High summer has officially entered the chat, and we’re so here for it with plenty of kid-friendly things to do this weekend all over the state. See the 4-H animals, take a Monster Truck ride, enjoy hayrides, and more at the Morris County 4-H Fair in Mount Olive, get a head start on Santa photos and holiday cheer at Christmas in July events in Seaside Heights and New Brunswick, or see massive colorful hot-air balloons go up, up and away and take a ride in one at the Warren County Farmer’s Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival in Phillipsburg. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/Aneese)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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Visit Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Craving a sweet and savory family outing in New Jersey? Freddy’s is a must-visit for steakburger lovers with crispy, cooked-to-order patties, signature Shoestring Fries, and hand-churned frozen custard treats the kids (and you) will devour. Stop by their newest location in North Brunswick for a retro-style dine-in experience, or order ahead online for a weekend treat on the go. It’s easier than ever to make Freddy’s part of your weekend plans.
2418 Rt 1, North Brunswick
Hammonton Community Market
July 25 at 5 PM
Head to this event and enjoy live music, handmade and farm-fresh goods, and time together with the community.
Cost: Free
212 Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Gazebo Summer Concerts 2025
July 25 at 7 PM
Grab your lawn chairs, takeout, and friends for entertainment at the gazebo, where you can relax and listen to some tunes.
Cost: Free
1688 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Blueberry Summer Fest
July 25
Pick blueberries, take a wagon ride, enjoy locally made blueberry pies, donuts, and cakes, tour the home of The Blueberry Queen, Elizabeth Coleman White, and shop handmade vendors while listening to 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
Burlington County Farm Fair
July 25-26
Experience everything from tractor parades to horse shows to the children’s tent at the Burlington Country Farm Fair. Fireworks will take place during the opening ceremony.
Cost: free, $15 per carload, and $30 for a multi-day parking pass
1990 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road in Springfield Township, NJ 08022
The SpongeBob Musical
July 25-27 at 6 PM
Do you have a little one who loves SpongeBob? Head to the theater to see this show come alive on stage and delight each member of your family.
Cost: $14 per person
Surflight Theatre, 201 Engleside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Monmouth County Fair
July 25-27
Get ready for entertainment, 4-H shows and exhibits, rides, live music on the main stage, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Bwana Jim Wildlife Show, Ready GO Dog Show, and horse shows. There will also be the Hell on Wheels BMX Stunt Show, living history displays, and food vendors.
Cost: $8; children 12 and under are free.
East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Gloucester County 4-H Fair
July 25-27
Bring your crew to this annual fair with 4‑H projects, daily rides, games, magic shows, musical acts, tractor parades, craft exhibits, demonstrations, and sales. Food vendors will be available with a nightly barbecue featuring locally grown produce and homemade desserts.
Cost: $10 per carload
4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike (Route 77) Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Morris County 4-H Fair on the Farm
July 25-27
See the 4-H animals, participate in hands-on activities, take a Monster Truck ride, enjoy hayrides, go on farm tours, get face painting, and create fairy hair. There will be 3 days of fun at the Morris County 4-H Fair.
Cost: Free
High View Farms, 416 Sand Shore Road, Mount Olive, NJ 07828
Christmas in July
July 26 at 12 PM
Get ready to celebrate the holidays in July at the New Brunswick City Center, where there will be festive activities, including photos with Santa, festive sandcastle contests, chalk art, holiday music, and a festive dunk tank.
Cost: Free
378 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Christmas in July
July 26 at 10 AM
This festive event is the perfect way to infuse the holiday spirit into your summer. There will be photos with Santa, meet-and-greets, holiday sing-alongs, and lots of fun for the entire family.
Cost: Free
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
A ‘Tini Toast
July 26 at 3 PM
Want some self-care time? Head to the salon for a fun event featuring espresso martinis, 10 minute massages, a makeup refresh, raffles and prizes from local small businesses and more.
Cost: Free to attend
Mane Beach Salon, 1108 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
Mercer County 4-H Fair
July 26-27
Bring out the fam for animal shows and exhibits, magic shows, and farm tours. Try homemade ice cream, hop on a hayride, take a pony ride, listen to music, and check out displays by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, Mid-State Beekeepers Association, and many more.
Cost: Admission and parking are free for all; please bring a non-perishable food donation to support Rutgers Against Hunger.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
Warren County Farmer’s Fair with Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 26-27
It’s the 87th annual Warren County Farmer’s Fair and the 25th annual Warren County Balloon Festival, with mass balloon launches, a Kids Corral, Vintage Antique Tractor Pulls, and musical entertainment.
Cost: General admission is $5-$10; children 5 years old and under are admitted free of charge.
Warren County Farmers’ Fairgrounds, 1350 Strykers Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Italian Festival & Wine Tasting
July 26-27
From delicious Italian food to kid-friendly activities, the whole family will have a ball at the Italian Festival. Stop by one of the food trucks and wine samplings for the adults.
Cost: $6, children 12 and younger are free
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Jersey Shore Comic Book Show
July 27 at 10 AM
The Jersey Shore Comic Book Show celebrates comics, trading cards, toys, and crafts. Meet artists, writer,s and celebrities. Kids can interact with costumed characters from the Star Wars 501st Legion. Fun for the whole family.
Cost: $5 per person
600 Washington Street, Toms River, 08753
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