Best Summer Fairs and Festivals in New Jersey this July

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The Ocean County Fair has live music, animal acts, rides, and classic fair food. Photo courtesy of the fair

Looking for the best July fairs and festivals for New Jersey families? Here are some great options to add to your list.

Soak up the sun and take in the summery sites at family-friendly summer fairs and festivals throughout New Jersey this month, including the 86th Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival. Plus, lots of county fairs offer good, old-fashioned fun in July—swing by events in Ocean and Monmouth counties, among others.

Read on for more than 20 great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in July. 

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in NYC in 2024: Get All the Details!

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks return to the Hudson River in 2024, giving audiences on both sides of the river a view of the action. Photo by Kent Miller/courtesy Macy's

Macy's 4th of July fireworks show makes a triumphant return to the skies over the Hudson River for the first time since 2013. An annual unforgettable highlight of the summer, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks explode all along Manhattan's West Side for the first time in more than a decade. More than 60,000 shells are set to light up the night sky.

Spectators should be able to see Macy's 4th of July fireworks from many neighborhoods in Midtown Manhattan, plus riverside communities in New Jersey. If you're hoping to watch Macy's 4th of July fireworks live, it's never too early to start planning your viewing strategy. Looking for more FREE summer fireworks displays in NYC? Check out our roundup of where to see fireworks all summer long here, and bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all our top seasonal picks.

Best Central Park Restaurants for Kids, Plus Picnics, Pretzels, and More

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

For a memorable meal, and a special kids' menu, dine at Tavern on the Green. Photo by Jim Henderson

A picnic in Central Park makes for a lovely alfresco meal, but if you don't have time to plan, there are a handful of Central Park restaurants ready to serve you a sit-down or to-go meal, plus plenty of snack food staples at the ubiquitous hot dog carts peppering the paths that criss-cross the park.

Next time you find yourself exploring the secrets of Central Park and hunger strikes, here are our top picks for kid-friendly Central Park restaurants, plus some family-friendly restaurants just outside its gates.

16 Best Things to Do in Stony Brook with Kids

Submitted by Thien August on

Take a hike through Avalon Park and Preserve, which has outdoor artwork on display, when you visit Stony Brook.

Stony Brook is well known as the home of Stony Brook University, but it's definitely far more than just a college town: The walkable village is perfect for a day trip, with historic sites, museums, shopping, great restaurants, and fun recreation opportunities. 

Read on for things to do with kids on a visit to Stony Brook. For more day trip ideas, check out our Long Island Neighborhood Guides. 

Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 19 Cool Party Places for Teens

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly

High school and middle school kids may be too big for Chuck E. Cheese or hired princesses, but there are still plenty of exciting birthday party ideas for teens and tweens in Chicago that don't break the bank. We rounded up sporty teen birthday party ideas, sweet 16 birthday ideas, ideas for kids who love to cook, and even a few spots perfect for thrill-seeking kids. 

Some big kids may choose to just meet up with their friends at a fun place that matches the season of their birthday—and there are ideas for those too! Think beaches in the summer, ice skating rinks in the winter, or a park to hike in the spring or fall. You can also check out our favorite bowling centers and mini golf courses for more ideas. 

Here are some of the best birthday party places near Chicago for teens, tweens, and sweet 16s!

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