The heatwave is finally behind us which means it’s time to get out and about this weekend in NJ. Take the kids to a county fair, a Santa meet-and-greet, or get a cone just in time for National Ice Cream Day.
WEEKEND
Burlington County Farm Fair
Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus
Thursday – Saturday
Come by for opening night and stay for the fireworks. There will be lots of barnyard animals on display. On Saturday, watch the cows compete in a dairy show. Horse shows are daily, but a Draft Horse Pull where majestic draft horses from different states will perform. There will also be a tractor pull. Extra special for kids is the Farmer for a Day exhibit.
Cape May County 4-H Foundation Fair
4-H Fairgrounds, Cape May Court House
Thursday – Saturday
The fair provides a showplace for the work of the youth members of Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s 4‑H Youth Development Program. The event is planned, managed and operated by volunteers, 4‑H members and their parents and friends. Expect lots of demos, barnyard animals, activities for kids and food vendors. And the Cape May County Board of Agriculture hosts its annual chicken BBQ.
White Meadow Lake Festival Days
White Meadow Lake Clubhouse, Rockaway
Thursday – Sunday
Enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, games, contests, and entertainment. As the sun sets, watch the fireworks display over the lake.
Rockland Free Fair
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
Thursday – Sunday
There’s something for everyone, from midway rides and games to classic carnival foods to Cirque Cyber thrill shows featuring aerial acrobatics, to the spinning Wheel of Destiny and Globe of Death motorcycle act. Admission is free, but food and rides/games will be for purchase.
Water Lantern Festival
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Friday – Saturday
Create your own lantern and then watch it drift with thousands of others along the waterfront.
New Jersey Bronco Invasion
Rio Grande Avenue Beach, Wildwood
Friday – Sunday
Spend the weekend taking part in Bronco activities, with daily parking on the beach, access to the industry’s top vendors, and an opportunity to play on the exclusive beach obstacle course.
The SpongeBob Musical
Frank J. Cicarell Academy, Elizabeth
Friday – Sunday
The CAU Community Players are a theater troupe of all abilities who promote inclusion through the arts. They will present a weekend of performances of “SpongeBob.”
Boardwalk Craft Show
Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood
Saturday – Sunday
Artisan-made items, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more will be set up for sale along the boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue.
FRIDAY
Summer Soiree
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Your family and friends can stroll the zoo while enjoying live music from Roses in Stereo Duo, passing through the Summer Santa Party, ordering from the Patron Ad Cuisine food truck or Savanna Cafe, watching an animal presentation, or taking a ride on the train and carousel.
“Plan 9 From Outer Space”
West Windsor History Museum/Schenck Farmstead, West Windsor
Often called “one of the worst movies of all time,” “Plan 9” follows the story of aliens trying to resurrect the dead and the bumbling Earthlings trying to stop them. It’s a cult classic, campy film. You’ll sit outside and eat snacks while watching the movie on a 25-foot screen, and you’ll also learn about West Windsor’s own “alien invasion” – the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast.
ArenaBowl Championship Game
The Rink at American Dream, East Rutherford
The championship game will be the highlight of a three-day series of events that will include various activations, player meet-and-greets and several celebrity appearances.
Feminist Film Series: Moana
Alice Paul Institute, Mount Laurel
This year’s film series will include family-friendly films that explore environmentalism. Before setting up your chair or blanket on the lawn to watch Disney’s “Moana,” make an upcycled craft.
SATURDAY
Marvel Superhero Night
Red Bull Arena, Harrison
Before the team plays FC Cincinnati on the field, you can meet Black Panther, Captain America and Captain Marvel. The BULLevard will be open for photo ops, a special comic book release, soccer contests, music and giveaways.
For the Love of Dogs Pet Festival
Mill Hill Park, Trenton
All-day activities include mobile grooming, giveaways from KONG Company, free microchipping, pet games, adoptions, sway and play, activities, entertainment, music by DEEJAY BOOM and adoptions by Trenton Animal Shelter.
Toys “R” Us Play Day
Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Willowbrook Mall, Wayne
Menlo Park Mall, Edison
Everyone will be given a paper crown and a toy tambourine so they can join Geoffrey the Giraffe in his “Parade of Play” march into the Toys“R”Us inside of Macy’s. The fun will continue in-store with play stations and family-friendly activities including Hasbro games, printables for coloring, a meet-and-greet with Geoffrey and more.
Faith & Food Truck Festival
World Harvest Christian Center, Pennsauken
There will be a variety of food trucks and small vendors, live music, prize giveaways, face painting, a bouncy houses and activities for families.
