Somehow, it’s the last weekend in June, and we’re ushering in a new month with lots of family-friendly events around the state. Get a head start on 4th of July celebrations at the many patriotic events up and down the Parkway, round up your crew to pick blueberries, enjoy live music, blueberry treats, photo ops, and, of course, hand-picked farm-fresh blueberries at the Blueberry Festival at Argos Farm, or celebrate the end of the school year at the School’s Out Food Truck Festival in New Egypt. 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/Charli Bandit)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
SPONSORED
Impact Youth League Skills Camp
July 8-12 and 22-26
Stop by American Dream as they repurpose their Ice Rink into a basketball court with Impact Youth League at a week-long skills camp. There will be top-tier workouts, personalized training stations, competitive league games, and more.
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Seafood Boil
June 28 at 6 PM
Does your family love seafood? Then, you need to head to this fun event to enjoy black mussels, succulent shrimp, green mussels, snow crabs, and more. Make sure you bring your appetite.
Cost: $36
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Atlantic City 4th of July Fireworks in New Jersey Shows
June 28
As a city known for its grandeur and over-the-top displays, these fireworks are not to be missed. The two free shows are viewable from places along the beach and casino district. Catch the North Beach on June 28 at 9:30 PM. Tropicana will offer a fireworks spectacular at 10 PM on July 4.
Cost: Parking costs
North Beach, North Beach boardwalk area, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Lake Hopatcong Fireworks
June 28 at 9 PM
Presented by the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, this fireworks display on the 4th of July goes off lakeside and can be seen by boat or on land. The rain date is June 29.
Cost: Free
Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club – 75 N. Bertrand Road, Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
June 28-30
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
Saint Mary’s Great Fair
June 28-29
Head to this fair with the family and enjoy rides, food, and a special Kiddie Zone. Bracelet night is every night of the fair. There will also be 50/50 and boardwalk games.
Cost: $30 after mass, $35 at the fair
18 Cherry Tree Farm Rd, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
Chester Firemans Carnival
June 28-29 at 6:30 PM
Bring the whole family for rides, games, food, music, and fire truck rides. There will also be fireworks at night.
Cost: Pay For One price is $35 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
290 West Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Saint Ambrose Parish Carnival
June 28-29
Pony rides, face painting, glitter tattoos, games, food, rides, and nightly character visits—this carnival has it all.
Cost: $35 online before June 24 at midnight; $45 when purchased at the event.
St. Ambrose Parish Carnival St Ambrose 61 Throckmorton Lane Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Beauty and the Beast
June 28-29
It’s a tale as old as time, and your little ones can enjoy it on stage. Watching the characters come alive is a memory you won’t soon forget. Make sure you bring your own chairs.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
1 Pine Drive, Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ 08837
LEAD Fest State Fair – Mercer County Park
June 28-July 7
Get ready for food, fun, rides, and more at the Law Enforcement Agents Drugs and Violence (LEAD) Fair. Nightly entertainment will include a petting farm, rides, Cowtown USA, and a pie-eating contest.
Cost: $7 during the week and $8 on weekends; several activities are an additional cost
1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550
Blueberry Festival at Argos Farm
June 28 – July 7 at 10 AM
It’s the annual Argos Farm Blueberry Festival, featuring live music, blueberry treats, photo ops, and, of course, hand-picked farm-fresh blueberries. The kids will love the double hay slide, bee zip line, and jumbo jumper air pillow.
Cost: $14.95 online and $19.95 at the gate
1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Manchester Day
June 29 at 2 PM
Come out for a day filled with fireworks, vendors, free rides, games, and so much more. Live entertainment starts at 6 PM, featuring “Kickin’ Wing” and “KBrown Express,” and there will be games, prizes, free swimming, and fireworks at dusk.
Cost: Free
Harry Wright Lake, Nature Drive, Whiting, NJ 08759
Margate Beachstock
June 29 at 8 AM
Head to the beach for a full day of family fun. Enjoy live music, free surf, kite lessons, children’s activities, new food vendors, and more. This event will feature the Red Bull Foam Wreckers Soft Board Surf Classic, fun environmental, educational, interactive activities, and live music. The rain date is June 30.
Cost: Free, and no beach badges are required to attend
Between Granville and Huntington Avenues, Margate, NJ 08402
Kids Cooking Class (in-person)
June 29 at 10 AM and 11:15 AM
Join Ms. Jenn in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class making healthy, seasonal recipes. This class is open to kids aged 4-10. Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org with any allergies before attending.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Mercerville, NJ 08619
New Jersey Symphony at Marine Park in Red Bank
June 29 at 8 PM
Bring the whole family out as the New Jersey Symphony returns to Marine Park in Red Bank. Experience the free concert while enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of the Navesink River.
Cost: Free
Marine Park, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Star Spangled South Orange
June 29 at 6 PM
Join in on a new tradition to celebrate the birth of our nation. This event will feature a Sloppy Joe eating contest, a South Orange Symphony performance, food trucks, YMCA Y Zone kids’ games, art projects, and a viewing of the classic film “1776.”
Cost: Free
Meadowland Park, 5 Mead St, South Orange, NJ 07079
Maple Shade Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
June 29 at 12 PM
Celebrate Independence Day with a parade and fireworks. The parade will start on Main Street, and fireworks will be at Maple Shade High School at dusk.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
Win and Wine Festival
June 29-30 at 11 AM
Sample wine, eat pizza, and listen to live music while enjoying world-class horse racing. On Sunday, it’s Family Fun Day with clowns, pony rides, and a bounce house.
Cost: General Admission is $6. Children 12 and younger are free.
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
School’s Out Food Truck Festival
June 29-30 at 11 AM
With free admission for school employees, free parking, a face painter, firepits, and fireworks, this festival promises to be a day of family fun among the vineyards. Don’t miss the food trucks and live music.
Cost: Free for all school employees, $13 online, and $15 at the door; everyone under 21 is free.
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Firefly Festival at Terhune Orchards
June 30 at 4 PM
Treat the whole family to an electrifying afternoon and evening where children can dress up as fireflies after decorating wings and making antennas in the craft area. Lolly Hop will be performing an interactive and imaginative show.
Cost: Admission to the festival is free; there is a $7 charge for craft activities.
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Paramus Firework Show and Food Truck Festival
June 30 at 3 PM
During the day, head to Garden State Plaza for this lively food truck festival, featuring live music and delicious food vendors to support the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department. At 6 PM, bring a chair and blanket to the Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex for live entertainment and a breathtaking fireworks show at dusk.
Cost: Free
New Jersey Symphony at Liberty State Park in Jersey City
June 30 at 7:30 PM
Enjoy the sounds of the New Jersey Symphony while overlooking the Hudson River with a clear view of the Manhattan Skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Make sure to bring your own lawn chair/blanket. Located at Liberty State Park’s Green Ring.
Cost: Free
Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
ONGOING EVENT
State Fair Meadowlands
June 20 – July 7
Bring the family for a day full of fun. Enjoy 150+ rides and attractions, 100+ food vendors, 50+ game vendors, and 12 shows, including Cycle Circus, Pirates of the Columbian Carribean, Extreme Illusions and Escapes, and so much more.
Cost: $39.99 for a Fun Pass
1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
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