Friday is National Donut Day so it’s only right to kick off the weekend with a sweet treat! This weekend is packed with fun, from a hot air balloon fest and carnival to a river ramble and a train show, there’s lots to do during this first weekend in June.
WEEKEND
Mizuho Americas Open
Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
Some of the biggest names in women’s golf will be headlining this special tournament. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko and 8 of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings will take the field; plus, 24 of the top 26 juniors in the Rolex AJGA Girls Rankings – including New Jersey’s top-ranked junior golfer Katie Li, of Basking Ridge – will be competing.
Corpus Christi Parish Carnival
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, Chatham Twp.
Thursday – Saturday
There will be rides, carnival games and prizes, a children’s-themed play area, plenty of food, a tricky tray basket raffle and the chance to win the annual BIG 50/50 Raffle.
Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival
Warren Community College, Washington
Friday – Sunday
There will be hot air balloons, drone demos, music, entertainment, food trucks vendors and more. Balloomination is a balloon glow synchronized to music. Take a tethered ride for 20 minutes of rising above the crowd. Try out your golf swing with DP Golf and a PGA Golf Professional. Learn how to build, repair or fly a drone with Warren UAS. The Hot Rides & Hot Air Balloons Car & Truck Show on Sunday accepts all makes and models. Other attractions include the June Jumble Combat Robot competition, a different band each evening, a ventriloquist on Friday, Balloons the Clown on Saturday and Sunday, dulcimer musicians each day, and a barbershop quartet on Sunday.
Roots Picnic Weekend
The Mann in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA
Friday – Sunday
Lauryn Hill will celebrate the 25th anniversary of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Other performers include Diddy & The Roots, Lil Uzi Vert, Ari Lennox, Maverick City, DJ Drama, Uncle Waffles, Glorilla, a live mixtape, Mary Mary, Beanie Sigel, Young Gunz, Symba, DJ Diamond Kuts, Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, QuestLove Supreme and dozens of other performers. This year, a special standup comedy performance from Dave Chappelle and The Roots is set for Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
Matilda: The Musical
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Friday – Sunday
Matilda is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. MPAC’s production will feature a cast of several dozen young performers.
Festival By the Bay
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Perth Amboy
Friday – Sunday
There will be food, music and dancing along the waterfront – opa! Make sure you pick up some authentic pastries and crafts.
Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival
Bader Field, Atlantic City
Saturday – Sunday
The Dropkick Murphys and 311 kick off the event for adults 21 and older. There will be more than 100 breweries pouring more than 400 selections. There will also be amusements, shenanigans and lots of food. Hosted by Ocean Casino Resort.
Nourished Festival
Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus
Saturday – Sunday
This gluten-free and allergen-friendly spring festival will be held both online and in person. There is a full schedule of presentations, exhibitors, discounts, giveaways, and the chance to connect with others.
Boujee Foodie Con
Fort Monmouth, Oceanport
Saturday – Sunday
There will be tastings from more than a dozen local eateries, plus culinary contests, workshops, live music, games, contests and giveaways. Come for the eating contests, chef throwdowns, a 360-degree photo booth and carnival games for the kids. Shop from vendors and listen to performances by musicians.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Southampton
Saturday – Sunday
The Shire of Crossford is open so that you may meet Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Aside from all the fantasy fun during the day, there will be three nighttime, after hours shows: on May 20, Jacques Ze Whipper brings his infamous Secret Show to the stage, the ladies of Chaste Treasures perform in concert on May 27, and the Righteous Blackguards perform on June 3.
Jersey City Jazz Festival
Exchange Place, Jersey City
Saturday – Sunday
There will be three areas of musical entertainment for singers, musicians and DJs to perform all weekend.
Spring Open House & Craft Market
Well Sweep Herb Farm, Port Murray
During the opening weekend you can take a cooking class, herb garden tour, check out the birdhouses and pollinator gardens, listen to music, learn how to garden and sip on some herbal tea.
Strawberry Festival
VonThun Farms, South Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
There will be strawberry picking, an activity area with more than 20 games, hayrides, barnyard animals, face painting, craft vendors and food vendors. On your way out stop in the farm market to pick up some homemade, fresh apple cider donuts, and lots of strawberry-themed goodies.
