As the last days of school wind down and we’re gearing up for summer fun, keep the good vibes going with lots of family-friendly activities this weekend. Pick berries and snap selfies in the lavender fields at Opening Day at Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, test out your drumming skills at Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape’s 41st Annual Pow-Wow in Pilesgrove Township, or fill up on delicious ice cream at the World’s Largest Ice Cream Eating Contest at the Hoboken Ice Cream Contest & Festival in Hoboken. If you are looking for more June fun, check out free events in NJ this June. (feature photo credit: @happydayfarmnj)
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
June 7 and 21 at 4:30 PM
Hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parent/guardian must register. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, knife skills, and more.
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
Bloomfield Food Truck and Music Fest
June 10 at 4 PM
Bring your whole crew to this festive event, with 15 food trucks, live music, face painting, hatchet throwing, a petting zoo, sand art, kids activities, and vendors. Parking is free.
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free, and please bring a nonperishable canned or boxed item to help support the food pantry.
St Thomas the Apostle Parking Lot – 50 Byrd Ave., Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Opening Day for U-pick Raspberries and Lavender Viewing at Happy Day Farm
June 11 at 8 AM
Don’t miss the opening day of raspberry picking and lavender viewing at Happy Day Farm, where you can snap photos for the ‘gram at any of their 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.
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
4th Annual Moorestown Paddle Board/ Kayak & Family Festival
June 11 at 9 AM
The Strawbridge Lake Beautification Committee is hosting its 4th Annual Moorestown Paddle Board/Kayak Race and Family Festival with food trucks, microbreweries, vendors, live music, a Silent Auction, and kayak rentals.
Cost: Various costs for the race and kayak rentals
Corner of Kings Highway and Haines Drive in Moorestown, NJ 08057
Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape’s 41st Annual Pow-Wow
June 11 at 10 AM, June 12 at 6:30 PM
It’s the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation’s 41st Annual Powwow with traditions, songs, food, and culture. Come celebrate Lenni-Lenape heritage with Aztec Dancers, Birds of Prey, a drum contest, and a Car Show on Sunday.
Cost: $5 per person; admission includes dancer registration
Salem County Fairgrounds, 760 Harding Hwy, Rte 40, Pilesgrove Township 08098
Rose Day Festival 2022
June 11 at 10 AM
The first signs of summer are here, and you can see them at Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden, where thousands of roses in many varieties will be in full bloom. Stroll the gardens, enjoy music and entertainment, meet local artisans, and try some food. Rose plants will also be for sale.
Cost: Donations are appreciated
Colonial Park Gardens, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
Gloucester County Summer Kick-Off
June 11 at 11 AM
Summer is almost here, so kick it off with activities for the whole family. Peruse the vendors, listen to live music, have your kids get their faces painted, and watch magicians. There will be local food vendors and local beer crafters for the adults.
James G. Atkinson Memorial Park, 138 Bethel Mill Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080
84th Annual Columbus Field Day and Parade
June 11 at 11 AM
The event kicks off with a parade followed by lively carnival rides and water play. There will also be games, prizes, craft vendors, food trucks, face painting, pony rides, and music.
Cost: Free, but there will be a cost for some parts of the event
West Main Street to East Main Street, ending in Mansfield Community Park, 24594 E Main St, Columbus, NJ 08022
Colonia Food Truck and Music Festival
June 11 at 11 AM
Hit this festival with gourmet food trucks, live music, and activities for the kids, including pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and sand art. Parking is free, and dogs are permitted.
Cost: $5, and kids under 5 are free. Bring a nonperishable canned or boxed item to help support the food pantry 420 Inman Ave., Colonia, NJ 07067
Westfield Street Fair
June 11 at 11 AM
Head to downtown Westfield for a day of live music, a DJ, dancing, children’s rides, games, and something for the whole family.
Downtown Westfield, NJ 07090
Kamp for Kids Food Truck Festival
June 11 at 12 PM
Music, vendors, delicious food, and all of the proceeds will benefit children with autism at the Cherry Hill Mall.
Cherry Hill Mall parking lot by Church Road across from Macy’s and JCPenney, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Robbinsville Community Festival
June 11 at 2 PM
Check out the kids play zone, games, contests, a trackless train, pony rides, a chocolate eating contest, and pony rides. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9 PM. The rain date is June 12.
Community Park.- West Manor Way and Gordon Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
6th Annual TD Bank Food Truck Festival at New Jersey Motorsports
June 11 at 4 PM
Sample a variety of food trucks from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Over 20 food trucks are expected, in addition to vendors, music, and on-track action. Bring seating like lawn chairs and blankets since most of the festival will be held on grass.
Cost: Free
8000 Dividing Creek Rd, Millville, NJ 08332
Stafford Founders Day
June 11 at 4 PM
Watch the parade, then head to the festivities where the whole family will have a ball, including food trucks, a pie-eating contest, inflatables, and mechanical rides. The day ends with a fireworks display at dusk. The rain date is June 12.
Starts at Stafford Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Jewish Culture Festival
June 12 at 10 AM
Come out to celebrate with children’s games, live music and dance, and a kids craft station. There will be food too.
Cost: There will be a fee for some activities
2101 New Albany Road, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Montvale Family Fun Food Truck and Street Festival
June 12 at 10 AM
Check out this family fun day with a Kids Zone, Food Trucks, and freebies from local exhibitors. There will also be street fair vendors and an arts and crafts section.
Paragon Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645
Fair Lawn Street Fair
June 12 at 11 AM
Everyone will enjoy a day outdoors in Fair Lawn with live music, a DJ, crafters, vendors, and rides.
Downtown Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Hoboken Ice Cream Contest & Festival
June 12 at 11 AM
Come to the World’s Largest Ice Cream Eating Contest and get ready to indulge. Contestants will race to finish a scoop, half-pint, or pint of the sugary, cold treat. It is recommended to register in advance.
Cost: $6 and $10 at the gate
Main Street Pops Artisan Market, 1333 Madison Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Summerfest Food Truck and Music Festival
June 12 at 11 AM
Come out to Livingston to enjoy food trucks, art, and music for the whole family. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo and a face painter too. Don’t forget your blanket and chairs,
Cost: $5, kids under 10 are free.
Livingston Oval, 30 Robert Harp Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039
2022 HV Arts Council Color Fun Run & Walk
June 12 at 11 AM
Run or walk on this 1.5+ mile course where you will go through color stations along the route, and volunteers will shower participants with food-grade dyed cornstarch. The run will end with a fun dance celebration and one last group color blast. Don’t forget to wear your white shirt so the colors will pop.
Cost: up to $20; participants must sign a release before entering available on the website.
Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560
Ongoing Events
Flip Circus
Now-June 13, times vary
Come to see a modern circus show, and the tour’s final stop is in Edison, NJ. The show will feature Italy’s Bello Brothers, Globe of Death Motorcycles, Alexa Swing Pole act, Shirley Larible’s aerial strap act, and Chicago AllStars acrobats.
Cost: $25-$65
55 Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ 08837
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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