Can you believe that we are already halfway through June? With school out and plenty of things to do with the fam, we’re making this Father’s Day weekend one to remember. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel at the Tri-County Fair in Rockaway, get loco at Tacopalooza in Hopatcong, or watch the Juneteenth Classic Basketball Game at the NAACP Branch – Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in Bayonne. Looking for things to do with dad? Check out these events that put dad in the spotlight. (feature photo credit: istock/Believe_In_Me)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Barefoot Country Music Fest
June 16-19, times vary
Get barefoot on the beach and listen to some country tunes. There will be free entertainment as well as 40+ artists.
Cost: Some events are free, and others are $199 and up
3601 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Tri-County Fair Rockaway
June 16-19
Take the whole family to Rockaway for this lively carnival with rides, games, live music, and fireworks at the Tri-County Fair. There will be classics like the Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, games of chance, monster truck rides, pony rides, fun fair foods, and the Illusions of Jay Mattioli (as seen on America’s Got Talent).
140 Green Pond Road, Rockaway, NJ 07866
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
June 17-19
Over the next three weekends, this festival will feature carnival rides, fireworks, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, High Flying Pages Thrill Show, Wild Wheels Thrill Motorcycle Show, a magic show, and a petting zoo.
Cost: $13-$35; prices vary on select dates
US-1, Milltown, NJ 08850
Cape May Point 5 Mile and 2 Mile
June 18 at 8:15 AM
The 42nd Annual Cape May Point Five Mile Run will have a 2 Mile Run at 8:15 AM and a 5 Mile Run at 9 AM. Receive a complimentary t-shirt with registration. There will be categories for 10 and under, teens and adults.
Cost: $30 and up
412 Yale Ave., Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Strawberry Harvest Festival Weekend
June 18 at 8 AM
Pick your own strawberries, join the duck races, visits the farm animals, and let your littles play in the giant sandbox area. Since conditions constantly change, call ahead (908) 852-9122 x1 for current picking conditions or check their Facebook page.
Cost: There is no entry fee, but there is a fee for several activities on the farm
Donaldson Farms, 358 Allen Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Skimmer Festival
June 18 at 9 AM
The festival will begin with a Seaside Vendor Craft Market along the oceanfront Promenade, and the Skimmer Food Court will be open in front of Excursion Park. Hang out to and listen to live music and join in free family activities at the park. There will also be free amusement rides from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Oceanfront Promenade and Excursion Park at JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Sustainability Green Music and Arts
June 18 at 10 AM
Learn how to be more sustainable at this festival, where there will be live music, arts and crafts vendors, Dove Environmental Education, kids activities, and more for the whole family.
Washington Borough Business Improvement District – 21 Belvidere Ave.Washington, NJ 07882
(908) 689-4800
Annual Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show
June 18 at 10 AM
If Dad or grandpa is into the classics, check out this annual show featuring all the sports cars and collectibles of the past. There will also be vendors, music, sidewalk sales, trophies, prizes, and goodie bags.
Cost: $15
First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Open Cockpit Weekend at the Aviation Hall of Fame
June 18 at 10:30 AM
Spend time with dad in the cockpit of a very rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane and a US 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 a working display of the International Space Station with uniforms and items used by Buzz Aldrin and other notable astronauts.
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children under 12, children 2 and under are free
400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ 07608
Juneteenth Arts Festival
June 18 at 11 AM
Celebrate Juneteenth with live performances, music, food and art vendors, and kids activities.
Cost: Free
1 Swanstrom Place East, Union, NJ 07083
Tacopalooza
June 18 at 11 AM
Does your dad love tacos? Head to this lively event celebrating everything taco. Check out the live music and vendors as well as kids activities. There are also Peoples Choice Awards for Top Traditional Taco, Trendsetter Taco, and Loco Taco.
Cost: Adults $5, 5, and under are free. Please bring a nonperishable canned or boxed item to help support the local food pantry.
Hilltop Field, 32 Lakeside Blvd., Hopatcong, NJ 07843
Bayonne NAACP Branch – Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration
June 18 at 12 PM
Celebrate Juneteenth with the fam at this event with live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, free giveaways, and a 50/50 raffle. This event is family-friendly, and there will be children’s activities. The Juneteenth Classic Basketball Game will be at 3 PM. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
G. Thomas DiDomenico Park, 375-409 Avenue A, Bayonne, NJ 07002
Leonia Color and Kite Festival
June 18 at 12 PM
Get colorful with family fun, kites, a DJ, dry Holi colors, dance, and cultural programs for the whole crew. The rain date is June 25.
Cost: Free
370 Broad Avenue, Leonia, NJ 07605
Piscataway Juneteenth 2022
June 18 at 12 PM
This family-friendly event includes music, live presentations, games, dance, and children’s craft activities.
Cost: Free
Riverside Park, 430 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Drive-in Movie Night at Billian Legion Park
June 18 at 7:30 PM
It’s “Wild West Night,” and you can watch the Dreamworks’ animated movie, “Spirit Untamed.” There will be complimentary refreshments and goodies themed after the Wild West. Gates will open at 7:30 PM for parking and BYO blankets and chairs if you want to sit on the grass.
Cost: Free, but you must pre-register; the rain date will be June 25 if needed.
Billian Legion Park, 548 East Main Street, Bound Brook, NJ 08805
Father’s Day Fishing Tournament
July 19 at 8 AM, check-in at 6:30 AM-7:30 AM
Celebrate Dad with family, friends, and some great fishing. Pick up your packet and attend orientation on June 17 at 6 PM. The entry fee includes the tournament, six minnows or worms, complimentary coffee and donuts pre-tournament, a post-tournament raffle ticket, and entrance into the celebration after.
Cost: $53.31
Autumn Lake Winery, 870 West Malaga Road, Monroe, NJ 08094
U-pick Raspberries and Lavender Viewing at Happy Day Farm
June 19 at 8 AM – July 3
Get ready to pick four types of raspberries at Happy Day Farm, where you can snap photos for the ‘gram at any photo op spots and pick berries that span over 4 acres. Kids will love feeding the goats and chickens after snacking on shaved ice and lemonade. Lavender viewing will be available too.
Cost: $4 per person, and 1 and under are free, $4 (1/2 pound) and $6 for 1 pound
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Westwood Dad’s 5K and Family Walk
June 19 at 8 AM
The Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Memorial Foundation is hosting a run on a mostly flat through shaded park pathways and residential roads in memory of U.S. Marine Sgt. Christopher Hrbek. Amenities include t-shirts, water stops, refreshments, DJ, and kids activities.
Cost: $10-$30
Westvale Park, 235 Harrington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675
Ongoing Events
Broadway at the Garden State Plaza
Now-June 25 at 11 AM and 1 PM
See the best of Broadway for kids every Saturday, featuring songs and scenes from hit Broadway shows. This event is free for everyone and will highlight memorable scenes from your favorite Broadway shows like Aladdin, Wicked and Lion King, performed in a partnership with Bergen Performing Arts Center.
Level 2, Macy’s Court Area, nearest Shake Shack, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Run
Every Saturday at 9 AM
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or cheer on participants at this fun event. This run is free, but make sure to register before attending.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
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