August is slipping away into a moment in time, and we’re soaking up all the rest of summer with a bunch of kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Enjoy farm activities, live music, and carnival rides at Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair Fireworks in Lambertville, travel down on the Morris Canal on a free boat ride and listen to live music at the Canal Day Music and Craft Festival in Wharton, or sample delicious food and learn to do the hula during the Luau Laurita Food Truck Festival in New Egypt. Heading to the shore? Get your beach badges and find the places to sink your toes in the sand with our Jersey Shore guide. (featured photo credit: iStock/WoodysPhotos)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
August 23 at 10 PM
Is there a better way to end a fun-filled week of summer in Wildwood than with free fireworks? Every Friday night, watch a spectacular display explode to a musical score played along the Boardwalk. Grab a beach chair to relax on the sand, or you can see them from anywhere on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Boardwalk, On the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Car Show in the Park
August 23 at 4 PM
Come spend Friday night with vintage automobiles on display, music, entertainment, and more for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Ballard Park, 15 Pitman Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair Fireworks
August 23-25
This family-friendly event celebrates Hunterdon County’s rich agricultural landscape. You and your crew can check out the 4-H county fair farm activities, live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, and delicious food.
Cost: Free, parking $15
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Harlem Globetrotters Experience at American Dream
August 23-25
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy all that the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters have to offer. This residency will let you see them take the court and do mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and big laughs. There is also in-game fan engagement.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Arts in the Park
August 24 at 3 PM
Celebrating art is such a fun thing to do with the family, and this is the perfect place to do just that. Head to this event in the park, where you will find an open-air art gallery and market, kids’ activities, a Kidzone Truck, a food tent, and more.
Cost: Free
Spring Garden Park, 1 Spring Garden Street, Riverside, NJ 08075
Evening on the Farm
August 24 at 6 PM
Is there anything better than a late summer sunset on the farm? Nope, we don’t think so either. Bring your whole crew and enjoy live music, food trucks, the farm market, and more.
Cost: $12.75 per ticket
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
6th Annual Charity Softball Game
August 24 at 7:30 PM
Take me out to the ball game with the fam at this annual charity softball game. There will be food trucks, a 50/50, a dunk tank, and a $1 shout-out to your favorite player, all to benefit the Washington Fire Department.
Cost: Free
Washington Boro Stadium, 32 Jackson Valley Rd, Washington, NJ 07882
E.A.R.T.H. Center: Garden, Arts, and Music Festival
August 24 at 11 AM
Looking for something to do with the fam? This day will be filled with live art displays, local musical acts, and activities everyone can enjoy. There will also be advice on horticulture and stewardship.
Cost: Free
Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, Riva Avenue, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Canal Day Music & Craft Festival
August 24 at 10 AM
Learn about NJ history at this summer festival—take a guided walking tour of the Morris Canal, travel down the waterway on a free boat ride, or prove your prowess by paddling a kayak. Enjoy listening to some of New Jersey’s best musical performers and watch the gorgeous fireworks display over the water.
Cost: Free
Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Avenue, Wharton, NJ 07885
Manasquan Summerfest Craft Show
August 24 at 10 AM
Spend the day in Squan with unique crafters and artists, gourmet food, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza, Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
August 24 at 1 PM
The annual event has moved locations and changed names over the years, but it’s still the same live jazz and blues music. There will be kids activities, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks ending the evening at 9 PM.
Cost: Free
Cooper Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 24
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances, which are displayed from the beachfront, include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Ort Farms Summerfest
August 24-25
Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time to celebrate the season. There will be a sunflower trail, food trucks, live music, carriage rides, a cow train, and more.
Cost: Free
Ort Farms, 25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853
NJ Thoroughbred Festival
August 25 at 12 PM
Come out to Monmouth Park and spend the day celebrating New Jersey Thoroughbred racing. There will be family activities, live music, a giveaway, and more.
Cost: $6
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
8th Annual Rotary Family Fun Fest & Car Show
August 25 at 11 AM
Looking for something different to do this weekend? This annual event will feature live music, delicious food, 50/50 raffles, a vintage and unique car show, and more. The rain date is September 8.
Cost: Free
Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Craft Show & Antique Corner
August 25 at 10 AM
Enjoy the summer weather at this outdoor event, featuring 125 exhibitors selling arts and crafts, florals, soaps, and more. Delicious food will be available while you shop.
Cost: Free admission
Veterans Park, 318 3rd Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Luau at Laurita Food Truck Festival
August 25 at 11 AM
Aloha—enjoy outstanding wines with friends and family, fire and hula dancers, and free hula lessons. Pair delicious wines with food from the on-site food trucks. Wine and dine while listening to top live musical artists all weekend.
Cost: Tickets are $13 online in advance and $15 at the gate. Everyone under 21 is free.
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533
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