Hello, June—with school winding down and more openings, there’s a bunch of kid-friendly things to do this weekend to get out and celebrate (almost) summer. Revel in all things strawberry at the VonThun Strawberry Festival in Washington and South Brunswick, indulge your senses at the Deep Cut Gardens Open House in Middletown or take a spin on the carousel at the Pier Village Family Fun Night in Long Branch. Looking for more events? Take a peek at our 45 Free Things To Do In June.
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RWJBarnabas Health: Cooking Classes for Kids
June 1-3, 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, a Mommy and Me style class for 2-4-year-olds. In addition, there will be a Kids in the Kitchen: Farm Fresh & Flavorful event this week too.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas
Virtual
(973) 926-7371
Superb Summer Saunter at Freneau Woods Park
June 4 from 10 AM-11:30 AM
Get ready to celebrate the start of summer with a walk at Freneau Woods Park. Explore the trails with a Monmouth Park System Naturalist.
Cost: Free
360 Monastery Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
(732) 264-7277
Drop-In Zip-Line at Big Brook Park
June 4 from 3:30 PM-7:30 PM
Big kids will love taking a thrill ride on a zip-line through Big Brook Park. All equipment will be provided, and close-toed shoes are required. This event is open to children 8 and up, and parents must be present with any child under 18. The zip-line is first come, first serve, and registration ends at 6:15 PM.
Cost: $15 per person
521 Route 520, Marlboro, NJ 07746
(732) 842-4000
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit Opening Reception
June 4 from 5 PM-9:30 PM
Don’t miss the official leash cutting at 5:30 PM in front of the new Dog Days of Summer mural, and be sure to see the unique public art installation featuring custom designs on life-size fiberglass dog sculptures all along Main Street. This event supports animal shelters, Boonton Arts, and local artists and will also have live music from local musicians.
Cost: Free; click the link above for donation and sponsorship information
Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005
(862) 307-5919
Boat Tours Of The Manasquan River
June 4, 5, and 6, times vary
Get out on the water with a 45-minute tour of the Manasquan Reservoir with a Park System Naturalist. View area wildlife and take in the views of this Monmouth County Parks System reservoir.
Cost: $6 adults, $4 for children 12 and under
Manasquan Reservoir 311 Windeler Road, Howell, NJ 07731
(732) 751-9453
Deep Cut Gardens Open House
June 5 from 8 AM-dusk
Bring the whole family along to see the gardens in full bloom on this fun day filled with garden tours and displays of peak blooms. There will also be demonstrations and drop-in children’s activities, and more. And to learn more about Deep Cut Gardens, check out our guide.
Cost: Free
12 Red Hill Road, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
(732) 671-6050
National Trails Day Hike
June 5 from 10 AM-11:30 AM
Take in the scenery of Double Trouble State Park and Double Trouble Village. Enjoy a 5-mile guided walk on the trail and learn all about the park, nature, and history along the way. Registration is required.
Cost: Free
581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
(732) 341-6662
VonThun Farms Strawberry Festival
June 5, 6 (South Brunswick and Washington locations) and 12, 13 (Washington location) from 10 AM-5 PM
Pick fresh strawberries, have fun in the berry-themed activity area, take a hayride, let your kiddos get their faces painted, and hop on a pony ride. Special kid-friendly guests will be visiting during the weekend, and food will be available for purchase.
Cost: Prices vary depending on activities; admission to the field is $3
South Brunswick Location- 505 Ridge Road Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Washington Location- 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
(732) 329-8656
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
June 5-6 from 10 AM-6 PM
Good morrow, Lords, and Ladies—the 11th season of the Renaissance Faire is on for 2021, and you can even register for the family dog to come along this year. Come in costume and plan to immerse yourself into all things 16th century. There will be food, all-day entertainment, and 30 vendors, crafters, and merchants.
Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for kids, $80 for a four-day pass, and $10 dog ticket
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505
huzzah@njrenfaire.com
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
June 5 at 10 AM-4 PM and June 6 from 1 PM-3 PM
Bring the whole family on this tour of the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Wood Park. Learn all about the history of this former coastal defense site.
Cost: Free
1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 872-0336
Old Time Baseball Game at the Howell Living History Farm
June 5 from 10 AM-4 PM
Batter up! Join the Bulls, and the Hogs play ball according to 19th-century baseball rules. All ages can step up to play as the “Striker” and face against the “Thrower.” Watch out for the Referee who can charge up to 5 cents for every broken rule. At 11 AM, watch the Flemington Neshanocks play against the Elizabeth Resolutes. Then at 1:30 PM, the Howell Farm Hogs will have a public game against the Bulls.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Mine Hill Food Truck & Music Festival
June 5 from 11 AM-7 PM
Have fun while also giving back to the Mine Hill Fire Department. Food, music, and fun will be available for all ages. Kids can enjoy sand art, inflatables, games, pony rides, and more. Please bring a non-perishable item for the food pantry too.
Cost: Admission is $5, free for 5 and under
Baker Hill Road, Mine Hill, NJ 07803
(973) 927-2794
Donaldson Farm Food Truck Fest
June 5 from 12 PM-8 PM
It’s time to officially kick off summer at the farm with an outdoor family festival. Enjoy food trucks, live music, and activities for everyone. There will be a balloon artist, boardwalk-style games, and more.
Cost: at the door $8 adults and $5 children ages 4-16
358 Allen Road Hackettstown, NJ 07840
(908) 852-9122
Lacemaking Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
June 5 from 1 PM-3 PM
Do you know how to bobbin? Learn all about the historical techniques of crochet, bobbin, and shuttle work from the Victorian era. Watch lacemaking in action with this historic demonstration offered through the Monmouth County Parks System.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
Climb Time at Clayton Park
June 6 from 12 PM-3 PM
How high can you climb? Visit the Clayton Park Activity Center to try out the 25-foot portable climbing wall. All participants must be 42 inches or taller to climb. This event is for ages 8 and up and must have an adult present.
Cost: Free
161 Emley’s Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08514
(609) 259-5794
Pier Village Family Fun Night
June 6 from 12 PM-8 PM
Every Sunday, Pier Village will be hosting a family fun day-to-night celebration with rock wall climbing, miniature golf, trampoline bungee jumping, rides, games, and more. Don’t miss the Pier Village Carousel, Family Fun Arcade, and Boardwalk Fun N’ Games.
Cost: Free, some costs for rides and games.
1 Chelsea Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-0100
Out-of-Doors and Over There
June 6 at 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM
Take a walking tour to follow the Old Dutch Parsonage’s Frelinghuysen family from the American Revolution to the end of World War 1. This tour will include historic grounds and houses that are frequently missed on other tours. All ages are welcome.
Cost: Free
Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, Somerset Street Flagpole
71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 725-1015
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