Looking for Father’s Day ideas beyond brunch or BBQ plans? There are plenty of fun activities to celebrate the day in NJ. You can also head to a Revolutionary War re-enactment, Native American festival, community art project and more.
WEEKEND
Morris County Tri-County Fair
Christ Church, Rockaway
Thursday – Sunday
Carnival attractions, rides, games, live music, fireworks and more will be spread across 107 acres. There will be heart-pounding rides such as the Polar Express and the Sky Hawk, classic rides like the Ferris Wheel, kiddie rides, games of chance and monster truck rides. Additionally, there will be pony rides, fair foods, family-friendly music, a fireworks show, an old time car show complete with ’50s music, the Extreme Illusions and Escapes of Josh Knotts. If you bring your superhero dad on Father’s Day he can take a picture with the Batmobile!
Evita
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
Thursday – Sunday
Asbury Park-based rock and soul singer Remember Jones will star as Che; and Gaby Albo, fresh off her starring role as Gloria Estefan in the national tour of Broadway’s On Your Feet, takes the title role of Eva Peron.
Father’s Day Monster Truck Show
Miller Farms, Berlin
Friday – Sunday
The 2-hour action-packed experience includes monster trucks performing dangerous stunts, FMX stunt bikes, and the opportunity during intermission to ride in a real monster truck. The pit party before the show includes driver meet-and-greets, photo ops, food trucks and a kid zone.
FUNBOX
By Dick’s Sporting Goods, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Friday – Sunday
There are 10 inflatable houses and on obstacle course for kids, and adults, to bounce on across this 25,000-square-foot park. This is the last weekend of the pop-up.
Father’s Day Winery Weekend
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Families can celebrate the special man in their lives with wine, light bites, barnyard animals, tractor play, music and a walk on the farm trail. Dads get a $2 discount this weekend.
Re-enactment of The Battle of Monmouth
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
Saturday – Sunday
Revolutionary War re-enactors will set up encampments, where you can watch enlisted men clean their weapons, women of the army cook, soldiers parade around and practice drills and artillerists fire their cannons. During the battle, hills will reverberate with cannon and musket fire as columns of troops maneuver, form lines and charge.
Rose Squared Art Show
Brookdale Park, Bloomfield
Saturday – Sunday
This event showcases more than 130 fine art and fine craft vendors with works in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.
Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration & Pow Wow
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
Introduce your children to Native American culture. The two-day event features a full contest Pow Wow attracting more than 500 Native American artists, educators, singers, dancers and performing groups from across the Americas. There will be over 40 artist booths selling crafts, jewelry, food and more. Interact with people from the Lakota, Navajo, Mohawk, Seneca, Cherokee, Aztec, Mayan, Samoan and Hawaiian tribes. There is a tipi raising.
Father’s Day Free Open Swim
Five Star Swim School, Multiple Locations
Saturday – Sunday
Dads swim free when they come with their families this weekend.
North to Shore Festival Market by Asbury Park Bazaar
Convention Hall, Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
Celebrate the best of the Jersey Shore through vendor shopping, music, food and drinks. Stop by Peonies floral photo for a picture, check out the Townsquare Media Radio booth and DJ Hunter’s set, permanent jewelry, vinyl record shopping, Father’s Day lunch at Asbury Oyster Bar & Seahorse, and stores in the Grand Arcade.
Father’s Day Fan Fest
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Saturday – Sunday
This will be the final weekend of Elmo’s Springtacular, with the added Father’s Day Fan Zone festivities including special mascot meet-and-greets (including Rocky Bluewinkle from the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Phillie Phanatic, Franklin from the ’76ers and Philadelphia Union’s Phang), photo opportunities, buffet dining, a drum squad performance, a Furry Friends Dance Party, games, and all the rides and attractions on Sesame Street that your kids love.
FRIDAY
Baby Walk
Landsdown Trail, Clinton
Get outside with your baby (age birth to 23 months old) and explore your local trails.
Play Date
Small Town Play Cafe, Westfield
Sign up for a 60-minute playtime session, which includes a playhouse, climbing walls, slides, a STEM area, a train table and an enclosed tot spot. Hosted by Apple Montessori Schools in Westfield for kids ages 6 months to 6 years old.
