Junebug Artfest (Metuchen)

This is the last weekend for this jam-packed arts festival, that includes over 75 local artists displaying their work, as well as a variety of different live musical and dance performances. For hands on fun, there are interactive experiences like painting flowerpots and planting seeds with the Metuchen Garden Club, face painting and balloon animals. The creators of this event are quick to clarify that this is not a street festival, but rather a ‘genuine arts festival,’ which is a relief, because not only could we all use a little art education, but also none of us need more socks or food on a stick. Friday, June 24th, 6 pm. For more information, please contact the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce at 732-548-2964 or via email at metuchen.chamber@verizon.net.
 
Get Out! And Explore Liberty State Park (Jersey City)

The magnificent Liberty State Park interpretive center is sponsoring this FREE event for children looking to explore the natural world around them. Pre-registration is required and each family that pre-registers will receive a backpack with all the tools you need to connect to nature, while their park naturalists will lead several activities to get kids excited about creating their own adventures. For children age 5 & up accompanied by an adult. Saturday, June 25th, 10 am to noon. For more information, call 201-915-3409.

State Fair Meadowlands (Belleville)

I love a fair. The more popcorn stuck on my feet at the end of the day, the happier I am. This fair, while not technically The State Fair, still has animals, 50 food vendors — much of it magnificently deep-fried no doubt — and over 150 rides and attractions. It also has loads of free shows (with your admission ticket), including Circus Maximus, a big cat show, and alligator/human arm wrestling or something equally alarming. For admission prices and hours, go to njfair.com

Thanks To You For Giving Presents: First Annual Arts n' Craft Fair (Pine Hill)

This family friendly craft fair, whose proceeds benefit cancer patient services at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, NJ Chapter, will include one of a kind crafts, candy, and baked goods, plus fun activity for the kids. For more information please call 856-669-8329 or email kmcadams@thankstoyouforgiving.org

Dora the Explorer at Adventure Aquarium (Camden)

As if being up close and personal with sharks, rays and hippos wasn’t enough, this weekend your brood can see Dora as well. Everyone’s favorite perpetually lost, bilingual character will be roaming the premises and posing for pictures from 10 am-2 pm on Friday and between 11 am -3 pm Saturday and Sunday, Adventure Aquarium has also recently opened Gill’s clubhouse, where your junior ichthyologist can compare his sense of smell to that of a shark, learn about shark anatomy and watch the real thing swim around n the Ocean Realm exhibit. Open Daily 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Adults, $22.95; Children (2-12) $17.95. Children under 2 are FREE.