This weekend in New Jersey is about to come alive with fairs, festivals, and special kid-friendly events throughout all corners of the state. Experience carnival entertainment and attractions at Freedom Fest State Fair, feast on your favorite lobster or shrimp dish at Surf and Turf Seafood Festival, get your thrills on the Tilt-a-Whirl at the Ocean County Fair, plus many more family-friendly events happening throughout New Jersey this weekend.
Here are 15 Things To Do This Weekend in NJ:
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
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1. Family Fun Day & Food Trucks
Saturday, July 15 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 | 12:00PM – 6:00PM
Enjoy the Lake, Paddle boats, petting zoo, mini golf, volley ball, swimming, water slide, basketball, music, and Food Trucks. On Saturday only, there will be a live band in the amphitheater.
Mid Summer Food Truck Festival
400 Tuckerton Road, Medford, New Jersey 08055
Cost: General Admission $15, Kids ages 12 & under are Free
2. The Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festival (Hammonton)
Tuesday, July 11 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 | 9:00AM – Midnight
This unique summer festival celebrates Italian culture with carnival rides, live entertainment, games, with a grand conclusion of a parade and fireworks on Sunday at 4:00PM and 10:00PM, respectively. Come hungry, because there will be a wide variety of food available, as well as a beer garden for adults to enjoy. Bring the whole family to this community celebration.
Mount Carmel Lane, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Cost: Free Admission
3. Freedom Fest State Fair
Wednesday, July 12 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 | Wednesday & Thursday 5:00PM – 11:00PM, Friday & Saturday 12:00PM – 11:00PM, Sunday 12:00PM – 10:00PM
The 15th Annual Freedom Fest State Fair features the best rides, carnival food, and games that any little one could imagine. Special attractions also include a wrestling match, magic show, petting zoo, racing pigs, and much more.
Horse Park of New Jersey
626 Rte 524, Allentown, NJ 08501
Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15 and for $10 at participating Walgreens.
4. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast & Fireworks (Berkeley Heights)
Wednesday, July 12 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 | Fairgrounds open daily 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Mini Family Fireworks Friday 9:30 PM, Firework Extravaganza Saturday 11:00 PM
For those who really like big, BIG festivals and also can’t get enough NJ fireworks, this event has both those needs covered. Carnival rides, food vendors, {funnel cake, popcorn, snow cones, zeppolis + more!} fairground games, and live entertainment are just part of what make this event a family favorite. Adults can even enjoy an enclosed beer garden while the kids take in the twinkling lights and exciting rides.
Mt. Carmel Field
56 River Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Cost: Mini Family Fireworks, Free; Firework Extravaganza, $15 for ages 6 and up
5. Ocean County Fair
Wednesday, July 12 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 | Wednesday & Thursday 5:00PM – 11:00PM, Friday & Saturday 11:00AM – 11:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM – 5:00PM
This classic summertime county fair will include all of the traditions we’ve come to know and love, such as a ferris wheel (which they call the Tilt-a-Whirl) and a 4-H General Tent. Your little ones won’t go hungry, with plenty of food vendors, from barbecue to sweets, and everything in between. Musical acts and animal events will keep the crowds entertained all week. Bring the whole family to this county event.
Robert J. Miller Air Park
Route 530 Berkeley Township, NJ 08721
Cost: $8 Admission, Kids 10 and under are free, Parking is free
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6. Day Out with Thomas
Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 | Trains depart hourly 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Little ones can get up close and personal to their favorite train, and even take a ride on this 25-minute excursion with friendship-themed activities, including crafts and photos. During the train ride, Thomas the Tank Engine will talk to his little passengers as he makes his way down the Delaware River Railroad Excursion track. There will also be two bouncy rides and an inflatable moo cow for more outdoor fun.
Delaware River Railroad Excursion
100 Elizabeth Street, Philipsburg, NJ
Cost: $21 for an Adult & Child
7. White Meadow Lake Festival Days
Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 | Friday: 4:00 PM, Saturday: 12:00 PM, Sunday: 7:00 AM
This three-day festival has everything you would wish for at a lakefront family festivity. Starting on Friday the 14th, children of all ages can enjoy rides, a “Danceathon,” rock wall contest, and obstacle court. On Saturday, there will be a variety of games for the whole family including a sack race, tug of war, and spoon race, WML Family Feud, sand castle contest, Team Scavenger Hunt, and even a mechanical bull. On Sunday, a DJ will be around playing great music while visitors enjoy the boat parade, balloonist, face painting, library storytime, juggler, Wild West Rangers, balloon toss, pie eating contest, magic show, fireworks, and even more activities.
White Meadow Lake
100 White Meadow Road, Rockaway NJ 07866
Cost: Ride wristbands $20
8. The Laurita Red, White & Blue and Food Trucks Too Festival
Saturday, July 15 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 (Rain or Shine) | Saturday 11:00AM to 9:30PM (Fireworks will be around 9:00PM), Sunday:11:00AM to 7:00PM
Laurita Winery is inviting you and your family to their annual Red, White & Blue and Food Trucks Too Festival. With your $8 Admission Fee, you will have access to parking, shuttle service to and from the event, a souvenir Laurita wine glass, entrance to event featuring live entertainment, vineyard tours, food trucks, space to accommodate thousands of guests without being crowded, and some of the most scenic views in New Jersey. There will also be a Wine Tasting Tent located in the center of Vineyard Row under the Green and White Tents. Wine Tasting includes 6 wines for $7. Finally, there will be a huge playground for the kiddies to enjoy. Laurita asks guests to not bring outside food or beverages on the premises.