Pride Celebration
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Jackson
There will be a DJ, photo booth, food, cocktails and new Six Flags Pride merch. Dance along to the DJ at Calypso Springs as you enjoy the attractions of the water park. Note: There is a separate ticket for this event and it is not included for Season Pass holders.
Central Brass Concert
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
The brass quintet plays Broadway, Americana, jazz, folk, ragtime, pop and classical music.
SATURDAY
Ask Us Anything Panel
Montclair Book Center, Montclair
Four award-winning authors of young adult novels – Crissa-Jean Chapell, Jennifer Salvato Doktorksi, J. Albert Mann and Colby Cedar Smith – will hold a discussion so that you can ask them about the publishing industry, pitching stories to agents and editors, writing query letters, how book deals work, and their own writing journeys.
Juneteenth Festival
Glassboro Sports Complex, Glassboro
Join The Queen’s Initiative for Community Unity Day, including live entertainment, cultural dances, family activities, keynote guests, food, games and prizes. Plus, support black-owned businesses at the marketplace.
Gospel Doo-Wop and Car Showcase
Lacey Christian Assembly, Forked River
Doo Wop legend Santos will perform Gospel music while you look at rows of classic cars. Pastor Santos and his wife Andrea will share powerful testimonies.
Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival
Downtown Washington Borough
Expect a full day of live music, crafters, artists, free kids activities, shopping and dining. The focus is on eco-friendliness, with activities relating to the environment, green practices and recycling initiatives. Bands include Verdict, Gypsy Funk Squad and Avoiding Foreclosure. This is also the kickoff to the Farmers Market season, which runs every Saturday through September 30.
Frank Thomas Memorial Fluke Tournament
Baker’s Marina on the Bay, Highlands
Boats, kayaks and charters can head out on the bay. A special kid’s category will award prizes.
Yoga Flow on the River
Historic Portland Place, Locust (Middletown)
Practice yoga sun salutations and deep stretches along the Navesink River.
Create in the Crest Arts Festival
Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
Local artists, musicians and creators will not only display and sell their art, but teach you how to design your own during free workshops.
Juneteenth Freedom Day
Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown
This special family day features inspirational music, African dance and drumming, food, educational presentations, and offerings from some local Black-owned businesses.
Disco Ball
Tropicana Showroom, Tropicana Atlantic City
Performing your favorite ’70s and ’80s disco and freestyle hits live will be The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Lime, The Jets, Santa Esmeralda Feat Leroy Gomez, Musique, First Choice and Randy Jones from The Village People.
Italian Night Father’s Day Celebration
Da Rosario, Freehold
Angelo Venuto (of L’Italiano/Sweet Caroline fame), his daughter Maria Venuto and Robbie Schumacher will perform during dinner.
HopSauce Festival
Veterans Memorial Park, Beach Haven (Long Beach Island)
Jetty Rock Foundation puts on this hot sauce, food, craft beer and music fest as a fundraiser to support NJ’s ocean and waterways. This year’s 5-hour music block includes concerts by Crazy and the Brains, Des & The Swagmatics, The Cameramen, The Du-Rites, The Pickles and Dillon. There will be family-friendly activities on the west side of the field.
Red Bank Classic 5K
Broad Street, Red Bank
Instructors from Alpha Fit Club will lead you in warm-up exercises before the race. New this year are the Icy Hot Recovery Zone and the Kids Zone, both located on the Broadwalk. Stay after for the Fitness Fest. And Robinson Ale House will hold an afterparty.
New Jersey Beer & Food Festival
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
There will be more than 200 beers, ciders, traditional brews and ready-to-drink craft cocktails. There will also be an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, outdoor games, goat races, and music from The Nerds and Madison Pisani.
Pride Day
Mill Race Village, Mount Holly
The day of support and celebration includes vendor shopping, Double Dutch and drag queen performances, DJ music, community speakers and workshops. The highlight will be a show by Carl Max as Whitney Houston.
Homage to Our Legacy Juneteenth Festival
Community Arts Center, East Brunswick
The Lost Souls Public Memorial Project will hold an art, dance and music festival at the future home of the Lost Souls Memorial Project Healing Garden, which honors the forgotten slaves of Middlesex County.
Juneteenth Celebration
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum-Mt. Zion AME Church and True Farmstead, Skillman
With this year’s theme of “Freedom Forward,” the family-friendly event will be filled with live Gospel music, original plays, interactive games and food (including vegan options). Explore the Heritage Garden and take guided tours of the historic grounds.
