All Weekend

Greenwood Lake Air Show (West Milford, NJ)
Here's your chance to spend a day watching high performance aircraft shows and vintage WWII show planes AND catch some powerful muscle cars and classic roadsters all at the same event. Bring your family to the Greenwood Lake Airport from 10am-5pm. There will also be live music, food and lots of aviation history and fun! Bonus, you'll also experience a great summer drive up through beautiful Northern New Jersey. Adults $20 Seniors(65+) $15 Children(5-12) $10 Under 5 Free.

Saturday August 18th

Explore the Estuary (Jersey City, NJ)
You can seriously become one with nature at this FREE family event at Liberty State Park from 10am-12pm. You'll be making a fashion statement in your chest waders for this hands-on exploration of their estuary! (And who knows what you will find in those waters of the Hudson).  Wear old shoes that can get wet and muddy and make sure you have your own transportation to get from the Interpretive Center to the study site. Call (201) 915-3409 to pre-register for this event.

Canal Day Festival (Wharton, NJ)
Yes, it's a festival that celebrates the Morris Canal, don't laugh! My family attended last year and had a blast at this FREE old time country fair at Hugh Force Canal Park. Although I love a good craft festival, my kids just LOVED the food, educational events and live bands throughout the day on two stages. There is also an opportunity to learn about local history by taking a guided Morris Canal walking tour or experience life on the Morris Canal first hand by traveling down the canal on a free boat ride or prove your prowess by paddling a kayak. 10am-5pm.

Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival (Morristown, NJ)
Stop by the Green in Morristown from 12-10pm on this hot August day for some cool jazz and blues music. It's a perfect opportunity to to get in that FREE outdoor concert and then do some shopping and sightseeing in beautiful historic Morristown (insert Morris county link here). Also many local restaurants will be offering specials for festival attendees.
 BYOC or B (Bring your own lawnchair or blanket!).

EARTH Center Garden Field Day (South Brunswick, NJ)
Bring your crew out out to the EARTH Center at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park from 10am-3pm for their biggest event of the year. Lots of FREE family fun, including garden tours, taste tests, and lots of live music. You can also WOW your kids with their 
garden fruit and vegetable contest, or perhaps scare them with the World's Largest Brussel Sprout. 732-398-5262.

Pajama Night: Storytelling Under the Stars (Toms River, NJ)
It's a night out for the kids at the Novins Planetarium at Ocean County Community College with this great event. Storybooks come to life with giant pictures floating among the stars to accompany the tales. Children will enjoy the stories and learn a bit about the stars and other objects visible in the night time sky. Feel free to wear comfy pajamas, bring a pillow or blanket and spend a fun and relaxing hour under the planetarium stars. $8 per person. Showtimes at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets sell quickly & advance purchase is highly recommended. Call 732-255-0400 ext. 2111.

Family Campfire (Ringwood, NJ)
Bring your family and friends to Weis Ecology center from 7:30-9:30pm for a special night out with nature! You will enjoy campfire with amazing nighttime activities, songs, stories, and, of course, s’mores. $6 members, $9 nonmembers. Family: $18 members, $27 nonmembers. Preregister by calling 973-835-2160.

Sunday August 19th

Rebel the Pony's Special Event (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Come out to Lord Stirling Stables from 10am-4pm to join Rebel's special day of FREE fun. Rebel's pony friends will be on hand to give Lead Line rides to children up to 12 years old who are able to sit and hold onto the saddle unassisted. Enjoy games, storytelling, and light refreshments throughout the day. Admission, parking, pony rides, and refreshments are free! Giddyup! 908-766-5955.

Family Woodland Walk (Ringwood, NJ)
Stop by the Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens at 1pm for this easy, kid-friendly walk in the Garden's woodlands, where you'll learn about the plants, animals and geology around you in a walk designed to fit the group. Wear sturdy shoes, meet at the Carriage House. FREE.

Community Fossil Hunt (Middletown, NJ)
This is a great opportunity to work with the experienced guides of Poricy Park to journey back in time 65 million years on their great Fossil Hunt! Trowels & sifters will be provided and you'll even have help with identifying your treasures. Please dress for the weather and wear rubber boots or old sneakers, as your feet WILL get wet. Bring a small bag to hold your five best finds! Appropriate for adults & children of all ages. 3:00-4:30pm. $5 members; $7 non-members; $20 Family (2 adults, 3 children). Call 732-842-5966 to pre-register.

Performance in the Garden: Japanese Drums & Ikebana Art (Morristown, NJ)
Bring the whole family to historic Macculloch Hall at 4pm to see Taiko drummer Marco Lienhard of Taikoza join Anna Nakada to perform their powerful rhythms with electrifying energy. Sounds like a great way to end a summer weekend! Adults $8, Seniors $6, Students (over 12) $6, Children 6-12 $4. Children under 6 free. 973-538-2404.

Don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar.  And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar  to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.

Planning an event? Submit it to our calendar.

Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe to our free newsletter.