Summer is whizzing by, and already it’s mid-August (how’d that happen?), but there’s no reason to stop summer fun with all the kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Enjoy seafood, face painters, and pony rides at the Surf & Turf Seafood Festival in Oceanport, take a ride on Thomas The Train and see his friends at A Day Out With Thomas in Phillipsburg, or spend time among the sunflower fields listening to live music and a bouncy pillow at the Sunflower Festival in Green Township. 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/Ricardolmagen)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Harlem Globetrotters Experience at American Dream
August 16-25
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the exciting adventures of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. 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
Jersey Shore BlueClaws Post-Game Fireworks
August 16
Chow down on crab fries or a ballpark dog while you cheer on the BlueClaws. Then, at the end of these select games, sit back and relax with a big, bright fireworks show to finish the evening.
Cost: Included in BlueClaws Tickets
Shoretown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
August 16 at 10 PM
Is there a better way to end a fun-filled week of summer in Wildwood than with free fireworks? Watch a spectacular display exploding to a musical score played along the Boardwalk every Friday night. 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
Kids Take Over The Red Bank Broadwalk
August 16 at 4 PM
Take the kids and enjoy a night of games, chalk, face painting, and more. Before heading home, make sure you get a bite from one of the delicious restaurants.
Cost: Free
Red Bank Broadwalk, 46 English Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Thomas and Friends – A Day Out with Thomas
August 16-18
Pop on board and join Thomas the Tank Engine for a day full of bubble adventures. All aboard an interactive train ride with Thomas to enjoy bubble-themed activities and games. For even more fun, mix it up in the Play Pod with lawn games, snap eye-catching photo ops, enjoy live entertainment, check out the exclusive pop-up gift shop, and more. Day Out With Thomas is headed to The Delaware River Railroad Excursions, bringing a celebration of bubbles this season. Buy tickets today to reserve your ride.
Cost: $22
38 Market Street Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Passaic County Fair
August 16-18
Step right up to this annual fair, where rides, yummy food, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and games. Listen to live music on the stage, and at night, catch the fireworks.
Cost: Free, parking $5 per car.
Garret Mountain Reservation, 8 Mountain Ave., Woodland Park, NJ 07427
Hillsborough Rotary Fair
August 16-17, fireworks on August 16
The Annual Hillsborough Rotary Fair is back with fun for the whole family. Visit vendors, play games, grab some grub, and wristband night every night.
Cost: $35; all-night-long ride access purchase option is available every night, or patrons may choose a different dollar amount appropriate for only select rides.
In the lot adjacent to Lowe’s, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 17
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances are displayed from the beachfront and include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Multicultural Summer Celebration
August 17 at 10 AM
Join NAMI New Jersey’s Multicultural Summer Celebration this summer. This event takes place at Thompson Park and has food and fun throughout the day.
Cost: Free
Thompson Park, Lakeview Avenue, Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Beachfest II Arts & Crafts Festival
August 17 at 9 AM
Artists, makers, and food will be at the seaside town of Beach Haven. Get ready to shop by the shore.
Cost: Free
Veteran’s Bicentennial Park, 100 Engelside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Corvettes at the Red Mill Museum
August 17
The 3rd annual Corvette show at the Red Mill Museum will be an event to remember. Walk around and check out the gorgeous Corvettes that will be on display. After, explore the scenic town of Clinton.
Cost: Free
Red Mill Museum, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Blue Claw Craft Show & Crab Race, & Anything Floats
August 17
This is a great chance to spend time outside, enjoy 60+ vendors, and see a crab race. There will also be food available to purchase.
Cost: Free
Sunset Park,1 W Salem Ave, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
2024 Bay Head Fire Company Clam Bake
August 17 at 12 PM
Bring the whole family and your appetites to the annual Bay Head Fire Department fundraiser. There will be clams, clam chowder, burgers, hot dogs, craft beers, and so much more.
Cost: $55
Bay Head Fire Company No. 1, 81 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head, NJ 08742
Bridgeton Peach Festival
August 17-18 at 10 AM
This event will host a peach fuzz contest for babies under one year old. Also, look out for many peach treats, free train rides, and decor from merchants and vendors.
Cost: Parking is $2 per car
97 Trench Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Surf & Turf Seafood Festival
August 17-18 at 11 AM
Bring your appetite to the Shore’s biggest seafood festival, where you will find lobster rolls, crab cakes, shrimp, and more. On Sunday, there will also be a bounce house, pony rides, face painters, and clowns.
Cost: $6 for general admission, children 12 and under are free and parking is free
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Sunflower Festival
August 17-18 at 11 AM
Come out before the end of summer and enjoy the gorgeous sunflowers with the family. Food trucks, bounce pillows, cow train, live music, and more will be there.
Cost: $5 per person; kids 5 and under are free
Tranquility Farms, 47 Decker Pond Road, Green Township, NJ 07821
Bluegrass and Old-Time Music
August 18 at 12 PM
Take in the summer weather and listen to jam sessions under the trees. The sessions feature instruments such as bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, or guitar. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.
Cost: Free
805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Summer Mercado Family Fun Fest
August 18 at 12 PM
There’s so much fun to be had at this summer festival. From activities to live music, you will find something for everyone in your family.
Cost: Free
Joyce Kilmer Park, 143 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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