June is hitting its stride, and with Dad’s Day, summer solstice, and no more school, this weekend is kicking into high gear with family fun. Listen to live music, sample food, and jump on lots of rides like The Zipper, The Fun Slide, and the Ferris Wheel at the Tri-County Fair in Rockaway, climb into the cockpit of a very rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane and a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter at the Open Cockpit Weekend at the Aviation Hall of Fame in Teterboro, or spend the day looking a vintage roadsters and cruisers at a Classic Car Show in Atlantic Highlands. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: @tricountyfair)
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Make Summer Memories At Jenkinson’s
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, has been creating unforgettable family memories at the Jersey Shore for nearly 100 years. Located right along the oceanfront, the boardwalk features an amusement park, an aquarium, arcades, mini-golf, an adventure ropes course, beaches, dining, shopping, and attractions for all ages. New for 2026 is Patriot’s Run, an all-new family roller coaster celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme. Throughout the summer, guests can also enjoy a full lineup of free family entertainment, including weekly fireworks, concerts, movies on the beach, magic shows, character appearances, and special events. Whether you’re spending the day by the boardwalk or making lifelong memories with loved ones, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk offers the perfect mix of fun, tradition, and classic Jersey Shore experiences!
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Tri-County Fair
June 18-21
This Father’s Day fair will entertain the whole family. Listen to live music, sample food, and jump on lots of rides like The Zipper, The Fun Slide, and the Ferris Wheel, and see an acrobat extravaganza and drone light shows.
Cost: Free to enter, $5 per vehicle
140 Green Pond Road, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Blueberry Summer Fest
June 19
Pick blueberries, take a wagon ride, enjoy locally made blueberry pies, donuts, and cakes, tour the home of The Blueberry Queen, Elizabeth Coleman White, and shop with handmade vendors while listening to music on the Whitesbog stage.
Cost: no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Summer Solstice Music Festival
June 19 at 4 PM
It’s the official start of summer in Haddon Township. Live music, food trucks, strolling entertainment, a petting zoo, a beer garden, and a giant fun slide.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue between Strawbridge Avenue & Cooper Street, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Father’s Day Weekend Sports Card and Collectibles Show
June 19-21
This Father’s Day weekend, head to the Sports Card & Collectibles Show to explore a wide variety of collectibles, novelties, autographed memorabilia, sports card releases, and apparel.
Cost: Free
Moorestown Mall, 400 NJ-38, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Annual Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show
June 20
What could be more classic for Father’s Day than a car show? Spend the morning at this annual show featuring all the classic, antique, and unique cars of the past. There will also be vendors, food trucks, trophies, entertainment, and goodie bags. The rain date is June 27.
Cost: $15 before 5/31 and then $20 at the door
First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Open Cockpit Weekend at the Aviation Hall of Fame
June 20
Climb into the cockpit of a very rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane and a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter. Don’t miss the interior of the M*A*S*H Bell 47 helicopter made famous during the Korean War. There will also be an International Space Station display, featuring uniforms and items used by Buzz Aldrin and other notable astronauts.
Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for children under 12; children 2 and under are free
400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ 07608
Point Pleasant Boro Rotary Father’s Day 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run
June 20
Come to Community Park to run and raise money for Rotary charities. Awards will be given to the top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female overall finishers and the top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female finishers in each age group.
Cost: $20 and up
Corner of Bridge Avenue & Beaver Dam Road, Point Pleasant Boro, NJ US 08742
Skimmer Festival
June 20 at 9 AM
Round up your crew to check out the Seaside Vendor Craft Market along the oceanfront Promenade, the Skimmer Food Court, and Excursion Park. Inside Excursion Park, there will be live music and free family activities. There will also be free amusement rides from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Cost: Free
Oceanfront Promenade and Excursion Park at JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Kick Off to Summer Food Truck Festival
June 20 at 3 PM
Island Vibe music and food trucks will be at the Jersey Shore for this family-friendly event. Don’t miss the Kickoff to Summer 5K in the morning, either.
Cost: Adults are $5, children are free
Lavallette Bayfront and Philadelphia Ave, Lavallette, NJ 08735
Freshwater Fishing Derby
June 20-21
Celebrate Father’s Day at the annual freshwater fishing derbies for beginners and experienced anglers. Experienced staff will provide free hands-on clinics to show you how to cast and rig and answer any questions. Prizes will be awarded for the longest fish in three different categories. A container of worms is included with each registration.
