It’s August, and this last month of summer is heating up with a bunch of things to do for family fun. This week, hop on the Ferris wheel at Middlesex County Fair in East Brunswick, enter a rubber ducky race and go on a scavenger hunt at the Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards in Princeton, or watch South Pacific Island Dancers, Samoan Fire Knife Dancers, and Hawaiian Dancers perform at The Luau at Laurita 2021 in New Egypt. And for more to keep your calendar full, don’t miss our Free Things To Do in August Guide.
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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Warren County Farmer’s Fair with Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 31-August 7
It’s the 83rd annual Warren County Farmer’s Fair with vendor booths, food stands, bull riding, barrel racing, and even a demolition derby. Plan to see a balloon activity every night, as well as Antique and Stock Tractor pulls, rodeo performances, vegetable shows, baking contests, a kids’ corral activity area, and a mass air balloon launch too.
Cost: General admission is $5-$9, and prices vary per event
Warren County Farmers’ Fairgrounds, 1350 Strykers Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
(908) 859-6563
Middlesex County Fair
August 2-8
Head to this popular fair for carnival rides and more, including learning about the county’s rich agricultural heritage. Kids will also love to learn a new craft, watch pro-wrestlers or ax-throwers, sample some fair food, and watch fireworks.
Cost: Adults $7, $1 kids 3 – 12, free for children under 2
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
(732) 257-8858
Salem County Fair
August 3-6
This old-fashioned country fair will feature livestock shows, skill-based games, and a large farm machinery display. Savor the delicious BBQ dinner offered nightly or try some of the other food vendors. Kids will love the tractor and truck pulls too.
Cost: Free, parking $10 per vehicle for the week.
Salem County Fairgrounds – 735 Rt. 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098
(856) 769-3494
Wacky Wednesday in Ocean City
August 4 and 11 from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Try something new every Wednesday in Ocean City. Start with a That’s How the Cookie Crumbles on August 4, a Hawaiian Luau on August 11, Prince and Princess Party on August 18, and finish the month with Taffy Sculpting on August 25. These events are open to all ages, but capacity is limited.
Cost: Free
Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 339-6111
The 20th Annual Art of Surfing
August 5 from 5 PM-10 PM
See original art from surfing’s biggest names. There will also be live music and a chance to meet artists from across the country.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Music Pier – 852 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 399-1412
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 6 and 7
It’s not a fair without a tractor pull, talent show, and a pie-eating contest. But, there’s even more—there will also be a pet parade, car show, Atlantic County Firefighter Competition, and Community Garden Contest. The fair is free, but there is a $4 parking fee.
Cost: Free
3210 Route 50, South Egg Harbor City, NJ
(609) 625-0056
Pop-Up Storytime in the Park and Food Truck Friday
August 6 and 13 at 10:30 AM
Your kiddos can enjoy a special pop-up storytime from the Recreation Department and Cherry Hill Public Library. Then stick around for Food Truck Friday at Croft Farm.
Cost: Free
Croft Farm – 100 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
(856) 488-7868
58th Annual Boardwalk Art Show in Ocean City
August 6, 7, and 8 from 10 AM-8 PM and Sunday 10 AM-6 PM
It’s that time of year again to find beautiful art. Original works of art will be for purchase as well as hand-made jewelry, oil/acrylics, watercolors, drawings, hand-pulled prints, and photography. This is a great way to support local artists and find a unique gift for someone.
Cost: Free
8th-13th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 399-7628
Honey Harvest at the Howell Living History Farm
August 7 from 10 AM-4 PM
Meet the workers, drones, and the queen herself with the Howell Farm Beekeeper. Help uncap and extract this year’s crop of clover honey directly from the combs, sample the sweet nectar, and bring some home.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Edible History Series at Historic Walnford: Ice Cream Time
August 7 from 2 PM-3 PM
Have you ever tasted ice cream from the 19th century? Crank ice cream in the shade of the ice house. And the best part, enjoy the freshly made ice cream too.
Cost: Free
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
(609) 259-6275
Free Family Movies Under The Stars in Sea Isle City
July 7 at dusk
Get the family together and enjoy a movie under the stars. This event will be weekly through September.
Cost: Free
Excursion Park – JFK Blvd. and Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City 08243
(609) 263-8687
Free Canoes and Kayaks at Scotland Run Park
August 7 and 8 from 9 AM-3 PM
Spend the day on the water—-the whole family can paddle a canoe or hop in a kayak this weekend for free. First come, first serve, and all children 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. They provide life jackets and paddles, but you must print out a waiver and fill it out before your visit.
Cost: Free
980 E. Academy St., Clayton, NJ 08312
(856) 251-6710
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
August 7 from 10 AM-4 PM and August 8 from 1 PM-3 PM
Come and tour the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Wood Park. Learn all about the history of this former coastal defense site.