FRIDAY
Glen Rock Food and Music Festival
Glen Rock High School, Glen Rock
There will be food trucks, craft vendors, a DJ and activities for kids at this pet-friendly outdoor festival.
Donut Decorating
Electic Chic Boutique, Montclair
On the first Friday of every month there is a free activity here, and in honor of National Donut Day (which is June 2) you’ll get all the frostings, sprinkles and supplies needed to make two donuts to take home – or eat in class! Open to kids and adults age 12 and older.
Peter and the Wolf
Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown
New Jersey-based professional training orchestra Symphony in C presents the story as a free outdoor concert for young people.
Disco Night Fever Mania
June 2 at 8 pm
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City
Experience the groove of the ’70s and ’80s inside the Etess Arena with hits from Lime, Evelyn Champagne King, Rainere Martin Tribute to Donna Summers, France Joli, Tavares, The Trammps, Rochelle Fleming of First Choice and Musique.
First Friday
2 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
The Arts Institute of Middlesex County will celebrate Pride, Black music history, Caribbean American Heritage Month and Juneteenth, all in one day. Come by for live music, free refreshments, face and body painting, caricatures and giveaways.
John Waite
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
John Waite is the former lead vocalist for The Babys, and has been writing, recording and performing popular music for more than 35 years.
SATURDAY
Under Cover Music Fest + Beer Garden
Sloan Street Parking Lot, South Orange
Nine cover bands will take the stage. Grab some grub from local eateries including Chipoba, The Fox & Falcon by David Burke, Grub & Go, JuiceHub, Martin’s Homemade Pretzels, Miti Miti, Pandang, and Three Daughters Baking Co. Osteria Del Corso will set up a beer garden (cash bar) featuring local breweries. This family-friendly event will have kids activities in the Y-Zone courtesy of the South Mountain YMCA. New this year is an exclusive VIP area with tents available for purchase.
Arc of Warren County Food and Music Fest
Hackettstown
There will be 12-14 food trucks on site, plus live music, games and activities for all ages, including ARTstitution, bungee trampoline, airsoft pistol range, a balloon artist and visits with the ponies. Award-winning craft beers and Czeltzers by Czig Meister Brewery Company will be available for those 21 and older.
Randolph Food Truck & Music Festival
County College of Morris, Randolph
As a benefit for the Randolph Rescue Squad, you can bring the fam for food, drinks, music and lots of kids’ activities. School of Rock Randolph students will perform, as will Rock Bottom and The Captains of Leisure. There will be a bounce house, slide, knockerball, 9-hole miniature golf, face painting, sand art and more.
Field of Honor Ceremony
River Road Park, Bedminster
Through July 4, you can stroll through the grounds and see more than 200 American flags on display. Today, the community is invited to picnic on the grounds, listen to live music by The Whitehouse Wind Symphony and walk through the display.
Pride Faire
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Lunar Faire is a pop-up night market that celebrates the strange and unusual, the moon, and all the weird things people make and do. Attractions typically include curiosities, fire dancing, a potions lab, fortunes, crystal charging, group spellmaking, medium readings, a witch coven, music, matchmaking, wizardry, stilts and aerials, fairy hair and face painting, ukeleles, magical book exchange, drum circle and more. The theme will be celebrating Pride.
The Skirmish
Indian King Tavern Museum, Haddonfield
The British will invade Haddonfield and be challenged by Continental troops, just as they did in June 1778. The day’s events also include a yelling contest, Colonial dancing, pillory prisoners and character reenactors. Plus, soldier reenactors will be available to meet the kids before or after the skirmish.
Timbalooloo
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Oran Etkin’s friend Clara (who later turns out to be Clara Net – his clarinet) fell asleep and came to the concert in her bed. The children help Etkin wake her up, and Clara Net calls for her mother, Big Mama Tuba. Together with the full band, Etkin takes the children on a journey around the world, exploring different instruments and cultures and discovering how global cultures form the backbone of American music and society.
Bike Night
BTM Powersports, Upper Pittsgrove
Come by for a stunt show courtesy of Team Level Up, as well as a Slow Race with prizes, a taco truck, music and more.
