August has officially entered the chat, but there’s still plenty of summer left with lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Bring your crew to the Middlesex County Fair, where kids can go on rides and watch amazing shows like the K-9 Dogs In Flight, magic, a CowGirl Circus, and more, let your kids ride a real train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine at A Day Out With Thomas in Philipsburg, or enjoy food trucks, beer and wine for adults, live music, the Sunflower Trail, hayrides, farm animals, and an Activity Area for the kids at the Sunflower Festival at Von Thun Farms in Washington. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: @middlesexcountyfair)
Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
August 7 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 explode to a musical score played along the Boardwalk. Grab a beach chair to relax on the sand, or you can see them from anywhere on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Wildwood Boardwalk, On the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Salem County Fair
August 7
This old-fashioned country fair typically features livestock shows, events, and a large display of farm machinery. Savor the delicious BBQ dinner served nightly, or try the other food vendors. Kids will love the tractor and truck pulls, too.
Cost: No admission fee, parking $20 per vehicle for all four days
Salem County Fairgrounds – 735 Rt. 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098
Somerset County 4-H Fair
August 7 at 10 AM
Bring your whole crew for three days of fun. Be sure to check out the award-winning animal exhibits, petting zoo, games, entertainment including magic shows, hands-on activities, and delicious fair food at this annual 4-H fair.
Cost: Free admission and parking
North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
237th National Lighthouse Day
August 7 at 10 AM
It’s National Lighthouse Day on August 7, which marks the 237th anniversary of the signing of the 1789 Lighthouse Act. There will be interactive activities with the Beach Patrol, Fire Department, and Police Department, giveaways, and a raffle.
Cost: Admission is free, and donations are accepted
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, 111 North Central Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Movies In The Park: Wicked For Good
August 7 at 8:30 PM
Jersey City hosts family-friendly movies under the stars throughout the city this summer. All movies begin at sunset.
Cost: Free
Berry Lane Park, 1000 Garfield Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Sussex County Fair
August 7-8
This county fair includes a lumberjack competition, demolition derby, and monster truck show. Don’t miss the Family Area to watch Hot Dog Pig Races, a magic show, and a juggling act. The event also offers food vendors, an agricultural zone, a horse show, carnival rides, and various exhibits.
Cost: Parking is free, adults $15, veterans/active military $7, children (6-12) $5, seniors 60+ $10, online advance ticket sales are available
New Jersey State Fair, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Atlantic County 4-H Fair
August 7-8
It’s not a fair without a car show, baby parade, pet parade, and pie-eating contest. Check out the rides, games, and famous BBQ chicken too.
Cost: Free admission, $5 for parking
3210 Route 50, South Egg Harbor City, NJ
A Day Out With Thomas
August 7-9
If your house is full of trains and Thomas & Friends is basically on a permanent loop, this is one event your little conductor won’t want to miss: A Day Out With Thomas at Delaware River Railroad Excursions, where kids can ride a real train pulled by Thomas himself. The theme for this year’s tour is Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll! and it’s packed with family fun, including train rides, photo ops with Thomas, an exclusive gift shop, live music, lawn games, hands-on activities, and entertaining performances from a ventriloquist and a master juggler.
Cost: Ticket prices
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, 38 Market Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Middlesex County Fair
August 7-9
Bring your crew to the Middlesex County Fair, where kids can go on rides and watch amazing shows like the K-9 Dogs In Flight, magic, a CowGirl Circus, and more. Plus, there will be delicious fair food and an art show.
Cost: $10 for adults, $4 for seniors and children ages 3-10, and free for children under 2.
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Music in the Park at Rotary Park Bandstand
August 7-9 at 7 PM
Bring a beach chair or blanket to comfortably enjoy music in the park at Cape May Rotary Park. This year’s lineup has something for every musical taste, including Dion Paci, The Honeyhawks, Brook Dicaro Duo, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May Rotary Park, 400-498 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ 08204
50th Annual Ocean Italian Festival
August 7-9
The annual Ocean Township Italian-American Festival celebrates Italian heritage and culture. Enjoy yummy authentic Italian food and check out the carnival rides, raffles, food-eating contests, and more. This beloved festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Cost: Free
Joe Palaia Park, 200 Whalepond Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755
La Fiesta Italiana
August 7-9
Round up the family and head to this festival for five days of games, food, and culture. There will be live music happening every night, too. This 124-year-old tradition is one of the longest-running Italian festivals in the region and is a summertime staple.
