September is hitting its stride, and while your weekday schedule may be back to regular programming, there are plenty of fun things to do with the fam this weekend. Take a ride and discover the magic of dinosaurs on the Dino Days Train Ride in Phillipsburg, spend the day by the water savoring the last official summer weekend at the shore with the 45th Annual Festival of the Sea in Point Pleasant, or jump in bounce houses and sample German food at the Mountain Creek Oktoberfest in Vernon. (Featured Photo Credit: iStock/andykazie)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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Dino Days Train Ride
September 16-17 at 10 AM and 2 PM
Have a little one who is obsessed with dinos? Take a ride back to the Jurassic Period and discover the magic of dinosaurs. There will be activities at The Mine, including The Dinosaur Show, Meet and Greet with Dave the Dinosaur, and more.
Cost: $18 for children and $22 for adults
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, 38 Market Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
St. Peter’s Parish Carnival
September 14-17 at 6 PM
This annual four-day fair features fun and games for the entire family. With carnival rides, delicious food, prizes, a giant 50/50, and more, this one should be on your calendar.
Cost: Free admission
St. Peter The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 445 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661
Medford Oktoberfest and Music Festival
September 15-16
Get your lederhosen out—this festival includes everything the typical German fest has, including traditional food, live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. Also, try to test your skills in the Bavarian stein-holding contest.
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055
New Jersey Sports Card Convention
September 15-17 at 3 PM
Bring your sports cards for a day of classic fun. There will be collectibles, novelties, sports card memorabilia, and more. Check their website for meet and greet announcements.
Cost: $16 per one-day admission, $35 per 3-day weekend admission, and children 10 and under are free
iPlay America, 104 Schanck Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
2023 New Jersey Firemen’s Convention
September 15-16 at 8 AM
If you have anyone in your family who loves fire trucks, this event is for you. For two days, there will be apparatus and equipment displays for everyone to check out.
Cost: Free
Montgomery and Ocean Avenues, Wildwood, NJ 08260
2023 Sustainable Health and Wellness Village Festival
September 15-16
From live music, giveaways, and prizes to free health education, including eye screenings, this event celebrates a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable town and a healthier you.
Cost: Free
Boyd Park, Memorial Parkway, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Fall Fun at Stony Hill Farms
September 15-17 at 10 AM
Ready for some fall fun? Stony Hill Farms gets you into the fall spirit with a corn maze, tricycle track, rope maze, apple and vegetable picking, and more.
Cost: Prices vary
Stony Hill Farms, 15 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930
Bridgewater Commons Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival
September 16-23
Bridgewater Commons will celebrate Chinese culture and traditions by hosting the free “Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival.” The Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange (CCCE) will present the traditional Chinese folk celebration of light with a display of illuminated handmade Chinese lanterns throughout the first two levels of the center, lantern-making workshops at the Community Hub, and a special live performance in Center Court.
Cost: Free
Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Fall Family Festival
September 16 at 9 AM
Enjoy the cooler weather as it hits our state with the entire family at this fall festival. There will be an art bar, craft market, face painting, photo booth, and more.
Cost: Free
31 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Haddon Township Fall Festival Apple Pie Baking Contest
September 16 at 2 PM
Celebrate the beginning of fall with the first annual apple pie baking contest. Open to people of all ages, both amateurs and professionals welcome; the winner will receive a $150 Visa gift card.
Cost: Free
Crystal Lake Pool, Crystal Lake Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08033
45th Annual Festival of the Sea
September 16 at 10 AM
Head to the beach and celebrate delicious seafood from the Jersey Shore. This event is fun for everyone, with live music, a beer garden, family activities, and fantastic food.
Cost: Free
Downtown Point Pleasant Beach, 601 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church 2nd Annual Community Fair
September 16 at 1 PM
Come one, come all, to this 2nd annual community fair. There will be free food, games for the whole family, and a big giveaway. Please bring nonperishable food items to donate.
Cost: Free
143 North Bergen Mills Road, Monroe, NJ 08831
Township of Monroe Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
September 16 at 11 AM
With 80+ vendors, including food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo, and more, this is the place to be. Enjoy the beautiful September weather with the family and usher in fall at the festival.
Cost: Free
Pfeiffer Community Center, 301 Blue Bell Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Pitman Fall Craft Show
September 16 at 9 AM
Looking for a place to get fall crafts from local vendors? This craft show will feature over 350 vendors, businesses, food trucks, and tons of fun.
Cost: Free
Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071
Family Fun Saturday
September 16 at 11 AM
Experience the wonder of science, technology, engineering, and more at this family-friendly event. The theme for the event is Bon Appetit.
Cost: Free
Harriet Tubman Square, 501-551 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Burlington’s Kids Fishing Derby
September 16 at 7:30 AM
Let your kids set their hooks and reel in their fish at this fun fishing derby. There will be bait for everyone, and fishing poles and tackle will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stay until the end for prizes and giveaways.
Cost: Free
Sylvan Lake, Lake Avenue, Burlington, NJ 08016
Smithville Artwalk
September 16 at 10 AM
Introduce kids to art and artists by spending the day exploring art from 75 vendors while enjoying music, entertainment, contests, and special guests.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville Village, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ 08205
Ridgefield PBA Food Truck & Music Festival
September 16 at 11 AM
Are you in the mood for food trucks and family fun? This year’s festival includes 18 gourmet food trucks, live bands, a kids zone, pony rides, mini golf, and much more fun.
Cost: $5, kids under 5 free
Veteran Memorial Park, 554 Shaler Boulevard, Ridgefield, NJ 07657
Muddy Paws Farm 2nd Annual Fall Festival
September 16 at 10 AM
Spend the day visiting with the friendly farm animals and shop among the crafters at this fun event. You’ll learn about the farm and see the animals up close.
Cost: Free
Muddy Paws Farm, 17 Retreat Road, Southampton, NJ 08088
Jump IN Challenge
September 16 at 10 AM
Have you ever been challenged to a jumping contest by kangaroos? Well, now is your chance. Head to the Cape May County Park and Zoo, where you will get one practice jump and two measured ones to see who can jump the farthest. Winners from each age group will receive a ribbon and a prize.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park and Zoo, 707 U.S. 9, Middle Township, NJ 08210
2nd Annual Last Splash Festival
September 16 at 11 AM
This mermaid and pirate festival has something for everyone to enjoy. There will be music, vendors, workshops, a treasure hunt, kids activities, a costume contest, and more. It all benefits the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and The Absecon Lighthouse.
Cost: Free
31 South Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Germania Park Oktoberfest
September 16-17
Rain or shine, get your dancing shoes on and get ready for live music and lots of fun.
56 Conger Street, Rockaway Township, NJ 07801
(973) 328-9693
Mountain Creek Oktoberfest
September 16-17
Round up your crew for a day of German-themed fun. Kids can jump on bounce houses, meet animals at the petting zoo, paint their faces, take a sky ride, and do a chicken dance to the live music. There will also be food, drinks, and live entertainment for the adults—Proust!
200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
(973) 827-2000
Ridgewood Fall Craft Street Fair
September 17 at 11 AM
This unique street fair combines fun for the whole family with 200 arts, crafts, and photography exhibitors from three states. There will also be lots of tasty treats, inflatables for kids, and face painting.
Cost: Free
211 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Washington State Park Historic Walking Tours
September 17 at 1 PM
Looking for something different to do with the family? Head to the park and take in the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum, the Stone Barn, and The Overlook. There will be historical tours, free films, and history to discover at every corner.
Cost: Free
Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd. Titusville, NJ 08560
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