See the Grinch on stage at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick in New Brunswick. Photo by Jeremy Daniel
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
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Outhouse orchards corn maze
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Johnson's Locust Hill Farm is a picture perfect backdrop for a stroll through sunflowers. Photo by Cody Conk
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Weekend Fun: Farmers' Fair, Summer Fest, Hot-Air Balloons

The Warren County Farmers' Fair has tons of kid-friendly fun, including hot-air balloon launches. Photo courtesy of the fair
The Warren County Farmers' Fair has tons of kid-friendly fun, including hot-air balloon launches. Photo courtesy of the fair
7/23/19 - By Laurie Rein

July comes to a close on a sky-high note with two amazing balloon events: the QuickChek Festival of Ballooning and Warren County's Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Music and food add to this weekend's excitement at the XPoNential Music Festival and 6th Annual Food Truck Seafood Festival.

Swing by county fairs in Gloucester and Monmouth counties this weekend, and celebrate New Jersey arts and culture at the Rutgers Gardens Summer Fest.

Find even more weekend options in our Summer Fun Guide, including Cute New Jersey Beach Towns to Explore with Kids. And look to our July GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

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The popular QuickChek Balloon Festival takes flight this weekend at Solberg Airport. Photo courtesy of the festival
The popular QuickChek Balloon Festival takes flight this weekend at Solberg Airport. Photo courtesy of the festival

All Weekend

37th Annual QuickChek Festival of Ballooning

Whitehouse Station
The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, with more than 100 participating balloons. It holds the dual distinction of being a recipient of The New Jersey Governor's Award for Best Special Event, as well as the American Bus Association's designation as a Top 100 Festival in North America. READ MORE

Gloucester County 4-H Fair

Mullica Hills
This country fair beckons visitors with its agricultural exhibits and contests, displays of 4‑H projects, daily rides and games, magic shows, musical acts, baby parades, craft exhibits, tractor pulls, demonstrations, and more. READ MORE

XPoNential Music Festival

Camden
WXPN and the Camden County Board of Commissioners present the XPoNential Music Festival presented by Subaru. The festival returns to the Wiggins Park on Camden Waterfront. As always, the festival is a great opportunity to see established artists and to discover new up-and-coming bands. READ MORE

Monmouth County Fair

Freehold
The Monmouth County Fair returns to East Freehold Showgrounds for its 45th year with excitement and attractions for all ages, from 4-H shows and exhibits to a variety of entertainment, thrilling rides to home and garden competitions and so much more. READ MORE

86th Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival

Phillipsburg
Celebrating its 86th year, the Warren County Farmers’ Fair, featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival, provides family entertainment for the whole community. The fair is a place that delights everyone, from grandparents to the grandkids. READ MORE
Head to the Tulpehaking Nature Center on Saturday to hunt bugs! Photo courtesy of Mercer County)
Head to the Tulpehaking Nature Center on Saturday to hunt bugs! Photo courtesy of Mercer County)

Saturday, July 27

Bug Hunting at Tulpehaking Nature Center

Hamilton – FREE
Explore the bug world of the Abbott Marshlands. With sweep nets, bug boxes and other tools of the trade, take a close look at these amazing animals before releasing them back to nature. READ MORE

Rutgers Gardens Summer Fest 2019

New Brunswick – FREE
Celebrate the Garden State at this cultural festival, featuring entertainment, vendors, cooking demonstrations, dance performances, food, art and more. READ MORE

Drop In Arts & Crafts

Clifton
Drop in at Hamilton House Museum every Saturday morning in July, August, October, November, and December for parent and child art projects. There will be new projects each week. READ MORE

Belmar Movies on the Beach

Belmar – Boss Baby – FREE
Enjoy an evening under the stars with your feet in the sand. Free screenings take place every Wednesday night. While you're there, grab dinner at Belmar's many casual or fine-dining establishments.  READ MORE

6th Annual Food Truck Seafood Festival

East Rutherford
Indulge in seafood and other treats at this 6th annual festival. On tap are food trucks that serve surf & turf, barbecue, tacos, burgers and more. READ MORE
Enjoy free activities at Monmouth Park's Family Fun Days. Photo courtesy of Monmouth Park
Enjoy free activities at Monmouth Park's Family Fun Days. Photo courtesy of Monmouth Park

Sunday, July 28

Family Fun Days at Monmouth Park

Oceanport
Every Sunday is a fun day at Monmouth Racetrack. The little ones are treated to pony rides, face painters, clowns and bounce houses.  READ MORE

Feed the Animals

Hamilton – FREE
It’s lunchtime for the education animals. See what it takes to keep them healthy, clean, and fed. They might even enlist some willing hands to help. READ MORE

Seaside Heights Movies at the Beach

Seaside Heights – Captain Marvel – FREE
Bring a beach chair, towel and plenty of munchies for this summer movie series on the beach in Carteret. Movies play Sundays. Showtime starts at sunset. READ MORE

Summer Family Movie Series

New Brunswick – How to Train Your Dragon 3 – FREE
Top off the weekend with a family-friendly movie every Sunday at The Yard. Titles include hits like Wonder Park and Incredibles 2. READ MORE

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