Labor Day Weekend is here which means it’s summer’s last hurrah before the new school year gets underway. Here’s some fun ways to spend it with the kids!
WEEKEND
Restaurant Week
The Wildwoods
Thursday
A select group of restaurants will offer special prix fixe breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Back to School Bash
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Thursday – Friday
Before the summer ends, the park will host a week of back-to-school fun, featuring Honker’s Super Fun Science Show and the Back to School Bash Dine with Elmo & Friends.
Free Weekly Summer Programs
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Thursday – Saturday
Each day has a different themed program. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are storytime with crafts, Wednesdays and Fridays are drop-in activities at the Imagination Studio, and Thursdays are crafts from the activity cart.
Boonton Labor Day Weekend Carnival
Boonton High School
Thursday – Sunday
There will be rides, food, games, prizes, live entertainment, a nightly raffle, and fireworks. Saturday’s carnival follows the annual Labor Day parade in town.
AirFest 2025
NAS Wildwood, Cape May
Thursday – Sunday
There will be historic aircraft on display, along with the museum’s collection of over 27 planes and helicopters. Special for the festival is entertainment, live music, Ted Schwartz’s WWII radio show, food trucks, a Beer & Wine Garden, and more.
Jaw-some Adventure
Adventure Aquarium
Thursday – Sunday
This final weekend of shark-themed activities include walking across the shark bridge and through the shark tunnel, snorkeling with sharks, seeing species up close at the touch tank, and booking a behind-the-scenes tour in the Shark Realm.
Safari in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Thursday – Sunday
This is the final weekend to see a spectacular display of safari-themed sand sculptures, both large and small, that you can view as you walk through the village for shopping and eating.
Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Thursday – Monday
This is your last chance to see a real-life interpretation of the book Grossology teaches your kids all about farting, burping, sneezing and other bodily functions in a fun, educational – and awesomely gross – way. You can climb a wall of skin that uses pimples and warts as footholds, dodge a snot ball, compete in an arcade game about urine, and play a game of Operation.
The Longest Yarn
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Thursday – Monday
The Longest Yarn is a 3D wool exhibit, knitted and crocheted by hundreds of volunteers worldwide. It measures 80 meters (265 feet) and honors the 80 years since D-Day and the 80 days of battle it took for the Allies to liberate Paris. The exhibit will be in NJ for one final weekend.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Thursday – Monday
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that have been on display for most of the year. This is the final chance to see the beautiful sculptures that address political, cultural and social issues.
Labor Day Weekend at The Dream Wheel
The Dream Wheel, American Dream, East Rutherford
Friday – Monday
Take in stunning panoramic views of the New York City skyline and the Meadowlands from climate-controlled gondolas. Holiday weekend discounts are available.
DC Heroes & Villains Festival
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Twp.
Friday – Monday
Choose to side with the good guys – like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman – or the bad guys – like the Joker – during 15 scripted performances over 5 hours in a Broadway-style production. The events include parades, villain dance parties, street theater, live concerts, interactive games, and a massive stunt-driven finale.
Labor Day Carnival
Mendham
Friday – Monday
There are three nights of carnival fun. On Monday, after the Labor Day Parade that marches down Main Street, the carnival opens early; at night, the mayor will draw the mega 50/50 raffle ticket before the fireworks show lights up the sky.
Delaware River Waterfront Celebrates Labor Day Weekend
Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink SummerFest in Philadelphia, PA
Friday – Monday
Activities include a family campout at Cherry Street Pier, roller skating and mini golf, the Jazz Summer Nights and Summer Sounds concerts, DJ Night during Summerfest, a morning hike, a flower crown making workshop, Neon Night, and Wellness on the Waterfront.
Big Bounce America Tour
The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth
Saturday – Sunday
The seven massive inflatable attractions include a new 24,000-square-foot bouncer, a 900-foot-long obstacle course, a customized sports arena, a three-piece space-themed area, and an intergalactic adventure. There are giant slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops and oversized shapes of all colors. A custom-built stage is in the center of it all, with a DJ playing party music while also hosting games and competitions.