African American Heritage Festival
TD Bank, Montclair
Each year, on the first Saturday in June, the Montclair African American Heritage Foundation hosts a parade and festival. There will be a motorcade starting at Maple Avenue and ending at the TD Bank parking lot in downtown Montclair.
Mossman’s Brook Trail and Old Coal Trail
Bearfort Waters, New Milford
New Jersey Audubon is hosting a walk through Mossman’s Brook Trail and Old Coal Trail to maximize the chances of bird sightings.
The Little Mermaid: Sensory-Friendly Screening
The Clairidge, Montclair
During this showing of the new live-action Disney movie, the atmosphere in the theater will be more relaxed. Your kids can get up and move around as needed, the lighting and volume will be softer, and there will be fewer trailers before the start of the movie.
West Orange Street Fair
Main Street, West Orange
One of the biggest events of the year in West Orange, the street fair features local crafters, food from local vendors, street performers, a classic car show, beer and wine garden, a rock climbing wall, free all-day admission to the Thomas Edison Museum and many of your kid’s favorite costumed characters.
Makerspace Saturday
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Kids will build with LEGOs, paint, make jewelry, experiment with engineering and coding robots, and more.
Javed Akhtar Live in Concert
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
Listen to classics by Javed Akhtar and Bollywood Playback singers Meiyang Chang and Jahnvi Shrimankar.
Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation Vendor Fair
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Stephanie will be remembered at this annual vendor fair, which raises money to support services for victims of domestic violence. There will be more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, displays, a demo by the county sheriff’s K9s, and a cornhole tournament.
Battleview Orchards Anniversary Celebration
Battleview Orchards, Freehold
If you’ve ever wanted to enter a pie-eating or a donut-eating contest, now’s your chance! To celebrate 115 years of farming, the market store will host a party with lots of samples, kids’ activities, raffles and giveaways, concessions and touch-a-truck.
River Ramble
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Bring the family so you can explore the stream together with nets and buckets. Catch crayfish, water striders, water pennies, and more.
Saving the Great Swamp
Schiff Nature Preserve, Mendham
The night of the festival, the Wood Badge Lodge is transformed into a woodland theater. Schiff provides the hayride, the alfresco movie experience, a primitive latrine, popcorn and water. You may hike up or take the hayride, but be sure to bring a picnic dinner and beverages; snack boxes will be available for sale.
Disco Ball
St. George Theatre, Staten Island, NY
On the lineup are Tavares, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Luci Martin and Norma Jean Wright (formerly of Chic), France Joli, Anita Ward, Lime, Gary’s Gang and Disco Unlimited. DJs are Tito Tee from Pastels and Ralphie D from 2001 Odyssey. Hosted by Joe Causi and Speedy.
Burlington County Book Festival
Burlington County Library, Westhampton
Aside from meeting children’s and adult book authors, you can also listen to an author’s panel, make a bookmark to take home, play some trivia, and meet Belle and Spider-Man.
Horseshoe Crab Crawl & Full Moon Viewing
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Take a nighttime stroll along the beach as you look for horseshoe crabs under the light of the full moon. You’ll learn about how the moon affects the tides which affects the activities of the crabs.
Color Run
Bridgewater Raritan High School, Bridgewater
Bring the kids out for food, music – and science. The Robotics Team will offer free activities for kids, plus there will be STEAM activities, influential speakers, music and food.
Spring Model Train Show
Garden State Model Railway Club, North Haledon
There will be two large layouts with train operations representing all eras, including specialty trains. See the famous trains of the past and present, including regular appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and his Friends. In addition to the HO-scale trains featured, there will be a play area for children to play with, as well as items for sale.
Old Time Base Ball Game
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
Take to the field with the Bulls or the Hogs and play ball! Howell Farm’s two teams play by 19th-century Town Ball rules, and you can also step up to the plate as “striker” and face off against the “thrower.” Be careful of the referee, who sits in a chair on the field and charges fines of up to 5 cents for breaking the rules! Watch the Flemington Neshanocks face off against the Elizabeth Resolutes in a historic baseball club match at 11 am, and stay afterward to join Howell Farm’s own Hogs and Bulls for a public game on the farmhouse lawn. There will also be a baseball scavenger hunt for the kids.
