scrambling and scampering through the trees. Stop for something to eat or sit by the fire to relax before heading up again.
Food Truck Festival Season
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Select Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19
Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus have a glass or wine or two. There will be family activities, too.
Hopatcong Sunday Market & Craft Fair
Park & Ride, Hopatcong
Sundays, through November 26
Each week, bring the kids and shop from a variety of food, produce and craft vendors.
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