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, New Jersey 08533
Cost: Everyone 20 and under is Free, Anyone 21+ $8, Admission can also be purchased here.
9. Surf and Turf Seafood Festival
Saturday, July 15 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 | Gates Open 11:30AM Saturday & Sunday. First Race 12:50PM
Don’t miss out on the Jersey Shore’s biggest seafood festival of the year. Featuring all of the lobster rolls, shrimp, chowder, and oysters of your dreams, this event will also include plenty of vendors with land-dwelling and plant-based goodies. Games and activities will keep kids and adults of all ages busy all day, including a free Family Fun Day on Sunday. If your kiddos have full bellies, they can enjoy the pony rides, face painters, and clowns while you enjoy the food, beer, and wine. Click here to view the full menu.
Monmouth Park Racetrack
175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Cost: General Parking $5, General Admission $5, Children 12 and under are free
10. Bound Brook Food Truck Festival
Saturday, July 15, 2017 | 11:00AM – 7:00PM
The Just Jersey Fest is rolling into Bound Brook and it will be a full day of fun. The Bound Brook Food Truck Festival will have over 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, a DJ, Kids activities, and Beer/Sangria & Vendors. Kids activities include face painting, sand art, and a rock climbing wall. There will be plenty of room to hang out and relax, so don’t forget to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Billian Legion Park
E Main St, Bound Brook, NJ 08805
Cost: General Admission $5, Free for Kids under 10, Attendees are also asked to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the Food Pantry.
11. Wooden Boat Festival
Saturday, July 15, 2017 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Toms River Seaport Society was founded in 1976 to preserve the history of schooners, catboats and special purpose small craft. At this historic maritime festival, children can experience Antique and Classic Boats, Pirates & Pirate Shows, and will even have the chance to build and sail model boats of their own. Live entertainment and food will be available to all visitors, and parents will enjoy the Maritime Arts & Crafts available during this educational family event.
Toms River Seaport
North East Corner of Hooper Ave. and East Water Street, Toms River, NJ
Cost: Free
12. Festival of Nature
Saturday, July 15, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Families interested in nature and breathing in the fresh air will have a blast learning about their community’s wildlife at this outdoorsy festival. Hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, and vultures will do three free-flight shows and will allow attendees to get up close and personal to these otherwise sky-high creatures. Beyond birds, there will be butterflies, donkeys, alpacas, chicken, rabbits and goats, to pet, play with, and learn about. Rizzo’s Wildlife will be on site with alligators, hedgehogs, snakes, and insects. After the shows, take a stroll through the Arboretum’s butterfly garden for a whimsical experience.
Wagner Farm Arboretum
197 Mountain Avenue, Warren, NJ 07059
Cost: Adults $15, Children $20, Infants $15
13. Summer in the Street in Toms River
Saturday, July 15, 2017 | 12:00PM – 6:00PM
Open your eyes to a great afternoon of activities, music, and more. Your young ones can enjoy jumping up and down on the inflatables, getting their faces painted, making sand art, and watching cool street performances – all on the same day at this event. Enjoy all the vendors who will be serving great food and selling handcrafted goods.
Downtown Toms River
Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Cost: Free
14. Marching Band Carnival
Tuesday, July 10 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 | 6:00PM – 11:00PM
The Washington Township Marching Band Carnival will include all types of family carnival rides such as the Zipper and a mini roller coaster. Your family will also be about to play different games of chance, such as throw a basketball, toss a ball, ring toss, and more. There is family fun for everyone.
Washington Township High School
519 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd, Sewell, New Jersey 08080
Cost: Free Admission, Unlimited Ride nights are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with $20.00 Wristbands
15. Captain Kidd Treasure Hunt
Sunday, July 16, 2017 | 1:00 PM
Captain Kidd is hosting a free treasure hunt for little pirates ages 3 to 10 this Sunday in Cape May. Little ones get to explore their designated age-appropriate hunting areas to find their very own treasure chest. Every pirate is a winner and gets to take home the booty at the end of this fun event.
Cape May Convention Hall
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, New Jersey 08204
Cost: Free
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND:
- 30 Free {Kid-Friendly} Events in July
- 2017 Summer Beach Badges For New Jersey Beaches
- 25 {Must Know} Kid-Friendly Landmarks in NJ
- Top Summer Day Camps in NJ
- Museums in North, Central, & South NJ
- Aquariums in NJ
- 20 Family Friendly Hiking Trails in NJ
- 52 #NJMOM Must-Do Adventures
- Plan ahead by checking NJ Mom’s 60+ Things to Do in New Jersey
- Free Museum Days in NJ (the first weekend of each month)
- 275 Parks & Playgrounds in NJ
- 50 Best Spas in NJ
- 10 Mommy & Me Classes in NJ
- Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- Kids Bowl Free in NJ
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
