We’re sailing into the final weeks of summer, but there’s still time to do lots of family-friendly activities and fill your summer bucket list before it ends. Take a ride on the swings at the Warren Lions Expo in Warren, follow the sunflower trail and hop on a pony at Summerfest at Ort Farms in Long Valley or listen to live music at the August Craft and Antique Show Rancocas Woods in Mt. Laurel. And for more to do to keep your calendar full, don’t miss our Free Things To Do in August Guide.
Featured Photo Credit: Istock/Medesulda
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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Dino Safari: A Drive-Thru Adventure
Wednesday-Sunday, 10 AM-9 PM
Grab a prehistoric passport and join over 40 giant moving dinosaurs on a globetrotting expedition at Dino Safari, a drive-thru dino adventure for the whole family! Get up-close-and-personal with fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T. Rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus from Africa. At the same time, you learn how dinosaurs evolved, where on earth they lived, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved. Beware: Along the journey, earthquakes might erupt, dinosaurs could battle, and your family might have to help save a baby dinosaur’s life. So, buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime in this completely COVID-safe experience!
Cost: $49.95 regular vehicle and $59.95 for large-capacity vehicles. Use code NJMALL10 for $10 off Dino Safari!
Freehold: Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 U.S. 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Paramus: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(855) 372-3274
Warren Lions Expo
August 25-28 from 6 PM-10 PM
Bring your crew to this annual event, which is back for 2021, with rides, games, food, vendors, entertainment, and a fireworks display on Saturday evening. The Expo will support the Warren Township Lions Club, which will allow them to donate to local charities, organizations, and events.
Cost: Admission is $2. Kids under 5 are free
Warren Township Municipal Grounds- 46 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair Fireworks
August 25-29
This family-friendly event celebrates Hunterdon County’s rich agricultural landscape. You and your crew can check out the 4-H county fair farm activities along with live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, and the always popular fireworks extravaganza on Friday night.
Cost: Free, parking $10
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530
(908) 782-6809
St. Sebastian Festival and Carnival
August 25-29
It’s the 95th anniversary of the Saint Sebastian Feast and Carnival in Montclair, New Jersey. Come for the family fun, and stay for the Blessing of the Feast, entertainment nightly, outdoor cafe, food, rides, and games too.
Cost: Pre-sale $18 for 25 ride tickets
Kaveny Field and Christopher Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 943-0733
Free Family Movies Under The Stars in Sea Isle City
August 25 at dusk
Get the family together and enjoy a movie under the stars. The family flick this week is Lilo and Stitch—bring your own chair, blanket, and snacks.
Cost: Free
Excursion Park – JFK Blvd. and Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
(609) 263-8687
August Craft and Antique Show Rancocas Woods
August 28 from 10 AM-4 PM
Find rare and unique items, enjoy food trucks, live music, and more for the whole family. Rain Date on August 29.
Cost: Free
118 Creek Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
info@rancocaswoodseventsnshops.com
Kids and Critters Animal Show
August 28 at 11 AM
Bring littles and bigs to see and participate in a live animal show featuring snakes and turtles. This event is for all ages.
Cost: $1 per person
Cape May State Park, Pavilion by Nature Center
(609) 884-2159
Summerfest at Ort Farms
August 28 and 29
Summerfest 2021 at Ort Farms is back with farm activities including a sunflower trail, cow train, pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, and apple cannons. Craft artisan makers are brought to you by Marketspace Vendor Events. There will also be live music, food trucks, and craft beer by Czig Meister Brewing Company.
Cost: From $12.95
25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853
(908) 876-3351
Free Canoes and Kayaks at Scotland Run Park
August 28 and 29 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 28 from 10 AM-4 PM and August 29 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
Potato Harvest at Historic Longstreet Farm
August 28 and 29 from 12 PM-2 PM
Do you want to know how potatoes were grown and harvested at the end of the 19th century? Well, not only will you learn, but step in and help the Longstreet Farm staff bring in the crop and dig some potatoes for your own family. Make sure you stop by the summer kitchen for some 19th-century inspiration on how to prepare them at home.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
Wine Down Summer at Riverwinds
August 28 and 29 from 12 PM-5 PM
The whole family can come to this wine-centric event, where admission includes a wristband, souvenir wine glass, sampling, and sales of NJ wines, including Villari Vineyards, Salem Oak Vineyards, White Horse Winery, and more. There will also be food, artisans, crafters, and live entertainment.
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the gate for 21+, spectators and under 21 are free.
Riverwinds Community Center, 1000 Riverwinds Drive, West Deptford, NJ 08086
(856) 251-0990
Big Joe Jersey Talent Show 2021 at Jenkinson’s
August 29 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
Free Family Family Fun Night in Sea Isle City
August 30 from 7:30 PM-9 PM
Get the family together for a fun night at the shore, with this week featuring a Frozen showcase. This event will be weekly through August.
Cost: Free
Excursion Park JFK Blvd. and Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
(609) 263-8687
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.
Cost: Free
719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
(732) 787-3033
Kiddie Shows on the Beach at Jenkinson’s
Beginning Jun 28-August 30 at 7 PM
Starting in June, enjoy the first Kidde show from the ride park train station. Experience circus, comedy, and magic shows all summer long.
Cost: Free
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 295-4334
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.
Cost: Free
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.
Cost: Free
52 Centennial Drive, Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-0100
Somerville Summer Stage
Every Saturday, May 29 until October 2 from 6 PM-9 PM
Bring chairs to this concert series, with a new performance every Saturday. Bob Lanza will play on July 3, Nick Ryan and The Mess on July 10, John Busse on July 17 on July 24, The Bryan Hansen Band will perform, and The Broadcasters will perform on July 31.
Cost: Free
Division Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 524-0104
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.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas, Virtual
(973) 926-7371
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, 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 week.
Cost: $9.95
2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
1-800-MMM-WINE
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