Toms River Pride Festival
Washington Street, Toms River
The parade goes along Washington Street from Main Street to Hooper Avenue. An opening ceremony will include speeches from local leaders and Pride Advocate Award Honorees. There will be food, vendors, performances, shopping, community resources, and festivities for the whole family. Starting at 5 pm is a parade afterparty for those 21+.
Exploring Devil’s Brook
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
As you hike along the brook you’ll see where it flows from McCormack Lake. Learn about the stream’s health from the animals that live there. You’ll get wet as you search for insects, frogs and fish.
Playokee’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Festival
East Grant Avenue, Roselle Park
Get ready for a day filled with music, live performances, food, and fun as you celebrate the end of slavery.
Tribute to Tony Bennett
Morris Museum, Morristown
Amani sings the songs of Mr. Bennett as the sun sets on the elevated parking deck of the museum.
Garden Tour of Cape May
Cape May
Five properties will be open so you can explore their gorgeous gardens: The Clemans Residence, the Todaro-Franceschi Residence, Viguers Residence, Memucan Hughes Memorial House, and the Emlen Physick Estate.
People of Pleasant Valley Tours
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
On Juneteenth, join historical interpreters on a free wagon ride and tour of the circa-1790 farmhouse where Revolutionary War-era New Jerseyans lived and farmed the land that now makes up Mercer County’s Pleasant Valley National Rural Historic District. You’ll board a wagon to travel down the driveway, across Moore’s Creek, and through the woods before disembarking at the Captain Henry Phillips House. There you will meet historical interpreters who will be wearing period attire for a unique discussion of the history of the house and the people who lived in it before and after the 1804 passage of New Jersey’s Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery.
Juneteenth Festival
Rabkin Park, Union Twp.
The community celebration includes music, food, art, activities, Ms. T’s Face Painting, a 360 photobooth, OMG Bubbles, Paint Noir Art Lounge and vendors.
The Big Dill World’s Largest Pickle Party®
Xfinity Live!, Philadelphia, PA
Come to “the world’s largest pickle party” for samples of 100 different flavors of pickles, a brine chug challenge, a pickle eating challenge, a pickle rave, pickleball, food trucks, a kids’ zone and live entertainment.
Vic DiBitetto
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, Carteret
The comedian from Monmouth County is known for his satirical Yankee and Giant press conference bits, and his Bread and Milk viral video skits.
Asbury Park Dance Festival: Dance Is Life
Asbury Park Boardwalk’s Carousel Building, Asbury Park
As part of the North to Shore Festival, learn to dance the hustle.
Jersey Shore ALS United Ride
Morey’s Amusement Pier, Wildwood
Put the brakes on ALS through this fundraising bike ride, which has four distance options: 100 km, 50 km, 25 km, and the more family-friendly 6-mile loop. After you go pass through the finish line, stay for entertainment, luncheon, and free passes to the rides and waterparks.
Father’s Day Weekend Fishing Derby
Gazebo at Town Center, Robbinsville
Catch some fish (which you’ll release back into the lake) to see if you’ll win prizes in your age category. A photographer will be taking free family photos to mark the occasion.
SUNDAY
Father’s Day at Casino Pier
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Dads ride free at Casino Pier or they can enter the Breakwater Beach Waterpark for free as long as they bring one of their kids.
Juneteenth NJ Festival Holmdel
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
This event will showcase the rich history and culture of Juneteenth through music, food, celebration and fun.
Juneteenth Parade and Heritage Festival
Recreation Park, New Brunswick
The Vulcan Pioneers of New Brunswick will lead a parade in the morning and a festival in the afternoon to celebrate Black history.
Post-Game Catch on the Field
ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood
Bring the whole family to watch the Jersey Shore Blueclaws play baseball, and then join dad for some ball playing of your own on the field after the game.
The Dad Games!
Dave & Buster’s, Woodbridge
Compete against other families in an epic arcade showdown. Tickets include entry to The Dad Games arcade competition, appetizer banquet, unlimited soft drinks, and a PowerCard. Dads can play unlimited video games all day.
Father’s Day Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Take Dad on a 10-mile, 45-minute, round-trip train ride along The Whippanong Trail. You’ll pass through the remnants of pre-historic Glacial Lake Passaic, a natural swamp that has tons of wildlife.
