Summer is hitting its stride, and with it, a bunch of family-friendly things to do this second weekend in July. Hop on the thrilling rides at the Cumberland County Fair in Millville, sway with the hula dancers at the Water Carnival in Browns Mills, or enjoy all of the music at the Maplewoodstock Music and Art Festival in Maplewood. And if you want more summer fun, don’t miss free things to do in July. (feature photo credit: Istock/Sarah Simplot)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Cumberland County Fair
July 5-9
It’s New Jersey’s oldest county fair—enjoy amusement rides, games, a Demolition Derby, a livestock exhibit, a pie-eating contest, and fireworks.
Cost: $5 and 5 and under and 65 and older are free
3001 Carmel Road, Millville, New Jersey 08332
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
July 6 and 13 from 9 AM-2 PM
Bring the kids to the lighthouse to enjoy kid-friendly activities, performers, entertainment, and crafts vendors. You’ll also be able to check out the grounds and climb to the top of the historical beacon.
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 224-6066
Liberty Weekend Celebrates Trenton’s Revolutionary History
July 8, 9, 10
Celebrate Trenton’s central role in American history. See a re-enactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, learn about a pivotal battle at the Trent House, visit the Barracks, State House, and other sites, and catch a performance by Capital Philharmonic.
Cost: Most events are free
Various locations around Trenton, NJ 08625
New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and Angelsea Blues Festival
July 8, 9, 10
Love BBQ? There will be food vendors, crafters, unique displays, a BBQ competition, and a Blues Festival, offering something for everyone at this summer event.
Cost: Free to enter most areas
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
1st Annual Fireman’s Fair
July 9 at 11 AM
Support your local fire department at a summer fair. Several bands will play throughout the day, along with food trucks, carnival rides, games, and many vendors to explore.
Cost: Tickets are $20 per person; children 10 and under are free; ride tickets are available too.
Lebanon Township Memorial Park, 70 Bunnvale Rd, Califon, NJ 08826
Artisan Market in Fort Lee
July 9 at 11 AM
See 30+ makers and artists, including fashion, jewelry, fine art, pet products, kids’ stuff, and more. Don’t miss the live music too.
Cost: Free
Hudson Lights Park, Fort Lee (The Be Fort Lee Sign) Between Schlosser Street and Hudson Street in Fort Lee)
Clinton Township Food Truck and Music Fest
July 9 at 11 AM
Experience live music, 15 gourmet food trucks, vendors, and kid activities, including pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, sand art, knocker ball, hatchet throwing, bounce house, and a slide.
Cost: Please bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the food pantry. Admission is $5, and kids under 5 are free.
Bundt Park, 8 Red School House Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833
Freehold Township Day
July 9 from 4 PM-11 PM
Bring the family to this concert and festival in the park with merchandise and food vendors. Kids can enjoy the rides, teens can hang in the specially designated Teen Center, and everyone can check out the car show. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9 PM.
Michael J. Tighe Park, 65 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 294-2199
Second Saturday in Collingswood
July 9
Experience arts, music, shopping, and dining in Collingswood. Also, check out the local artists and musicians on each block.
Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108
(856) 854-0720
Water Carnival
July 9 at 5 PM
Get ready to have a fun night on this lakeside beach with vendors, a kids zone, hula dancers, and a water stunt show. There will also be a fireworks show.
Mirror Lake Beach, 141 Clubhouse Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
(609) 893-5034
Rotary Spirit Day 7’s Day
July 9 at 10 AM
Celebrate motorsports with a car show, track day, go-karts, and more. There will also be an all-rotary parade lap for pictures and video. You can also drive your car on the race track for Time Attack, instructor-led driving, and more.
Cost: $25 to enter your car into the show
New Jersey Motorsports Park, 8000 Dividing Creek Rd, Millville, NJ 08332
28th Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival
July 9-10
The Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival returns with more than 200 artists showcasing the best of fine art and craft from the region and beyond. This two-day outdoor festival will exhibit a wide range of work, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, fiber, paper, drawings, paintings, photography, and wearable art.