Rainbow Tie Dye Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
In this class, you will learn the basics of tie-dyeing and how to create your own unique rainbow shirt in honor of Pride Month. Choose from a variety of colors and patterns to create your own shirt to wear and take home. This is a family-friendly class that kids and adults can participate in.
A Walk to Believe
Rutgers University SHI Stadium, Piscataway
The 5K run, walk and roll is led by Eric LeGrand, the beloved Woodbridge native and former Rutgers University football player who was paralyzed during a game in 2010 and has been inspiring New Jerseyans with his resilience and positivity ever since.
Junteenth Celebration
Cherry Hill Mall, Cherry Hill
There will be a marketplace where you can shop, featuring local businesses, as well as musical performances, storytelling hosted by Stories of a Colorful World, a deejay, crafts for the kids and free giveaways.
Hungarian Festival
Bethany and Division Streets, New Brunswick
New Brunswick will become Little Hungary for the day. Try Hungarian foods, listen to Hungarian music, watch Hungarian cultural performances and learn a Hungarian folk dance. There will be street vendors, activities for kids and a twilight ceremony to close out the day.
Summerfest 2023
Merrill Park, Woodbridge
There will be kids’ activities, food and beer during this full-day free outdoor music concert series. The mini-concerts include classic rock hits, acoustic rock, one-hit wonders, a Springsteen tribute band and a Chicago tribute band.
Full Moon Hike
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Head to Maggie’s Point to view the full moon, which is June’s Strawberry Moon, on a peaceful spring evening.
Family Health Fair
Recreation Park, New Brunswick
Civic League will offer health screenings for blood pressure and diabetes, plus an obstacle course, dance workshops, live music and prizes.
SUNDAY
Full Moon Meditation & Ritual On The Beach
Island Beach Motor Lodge, South Seaside Park
This meditation is designed to combine the power of the full moon, the natural beauty of the beach and the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls. You’ll be guided through a series of mindfulness exercises and visualizations to help you relax, reenergize and transform your emotions. Bring a towel or blanket, and maybe a sweatshirt to lie on the sand.
Doggie Derby and Family Fun Day
Jones Road Park, Lacey Twp.
There will be a bounce house, games, music, a cheerleading demo, dog competitions, karate demos, K9 demos, a food court, vendor booths, service dog exhibits and more. Enter your dog into the Most Happy Dog, Best Dressed, Best Tricks and Dog/Owner Lookalike contests.
South Bound Brook Food Truck & Music Fest
Memorial Park, South Bound Brook
Support the South Bound Brook Fire Company by spending the day eating from more than 15 food trucks, listening to live music, ordering beer or sangria (if you’re of age), shopping from the vendors, going on a pony ride, petting the animals, getting your face painted, doing sand art, jumping on the inflatables or bungee trampoline, or playing mini golf.
Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair
Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights
Come down for quality exhibitors, a special crafter’s section, lots of great food booths and food trucks, kiddie rides and a kids’ area, live music, performances by local groups, and more.
Guided Walking Tour
Watchung Park, Montclair
In the early days of Montclair’s settlement, Watchung Avenue divided the Dutch farmlands of Speertown in the north end of today’s Montclair from the English farmlands of Cranetown. All that changed when the railroad came through in the late 1800s. Developers bought the farms and created business districts and housing around the new stations. This walk will take you through a turn-of-the-century business district and commuter suburb, developed between 1900 and 1930. The tour will include a special stop at the site of the new Judy Weston Garden in Watchung Park.
Art at the Esplanade Art Show
Esplanade, Mountain Lakes
Shop directly from the artists at this open-air event for original paintings, pottery pieces, jewelry, sculpture and more.
Moe-Tion Dance Theater
Centenary University, Hackettstown
Come to the college for an afternoon of works choreographed by Maureen Glennon Clayton as well as guest choreographers.
Hot 97 Summer Jam
UBS Arena, Belmont Park, Long Island, NY
The hip-hop lineup includes Ice Spice, Coi Leray, GloRilla, Lola Brooke, French Montana, Fivio Foreign, Lil TJay, Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop with The LOX, and Cardi B.