Cost: Free
1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 872-0336
Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards
August 7 and 8 from 10 AM-5 PM
Fresh fruit, kids’ activities, and live music—what more do you need for a summertime festival? Kids can enjoy pony rides, rubber duck races, Discovery Barn fun, a scavenger hunt, and old-fashioned games. Pam Mount’s popular Canning and Freezing class will take place at the festival, along with a traveling zoo presentation. And don’t miss a taste of the Just Peachy wine.
Cost: $10
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-2310
Seafood Festival 2021 at Bellview Winery
August 7 and 8 from 12 PM-5 PM
Come to this vineyard for the seafood vendors, live music, sangria, wine, and craft vendors. There will also be food trucks, and children are welcome.
Cost: $5 for adults and free for those under 21
150 Atlantic St., Landisville, NJ 08326
(856) 697-7172
The Luau at Laurita 2021
August 7 and 8
Spend the night in the tropics with South Pacific Island Dancers, Samoan Fire Knife Dancers, and Hawaiian Dancers at this luau for the whole family. There will be four shows per day, along with food trucks, vineyard tours, clown painting, and more.
Cost: $12 per person 21 and over, under 21 free
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
1-800-LAURITA
Family Ag Days
August 8 from 9 AM-1 PM
The County of Passaic and Hazelman Farms present Family Ag days to connect families with agriculture through activities, music, and programs. Don’t miss the produce for sale and the petting zoo too.
Cost: Free
Van Ripper Hopper Museum, 533 Berdan Avenue, Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 706-6640
Machinery Expo at Historic Longstreet Farm
August 8 from 1 PM-3 PM
Learn about the mechanics of the farm’s horse-drawn implements and historic equipment at Longstreet Farm. This machinery will be able to be viewed for one day only, so don’t miss it.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
Big Joe Jersey Talent Show 2021 at Jenkinson’s
August 8 at 7 PM-8 PM
Every Sunday night through August 29, you can live out your America’s Got Talent dreams, show off your skills on stage, or observe others showcasing their talents. The Talent Show champion will be crowned on September 5, 2021. You can enter the Talent Show here.
Cost: Free
On the beach, by Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 295-4334
Fireside Folklore
August 8 at 8 PM
Nestle around a campfire to hear stories of old Pine Barren folklore. Hot chocolate is included, and all ages are invited. This event runs for one hour.
Cost: Free
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest – Highway Route 72 East, New Lisbon, NJ 08064
(609) 726-1191
Free Family Family Fun Night in Sea Isle City
August 9 from 7:30 PM-9 PM
Get the family together and have a family fun night at the shore. This event will be weekly through August.
Cost: Free
Excursion Park JFK Blvd. and Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City, 08243
(609) 263-8687
Fishing 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing
August 10 from 10 AM-2 PM
Cast, rig, bait, and maybe even catch your first fish with this beginner’s guide to fishing at Manasquan Reservoir. This event is open to all ages, under 14, with an adult, and bait and tackle will be provided. A fishing license is required for ages 16-69. Register at the Manasquan Reservoir Bait Shop.
Cost: Free
311 Windeler Road, Howell, NJ 07731
(732) 919-0996
Pinelands Storytime
August 10 at 10:30 AM
All ages can listen to stories of the Pinelands. Pre-registration is required.
Cost: Free
Double Trouble Village Cranberry Packing Plant – 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
(732) 341-6662
Evenings on the Farm at Johnson Locust Hill Farm
Every Saturday and Sunday through August 28
Experience live music, a crafted food menu, Tomasello wine, lawn games, picnic space, and late farm market and ice cream window hours for the whole family. The farm trail will be open along with hayrides, and musicians change every weekend.
Cost: $9.95
2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
1-800-MMM-WINE
Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday until August 28 from 11 AM-12 PM
Get ready for a hands-on nature program in Port Monmouth. Discover fish, crabs, and other sea creatures while pulling a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. Parents and guardians must supervise their children, and closed-toe shoes are required. Meet on the beach near the parking lot. Groups can also reserve a date.
719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
(732) 787-3033
Every Thursday at dark
Enjoy the sparkle, pop, and boom of the fireworks at Jenks. You can view them all along the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 295-4334
Makers + Shakers Pop Up Market
Every Thursday-Sunday from 11 AM – 6 PM through September 5
Kick-off the summer at this lively market where you can check out various local makers, artists, and designers selling handcrafted goods, clothing, jewelry & accessories, beauty products, art, photography, home goods, and so much more. The kids can also enjoy rides on the Carousel, and don’t forget to visit the beach, restaurants, shops, and the boardwalk.
52 Centennial Drive, Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-0100
RWJBarnabas Health: Cooking Classes for Kids
Dates and times vary depending on the program
Kids of all ages will love cooking up healthy treats in these virtual hands-on cooking classes (adult supervision required during class): Try Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen for kids 8-12, where they’ll learn to use a recipe, cook with nutritious ingredients, and utilize kitchen basics or try Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen, a Mommy and Me style class for 2-4-year-olds.
RWJBarnabas, Virtual
(973) 926-7371
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