Clement Farm & Udder Chaos Blueberry Festival
Clement Blueberry Farm, Pemberton
Come together to support animals in need. There will be food trucks, vendors, raffles, and of course blueberries.
Fossil Collecting
Big Brook Fossil Preserve, Colts Neck
Join Dr. Dana Ehret, curator of Natural History and vertebrate paleontologist from the New Jersey State Museum, as he leads you on fossil-collecting trips at Big Brook Fossil Preserve in Colts Neck. You’ll learn the techniques of fossil collecting from the dino age, and you’ll get to search for fossils and prehistoric marine life, like fossil sharks.
Baby Goat Yoga, Wine Tasting & Food Trucks
Linwood Fields at Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center, Monroe Twp.
Start the morning with baby goat yoga, led by Kula Yoga and Fitness. Then, stay for a festival including wine tasting for adults, a bounce house for kids, food trucks and pet adoptions.
Sun and Sand 5K & 1-Mile Walk
Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge, North Wildwood
Whether you choose to run or walk, or just want to cheer from the sidelines, you’ll be supporting the North Wildwood Police Officers Association and its charities.
History on the Green
Somerset County Courthouse Green, Somerville
Experience Revolutionary-era New Jersey through a pop-up encampment. Engage with Revolutionary War soldiers, meet George Washington and William “Billy” Lee on horseback, see colonial artisans in action, and play with colonial toys and games during this annual living history day.
Saturday Series: Evenings at the Farm
Riamede Farm, Chester
Different nights include line dancing lessons for the whole family, live music and a make-your-own hat bar.
Moth Night
Staten Island Museum, Staten Island, NY
Learn about the life cycles and habitats of moths. Featured activities include looking closely at specimens like a hummingbird moth and tulip-tree silk moth, glow-in-the-dark art activities, shadow dancing, examining Cooper Keane’s Mobile Monarch Museum, and a night hike through Snug Harbor.
North Wildwood Christmas in July
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Take a photo with Santa, bite a candy cane, and sing along with live holiday music. Don’t forget to decorate your beach blanket, wear festive beach attire, and create your own reindeer games. This free family-fun event is presented by the North Wildwood Beach Patrol.
Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival & Boat Parade
Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest
Watch Santa sail past you in the boat parade. There will be live music and Christmas-themed activities.
Evening Chores
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Bring your boots and work gloves, because you’ll learn what it takes to care for farm animals by picking up a pitchfork and doing evening chores. Help farmers feed and water the animals, bring in the sheep from the pasture, collect eggs in the henhouse, grind corn in the barn, scrub and fill water tubs, and clean the horses’ stalls for tomorrow’s breakfast.
SUNDAY
Gitane Magique
Bobolink Dairy & Farmhouse, Milford
Swing and Latin rhythms will be performed by this band, whose name means “Magic Gypsy.” Farm-to-for picnic items include cheeses, breads, sandwiches, burgers, produce and ice cream made from the farm.
Play Date
Princeton Playspace, Princeton
Families with children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old are invited to a morning of fun and community building.
Summer Bash
Five Star Swim School, Princeton
Kids and parents can swim together at this luau-themed swim party, which will also have music, games, crafts and snacks.
Riverbend District Artisan Market
Riverbend District, Harrison
There will be local artists, creators, makers, food trucks and live entertainment.
Hackettstown Street Fair
Downtown Hackettstown
There will be artisans, crafters, live entertainment, food, kids’ activities, shopping and more along Main Street.
ONGOING
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.
L.E.A.D. Summerfest Carnival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
July 18-28
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, presents amusement rides, food and entertainment.
Million Dollar Quartet
Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel
July 19-28
The smash hit musical recreates the true story of a one-night impromptu jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Christmas in July
Throughout The Wildwoods
July 20: North Wildwood Christmas in July with Santa Claus: Take a photo with Santa and sing along with live holiday music.
July 20: Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival and Boat Parade
July 23: Movies in the Plaza: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch in Byrne Plaza
July 27: Wildwood’s Christmas in July Golf Cart Parade
SpongeBob Experiences
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
July 15 – September 15
Adventure Aquarium has partnered with Nickelodeon for photo ops, Spongebob-themed kids’ activities, activity sheets, episode screenings, and more in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary.
Butterfly Tent Safari
Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland
Through July 27
Live butterflies and butterfly-themed programming will take place daily. Special Saturday programs include doing monarch butterfly crafts, listening to stories, watching presentations about bugs and butterflies, and learning about gardening.
Love at First Bite: New Brunswick Restaurant Week
Downtown New Brunswick
Through July 27
Go back to your favorite restaurant or try some place new, and you could win a series of prizes for dining out. You get rewards by eating out and tweeting a photo from your seat.
