The summer routine is on rinse and repeat, so why not mix it up with a bunch of kid-friendly things to do this weekend? Ride a live dinosaur at Jurassic Quest in Edison, bring the whole family out to enjoy live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and fireworks at Lebanon Township Fire Department 2nd Annual Fireman’s Festival in Califon, and see Santa on the beach, sing holiday carols, listen to live music, and watch a boat parade at Christmas in July in the Wildwoods. And for more ways to fill your bucket list this season, check out our guide to summer must-dos. (Featured Photo Credit: Lebanon Township Fire Dept Annual Firefighters’ Festival)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
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Thomas and Friends – A Day Out with Thomas
August 11 – 13
Let’s Get Colorful—join Thomas the Tank Engine for a day full of colorful adventures. All aboard an interactive train ride with Thomas to earn your Color Badge, say Hello to Sir Topham Hatt, and get creative exploring the Color Corner. For even more fun, mix it up in the Play Pod with lawn games, snap eye-catching photo ops, enjoy live entertainment, check out the exclusive pop-up gift shop, and more. Day Out With Thomas is headed to The Delaware River Railroad Excursions, bringing a celebration of color this season. Buy tickets today to reserve your ride.
Cost: $22
38 Market Street Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Jurassic Quest
July 21-23
Go back in time at the largest and most realistic Dinosaur Exhibit on tour, featuring true-to-detail (and size) dinosaurs, including a 60-foot-long, sky-scraping Spinosaurus, an 80-foot-long Apatosaurus, and gigantic life-size T.rex. Kids will have a blast at the one-of-a-kind raptor training experience, riding dinosaurs, meet and greets with baby dinos, a bounce house, games, and inflatables. Plus, they can participate in Fossil Digs, Jurassic Jeeps, Crafts & Coloring Station, Fossil Experience, and The Quest – an interactive challenge that leads adventurers through 10 clues with the chance to earn a reward. Mention code NJMOM10 for 10% off tickets.
Cost: Ticket prices vary, starting at $22
New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish 60th Annual Carnival
July 18-23
Join the fun with lots of rides, games, and plenty of food the whole family will love at this popular fair.
Cost: 15 tickets are $13, wristband nights are $35 per night
868 Ringwood Avenue, Haskell, NJ 07420
Cape May County 4-H Fair
July 20 – 22
Bring the whole fam to this annual tradition of livestock and equestrian shows, a children’s discovery area, and vendors with delicious food and exciting items. Plus, amusement rides, carnival games, and more will be buzzing on the 4-H Fairground’s Midway, and new this year is the Float Boat CO with a lagoon full of paddle boats and water walking balls.
Cost: Free
4-H Fairgrounds, 335 Court House- South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Lebanon Township Fire Department 2nd Annual Fireman’s Festival
July 20 – 23
Enjoy live music, food trucks, a beer garden, carnival rides, games, and fireworks. Hands will be stamped for re-entry.
Cost: Tickets are $20 per person for entry; children 10 and under are free
Lebanon Township Memorial Park, 67 Bunnvale Road, Califon, NJ 07830
Burlington County Farm Fair
July 21 – 22
Located on the beautiful Burlington County Fairgrounds in Springfield Township, this event features an array of farm animals on display each day, daily horse shows, a tractor pull, a special “Farmer for a Day” exhibit, and much more.
Cost: Free
Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ 08022
Christmas in July at Woodland Village
July 22 at 10 AM
Join Santa for photo ops, a food truck, and kids’ activities at this pretty and adorable outdoor shopping village. Stop by the ice cream parlor for a cone and get a head start on holiday shopping at one of the 17 shops, with sales and the grand reopening of the Woodland Village Toy Store.
Cost: Free
1943 North Route 9 Clermont, NJ 08210
Touch a Truck and Food Truck Festival
July 22 at 11 AM
This event includes over 30 large vehicles for children to explore. Your kids will get an up-close look at their favorite trucks and meet the people who build, protect and serve the community. Also, enjoy food trucks and a beer and wine garden for the adults.
Cost: $5
Raritan Valley Community College, 118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876
Jersey City Caribbean American Carnival Parade 2023
July 22-23 at 12 PM
Experience arts, culture, fashion, and all things Caribbean at the Jersey City Caribbean American Carnival Parade.