Garwood Rocks
Center Street, Garwood
Every year the town gets rockin’ with live music, classic cars, a beer and wine garden, shopping and family fun.
Springtime Photography for Kids
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Kids will step into nature to improve their outdoor photography skills. The last class will be held in the computer lab so they can sharpen their photo editing skills. Then, they’ll have some of their best work displayed at the preserve throughout the rest of the season, with an opening reception for family and friends.
Family Movie Day
Rutgers Cinema, Livingston Campus of Rutgers University, Piscataway
Bring the kids for a viewing of the new live-action version of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Admission includes a movie ticket, popcorn and soda.
EB Market
East Brunswick Municipal Complex, East Brunswick
Stop by the spring pop-up for crafts, food trucks and prizes from the library.
Inclusive Pride Family Day
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York City
Families of all ages and experiences will learn all about LGBTQ+ figures in space exploration and the Navy, take part in hands-on art and storytelling activities, and explore the museum at their own pace with a scavenger hunt. A quiet room will be available to families who need to take a break. A social narrative, visual vocabulary and visual schedule will be sent to every family before the event.
ONGOING
Mermaids
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Thursdays – Sundays, June 1-18
This special exhibit inside the aquarium lets you get up close and personal with mermaids under the water and above the surface. You’ll watch them dive in the shark tank, too.
Sand Sculptures in The Village
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
June 1 – August 31
Celebrate summer vibes with six larger-than-life sand sculptures that celebrate your and your kid’s favorite stories from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Winnie-the-Pooh, Mother Goose stories and Alice in Wonderland.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Monmouth Mall, Eatontown
June 2-11
Along with classic fairway rides, there will be performances by Anastasini Circus. Come for games, carnival food and community interaction.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge
June 2-11
Along with classic fairway rides, there will be performances by Anastasini Circus. Come for games, carnival food and community interaction.
New Jersey International Film Festival
Voorhees Hall, Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Virtual option as well
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 2-11
This annual film fest features 40 films from around the world that will be screened online and during in-person showings. In addition to features and documentaries, the festival will include animated, experimental and short films. The finalists were selected from 711 works submitted by filmmakers worldwide.
Jazz in June
McCarter Theatre, Princeton
Weekends, June 2-17
The series kicks off with Samara Joy, the 2023 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist. Oran Etkin presents a Timbalooloo family event recommended for kids ages 2-8. There will be jazz music, a saxophonist and an 18-member ensemble on different nights.
Sand and Sea
The Morris Museum, Morristown
Wednesday – Sunday, June 2 to July 9
From bathing suit fashions to souvenirs to art, check out objects in this exhibit that will make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.
Yoga By the Bay
Old Bridge Waterfront Park, Cliffwood Beach
Sundays starting June 3
Tuesdays starting June 6
Bring a mat or towel because these one-hour yoga classes will be held on the grass overlooking the water.
Morning Walk
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, June 3 – August 26
New Jersey Audubon is hosting a weekly morning walk so you can enjoy a quiet morning at the sanctuary, walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. The walk is informal and informative: you’ll discover birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians along the way.
Nature Infused Yoga
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Virtual option as well
Saturdays, June 3 – August 26
Yoga teacher Kristin Mylecraine will show how yoga is a great way to relax, find inner connection, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class hosted by New Jersey Audubon.
ALSTEDE FARMS
Strawberry Pancake Breakfast
Alstede Farms, Chester
Sundays, June 4 and 11
Take a wagon ride through the farm to Harvest Hall, where you will sit down for homemade pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, homemade strawberry topping, coffee and drinks. After you eat, continue your day on the farm picking strawberries in the PYO fields.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Through June 11
Along with fairway rides, performances will be held by Anastasini Circus. Midway will be provided by Reithoffer Shows. Wednesdays will be First Responder Night, and there will be a sale on Memorial Day.
World War II Exhibit
Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through June 17
Kids and adults who are interested in history will learn about the lives and memories of veterans and fallen heroes from World War II through this exhibit. There will be military and civilian paraphernalia including weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.
Junior Historians Club
Wicoff House, Plainsboro
Saturdays, through June 17
Kids ages 6-8 will learn about historic preservation through fun and immersive activities. Each meeting will have a theme such as archaeology, architecture, conservation or genealogy. There will be weekly activities, crafts and museum scavenger hunts.
