Day Out with Thomas at Delaware River Railroad Excursions (Phillipsburg)
For preschoolers smitten with Thomas the Tank, this is the event of the weekend!  Take a 25-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt!  There will also be an Imagination Station with crafts, storytelling, videos, temporary tattoos, and more.  Friday, Saturday & Sunday with hourly departures between 10am and 5pm. Tickets are $18 per person.  Buy tickets in advance (and quickly because they are selling out quickly!) at Ticketweb or calling 866-468-7630.

Battleship Blast (Camden)
The Fourth of July celebrations start a day early in Camden on board the Battleship NJ. For just $10 a person you can get an On-Deck ticket to experience music, animals from the Philadelphia zoo, face painting, food, and finally an amazing view of the fireworks. Saturday.  Advance purchase recommended by calling 866-877-6262 although tickets should be available up until 9:30pm on Saturday at the ticket office.

 
Ice Cream Party at Howell Living Historical Farm (Lambertville)
Nothing is better on a hot summer day than ice cream, especially when you made it yourself from scratch.  Start by drawing ice from the farm's ice house, then get to work on the hand and engine cranked ice cream freezers.  By noon you will be enjoying ice cream sodas, sundaes, cones, not to mention music, wagon rides, games, contests, and crafts.  The weekend's craft is making a painted racing boat that kids can race in the farm pond.  Saturday from 11am to 3pm.  FREE with $4 materials fee for the children's craft. 

Sail, Sail, Sail Your Boat at Cooper Grist Mill (Chester)
Water fun is not only to be had at the beach!  At Cooper Grist Mill see how the water powers the mill's waterwheel and play in the stream.  This weekend the Mill is hosting a boat sailing event where kids can decorate boats and sail them in the tailrace (the stream that is created by the water that has poured over the waterwheel). Boats may be purchased for $8 or borrowed for free.  Saturday from 1pm to 3pm.  FREE.

Red, White, and Blue Zoo Day at the Turtle Back Zoo (West Orange)
Celebrate the Fourth of the July with some special festivities at the Turtle Back Zoo.  There will be live music by Tycoon Dog, a treasure hunt, and more!  Sunday from 11am to 5:30pm.  Free with admission, which is $9 for adults and $6 for kids 3 and up.

Fourth of July Family Event at Morven Museum & Garden (Princeton)
The former New Jersey Governor's Mansion and grounds is a beautiful day to spend the day, especially when it hosts a family friendly patriotic event.  Kids and adults can sign the Declaration of Independence, participate in some colonial era activities, and learn how Morven fits into the nation's founding history.  There will be music and food too.  Sunday, noon to 3pm.  FREE

New Jersey State Fair (Meadowlands)
Not to be confused with the farm-friendly county and state fair, this is THE place for rides, games, circus and magic shows, petting zoos, racing pigs, BMX shows, and more.  The Fair is open Saturday at 2pm until 2am, Sunday from 2pm to 12am, and for those who have Monday off, from 6pm to midnight.  Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 for children under 12, and children under 34" are free. Parking is $3.

Cumberland County Fair (Millville)
The Cumberland County Fair opens on Monday with a day of fabulous fun including racing pigs, 4-H events, free hayrides, stilt walkers, rides, food and music, shows, and a demolition derby starting at 7pm.  Monday gates open at 4pm.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and under. Parking is free.

July 5th Family Picnic at Edgemont Park (Montclair)
This annual town parade and picnic is the perfect way to celebrate July 5th!  The parade begins at 11am rain or shine after which there will be food, music, face painting, bouncy houses, train rides, local vendors and more.  Monday starting at 11am. FREE.