Cost: Free
Lincoln Park, 1 County Rd 605, Jersey City, NJ 07304
BrownMill Anniversary Block Party
July 22 at 12 PM
Watch Halsey Street come to life with the BrownMill Anniversary Block Party x Halsey Fest. This event will feature a full day of curated cultural experiences celebrating the community organizations, makers, and businesses fueling Newark’s unwavering creative energy. Child-centered experiential activities will take place between 12 PM – 5 PM. Experience DJ sets, live music, food, and more between 5 – 8 PM.
Cost: Free
Halsey Street Between Central Avenue and New Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Dog Day
July 22 at 12 PM
Dog lovers, it’s time to unleash the fun at Renault Winery’s Dog Day. Bring your furry friends to PARC Renault for a day filled with country music, wagging tails, and tail-wagging fun. This event will feature a variety of dog-related vendors offering everything from treats and toys to accessories.
Cost: Free
Renault Winery, 72 Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Christmas in July at North Wildwood Beach
July 22 at 12 PM
Santa Claus is coming to the beach—wear your festive beach attire and be ready to sing along and take a family photo. The locations and approximate times will be posted on July 22nd morning on the North Wildwood Beach Patrol Facebook page.
Cost: Free
North Wildwood Beach, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Summer Music and More 2023
July 22 at 4 PM
Enjoy local talent in a variety of genres as this free concert series returns to Nassau Park Pavilion. Listen to the sounds of Dan Kassel and headliner Jakeya Limitless at this special event. There will also be art activities.
Cost: Free
Nassau Park Pavilion, 510 Nassau Park Blvd, Princeton, NJ 08540
Christmas in July
July 22 at 6 PM
Bring on the Christmas spirit with this one-of-a-kind summer experience. This event will feature sunset hayrides to the picking fields, live music, food trucks, the Tomasello Winery Tasting Room Outlet, 50/50, and raffles. A portion of all ticket proceeds for the event will be donated to the NICU & Special Care Nursery.
Cost: $18
Johnsons Locust Hall Farm, 2691 Monmouth Rd, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Christmas in July Festival Wildwood Crest
July 22 at 6 PM
It’s never too early for Santa—celebrate Christmas in the summertime with this family-oriented festival along Sunset Lake. Live music with “Big House” (holiday-themed songs, along with dance and party hits), food, children’s and family activities, and photos with Santa, culminating with a boat parade in Sunset Lake.
Cost: Free
Sunset Lake near Atlanta and New Jersey Aves., Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Cape May Point Science Center Tour
July 23 at 9 AM
Take a tour of the Cape May Point Science Center with the whole family. Learn the functions of the Science Center building over time and the broader significance of Cape May Point. Tours feature a historical welcome hall, a science exhibit hall, and a gift shop.
Cost: $8 -$12
101 Lehigh Avenue Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Miss Jolie Concerts
July 23 at 10 AM
Bring the kids out to this highly energetic concert full of silliness, stories, music, and fun. Miss Jolie brings a twist to classic children’s music and original interactive songs.
Cost: $5 per child
Dey Mansion – 199 Totowa Rd. Wayne, NJ 07470
Hackettstown Street Fair
July 23 at 12 PM
Celebrate the annual Hackettstown Street Fair on Main Street. Enjoy artisans, vendors, live entertainment, food and more.
Cost: Free
147 Main St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Seaside Heights Movies at the Beach
July 23 at 8 PM
Enjoy free movies on the beach every Sunday at dusk. Eventgoers will be seated on the Fremont Avenue beach; please bring your own beach chairs and blankets.
Cost: Free
Fremont Avenue Beach, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Dig it! Plant it! Eat it! Family Saturdays
July 8 – 29 at 10 AM
Take part in hands-on gardening, a tour of the Museum’s historic rooms, and an art-making experience with a New Jersey artist. You will enjoy nature while learning about life in the past. This program is for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Cost: Free
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 MacCulloch Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Whitesbog’s Blueberry Summer Fest
June 24 – July 22
Enjoy live music, handmade vendors, blueberry picking, pies, ice cream, jams, games, and more at Whitesbog’s Blueberry Summer Fest. Blueberry picking is $5 per person.
Cost: Free to attend; donations are welcome
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 W Whites Bogs Rd #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
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