August isn’t slowing (or cooling) down, and there are plenty of family-friendly events this weekend to keep up. See tractor pulls and livestock shows at the Salem County Fair in Woodstown, hop aboard everyone’s favorite train at a Day Out With Thomas in Phillipsburg, or take boat and paddling tours at Celebrate the Meadowlands in Secaucus. And if you are looking for more summer fun, there’s still time to fill your summer bucket list. (feature photo taken at istock/SimonSkafar )
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
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Salem County Fair
August 9-12
This old-fashioned country fair will feature livestock shows, events, 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: No admission fee, parking $10 per vehicle for all four days
Salem County Fairgrounds – 735 Rt. 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098
(856) 565-8366
Brick and Central’s Summertime Carnival
August 9-13
There will be carnival rides, games of chance, and food trucks to try at this summertime carnival.
Cost: $32 presale and $35 at the event, $2 entrance fee for all
Central Regional High School, 509 Forest Hills Parkway Bayville, NJ, 08721
Out of the Box: School Lunches Made Easy
August 10 at 6:30 PM
Join a Registered Dietitian for tips on packing simple healthy lunches for kids of all ages. She will demonstrate simple recipes to make lunch prep a breeze.
Cost: Free; registration required
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Movin’ and Groovin’: Activities for Kids
August 10 at 6:30 PM
Join the LiveWell Center staff for some kid-friendly activities for those ages 6-10 to get moving.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Somerset County 4-H Fair
August 10-12
With a rich history connected to the local community, the 4-H Fair has become an annual cornerstone of Somerset County. This year they will host a fair for the whole family.
Cost: Free
North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807
La Festa Italiana Jersey City
August 10-14
Celebrate for five days at this old-world Italian Street Festival with local restaurants and food vendors, live entertainment, games, and rides for the kids and thousands of patrons to honor and celebrate Italian American Culture.
Cost: Free
344 Sixth Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ocean Township Italian-American Festival
August 10-14
The 46th annual Ocean Township Italian-American Festival celebrates all things Italian heritage and culture. Enjoy yummy authentic Italian food and check out the carnival rides, raffles, food-eating contests, and more.
Cost: Free
Joe Palaia Park, 200 Whalepond Rd., Oakhurst, NJ 07755
(732) 531-5768
Kids Snack Time
August 11 at 10:30 AM
Grab your apron and join Ms. Jenn to learn how to make a healthy summer snack at the LiveWell Center. Young chefs aged 2 and up are welcome to attend with an adult.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Passaic County Fair
August 11-14
Bring the whole family out to this fair, which will have a variety of foods, rides, live music, a beer garden, and fireworks.
Cost: Free
Garrett Mountain Reservation, 8 Mountain Ave., Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Microwave Meals Cook-along with RWJBarnabas Health
August 12 at 11 AM
Looking for a quick after-school snack or a dorm room delight? A Registered Dietitian will teach teens how to prepare simple meals with a microwave during this cook-along.
Cost: Free
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 12-13
It’s not a fair without a car show, baby parade, pet parade, and pie-eating contest. There will also be rides and entertainment.
Cost: Free admission, $4 for parking
3210 Route 50, South Egg Harbor City, NJ
(609) 625-0056
Day Out With Thomas
August 12, 13, and 14 at various times
All aboard—ride the train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine for an interactive experience, say Hello to Sir Topham Hatt, and check out the Dream Big Corner for photo ops, lawn games, and memorable souvenirs. You can also ride the River Train to the Susquehanna Mine and pan for gems you can take home.
Cost: Adult and child $21; Mine Train is an additional cost
100 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
New Jersey State Fair
Now-August 13
This county fair features a lumberjack competition, demolition derby, and monster truck show. Bring the kids to the Family Area with Hot Dog Pig Races, entertainment, and a juggling show. There will also be food, an agricultural area, a horse show, carnival rides, and exhibits.
Cost: Parking is free, adults $15, veterans/active military $7, children (6-12) $4, seniors 60+ $10, online advance ticket sales are available
New Jersey State Fair, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Forest Fun Day
August 13 at 9 AM
Build a sense of community and foster a love for nature during this fun day with the NJ School of Conservation. You can try boating, fishing, archery, rock painting, iPhone photography, and hiking. An ice cream truck will stop by, and there will be a campfire with a storyteller at the end of the day. An adult must accompany children at all times during the event.
Cost: $10-$35
NJ School of Conservation, 1 Wapalanne Road, Sandyston, NJ 07826
Celebrate the Meadowlands
August 13 at 10 AM
Celebrate the Meadowlands and its history, ecological significance, and natural beauty. Activities include free boat and paddling tours and a morning fishing clinic. Come learn about the Meadowlands, check out booths staffed by local environmental groups and vendors, and sample food from local food trucks.