Cost: Free
Kings Highway between Washington Avenue and Haddon Avenue and along Tanner Street to Euclid Avenue and on Kings Court, Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Blueberry Bash
July 9-10 at 10 AM
Celebrate “everything blueberry” as you visit a blueberry patch, Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre, and barnyard friends in the children’s play area. There is also Pam Mount’s Blueberry Bash Buffet and The Barn Door Cafe with blueberry ice cream and apple cider slush.
Cost: Admission to the festival area is $12 Online/$15 at the gate (ages 3 and up)
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Garden State Comic Fest
July 9-10 at 10 AM
See artists, vendors, and even the ’66 Batmobile. This Comic Fest has something for everyone.
Cost: 10 and under are free with a paying adult, tickets $25 and up
William G. Mennen Sports Arena 161 East Hanover Avenue Morristown, NJ 07960
Maplewoodstock Music and Art Festival
July 9-10
Bring the whole family out to this lively festival of arts, music, food, and kids’ activities all in one weekend. The kiddos can enjoy bouncy rides, face painting, and crafts.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, 580 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Viking Village Art and Craft Show
July 10 at 10 AM
See vendors with fine arts, photography, ceramics, wood crafts, clothing, jewelry, and more. There will be over 70 vendors, and the event will be rain or shine.
Cost: Free
19th and Bayview, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
Bastille Day in Jersey City 2022
July 14 at 2 PM
It’s an afternoon celebrating Francophiles and everything French, filled with wine, food, and drinks. Plus, games for the kids, mimes, cancan dancers, and activities for all.
French American Academy, 209 3rd Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ongoing Events
Family Ag Days
July 10, 24
The County of Passaic and the township of Wayne present Family Ag days to connect families with agriculture through activities, music, and programs. Don’t miss the therapy bunnies and petting zoo.
Cost: Free
Van Ripper Hopper Museum, 533 Berdan Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 706-6640
Brick Summerfest 2022
July 7, 14, 21
Check out the bands and fireworks of this popular festival, with SuperTransAM, The Benjamins, and Jessie’s Girl. All events are free to attend and take place at Windward Beach Park.
Cost: Free; an adult must accompany all children 17 years old or under.
265 Princeton Ave, Brick, NJ 08724
(732) 262-1000
State Fair Meadowlands
Now-July 10, hours vary
Can you smell that oh-so-delicious fried Oreo waiting for you at the State Fair (and did we mention free parking?) Don’t miss rides and attractions and the largest Kiddie Land in the Garden State with rides like Fire Chief, Monkey Maze, and the Pop-A-Wheelie. There will also be extreme illusionists, acrobats, and live music shows.
Cost: Tickets must be purchased online; the Fun Pass starts at $38.99
State Fair Meadowlands, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(201) 355-5911
Blueberry Festival at Argos Farm
Now-July 10, Friday-Sunday at 10 AM
It’s the annual Argos Farm Blueberry Festival with live music, blueberry treats, photo ops, and hand-picked farm-fresh blueberries. The kids will love the double hay slide, bee zip line, and jumbo jumper air pillow.
Cost: $13.95 online and $18.95 at the gate
1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Blueberry Summer Fest
Now-July 23 at 10 AM
The whole family can pick blueberries, take a wagon ride, enjoy locally made blueberry treats, tour the home of The Blueberry Queen, Elizabeth Coleman White, and shop handmade vendors while enjoying the sounds of music on the Whitesbog stage.
Cost: no fee, but donations are appreciated
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Jenkinson’s Movies on the Beach
Tuesdays, Now-August 30
Grab your beach towel and chairs and get ready for free movies on the beach at Jenkinson’s. Films include Paw Patrol: The Movie, Encanto, and Cars 3.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Super American Circus Atlantic City
Now-September 5, Thursday-Sunday
Catch this fantastic show with acts, thrills, and laughs that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Some of the highlights include America’s Got Talent superstars, Cirque Du Soleil performers, and talent from Ringling Bros.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Showboat Atlantic City, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 487-4600
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
State Theater Free Movie Series
Select weekday mornings and evenings
Experience your favorite films on a 46′ screen, with a state-of-the-art sound system and newly renovated theater. Groups and camps are welcome too. If you are bringing a group of 20+, please email education@stnj.org. All movies will include Spanish subtitles.
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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