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It! Family Saturdays
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Saturdays, through July 27
Through hands-on gardening, activities in the garden, and an art-making experience with a New Jersey artist, children and their caregivers can enjoy nature while learning about life in the past. Programs differ from week to week.
Whitesbog’s Blueberry Summer Fest
Whitesbog Historic Village, Browns Mills
Saturdays, through July 27
This weekly festival takes place in the blueberry and cranberry capital of NJ. Each week has a different theme: July 20 is Dog Days of Summer with a moonlight walk at night. July 27 is Moth Night; there is no blueberry fest.
Summer Concert Series
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
Fridays-Saturdays, through July 27
Musicians include The Loft, Rae Simone and The Fellas, Lisa’s Entertainment for You, Mercvrii, Zino Park, New Horizons, L.O.E. Juu, and School of Rock.
Party Like A Sponge
Nickelodeon Universe, American Dream, East Rutherford
Through August 2
The party celebrates SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary. Stop at the giant Pineapple Under the Sea display for the perfect photo op, get a temporary tattoo, go jelly-fishing, look for special guest appearances and surprise dance parties, trivia contests, prizes, a silent disco and more. Key highlights include two live performances by the voice of SpongeBob, Tom Kenny, and his band, The Hi-Seas on August 2; jellyfish dance lessons with TikTok star Edgar Vicenzio on July 19 and 20; and a special TiLT 3D experience where guests pose in a scene with SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy. You can get a 25% off discount on Character Day (July 24) by dressing up as a Bikini Bottom character; and on Yellow Day (July 31) by wearing the color yellow.
Dino Fest
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan
Thursdays – Sundays, through August 4
Look out for more than two dozen lifelike dinosaurs throughout the fields, a 4-acre dino-themed corn maze, a dinosaur dig site, stage shows, meet-and-greets with the dinosaurs, encounters with a baby T-rex and baby triceratops, and build your own Dino Bear.
Shark Summer
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through August 18
There are lots of jaw-some activities and shows, behind-the-scenes tours, and daily dives featuring the Scuba Tooth Fairy, who helps to collect the fallen teeth of the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast.
My Fairytale Party’s Summer Series
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Wednesdays and Sundays, through August 21
There will be sing-alongs and interactive experiences with princesses and princes, fairies and pirates, Barbie and Weird Barbie, Mary Poppins, pop stars, kids karaoke, Minions, Inside Out and unicorn princesses. After the show, meet the characters and grab a quick photo.
$5 Friday Summer Concert Series
Festival Grounds, Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Fridays, through August 23
Two bands will play each Friday at sunset. Tribute bands include Earth Wind & Fire, the Eagles, Queen and the Beatles. Yacht Rock Gold, Swing Sabroso and American Soul Band are also in the lineup.
Friday Night Fireworks
The Wildwoods
Fridays, through August 30
Look high above the beach and boardwalk for a spectacular nighttime display of fireworks synched to music that will be played via a sound system and simulcast on 98.7 The Coast. You can tap into the livestream to view from anywhere outside of Wildwood, too.
Summer in Sand
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through August 31
Five incredible sand sculptures designed by John Gowdy and Team Sandtastic depict favorite summer activities like watching baseball, camping, embarking on an overseas adventure, playing games and solving puzzles, and lounging at the beach. You can enjoy sandboxes designed for play, as well as a family-friendly scavenger hunt beginning on July 12 that will feature the colorful, quirky beach-themed character “Shelly Shovel.”
Sesame Place Summer Nights
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Fridays – Sundays, through September 1
During extended hours on special nights, extra activities include the DJ Dance Party at Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Stage and an encore of the Sesame Street Party Parade.
Luxury Glamping
Six Flags Great Adventure – Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa, Jackson
Weekends through 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.
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.
Roller Skating
The Rink, American Dream
Through September 7
This summer, trade your ice skates for rollerblades. Every Friday and Saturday will be Retro Nights, where you can skate to your favorite tunes from the past. Ice skating returns on September 8.
Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series
Wellmont Arts Plaza, Montclair
Select dates, through September 8
A series of free, all-ages, outdoor shows will take place, courtesy of Montclair Jazz Festival and Jazz House Kids. Some of the newly announced shows include Spafford, Prince/Bowie, Wallace Roney Jr. and Vanessa Perea, as well as the annual return of Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree.
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.
Blue Whale: The World’s Biggest Animal
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through January 5, 2025
The exhibition tells the story of the 60-ton whale that washed ashore in Trout River, Newfoundland, in 2014. You’ll see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and discover how whales evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, their decline, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
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.
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