It’s all things Dad this weekend, and we’ve got a lineup of family-friendly things to do to celebrate him. Check out vintage cars at the Chamber of Commerce Car Show in Atlantic Highlands, celebrate Juneteenth with a day of outdoor fun that includes live performances, carnival rides, food vendors, health and wellness activities, and more at the Juneteenth Festival in Newark, or take in live music, free family activities, and free amusement rides at the Skimmer Festival in Sea Isle City. 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/anykazie)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Make Father’s Day one you’ll never forget this year at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach. As a special offer, Dads receive FREE admission to the following attractions on the boardwalk with a paid child admission – Rides, Aquarium, Mini Golf, Fun House, and Adventure Lookout Ropes Course during open hours on Sunday, June 16th. This event is weather permitting and please note opening hours vary by attraction.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Seastreak
This Father’s Day set sail with Seastreak with two unforgettable cruises. Get the family together for an unforgettable experience on Whale Watching Cruise from Highlands, NJ off the coast of Sandy Hook. See humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins while learning from informed marine mammal experts. Sightings are guaranteed, or you’re invited back to try again for free! But don’t worry about your chances of finding wildlife – last year, we saw marine mammals on 96% of our cruises. Or circumnavigate Staten Island on a Lighthouse Cruise around Staten Island from Belford, NJ, and explore interesting and mysterious sites unfamiliar to most locals. Narrated by the National Lighthouse Museum, this informative cruise will journey up the Kill Van Kull and the Arthur Kill waterways, which contain fascinating history critical to NYC’s development and maritime history. Dad will love learning all about the 7 unique lighthouses described on the trip. All Seastreak high-speed ferries are designed with your comfort in mind! Enjoy spacious seating, a fully stocked bar, an open-air top deck, and temperature-controlled cabins on every vessel.
Highlands Ferry Terminal: 326 Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ, 07732
Belford Ferry Terminal: 10 Harbor Way, Belford, NJ, 07718
SPONSORED
Shore Cake Supply
Shore Cake Supply, located in the Middlebrook Plaza in Ocean Township, is offering a sweet gift idea for Dad. Turn your child’s Father’s Day drawing into an edible chocolate bar in 3 easy steps. Have your child make a picture for Dad, take a good picture of it, or bring it to us. Then place your order! Email pics to shorecakesupply@gmail.com.
1576 State Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07712
The Dad Olympics
June 14 at 10 AM – 12 PM
It’s Father’s Day weekend, and you’ve got this dad thing down pat! Calling all new dads—please join us with your little ones for a morning of fun activities all about baby care basics. Attendees will join in on games related to babywearing, paced bottle feeding, diaper changing, safe sleep, and swaddling! Learn about best practices to keep your little one safe and about local resources available to you and your family.
Cost: Free LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Miller Farms Monster Truck Show
June 14-17
Kick off Father’s Day weekend watching monster trucks perform daring and dangerous stunts, quad racing, and more at Miller Farm’s Monster Truck Show. Enjoy the ultimate Pit Party two hours before the start of the show, which includes a meet-and-greet with the drivers, photo ops, food trucks, a Kid Zone, and more.
Cost: General admission is $30. Admission for children is $15.
Miller Farms, 134 N Grove St Berlin, NJ 08009
Father’s Day Weekend Sports Card and Collectibles Show
June 14-16
This Father’s Day weekend, head to the Sports Card & Collectibles Show to explore a wide variety of collectibles, novelties, autographed memorabilia, sports card releases, and apparel.
Cost: Free
Moorestown Mall, 400 NJ-38, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Annual Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show
June 15 at 10 AM
What could be more classic for Father’s Day than an antique car show? Spend the morning at 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. The rain date is June 22.
Cost: Free
First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Open Cockpit Weekend at the Aviation Hall of Fame
June 15 at 10:30 AM
Climb into the cockpit of a very rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane and a U.S. 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 Buzz Aldrin and other notable astronauts used.
Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for children under 12, children 2 and under are free
400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ 07608
Skimmer Festival
June 15 at 9 AM
Start the fun by checking out the Seaside Vendor Craft Market along the oceanfront Promenade and the Skimmer Food Court in front of Excursion Park. From 10 AM to 4 PM, there will be live music, free family activities, and free amusement rides within Excursion Park.
Oceanfront Promenade and Excursion Park at JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
The Sustainably Green Music and Arts Festival
June 15 at 10 AM
Learn to be more sustainable at this festival, featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, shopping, kids’ activities, and more for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Washington Borough Business Improvement District – 21 Belvidere Ave. Washington, NJ 07882
Juneteenth Festival
June 15 at 11 AM
Celebrate Juneteenth with a day of outdoor fun that includes live performances, carnival rides, food vendors, health and wellness activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Beach Party at PV Park
June 15 at 12 PM
There’s nothing like a beach party at the lake. This family-friendly event includes games, fun, pretzel twists with toppings, and more.
Cost: Free admission
PV Park, 17642 N. 40th Street, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Milltown PBA Local 338 Food Truck Festival
June 15 at 12 PM
A day filled with delicious food, activities for the little ones, and live music? Yes, please. Adult beverages will also be available for purchase.
Cost: Free admission
American Legion, 4 JF Kennedy Drive, Milltown, NJ 08850
Berries and Brews Festival with Jersey Shore Brewing
June 15-16
Celebrate Father’s Day and the finale of strawberry season all at the same time. Bring the family to Ort Farms to pick strawberries, hear live music, and stop at the food trucks. Jersey Girl Brewery will be on tap, too.
25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Laurita Winery’s Father’s Day Weekend
June 15-16
Bring the whole crew out to celebrate Dad, where you can either step inside for a barbecue brunch buffet on the 16th or stay outside in the Grove and enjoy live music and food outdoors on both days.
Cost: Free outside, brunch $30 for ages 6-12, under 5 is free, and $63 for adults
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Freshwater Fishing Derby
June 15-16
Celebrate Father’s Day at the annual freshwater fishing derbies for beginners and experienced anglers. Experienced staff will provide free hands-on clinics from 12:30 -1:30 PM to show you how to cast and rig and answer any questions. Prizes will be awarded for the longest fish in three different categories. A container of worms is included with each registration.
Cost: $28 per family of 4; $9 per person
Manasquan Reservoir and Turkey Swamp Park
Father’s Day Winery Weekend
June 15-16
Treat the dad in your life to an afternoon of wine tasting with $2 off for dads on Father’s Day weekend at Terhune Orchards. Your kids can have fun visiting the barnyard of animals and playing on the tractors. Enjoy live music and a walk on the farm trail.
Cost: $2 off for dads.
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road 08540
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Father’s Day
June 16
Celebrate Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk! FREE ADMISSION for Dads on Sunday, June 16, with paying child at the following attractions: Amusement Park, Aquarium, Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, Castaway Cove Mini Golf, Lighthouse Point Mini Golf, and the Fun House!
*weather permitting.
Cost: Dads receive free admission with paying child
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave N, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Whippany Railway Museum – Special Father’s Day Train Rides
July 16
Ride the rails on one of Morris County’s historic railroads on a 10-mile round trip ride through Morris and Essex Counties. You’ll travel the route of “The Whippanong Trail,” where Washington’s armies trod in the bitter Winter of 1779—an area rich in our country’s history. Or buy a first-class ticket on the Lackawanna Railroad Subscription Club Car No. 2454, which radiated elegance on a train once known as ‘The Millionaire’s Express’ that operated between Hoboken Terminal and Gladstone.
Cost: $13 and up
Whippany Railway Museum, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ 07981
Farm to Table Father’s Day BBQ
June 16 at 11 AM
Treat Dad to a Field-to-Table Father’s Day BBQ at Alstede Farms. Spend the morning on tractor-drawn wagon rides around the farm, and after brunch, fill up a quart container with PYO strawberries. Brunch will be sold per table with options for a table of four, a table of six, and a table of eight.
Cost: $259 for a table of four, including brunch, activities, and PYO strawberries.
Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930
Father’s Day Special at Casino Pier
June 16 at 12 PM
Bring Dad to Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark on his special day. Dads enjoy loads of perks, including free rides with their full-price paying child (under 16 years old). Also, dads can enter the waterpark free with under 48″ full price paid admission. This offer is valid only through12 PM – 7 PM.
Cost: Free for dads with full paying child (under 16) on the same ride.
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
iPlay America Father’s Day – Dad’s Ride Free
June 16 at 12 PM
Dads ride free at New Jersey’s largest indoor amusement park. Make special memories and enjoy a thrill like no other as you join in on all the fun at iPlay America. This offer is valid with the download of a free Unlimited Ride Band (value of $39.99). All guests must be registered and redeemed at the Welcome Center.
Cost: Dads ride free with the download of a free Unlimited Ride Band (value of $39.99).
iPlay America, 110 Schanck Rd, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
Cranford Jaycees Father’s Day Fishing
June 16 at 9 AM
Bring your rods to the pond stocked with bass and catfish. All participants will receive free bait and bobbers. Prizes will be awarded in six categories.
Cost: Free
Nomahegan Park, 1024 Springfield Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016
Father’s Day Luau 2024
June 16 at 12 PM
Celebrate Dad with a festive luau, specialty sangria, and cigars at this family-friendly outdoor event. There will be live music, food trucks, and even ax throwing. Don’t forget your Hawaiian shirts!
Bellview Winery, 150 Atlantic Street, Landisville, NJ 08326
Father’s Day at Monmouth Racetrack
June 16 at 11 AM
Spend this Father’s Day at the track and surprise Dad with a Father’s Day brunch buffet, or pack a cooler and enjoy the day in the picnic area. From 12 PM to 4 PM, there will be live racing and family activities.
Cost: General admission is just $6, Children 12 and under are free, gentlemen are free, brunch is extra
Monmouth Park Racetrack 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Tenafly Nature Center Father’s Day Walk
June 16 at 11 AM
Get back to nature by taking a guided walk with Dad outdoors. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of inclement weather, the program will be canceled.
Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, and dads and children under 2 are free; strollers are not allowed.
313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Father’s Day Fishing Derby
June 16 at 8 AM
Bring a chair, fishing pole, and bait to this fun Father’s Day event. All families should pre-register. Registration begins at 8 AM, and fishing starts at 8:30 AM. Bring a box of pasta or a jar of sauce to donate to the North Brunswick Food Bank for a chance to win a gift card.
Cost: Free
Boyd Pond, North Boyd Parkway, North Brunswick Township, NJ, 08902
Dads Swim for FREE during the Father’s Day Weekend at Five Star Swim School
June 15 and 16
Swimming together is a great way to celebrate this special Day. It’s our way of saying thank you to all the incredible Dads.
Deptford (NJ): Saturday, June 15th from 1 – 2 pm – Click here for more information.
East Hanover (NJ): Saturday, June 15th from 3 – 4 pm – Click here for more information.
Eatontown (NJ): Sunday, June 16th from 3 – 4 pm – Click here for more information.
Edison (NJ): Sunday, June 16th from 3 – 4 pm – Click here for more information.
Galloway (NJ): Sunday, June 16th from 2 – 3 pm – Click here for more information.
Princeton (NJ): Sunday, June 16th from 3 – 4 pm – Click here for more information.
Lehigh Valley (PA): Saturday, June 15th from 2 – 3 pm – Click here for more information.*All swimmers over the age of 3 must pay the daily rate!
Father’s Day Concert
June 16 at 2 PM
Bring Dad to experience the gorgeous sound of a hundred-member choir, complete with a cello solo by David Yu, a baritone performance by Xuefeng Wan, and a Chinese folk dance.
Cost: Free
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 16 at 1 PM
Head to this annual event, including live jazz music, performances, guest speakers, delicious food, and so much more. It’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Cost: Free
Johnny Jazz Park, Red Bank, NJ 07701
ONGOING EVENT
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
June 13-30, select days
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
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