Museum Littles
Wicoff House, Plainsboro
Sundays, through June 18
Little ones ages 2-4 will be introduced to new topics through fun crafts and engaged learning. Activities include classical music, sensory activities and an active play area based on weekly themes such as Little Architect, Little Botanist, Little Astronomer, Little Linguist, Little Archeologist and more.
Laser Elton John
Edelman Planetarium, Glassboro
Fridays, through June 24
Laser Elton John celebrates his larger-than-life persona, bringing the Rocket Man’s powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light.
Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Resorts AC Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City
Select dates through August 19
Miami’s Fab Four are investigating a potential murder hit – when they become suspects in a completely different murder! Use your detective skills to figure out which character is responsible and what their motive it – could it possibly be one of our favorite friends who is guilty?
Disney 100: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 27
Disney fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at their favorite characters, movies and theme parks. Walk through 10 different galleries that will immerse you in sight, sound and touch.
Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays, through September 2
Each week there will be a different musical style represented, such as Flamenco, New Orleans brass, jump blues, vintage rock, pop rock, country, R&B, pop, funk, blues, jazz and cover bands.
Beach Yoga
Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Long Branch
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 3
Put on sunscreen, wear a hat and bring lots of water, because these one-hour hatha vinyasa classes are on the beach along the Atlantic.
Boardwalk Craft Show
Rio Grande Avenue Boardwalk, Wildwood
Select weekends, through September 3
As you stroll down the boardwalk, check out the artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more. The dates are May 27 and 28, June 17 and 18, July 1, 2 and 3, July 15 and 16, August 12 and 13, August 19 and 20, and September 2 and 3.
Statue at Sunset Cruise
Pier 16, New York, NY
Every day, through September 3
Bring your kids or date on board a small, intimate Circle Line vessel, where you’ll sail along the East River for an hour during sunset, passing by NYC landmarks such as the Statute of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be a photo stop at Lady Liberty.
Identity & Restraint: Art of the Dog Collar
AKC Museum of the Dog, New York
Through September 4
This unique exhibit presents an array of dog collars from the National Sporting Library & Museum. Fine art from the AKC Museum of the Dog and American Kennel Club Collections will help develop an understanding of the collar as both art and object and how its design changed in relation to different dog breeds and their uses.
Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 4
Kids can learn, play and solve problems while finding themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Younger kids can practice counting objects, comparing sizes and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running.
Bonfires on the Beach
Asbury Park
Through September 29
On Fridays in May and June, Wednesdays in July and August, and Fridays again in September, you can visit one of several beaches in Asbury for a family bonfire. Bring your chairs, blankets and s’more-making items.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
50 West 34th Street, New York, NY
Through October 15
This immersive exhibit is dedicated to all things Harry Potter. The exhibition features the iconic moments, characters, settings and beasts seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and also includes the costumes, props and imagery from the Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can choose a Patronus, cast a spell, test their Quidditch skills, and brew potions while you’re there.
Little Falls Farmers Market
Little Falls
Sundays, through October 29
Soupeteer, Doughboy On The Rise, Jersey Pickles, High Mountain Foods, Pastabalities, Rosie’s Empanadas, Jersey Spirits, Seven Tribesmen and Cousins Main Lobster are just some of the returning vendors for the season. Live music will be from Your Mom’s Hot and new this year will be live jazz music from Hunter Hays – plus DJ Allstar Spotlight.
Mountain Creek Resort Bike Park
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Through October 29
The bike park at Mountain Creek has 52 downhill trails that challenge everyone from first-time bikers to downhill professional racers. Zip tours feature a series of ziplines ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length. On Wednesday, May 17, the bike park opens for the season at Mountain Creek, followed by the opening of the zipline tours on May 27.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Sundays, through November 12
The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
T-Rex Takeover
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Select days, through November 12
The park will be home to more than 30 larger-than-life-sized dinosaurs, and includes the Jurassic Jump attraction, activities like dino trivia or feeding a T-Rex, time to speak with actual paleontologists and a scavenger hunt.
Food Truck Festival Season
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Select Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19
Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus have a glass or wine or two. There will be family activities, too.
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