Butterfly House
Middlesex County EARTH Center, South Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
This is the last time this season you can see hundreds of beautiful butterflies as they fly around the exhibit.
Labor Day Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Elmo will be available for photos in his patriotic attire. The “C…is for Celebrate!” Labor Day Fireworks display will close out Sesame Summer Splash on Sunday.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
Rain or shine, “the boards” of the boardwalk will be lined with tents and booths of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, unique artwork and other beach-themed treasures.
Labor Day Weekend Activities
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday – Monday
Throughout the holiday weekend, kids 12 and under will receive free admission when tickets are purchased at the front desk. Then, they can ask about the new History Explorers Audio Tour, which was created with ages 7-12 in mind, to get a first-person interpretation of historical figures like King George III, Phillis Wheatley, and even a Liberty Tree. experience.
FRIDAY
Nature Board Game Night
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Choose from a selection of nature puzzles and board games, or bring a puzzle or game from home to play and share with others.
Military Makeover with Montel® Season 44 Kick-Off Celebration
The Pavilion at Red Museum Village, Clinton
If you’ve watched the TV series dedicated to transforming the homes and lives of deserving veterans, you can join host and veteran Montel Williams, co-host Art Edmonds, designer and co-host Jennifer Bertrand, and other special guests for a community-wide celebration to kick off Season 44.
SATURDAY
Artisan Market
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Labor Day End of Summer Celebration
3rd Avenue Business District, Spring Lake
There will be artist booths lined up along the streets.
Doggie Carnival Extravaganza
Doggie Sweets (Pier Village) and White Chapel Projects, Long Branch
The in-store Doggie Sweets Carnival includes photo ops with a carnival-themed grass wall and a 360-degree photo machine. The Doggie Carnival Extravaganza at White Chapel Projects is a full-blown doggie carnival with games, activities, and plenty of opportunities for your pup to socialize with other dogs.
42nd Annual Plowing Match
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
The plowing today kicks off a 10-month growing season for Howell Farm’s fall crops of wheat, rye, barley and spelt.
South Jersey Seafood & Music Festival
Washington Lake Park, Sewell
Nearly 20 gourmet food trucks will serve different seafood dishes, plus dessert vendors. There will be a beer, sangria and margarita garden. Live music is by Poor Mouth Henry, Undisputed, and Jenny Barnes Band. There will also be vendors, face painting, ziplining and kids’ activities.
Ed’s Funcade World Championship Skeeball Tournament
Ed’s Funcade, Wildwood
Anyone can enter the Skeeball tourney to try for the world championship.
Jersey Shore Comic Book Show
Gloucester County Dream Park, Logan Twp.
One of the biggest toy, comic and collectibles shows in South Jersey will feature vendors, cosplay groups and games. Vendors will sell comic books, trading cards, Funko Pops, anime, crafts, posters, action figures, toys, books, records, sports memorabilia, Pokemon, collectibles and more. Meet Joe del Beato from Marvel Comics and DC Comics.
SUNDAY
Clifton Food, Music & Car Show
Clifton Arts Center, Clifton
There will be food trucks, bands, a beer and wine garden, a car show, shopping vendors, a Kids Fun Zone and a cornhole competition. The festival benefits local veterans.
Labor Day Parade
American Labor Museum, Haledon
This year’s Grand Marshals are Congresswoman Nellie Pou, New Jersey 9th Congressional District, Mayor Michael Johnson, Sr., Borough of Haledon, National Association of Letter Carriers, New Jersey Education Association, and Paterson Police Benevolent Association, Local 1, and Chief Angelo Daniele, Haledon Police Department and Haledon Police Benevolent Association Local 349.
NJ Beachcomber’s Beach Con
Beachcomber Camping Resort, Cape May
NJ Beach Con is a celebration of all things comic books, toys, collectibles, Pops and more. Special guests include Greg Berg of Transformers and Muppet Babies; award-winning voiceover actress Cheryl Chase; actor Christ Bartlett; and actor and voice talent Catero Colbert.