Cruise to the Jersey Shore Car Show
Promenade, Long Branch
Show off your car, or walk around and see all the other hot rods on the display along the boardwalk.
Magical Meet & Greets
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Kids can take photos with their favorite princess characters.
ONGOING
Neon Nights: DJ in the Dome
Big SNOW, American Dream
Fridays in June
It’s retro month at Big SNOW, so wear your brightest ski gear and slide down the slopes while DJ Siege spins records at night.
Friday Night Live
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream
Every Friday
Harlem band The Nate Lucas All-Stars will perform every Friday night at Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant.
Girls Day Out
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Last Saturday of the month
Live music by John King includes your boy band favorites. There will be drink specials at TASTE 1864. You can also purchase a Wine Tower with chocolate-covered strawberries or Renault Barrel Stave Shotski.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
Vegan in NJ Monthly Market
American Legion Post 346, Neptune
First Sunday of every month
More than 20 vegan vendors will be set up indoors and outdoors, selling food, sweets and retail items.
North to Shore Festival
June 10-16 in Asbury Park
June 17-23 in Atlantic City
June 23-30 in Newark
Three cities play host to a month-long festival that will showcase the best music, comedy, film and technology New Jersey has to offer.
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
Near DeVry University, North Brunswick
Select dates, June 13-30
There will be rides, games, lots of food and snack vendors, a petting zoo, live entertainment and fireworks. All proceeds go directly toward the youth sports groups of North Brunswick. Note: The festival is closed June 17-19 and June 24-25.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees
June 14-23
While enjoying typical carnival staples like food, rides and entertainment, don’t forget to support the mission of L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence.
Luxury Glamping
Six Flags Great Adventure – Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa, Jackson
Weekends, June 14 to September 2, with select dates through December 1
Instead of braving the wild outdoors, you’ll experience luxury camping, where you and up to five other people can sleep in one of 20 glamping suites that overlook the safari grounds. You can also book a treatment at the spa.
Saturday Series: Evenings at the Farm
Riamede Farm, Chester
Saturdays, June 15 and 29; July 20; August 17
Different nights include line dancing lessons for the whole family, live music and a make-your-own hat bar.
Paranormal Cirque
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway
Through June 16
This is no traditional circus! You have to be at least 13 to attend, and anyone under 17 needs a parent, because the acrobatics, stunts and creatures are scarier than you’re used to.
Wildwoods Restaurant Week
The Wildwoods
June 16-20
For $40 per person, diners can order from a prix fixe menu that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert from a select group of restaurants.
Princeton Festival
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Through June 22
There will be performances of music, opera and other genres performed throughout the duration of the festival, all on the beautiful grounds of the Morven Museum.
Cape May Music Festival
Throughout Cape May
Select dates, through June 23
This year’s 35th annual festival organized by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) features 15 classical, chamber, jazz, indie-pop and brass band musical performances, some free to attend.
Micah Williams: Portrait Artist Exhibit
Cornelius Low House, Piscataway
Through June 30
Learn about Middlesex and Monmouth County residents from the 19th Century through the portraits of artist Micah Williams. Adults can work with pastels to create their own portraits, and kids can contribute to the Student Gallery.
Trenton Makes
Old Barracks Museum, Trenton
Through July 6
As part of the Art at the Old Barracks series, this exhibit will focus on artwork created by Trenton artists.
Bedminster’s Field of Honor Display
River Road Park, Bedminster
Through July 13
The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House hosts an annual tribute with a display of over 200 American flags on the north field of the park. On June 1, join the Field of Honor Celebration where you can walk through the field of flags and tour the house, including a model of the Pluckemin Cantonment, America’s first military academy. Take part in the planting of a Salem oak tree and listen to music by the White House Wind Symphony.
Morning Walks
Schermann Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through August 24
Either a New Jersey Audubon staff member or Associate Naturalist will lead you on an informal and informative walk, helping you to take notice of the birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians along the way.
Nature-Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through August 24
Choose the in-person or virtual option, and spend 75 minutes improving your flexibility and strength while exploring the connections between yoga and nature.
Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays, through August 31
South Orange Downtown’s live music series features 13 live performances from local musicians covering R&B, soul, flamenco, rock, jazz and more.
