August is coming in hot, and we’re starting the month off right with tons of family-friendly, fun things to do this weekend. Sit under the palm trees and play bingo at Aquarium Beach Bingo in Point Pleasant, get on rides, watch shows, see farm animals and more at the Sussex County Fair in Augusta, or enjoy fresh food, craft vendors, children’s activities, and, of course, fireworks at the Highlands Annual Clam Festival. 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: @jenksboardwalk)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
August 2 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
Summer Bash at Five Star Swim School
August 2 at 2 PM
Dive into the ultimate summer celebration at the Five Star Swim School—Summer Bash! Join us for a fun Luau-themed swim party that promises a fantastic time with your family. There will be music, games, crafts, and snacks to enjoy.
Cost: $25 per child
1500 Almonesson Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
Sunset Sips & Sounds
August 2
There’s no better way to unwind from a busy week than at this fun event for the whole family. Adults can grab a glass of wine while the kids listen to live music and snack on the delicious food available for purchase.
Cost: Free admission
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Aquarium Beach Bingo
August 2 at 7 PM
Bring the fam and enjoy a night of bingo on the beach. Instead of using numbers, this bingo uses beach items. Come sit under the palm trees and win prizes.
Cost: Free
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
Highlands Annual Clam Festival
August 2-3, fireworks on August 3
There will be fresh food, craft vendors, children’s activities, and, of course, fireworks on the last night of this three-day festival.
Cost: free admission and parking
Snug Harbor Beach, Highlands, NJ 07732
Winfield Park Carnival
August 2-3
Who’s ready for some games, rides, ribs, clams, and more? Make memories with the fam while supporting the volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Squad.
Cost: Free
Winfield Park, Corner of Seafoam and North Stiles Street, Winfield, NJ 07036
Putt For Pets
August 2-4
Bring your crew for a day of mini golf that supports the Animal Welfare Association. Your ticket includes 18 holes of fun and yummy water ice.
Cost: $10 per person
Pleasant Valley Mini Golf, 93 NJ-73, Vorhees, NJ 08043
Sussex County Fair
August 2-4
This county fair features a lumberjack competition, demolition derby, and monster truck show. Bring the kids to the Family Area with Hot Dog Pig Races, a magic show, and a juggling show. There will also be food, an agricultural area, a horse show, carnival rides, and exhibits.
Cost: Parking is free, adults $15, veterans/active military $7, children (6-12) $5, seniors 60+ $10, online advance ticket sales are available
New Jersey State Fair, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 3
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
Olde Freehold Day
August 3 at 12 PM
Come together to listen to music, try food and drinks, and be part of the pajama drive to support hospitalized children. Stretch your arm before the event and participate in the dunk tank.
Cost: Free
Lake Topanemus, Pond Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Watershed Butterfly Festival
August 3
Have a little one who is obsessed with butterflies? The Butterfly Festival has everything you can think of, from an insect zoo, children’s play zone, nature-themed crafts, a butterfly and bug parade, and more. There will also be animal shows to enjoy.
Cost: $10 per person or $25 per carload (up to 6 people)
The Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington, NJ 08534
Revolutionary Way Reenactment
August 3 at 10 AM
Interested in the history of the American Revolution in New Jersey? The Outwater’s Militia (a Revolutionary War reenactment group) will be stationed at Washington Crossing State Park. They will be getting together for drills and setting up camp, where you can walk through and talk to them about the life and times during the Revolutionary War.
Cost: Free
Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560
Manahopkin Craft Beer & Music Festival
August 3
A festival where there are things to do for the adults in the family AND children? Yes, please. There will be food, beer from local breweries, live music, craft vendors, and fun activities for kids.
Cost: Free or $30 if you are sampling beer (must be 21 or older)
Manahawkin Lake Park, Route 9 and North Lakeshore Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
33rd Annual Sea Girt 5K
August 3 at 8:30 AM, Kids Races begin at 10 AM
Get moving with the entire family and join the Sea Girt 5K. You can run or walk at the 5K, and there are kids’ races, too. The race course will also have fun kids’ activities and live music. Register ahead of time or in person.
Cost: $35 per adult and $15 per child
810 The Plaza, Sea Girt, NJ 08750
The Pavillion Concert Series
August 3 at 5:30 PM
Bring the whole family and enjoy amazing music at the Red Mill. Put on your dancing shoes and listen to music with food trucks available.
Cost: $5 per person
Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
Just Peachy Festival
August 3-4 at 10 AM
Enjoy live music, an interactive bubble show, a special craft activity, a traveling zoo, and more. There will be pony rides, games, barnyard tractors, rubber duck races, and even a scavenger hunt. Don’t miss the freshly baked, old-fashioned peach cobblers or pies.
Cost: $15 online and $18 at the gate; children under 3 are free
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Luau at Laurita Food Truck Festival
August 3-4 at 11 AM
Aloha—enjoy outstanding wines with friends and family as well as a Luau Show with hula and fire dancers where you can take free lessons to learn to hula. 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
Magical Meet & Greets
August 4 from 1 PM – 2 PM
Bring your little ones who love Beauty and the Beast and enjoy Belle’s Village Party, where Belle will retell this famous story with a live show.
Cost: Free
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Taco Palooza
August 4
Did someone say tacos? Bring the fam and enjoy food trucks, live music, face painting, rock climbing, a bungee trampoline, and more. There’s nothing better than some family fun with lots of tacos.
Cost: $5 pre-purchase or $7 at the door; kids under 5 are free
Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurfville Cross Keys Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
Movies on the Beach
August 4 at 8:30 PM
Enjoy free movies every Sunday near Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights. This week is all about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
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