Cost: Free
Laurel Hill Park, Laurel Hill Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Flemington Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival
August 13 at 12 PM
The summer harvest meets the artisan district at Flemington’s Stangl Road, where sweet Jersey tomatoes, heirloom corn, local craft beer, live music, and family activities will all come together. Foodies and fun-lovers will enjoy live bands, kids’ activities such as photos with fire trucks, crafts and face painting, vegetable stands, and artisan vendors.
Cost: Free
Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Salt Water Day
August 13 at 2 PM
Enjoy children’s rides, craft vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, a beer garden for the adults, and fireworks at 9:30 PM.
Cost: Free
Laurence Harbor Beachfront, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879
Surf and Turf Seafood Festival
August 13 and 14
Looking for lobster rolls, crab cakes, and fun? Monmouth Racetrack is where it’s at. Join nearly 20 of the Shore’s best seafood establishments, and enjoy live music and free family fun activities from 12 PM-4 PM on Sunday.
Cost: Free; General Admission is $6
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Machinery Expo at Historic Longstreet Farm
August 14 at 10 AM
Historic Longstreet Farm’s machinery will be out of storage and in full view for one day only. Staff will discuss the mechanics of the farm’s horse-drawn implements and household equipment.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733
Farm to Table Peach and Summer Harvest Pancake Breakfast
August 14 at various times
Yum—enjoy a farm-to-table peach pancake breakfast with homemade offerings. Take a scenic wagon ride around the farm and stop at the new Christmas Barn, where breakfast will be served. Following breakfast, you can pick fresh farm produce in the PYO fields. Add-on activities for children include pony rides, a wagon train ride, and a bounce house.
Cost: $34.99 plus an additional cost for add-on activities
Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930
New Jersey Sunflower Festival
Now-August 14
It’s sunflower season—explore 2.5 acres of sunflowers, walk through the fields, snap photographs, and cut your own sunflowers. Each festival ticket includes a wagon ride to the sunflower fields, time to take photos and enjoy the blooms, live music, and access to vendors.
Cost: $20.99 and up
Stony Hill Farms, 15 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930
Hillsborough Rotary Fair
August 16-20, fireworks on August 20
The Annual Hillsborough Rotary Fair is back with fun for the whole family. Visit vendors, play games, eat delicious treats, and ride on amusement rides all night.
Cost: Free
In the lot adjacent to Lowe’s, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
(908) 334-9304
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
August 16 at 4:30 PM
Join us in-person or virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parent/guardian must register. Your child will learn to cook with nutritious ingredients, read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, and knife skills.
Cost: Free
Virtual or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
Ongoing Events
Family Fun Days Crafts & Collectibles Show at the Cape May Lighthouse
August 10, 17, 24 from 9 AM-2 PM
Head to Cape May for a crafts and collectibles show featuring vendors and crafters from the northeast in July and August.
Cost: Free
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 224-6066
Somerset Patriots Post-Game Fireworks
August 13, 24, 27, September 17
A bit further north, this is another chance to enjoy a ball game with the fam and cap off the night with a colorful show in the sky. Cheer on the Somerset Patriots as the sun goes down, and watch the fireworks light up over the stadium.
Cost: Included in Patriot Tickets
TD Bank Ballpark, 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
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.
Cost: Free
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
Every Friday at 10 PM
Is there a better way to end a fun-filled week of summer in Wildwood than with free fireworks? Every Friday night, watch a spectacular display exploding to a musical score played along the Boardwalk and simulcast on 98.7 The Coast. Grab a beach chair to relax on the sand, or you can see them from anywhere on the boardwalk. Rain dates are every Sunday at 10 PM.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Boardwalk, On the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
Every Saturday at 10 PM until September
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances are displayed from the beachfront and include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Wednesday Night Fireworks at Seaside Heights
Every Wednesday at 9:30 PM Now-August 24
Head to the boards to hop on the rides, pop into the arcades, indulge in some ice cream, and win prizes with your kiddos. When the sun sets, find your favorite spot on the boardwalk to enjoy fireworks at 9:30 PM.
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Thursday Night Fireworks at Jenkinson’s
Every Thursday at dark until August 25
This dazzling display at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant is a local tradition—catch the fireworks show on the beach every Thursday night. Before the show, stop by the aquarium or hit up everything else this fave boardwalk has to offer, then take a seat on the sand for the colorful display starting at dark.
Cost: Free
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 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
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