150 Years of Washington Association of New Jersey
The Morristown & Morris Twp. Library, Morristown
Through August 31
The self-guided walking exhibit has original photography, artifacts, pins and medals, and commemorative plates dating back to Revolutionary War. WANJ was founded in March 1874 to preserve the Jacob Ford Mansion, where General George Washington and his troops stayed during the winter.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through August 31
Set in the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, sip on some Terhune wine or a wine slushie, listen to music from local artists, hang out at the farm with the kids, stop into the farm store, order from the Barn Door Cafe. Admission is free, but wine and food are separate purchases.
Barbie You Can Be Anything: The Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 2
You’ll be able to see role models from every era of Barbie’s history. You’ll learn about the dolls as if they were real, including their backgrounds, struggles and accomplishments. Each area will highlight a particular role type – leader, problem solver, creator, nurturer or adventurer – and you can try each career option for yourself.
Apollo: When We Went to The Moon
Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
Through September 2
Climb aboard a lunar rover model, leave your footprints on the Moon and learn about the Space Race through this exhibit at the sea, air and space museum. Starting April 4, you can check out the Concorde Superjet that recently underwent renovations and returned to the museum.
Delsea Drive-In 2024 Season
Delsea Drive-In Movie Theatre, Vineland
Fridays – Sundays, through September 3
Watch two movies back-to-back while sitting in your car, just like they did in the ’50s.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 6
Come to the historic apple orchard after work for Terhune wine, music, light bites and friend-filled evenings.
Black River Limited Train Ride
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington or Ringoes station
Select dates, through September 14
This 90-minute trip takes you through Hunterdon County aboard a train, with stops at both historic train stations.
Hunterdon Wine Express
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Select dates, through September 14
The round-trip excursion goes from the Flemington station to Old York Cellars Winery, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting, chocolate and cheese pairing, and lunch. You’ll have time to walk through the vineyards before heading back.
Like Clockwork! Guinness Collection Conservation
Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesdays – Sundays, through September 22
Learn how the Morris Museum keeps hundreds of mechanical objects running like clockwork for twenty years.
The BEAST NYC Speedboat Ride
Pier 83, New York, NY
Tuesdays – Sundays, through September 29
Roar down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to The Statue of Liberty on this high-speed boat.
Yoga on the Beach
Burk Avenue, behind the Wildwoods Convention Center
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 29
A traditional Hatha yoga-style class will be infused with Qi Gong, a variety of healing therapies and lots of modifications.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through the end of October
NJBG docents take you on a tour of what’s blooming around the Botanical Garden.
Friday Night Bites
The Hungry Puppy Dog Park, Farmingdale
Fridays, through October 25
Bring your pup and your friends to the double-gated, specially-designed dog park, where you can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. There will be free snacks and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer each week.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through October 27
There are new garden spaces, the return of the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, performances in front of the Illuminated Fountain, a beer garden, Festive Fridays with live music, and a Wine & Jazz Festival (September 14), plus all the gorgeous landscapes we can’t get enough of.
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Through November 3
Learn about the history of ice cream dating back to the Victorian era. It started as an elite and expensive dish but by the end of the 1800s came in simpler flavors and was used in cones, sundaes and banana splits. You’ll see an authentic ice cream maker and other equipment, plus a Victorian ice cream wagon.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates through November 10
New for the season is the Feathered and Fearless exhibition, three new dinosaurs and tons of new games, activities, and shows featuring T-Rex, Toddlersaurus, dinosaur hatchlings and the park’s Dinosaur Troubadour.
Frank V. Marina Flea Market
Frank A. Vincent Marina, Kearny
Second Sunday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Main Memorial Park Flea Market
Memorial Park, Clifton
Second Saturday of every month, through December
There will be more than 100 vendors selling everything at bargain prices.
Morven Revealed: Untold Stories From New Jersey’s Most Historic Home
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Wednesdays – Sundays, through March 2, 2025
This special exhibit is part of Morven’s 20th-anniversary celebration and will shed light on lesser-known stories of this historic home and its residents. You’ll see rarely-seen objects and newly discovered photos about American life: childhood, hosting guests, pets, fashion, and more.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1, 2025
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Where to Celebrate Pride in NJ This June
Fun Ways to Celebrate Dad This Father’s Day
Our Favorite Spots for Father’s Day Dining
Celebrate Juneteenth in New Jersey at These Fun Events
The Best Fairs & Festivals in NJ in June
Free Things to Do in June in New Jersey