Wildwood End of Summer Block Party and Music Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
There will be live music, food vendors, craft vendors and children’s entertainment to say goodbye to summer.
MONDAY (LABOR DAY)
OCNJ Labor Day Race
Ocean City
The traditional end-of-summer event includes a 5-mile beach run and a 1-mile fun run/walk.
South Plainfield Labor Day Parade and Festivities
Veterans Park, South Plainfield
This claims to be the oldest and largest Labor Day parade in New Jersey. This year’s theme is Superheroes and Villains. Kick off the day – literally – with the 5K Run and Family Fitness Walk. Following the parade, there will be vendors, food, a beer tent, and entertainment at Veterans Park. At night, head to Spring Lake Park for fireworks at dusk.
Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair
Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale
The streets will be transformed into a giant block party, including a vendor market, an arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, festival foods plus food trucks, merchant and civic organization tables, live bands, dancing, and karate demos.
Broadway in the Park
Memorial Park Amphitheater, Maplewood
One of the biggest celebrations of Broadway in New Jersey will have the performers miscast, meaning they will perform acts and sing songs from roles they’d never traditionally play.
ONGOING
Middlesex County’s Music-in-the-Park Free Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, through August 27, Thompson Park, Jamesburg/Monroe Twp.
Wednesdays, through September 10, Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy
Bring a lawn chair and snacks and listen to live music played at these free family outdoor summer concerts.
Cirque de Paris
Through August 31 at MarketFair in Princeton
September 4-14 at Rockaway Townsquare in Rockaway
September 18-28 at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison
Anouchka Bouglione will bring a cast of circus artists from across Europe – including BMX trick riders, illusionists, aerialists, acrobats and clowns – to perform in French circus traditions.
Acoustic Open Mic
The New Weis Center, Ringwood
August 31, September 28
Play your instrument or listen to others perform. A stage will be set up by the 1800s-era farmhouse for an afternoon of acoustic music (originals and covers) in a variety of genres.
Fall Theatre Season
All Children’s Art Center of New Jersey, Denville
Select dates, September 1 – November 26
ACACNJ’s fall productions include Aladdin, Camp Rock, The Sound of Music Jr., Shrek Jr., and The SpongeBob Musical.
Tipsy Tiki Bar Pop-Up
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through September 2
There’s a menu of 10 tropical drinks (including mocktails) you can sip on while catching all the summer vibes. Book a resy for a table with the family, or make it a Moms Night Out and hang at the bar.
Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 5
Come to the historic apple orchard for wine, music and food. Music styles range from jazz and blues to folk and rock and will change artists each week.
Sunflower Festival
Norz Hill Farms, Hillsborough
Daily, through beginning of September
Follow the sunflower path and be surrounded by thousands of stunning sunflowers. There are also haywagon rides.
August Sangria Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through September 14
The whole family can come to the winery for live music, time outdoors, and samplings of Terhune’s sangria and fresh fruits.
Sesame Place Philadelphia 45th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Through September 7
The season-long birthday party features the daily Sesame Street Birthday Parade and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their birthday outfits. The park will be decorated with bright balloons, colorful garland and birthday presents.
Company Town Walking Tour
Roebling Museum, Roebling
Saturdays, through September 27
Take a guided walking tour of the company town to discover the stories of workers who lived in the unique houses – from immigrant laborers to wealthy superintendents.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through September 28
Come for the Waterlily Court but stay for the Rose Garden, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, Idea Garden, Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Meadow Garden and indoor West Conservatory. You can visit on any day, but special events are planned for the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, as well as Fountain Fest Weekends.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates, through November 9
This will be the final season of the dino-themed park, which has 30 life-sized dinosaurs, a bounce house, live musical shows, meetings with paleontologists and science shows.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through October 16
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through November 2
In the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, have a glass of wine, listen to live music from local artists, snack on food, shop in the farm store, or take a stroll with the kids on the farm.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University; professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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