Cost: $28 per family of 4; $9 per person
Manasquan Reservoir and Turkey Swamp Park
Father’s Day Weekend at the Winery
June 20-21
Is there a better way to spend Father’s Day weekend than sipping wine and lite bites? Kids can have fun visiting the barnyard, playing on the tractors, walking on the farm trail, and listening to live music, while you taste local wines.
Cost: $2 off admission for dads
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Miller Farms Monster Truck Show
June 20-21
Witness monster trucks perform daring and dangerous stunts, quad racing, and more at Miller Farm’s Monster Truck Show to kick off Father’s Day weekend. Enjoy the ultimate Pit Party two hours before the start of the show, which includes a meet-and-greet with the drivers, photo ops, food trucks, a Kid Zone, and more.
Cost: General admission is $30. Admission for children is $15
Miller Farms, 134 N Grove St, Berlin, NJ 08009
Father’s Day Open Swim at Five Star Swim School
June 21
Make a splash and celebrate Father’s Day with Five Star Swim for a cozy, memory-filled swim with your family. The warm saltwater pools create the perfect space to relax, laugh, and bond, creating unforgettable family memories.
Cost: Free for current students; children 3 and under are free
Five Star Swim School – Deptford: June 21, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM (1500 Almonesson Rd, Deptford, NJ 08096)
Five Star Swim School – East Brunswick: June 21, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM (300 NJ-18 N, East Brunswick, NJ 08816)
Five Star Swim School – Eatontown: June 21, 1:30 PM–2:30 PM (1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724)
Five Star Swim School – Edison: June 21, 3:00 PM–4:00 PM (1655 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820)
Five Star Swim School – Galloway: June 21, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM (323 S Pitney Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205)
Five Star Swim School – Oakland: June 21, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM (350 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436)
Five Star Swim School – Princeton: June 21, 3:00 PM–4:00 PM (127 Main St., Princeton, NJ 08540)
31st Annual Father’s Day Cruise To The Jersey Shore Car Show On The Oceanfront
June 21 at 9 AM
Cruise over with dad to see rods, customs, classics, and race cars. There will be food, a DJ, and shopping at the adjacent Pier Village. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern NJ.
Cost: $15 spectators fee
100 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Brook Hollow Winery’s Classic Cars, Cookout, and Corks
June 21 at 11 AM
Visit Brook Hollow Winery for their Annual Father’s Day event, featuring a car show, delicious food, live music, and family-friendly fun.
Cost: Free to attend; food will cost extra
594 State Highway 94, Columbia, NJ 07832
Cranford Jaycees Father’s Day Fishing Derby
June 21
Bring your rods to the pond stocked with fish for the Leonard Snyder Memorial Father’s Day Fishing Derby.
Cost: Free
Nomahegan Park, 1024 Springfield Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016
Earthquake Father’s Day Show
June 21 at 7 PM
Comedy sensation Earthquake returns with his Father’s Day Comedy Show. This year’s event features guest stars Mr. Bishop, Junior, D’Lai, TK Kirkland, and Donnell Rawlings.
Cost: Tickets are $55+
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
June 21
Take a spin on the boardwalk—on Father’s Day, Dads receive FREE admission with a paid child admission to the Amusement park, Aquarium, Mini Golf, Fun House, Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, Castaway Cove Mini Golf Course, and Lighthouse Point Mini Golf.
Cost: Prices vary per attraction
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Father’s Day at Monmouth Racetrack
June 21 at 12 PM
Spend this Father’s Day at the track and surprise Dad with a Father’s Day brunch in the Dining Club, or pack a cooler and enjoy the day in the picnic area. Dad can also be entered to win a pair of VIP Lynyrd Skynyrd concert tickets at PNC Bank Arts Center on July 26, but must be on-site to enter.
Cost: All gentlemen receive free admission
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Father’s Day Special at Casino Pier
June 21
Bring Dad to Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark on his special day. Dads enjoy loads of perks, including free rides with their full-price paying child (under 16 years old). Also, dads can enter the waterpark for free.
Cost: Free for dads with a full-paying child (under 16) on the same ride.
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Whippany Railway Museum – Special Father’s Day Train Rides
June 21
Ride the rails on one of Morris County’s historic railroads while enjoying time with the family. Ride the caboose and spend a relaxing afternoon celebrating Dad. Step back through the decades as you travel the route of “The Whippanong Trail”.
Cost: $13 and up
Whippany Railway Museum, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ 07981
Father’s Day Breakfast
June 21 at 9 AM
Enjoy a special teatime breakfast with delicious food, live piano music, and a sharing of the history of the beautiful Mathis House.
Cost: $20 per person
Mathis House, 600 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
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