National Ice Cream Day at NJ Museum of Agriculture (North Brunswick)

President Reagan, who was a big fan of ice cream, developed national Ice Cream Day in 1984 and called for all people of the United States to observe the third Sunday in July with ceremonies and activities. Thanks, Ronny. The NJ Museum’s activities include The History of Ice Cream, Mini Ice Cream Cup Sundaes, Root Beer Float Samples, and an ice cream-themed craft for the kids. Sunday, July 18, 11am to 2pm. FREE. Call 732-249-2077 for more info.

The 8th Annual Ice Cream Festival (Toms River) 

Does your ice cream have what it takes to be named the best in NJ? The 8th Annual Ice Cream Festival includes tastings, ice cream eating contests, games, rides, and entertainment. If you make your own ice cream, you can join Montclair's own Applegate Farm as they compete to be named the best in New Jersey. Saturday, July 17 from 11:30 am to 5 pm. FREE admission and parking. Tasting kits $6 each in advance and $7 at event.

Butterfly Festival at Shady Brook Farm (Yardley, PA) 

Okay, so it’s not ice cream, but butterflies are pretty cool too (and less fattening). Butterfly expert Rick Mikula will be showing off a few of his favorite winged friends, there will be a craft for the kids and then enjoy a live butterfly release of over 250 butterflies. Arrive early so you have the chance to get your butterfly voucher. Sunday, July 18 from 1 to 4pm. FREE. Call 215-968-1670 for more info.

Family Fun Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village (Cape May) 

Cold Spring Village is pretty cool even on normal days, with twenty-six restored historic buildings and historically clothed interpreters chatting about the lifestyles of yesteryear, but adding on a Family Fun Festival is the cherry on top of the sundae (obviously can’t stop thinking about ice cream). Have some good old-fashioned fun with face painting, balloon animals, a marine touch tank, corn roast, crafts and music and Native American Programs. Saturday July 17 and Sunday July 18. Adults $8, Seniors (62+) $7, Children (3-12) $6, Kids under 3 free. Call 609-898-2300 for hours and more info.

Young Artists Workshop at Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton) 

Grounds For Sculpture offers Tots on Tour! from 11am -1pm on Saturday, July 17, rain or shine for ages 3-5 (Each child must be accompanied by one adult). FREE with park admission. Children can listen to a story, become a park explorers, and make art.  Your toddler will learn about sculpture via interactive activities. Meet at the Visitor Center. Advance registration is recommended.

For the slightly older set Grounds For Sculpture has a day of workshops for artists ages 6-14. The morning session includes Repurposed Plastic and Cast-offs Recreated, the afternoon session includes A Sculptor's Model and Crowded Cartoon Clusters. Saturday, July 17 from 11am to12:15pm and 1pm to 2:15pm. Price per session, per child is $12 for Members, $15 for non-Members, in addition to Admission cost of $12 for Adults and $10 for kids aged 6 to 17. Please register in advance by calling 609-586-0616.

Kidding Around at Brooklyn Indie Market (Carroll Gardens)

Brooklyn Indie Market and the {NewNew} continue their series of sustainable living collaborations with Kidding Around, a shop-and-swap event focused on tots through tweens. Handmade offerings by local indie designers and kids are encouraged to bring a gently used book to swap for one they haven't read yet. Look for the big red and white tent on Smith Street. Saturday, July 17 from 11am to 7pm, rain or shine. FREE. Call 718-310-7635 for more info.

Global Family Day at SummerStage (Central Park) 

Ralph's World, Bethany and Rufus and Cirque-tacular Entertainment will be entertaining families with music, mime, puppetry, acrobatics and magical mayhem. Global Family Day will be packed with kid-friendly rockers, American roots music, interactive story-tellers, face-painters, jugglers and an instrument workshop. Ralph Covert of Ralph’s World is a fantastic performer of whom The New York Times says “It is possible that Mr. Covert will turn out to be (the kid) genre’s Elvis Presley or, at the very least, its Elvis Costello.” Sunday, July 18 at 3pm. FREE.