Cost: Free
344 6th Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
Sunflower Festival
August 7-9
This festival is a great way to celebrate these gorgeous flowers, along with live music, tasty food, farm-fun activities, and more. Make sure you stay to take the perfect photo during golden hour.
Cost:$15
Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Ocean City Boardwalk Art Show
August 7-9
Stroll the famous boardwalk while browsing artwork from talented artists throughout the region. You’ll find paintings, photography, mixed media, jewelry, and handcrafted items, making it a fun stop for the entire family.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Boardwalk, 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
2026 Corn, Tomato, and Beer Festival
August 8 at 12 PM
Bring the family to a farm-to-festival celebration of local Jersey tomatoes, sweet corn, and craft beer. This sweet summer event brings together local farmers, boutique restaurants, craft breweries, live bands, artisans, and kids’ activities to celebrate the best of the Garden State.
Cost: Free
Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Second Saturday in Collingswood
August 8 at 5 PM
The Second Saturday event began when a collection of store owners came together to promote the arts in Collingswood. Once a month, visitors can plan a night on the town to experience arts, music, shopping, and dining in Collingswood. Don’t miss the local artists and musicians on each block.
Cost: Free
Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108
New Brunswick Heart Festival
August 8 at 2 PM
It’s the fourth annual New Brunswick Heart Festival, which celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and the County of Middlesex. There will be live music and dance performances, a magic show, a visual Arts Market, craft and food vendors, interactive activities and games, fun giveaways, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown New Brunswick in front of the theaters at Monument Square at 2 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Tropicana’s Free Fireworks Series
August 8
This dazzling 10-minute show is part of Tropicana’s Summer Celebration Fireworks Series. The performances, which are displayed from the beachfront, include intricately designed scenes and vivid effects.
Cost: Free
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Summer Splash Day
August 8 at 12 PM
Beat the heat and spend the day in the water. There will be water slides, bounce houses, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, a ventriloquist, and food trucks for when you need a water break.
Cost: $5 for kids & up; kids under 3 are free
Pfeiffer Community Center, 301 Blue Bell Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Saltwater Day
August 8 at 2 PM
Gather your crew and head to this event where you’ll find bands, vendors, rides, a fireworks show, and a beer garden for the adults. Rain date is August 9.
Cost: Free
Laurence Harbor Beach Front, 1729 NJ-35, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879
Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford
August 8-9 at various times
Head to Historic Walnford and see the 19th-century gristmill in action. Each demonstration will last about 15 minutes, and while you’re there, take a walk around the historic site.
Cost: Free
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
Sunflower Festival at Von Thun Farms
August 8-9 at 10 AM
Sunflower season is here, and the Von Thun Farms Sunflower Festival is a seasonal highlight. The festival will feature food trucks, beer and wine for adults, live music, the Sunflower Trail, hayrides, farm animals, and an Activity Area for the kids.
Cost: $19.99 online or $21.99 in person
Von Thun Farms, 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
43rd Annual Jazz Fest
August 9 at 12 PM
Have someone in the fam who loves jazz? Head to the 43rd annual event, where you can spend the day listening to beautiful music. Bring your lawn chairs and don’t miss the fireworks at the end of the night.
Cost: Free
Millcreek Park, 300 Beverly Rancocas Road & Pagent Lane, Willingboro, NJ 08046
Cars & Concerts
August 9 at 4 PM
There’s so much to do at this fun event that everyone in your crew will enjoy. Walk around and check out all the vintage and historic cars while listening to live music in the parking lot, and then make your way into the Field of Dreams to get some BBQ and to play on the playground.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas Field of Dreams, 1505 N. Bay Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
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