This weekend, the kids will be wow’ed as they watch world champion axe throwers and choppers at the Middlesex County Fair in New Brunswick, refreshed as they splash around with the fam at Salt Water Day in Laurence Harbor and get the world’s best golf player’s autographs at the PGA Tour Kick-Off in Jersey City. No matter which one you choose, they’re all affordable ways to spend a weekend of summer fun with the family.
Psst! Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
Here are 10 kid-friendly things to do this weekend around New Jersey:
New Jersey State Fair at Sussex County Fairgrounds
August 7 – 11
The New Jersey State Fair is bursting with fun for you and your kids. Your littles will go nuts over cars racing in the Demolition Derby, the monster truck show, the barnyard animal tents, arts and crafts displays, carnival rides, games, horse shows and lumberjack competitions. Catch one of the live music acts or give your kids an agricultural lesson with demos and animal encounters that will feel like a day on the farm. #NJMOM Tip: the New Jersey State Fair spans pretty wide, so be sure to bring a stroller—it requires a lot of walking to see it all.
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Augusta, NJ
Cost: adults $14, kids 6-12 $6; Advanced Tickets: adults $9, kids $5
Northern Trust PGA FedExcup Playoffs
August 5 – 11
The Northern Trust wants to transform the game of golf into a fun event for your family. At the FedExcup Playoffs, you’ll see the world’s best golf players on the green, snag some autographs, participate in a golf expo, soak in the stunning views of Liberty National Golf Club and learn all about the thrilling game of golf. Check out the Family Fan Journey for more affordable, free things to do during the playoffs. Kids aged 18 and under are admitted free with one ticketed adult. Military members and veterans receive free admission, too.
Liberty National Golf Club
Jersey City, NJ
Cost: Adults daily $40-75, Adults weekly $225, Kids are free, military members and families are free
Italian Festival in Ocean Township
August 7 – 11, 5 PM – 11 PM
Italian or not, everyone can agree that cannolis and zeppoles and pizza are delicious. Celebrate the Italian heritage and culture of the great garden state with carnival rides, games, food eating contests nightly entertainment, an Italian street band, all the Italian delights you can imagine and fireworks at this free event.
Joe Palaia Park
Oakhurst, NJ
Cost: free
Salem County Fair
August 7 – 9
The Salem County Fair is an August tradition that’s a big fave in South Jersey. This iconic event is celebrating its 60th anniversary with all your fair favorites, including the horse show, food contests, archery demonstrations, pig races, tractor pulls, pageants and fireworks to end the celebration.
Salem County Fairgrounds
Pilesgrove Township, NJ
Cost: free, parking $10 per vehicle
Somerset County 4-H Fair
August 7 – 9
Animal shows, robotics demonstrations, theatrical performances, twirling, go-karts, magic and so much more—do we need to go on? The Somerset County 4-H fair offers tons of fun to wow your kiddos, with everything from model trains and airplanes to all kinds of animals for your family to enjoy together. Free family fun, for the win.
North Branch Park
Bridgewater, NJ
Cost: free
Flemington Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival
August 10, 12 PM – 8 PM
It wouldn’t be summer without Jersey sweet corn and tomatoes. Just throw in a micro-brewery beer garden for the moms and dads, and it’s an event to remember. In addition to the food and brews, this family-friendly event features live music, local restaurants and family entertainment. Psst! Did you know Flemington is the corn and tomato capital of the USA?
Stangl Road
Flemington, NJ
Cost: free
Family Fun Night and Classic Car Show
August 9, 6 PM – 9PM
Kick back at Family Fun Night as you and the littles marvel over the cool classic cars, check out the live music from the DJ, enjoy fun activities, food and score tons of prizes. Don’t forget lawn chairs and a blanket to sit and hang for a while.
Christian Health Care Center
Wyckoff, NJ
Cost: free
Salt Water Day 2019
August 10, 2 PM – 10 PM
Annual Salt Water Day is coming to the Laurence Harbor Waterfront. Shop ’til you drop with over 70 vendors, food trucks, rides, live music, kids rides and a corn hole tournament. It’s the perfect spot for waterfront fun, so bring the whole family to splash around. Kids will love ending the night with a stunning fireworks display.
Laurence Harbor Waterfront Park
Laurence Harbor, NJ
Cost: free, $10 beer garden admission
Middlesex County Fair
August 7 – 11
There’s entertainment galore for the family at the Middlesex County Fair. Your littles will love the Agricultural Magic Show featuring Farmer Ed, Johnny Rockett’s Cycle Circus Live, elite pro wrestling and the Axe Women Loggers of Maine. Watch world champion choppers, axe throwers, sawyers, and log rollers—sure to wow all ages. Of course, you can expect all the traditional yummy fair food, entertainment, live music,and to top it all off—a colorful fireworks display.
Middlesex County Fairgrounds
New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: Adults $7, Kids 3-12 $1, Kids under 2 are free
Historic Blairstown Day
August 11, 11 AM – 5 PM
Blairstown Museum will take you back in time with nostalgic entertainment, antiques, craft and food vendors. A classic car show, a birthday celebration for the town founder and many more fun and educational activities make this historic celebration one you won’t want to miss.
Blairstown Museum
Blairstown, NJ
Cost: free
