August slipped away into a moment of time, but before summer goes, there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do this Labor Day weekend with the fam. Wish summer adieu and take in the magic of lanterns lighting up the water at the Atlantic County Water Lantern Festival in Mays Landing, listen to bluegrass tunes at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival in Woodstown, or play games, go on rides, and watch at Labor Day Parade at the Annual Labor Day Carnival in Mendham. (Featured Photo Credit Water Lantern Festival )
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Glassboro Car Show & Food Truck Festival
September 1 at 5 PM
This 18th annual event is for all the car enthusiasts in the fam. Come out to the festival and enjoy over 300 vehicles, live music, food trucks, and craft beer.
Cost: Free
Glassboro Town Square, 1 West High Street, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Atlantic County Water Lantern Festival
September 1-2 at 4:30 PM
Say goodbye to summer and witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water. Write your wishes on your lantern before letting them float on top of the water and take your breath away.
Cost: Varies
Lenape Lake East, 753 Park Rd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair
September 1-2 at 6 PM
Enjoy Labor Day weekend at this fun and exciting fair, perfect for the whole family. From carnival rides and games to a seafood dining tent and fire truck rides, there is so much to do.
Cost: Free
Fair Haven Fire Department, River Road and Battin Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704
Boonton Fireman’s Fair
September 1-3 at 6 PM
What could be better than three days full of fun for the whole family? Hop on rides, taste fantastic food, play carnival games, and watch the live entertainment and fireworks every night.
Cost: $40 Wristbands For Rides
Boonton High School, 306 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005
Annual Labor Day Carnival
September 1-3 at 6 PM
This three-day carnival is an annual tradition and an event to remember. There will be games, rides, food, and a Labor Day Parade on Monday morning.
Cost: Free
Pastime Club Inc, 3 Hilltop Road #1, Medham Borough, NJ 07945
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
September 1-3 at 6 PM
Since 1972, this festival has been held on Labor Day weekend, and the tradition continues this year. Bring the whole crew and enjoy all things Bluegrass music, vendors, and other fun.
Cost: Ticket prices vary; children 17 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
Salem County Fair Association, 735 Harding Highway, Woodstown, NJ 08098
108th Saint Joseph Feast
September 1-4 at 6 PM
Who’s ready for food, rides, games, and more at the Saint Joseph Feast? Gather up the family and enjoy the fun all weekend long.
Cost: Free
40 Spring Street, Lodi, NJ 07644
Summer Concert and Fireworks
September 2 at 6:30 PM
The North Jersey Concert Band will perform an outdoor concert followed by a firework show to send off summer. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the show.
Cost: Free
Park Ridge High School, 2 Park Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Knowlton Township Fire & Rescue Food & Music Festival
September 2 at 11 AM
Did someone say food trucks? Bring your appetite and the entire family to take part in the inflatable village, face painter, sand art, henna tattoos, and more.
Cost: $8 for everyone 8 and older
4 Roy Ace Street, Delaware, NJ 07833
Star Wars Day at the Zoo
September 2 at 10 AM
Have a little one who loves Star Wars? Head to the Cape May County Park & Zoo for a fun-filled day of characters, crafts, trivia, and special treats for the animals throughout the day.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 U.S. 9, Middle Township, NJ 08210
Kids Observation Hike
September 2 at 10 AM
Enjoy the outdoors with the family and hunt for plants, bugs, birds, and whatever else you can find along the way. Your little ones will have the chance to discuss all they observe during the hike.
Cost: Free
Stokes State Forest, 1 Coursen Road, Sandyston, NJ 07826
Jersey Shore BlueClaws Fan Appreciation Night
September 2 at 7:05 PM
The last night game of the 2023 season will be full of fun with a mystery giveaway, a fan appreciation picnic, food and drink specials, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Shoretown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Fall Flower Festival & Craft Market
September 2-3 at 9 AM
Enjoy two days of fun with the fam, from free lectures and tours to plants and vendors. There will also be delicious coffee and food at the event.
Cost: Free
Well-Sweep Herb Farm, 205 Mount Bethel Rd, Port Murray, NJ 07865
Revolutionary War Encampment
September 2-3 at 4 PM
See a bit of history during the Revolutionary War reenactment, where there will be weaponry, demonstrations, and a rousing Patriot Spy game.
Cost: $12-14 for admission
Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
3rd Annual Pet Palooza Food and Music Fest
September 3 at 12 PM
With Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, this event will be fun-filled for a good cause—helping find forever homes for dogs and cats. There will also be 15+ food vendors, live music, games, a pet fashion show, and more.
Cost: $5 per person, 6 years and older
Mennen Sports Arena, 161 Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Mindful Land with Amie
September 3 at 6 PM
This event is a great way to introduce kids to mindfulness and meditation. Suitable for kids ages 6 and up, there will be mindful movement, a closing circle, and more.
Cost: $8
Clubhouse Road, Beachwood, NJ 08722
Clifton Food Truck, Art, and Music Festival
September 3 at 11 AM
Enjoy a day in the sun and spend time with the entire family eating delicious food, listening to music, and craft vendors.
Cost: Free
Clifton Municipal Complex, 900 Clifton Ave Clifton, NJ 07013
DIY Tie-Dye Pop-Up Event
September 3 at 12 PM
Bring 1-2 white or lightly colored clothing items and get to work tie-dying them. There will also be tie-dye lessons and customization available.
Cost: Free
The Venus Moon Crystal Warehouse, 234 Chestnut Street, Gloucester Township, NJ 08029
Netcong’s End of Summer Food Truck And Music Festival
September 3 at 11 AM
Celebrate the end of summer at this event filled with food trucks, live entertainment, a beer tent for the grown-ups, vendors, and more.
Cost: $6 for kids and $8 for adults
Arbolino Park, 93 Koclas Drive, Netcong, NJ 07857
End of Summer Block Party
September 3 at 1 PM
Say so long to summer at this annual event featuring music, crafts, food, and much more. There’s also a great lineup of live music throughout the day.
Cost: Free
Fox Park, 4500 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair
September 4 at 10 AM
Spend Labor Day enjoying a giant block party that spans the Newark Pompton Turnpike. With rides, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and more, this event is one for the books.
Cost: Free
83 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457
31st Annual 5K Labor Day Race & 1.5 Mile Family Fitness Walk
September 4 at 11:30 AM
Looking for a way to get moving with the whole family? Everyone can compete no matter what level of running or walking they can do and run along the parade route before the Labor Day parade begins. Then, once you are done with the race, stay for the fun parade.
Cost: $20 for the 5K & $5 for the fitness walk
South Plainfield Middle School, 2201 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080
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