Yup, it’s official—we’ve reached that summer halfway mark, but there’s still lots of summer left, and we’re looking for ways to enjoy it, especially with all the family fun this weekend. Take in the beautiful sunflowers and enjoy activities at the Sunflower Festival at Von Thun Farms in Washington, watch fireworks light up the sky after the game at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Post-Game Fireworks in Lakewood, or hop on rides and chow down delish food at one of the multiple fairs happening up and down the state. Heading to the Shore? Get your beach badges and find the places to sink your toes in the sand with our Jersey Shore guide. (featured photo credit: iStock/andykazie)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Movie at the Waterfront
July 26 at 6 PM
Head to the waterfront to watch The Little Mermaid with the fam. There will be music, popcorn, and more to enjoy. Make sure you bring your own seats.
Cost: Free
Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park, Front Street & Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Jersey Shore BlueClaws Post-Game Fireworks
July 26
Chow down on crab fries or a ballpark dog while you cheer on the BlueClaws. Then, at the end of these select games, sit back and relax with a big, bright fireworks show to finish the evening.
Cost: Included in BlueClaws Tickets
Shoretown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Gazebo Summer Concerts 2024
July 26 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
Frozen Jr.
July 26-28 at 6 PM
Do you have a little one who loves Frozen? Head to the theater to see this show come alive on stage and delight each member of your family.
Cost: $13 per person
Surflight Theatre, 201 Engleside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Monmouth County Fair
July 26-28
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 26-28
See what 4‑H children 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 barbeque with locally grown produce and locally made desserts.
Cost: $10 per carload
4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike (Route 77) Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Morris County 4-H Fair
July 26-28
With the theme ‘Jam Out in 4-H,’ this year’s 4-H Fair will feature animals, fine art, horticulture, literacy works, hayrides, monster truck rides, and live entertainment. There will also be a Children’s Fun Station with STEM activities, arts and crafts, and lawn games.
Cost: Free, $5 donation suggested per car
High View Farms, 416 Sand Shore Road, Mount Olive, NJ 07828
Christmas in July
July 27 at 1 PM
This festive event is the perfect way to infuse the holiday spirit into your summer. There will be photos with Santa, an ice sisters sing-a-long, holiday concerts, and more.
Cost: Free
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Secaucus Food Truck & Music Festival
July 27 at 11 AM
Food trucks will be rolling into town and bringing lots of delicious food with them. There will also be a bungee trampoline, mini golf, bounce house, knockerball, face painting, and more. Make sure you bring your appetite.
Cost: $5 per person; kids 12 and under are free
Imagine Gardens, 44 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Christmas in July Craft and Vendor Fair
July 27 at 10 AM
Get an early start on your holiday cheer at this fun event for the whole family. There will be unique crafts, festive vendors, and all the holiday vibes.
Cost: Free
First United Methodist Church of Hammonton, 398 Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Moo-sic on the Farm
July 27 at 4:30 PM
Bring a blanket and enjoy some moo-sic on the farm. The Johnny Woods Band will perform an evening concert, playing a wide range of music for everyone to enjoy.
Cost: $5 per person during the presale and $10 per person on the day of
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
3rd Annual Olympic Day
July 27 at 4 PM
Get out and move at this fun event. There will be obstacle courses, moon bounces, tug-of-war, Zumba, yoga, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Mill Creek Park, 300 Rancocas Road, Willingboro, NJ 08046
Soulsational Festival
July 27 at 11 AM
Bring your friends and family to this open-air market family festival experience. This event features free yoga, demonstrations, crafts and games, treasure hunts, a paint party, and more. Spread a picnic blanket out and stay all day.
Cost: Free
489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, Bayville, NJ 08721
Chalk The Park
July 27 at 10 AM
If you have a little artist in your family, then this is an event you won’t want to miss. Bring the kids, and the chalk will be provided. Spend the day making artwork on the sidewalks through the park.
Cost: Free
Weasel Brook Park, 1 Westervelt Pl, Clifton, NJ 07011
Italian Festival & Wine Tasting
July 27-28
From delicious Italian food to kid-friendly activities, there’s so much to do at the Italian Festival. During the event, there will be tons of 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
Mercer County 4-H Fair
July 27-28 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
Warren County Farmer’s Fair with Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 27-28
It’s the 86th annual Warren County Farmer’s Fair and the 24th 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
Sunflower Festival at Von Thun Farms
July 27-28
Sunflower season is here, and the Von Thun Farms Sunflower Festival is a seasonal highlight. There will be food trucks, beer and wine for the adults, live music, the Sunflower Trail, hayrides, farm animals, and so much more.
Cost: $19.99 online or $21.99 in person
Von Thun Farms, 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
Cooper Craft Club: Yarn Flower Bouquets
July 28 at 9:30 and 1 PM
Bring the whole family and make beautiful, hand-made flower bouquets with yarn and needles using 19th-century techniques.
Cost: $20 per person
Cooper Gristmill, 66 Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter, delivered right to your inbox. Don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.