With Father’s Day and the official start of summer days away, we’re getting excited about all the things to do this weekend with the fam. Take dad for thrills and fried dough at State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford, celebrate his special day with Barnyard Buddies Father’s Day Edition in Monmouth Junction or have the kids do eco-crafts while you shop the vendors at Green Fest in Washington. And if you’re looking to fill your June calendar, take a peek at our 24 Free Things To Do In June.
Featured Photo Credit: @hoopsapproved
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RWJBarnabas Health: Cooking Classes for Kids
Dates and times vary depending on the program
Kids of all ages will love cooking up healthy treats in these virtual hands-on cooking classes (adult supervision required during class): Try Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen for kids 8-12, where they’ll learn to use a recipe, cook with nutritious ingredients, and utilize kitchen basics or try Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen, and My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas
Virtual
(973) 926-7371
State Fair Meadowlands
June 18-July 11, hours vary
It’s back—35 acres of fun, and those oh-so-delicious fried Oreos are among the fantastic things awaiting at the State Fair (and did we mention free parking?) Don’t miss rides and attractions and the largest Kiddie Land in the Garden State with rides like Fire Chief, Monkey Maze, and the Wacky Worm. If you are looking for thrill rides, try the Crazy Mouse, Mardi Gras Glasshouse, or the Cliffhanger, and for those who like tamer things, there’s a Petting Zoo, Survivor Game Show, and even a magician and a circus.
Cost: Tickets must be purchased online; the Fun Pass starts at $34.99
State Fair Meadowlands 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(201) 355-5911
Saint Leo The Great Carnival
June 14-19 from 6 PM-10 PM
Join this “fun-raiser” and ride the carnival rides at this annual event. Don’t miss the zeppoles, sausage and peppers, and other tasty treats. There will also be entertainment every day of the carnival.
Cost: $30 for a ride bracelet Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and regular ride tickets are also available
50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft, NJ 07738-1406
(732) 747-5466
Disney Sing-Along at The Music Man Ice Cream Shoppe
Wednesdays-Sundays at 6 PM starting June 2, 18-20
Let it go—get ready to sing along with all of your favorite Disney tunes at this lively theme show. Order an ice cream sundae for the free entertainment, and join the Reservation Club online to reserve a table at this show and others throughout the summer.
Cost: Order an ice cream sundae, and the show is free
The Music Man Ice Cream Shoppe- 2305 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette, NJ 08735
(732) 854-2779
Every Thursday-Sunday from 11 AM – 6 PM through September 5
Kick-off the summer at this lively market where you can check out various local makers, artists, and designers selling handcrafted goods, clothing, jewelry & accessories, beauty products, art, photography, home goods, and so much more. The kids can also enjoy rides on the Carousel, and don’t forget to visit the beach, restaurants, shops, and the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
52 Centennial Drive, Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-0100
Ocean Grove Giant Craft Show
June 19 from 9 AM-4 PM
This is huge—don’t miss this annual craft show event in the charming shore town of Ocean Grove. It’s happening rain or shine, and you’ll find over 200 vendors displaying 100% handmade crafts with something for everyone in the family.
Cost: Free
Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
(732) 490-1107
Barnyard Buddies Father’s Day Edition
June 19 and 20 (South Brunswick location) from 9:30 AM-10:30 AM
Head to the farm this Father’s Day to pet and take pictures with barnyard friends like horses, pigs, and goats. Learn about the different farm animals and the best part? Dads can attend free of charge.
Cost: Child $10 each, dads are free
South Brunswick Location- 505 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
(732) 329-8656
Bad To The Bone
June 19 at 10 AM-11 AM
Observe different bones and see if you can match the bone to the correct animal that it once belonged to at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. This event is open to all ages.
Cost: Free
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond
Highway Route 72 East, New Lisbon, NJ 08064
(609) 726-1191
Freedom Stories: Juneteenth Family Event at the New Jersey State Museum
June 19 at 10 AM
In 2020, Juneteenth was declared a state and public holiday, and it commemorates when Union General Gordan Granger informed enslaved people of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and their freedom. TAHIRA will share tales of freedom fighters. Space is limited, so please register in advance, and you can pick up a free activity bag at the museum beforehand.
Cost: Free
New Jersey State Museum – Virtual
(609) 292-6464
Summer Classic Car Show
June 19 from 10 AM-4 PM
Bring Dad and Grandad to the Atlantic Highlands Classic Car show where they can see antique autos and classics of yesteryear. In addition to the motors, there will be music, vendors, and a sidewalk sale for the whole family to enjoy.
Cost: Free
First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
(732) 872-8711
People of Pleasant Valley Tours
June 19 from 10 AM-4 PM
Have you ever been to a one-room schoolhouse? At Howell Living Farm, you can learn about the history of a rural farm community and tour the houses in the Pleasant Valley Rural Historic District. A Howell Farm Interpreter will lead visitors on a tour to the homes of grist miller John Phillips, his farmer-son Henry, Henry’s blacksmith-son Lewis- as well as the Pleasant Valley one-room schoolhouse. A children’s craft is available for a small fee.
Cost: Free, small fee for the craft
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Green Fest – Arts & Crafts Fest
June 19 from 10 AM-5 PM
Enjoy this family-friendly event with eco-friendly displays, children’s crafts, arts and craft vendors, and live music from local and regional performers. There will also be Juneteenth activities and celebrating the opening of the Washington Boro’s Farmer’s Market on Washington Ave. In addition, a clothing drop-off will be available to benefit Memorial Schools Butterfly Garden.
Cost: Free
Downtown Washington Borough 44 East Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882
(908) 689-4800
Children’s Show with John Pizzi
June 19 from 11 AM-12:15 PM
Get ready to laugh while witnessing some magic with John Pizzi, a stand-up comic and ventriloquist. This G-rated show is fun for the whole family.
Cost: Rage from $7.49-$10.70
Brunswick Square 755 NJ-18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
(732) 238-3601
‘Summer in the Sun’ Food Truck and Music Festival
June 19 from 11 AM-7 PM
Head to this summer festival to kick off the season and celebrate with food trucks, art, and live music. Bring your family, blankets, and chairs, and you can even bring your dog.
Cost: Admission is $5. Children under 10 are free
Sussex County Fairgrounds 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 948-5500
Bradley Beach Summer Concert
June 19 from 7 PM-9 PM
Get the whole family dancing in Riley Park when the Groovesharks play on June 19. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and if it rains, you can catch the next one on the 26th.
615 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
(732) 776-2999
Annual Father’s Day Car Show
June 20 from 8 AM-12 PM
Spend Father’s Day morning among classic cars and indulging in a hearty country breakfast. The show will take place on the field behind The Knights of Columbus Hall, and if it starts to pour, the rain date is June 27.
Cost: Breakfast is $8 for adults and $6 for children
157 Oak Street, Waterford Works, NJ 08089
Father’s Day Berries and Brews at Ort Farms
June 20 from 10 AM-5 PM
Dads can sip on local brews while kids enjoy the cow train rides, pony rides, and hayrides. After, head out to the fields to pick your own strawberries and relax listening to live music by KickStart. Of course, don’t miss the delicious food and drinks available too.
Cost: $7.95 per person
25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853
(908) 876-3351
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