It’s the last weekend in July and the halfway point to the holidays, so we’re getting festive with lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Enjoy mass balloon launches, a Kids Corral, Vintage Antique Tractor Pulls, and carnival fun at the Warren County Farmer’s Fair with Hot Air Balloon Festival in Philipsburg, see animals, try face painting, and take a Monster Truck and hay ride at the Morris County 4-H Fair on the Farm in Mt. Olive, or get a head start on holiday cheer with Santa, sing-alongs, a charity drive and more at Christmas in July in Seaside Heights. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: @warrencountyfarmersfair)
Christmas in July Toy Drive
July 24 at 6 PM
We’re halfway to the holidays, so why not spread some good cheer RN? Bring a new, unopened toy to this festive summer event, where there will be Santa in his summer gear, a holiday cookie bake sale, and seasonal drinks and festive dishes.
Cost: Free with a toy
Finish Line Pub, 8000 Dividing Creek Road, Millville, NJ 08332
Gazebo Summer Concerts 2026
July 24 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
Princess Fridays at Casino Pier
July 24 at 9 AM
Gather your little royals for a fairy-tale experience filled with FREE sing-a-longs and face painting featuring their favorite princesses. Kids can sing their hearts out to beloved songs during an interactive show, snap photos with the princesses, and get their faces painted afterward. This Friday, the theme is Christmas in July.
Cost: Free
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Burlington County Farm Fair
July 24-25
Experience everything from tractor parades to horse shows to the children’s tent at the Burlington County 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
Monmouth County Fair
July 24-26
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 24-26
See what the youngest 4‑H members have accomplished throughout the year, along 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 with locally grown produce and locally made desserts.
Cost: $10 per carload
4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike (Route 77), Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Aladdin Jr.
July 24-26 at 6 PM
Get ready to see a “Whole New World” when Aladdin and friends take a magical adventure. This production, made especially for young children, will be a thrill for all as this classic story comes to life.
Cost: $14 per person
Surflight Theatre, 201 Engleside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Morris County 4-H Fair on the Farm
July 24-26
Bring your crew for 3 days of fun seeing 4-H animals, participating in hands-on activities, taking a Monster Truck ride, enjoying hayrides, going on farm tours, getting face painting, and creating fairy hair.
Cost: Free
High View Farms, 416 Sand Shore Road, Mount Olive, NJ 07828
Kelly’s Kidz 5K & Family Fun Walk
July 25
Head to the beach for Christmas in July weekend and spend time with Santa himself. Make sure you wear your Christmas gear, lace up those running shoes, and help support a great cause. The race benefits Kelly’s Kidz, a non-profit organization that provides toys, games, and comforting items to children during their hospital stay.
Cost: Registration cost
Seaport Pier, 2201 Boardwalk, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Christmas in July
July 25 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. Guests are encouraged to give back while they celebrate—bring a new bathing suit to donate to the Garden State Bathing Suit and Goggle Drive, and you’ll receive a FREE full-day waterpark admission for a future visit as a thank-you! Donation Offer is only claimable from 9:30 AM to 12 PM.
Cost: Free
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Warren County Farmer’s Fair with Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 25–26
It’s the 88th 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 and under are free.
Warren County Farmers’ Fairgrounds, 1350 Strykers Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Mercer County 4-H Fair
July 25-26 at 10 AM
Bring out the fam for animal shows and exhibits, magic shows, and farm tours. There will also be homemade ice cream, hayrides, pony rides, music, and displays by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center Friends, Mid-State Beekeepers Association, and many more.
Cost: Free admission and parking for all; please bring a non-perishable food donation for Rutgers Against Hunger.
Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
Family Fun Day At Monmouth Park Racetrack
July 26 at 12 PM
Gather your crew for a day of family fun while watching world-class horse racing. There will be clowns, a bounce house, pony rides, and face painting to enjoy. After watching the races, keep the family fun going at the Bluegrass Mini Golf courses with a horse-racing theme.
Cost: $6; children 12 and younger are free
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
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