All Weekend

New Jersey State Fair (Augusta, NJ)
This was my favorite fair growing up and it was a biggie even back then. Well, now that it has been bumped up to the STATE FAIR status, well, it’s a giant frenzy of family fun. There's something for everyone in the family including carnival rides and games, horse show, tons of fair food, agricultural exhibits and lots of free entertainment throughout the event. Begins Friday August 3rd and runs daily through August 12th. Mommy Poppins tip: Go early in the day as the traffic through scenic Sussex County REALLY builds up in the afternoons for this event. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 6-12, free for children under 6. (Sussex County residents pay $8 for adults and $5 for kids, with appropriate ID.) Fri 8/3-Sat 8/11 10am-10pm, Sun 8/12 10am-5pm).

Customer Appreciation Weekend (Chester, NJ)
If you haven't had a chance to get out to a farm or pick your own this summer, (Guilty!) here's your chance. Stop by Alstede Farms from 11am-5pm (pick your own available starting at 9am) for a day of FREE family farm fun! There will be lots for the kids to enjoy, such as antique tractors, FREE moonbounce and some yummy food samples. If you missed out on Four Sisters Winery's Family Fun day last week, you'll have a chance to meet them here and sample their award-winning wines! Also, (in honor of the newest member of their farm family:  Spike, the miniature potbelly pig!) there will be an outdoor showing of the movie Babe at 8pm ($3 per person. and popcorn and refreshments will available for purchase.  Bring your own chair. 908-879-7189.

Wizard of Oz Interactive Film Presentation (West Windsor, NJ)
I couldn't think of a better way to enhance the viewing experience of my all time favorite movie, “The Wizard of Oz” , than attending Theater To Go's special family sing-along at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre.  A Master of Ceremonies will lead the audience through several participation activities before the film starts, including games, a costume contest and trivia – complete with prizes! Ticket prices include an Audience Participation Kit with items to be used throughout the movie, such as kazoos, bubbles and noise makers. $18 for adults and $12 for children. For tickets, call the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333. Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m.; and Sunday 2 p.m.

Plays in the Park: Grease (Edison, NJ)
What's to say...Grease is the word! And it's also being performed live at Roosevelt Park in Edison daily (except Sundays) at 8:30pm August 1 through 11. Adults - $7.00, Senior Citizens - $5.00, Children 12 and Under Free. 732-548-2884.

Saturday August 4th

Honey Harvest (Lambertville, NJ)
Visit by Howell Living History Farm from 10am – 4pm for their annual FREE honey harvesting event where you can meet the queens, drones and workers who are responsible for their yearly crop of clover honey. You will have the opportunity to help uncap and extract honey, to taste and buy honey, and to see the insides of working hives, which is always fascinating for kids and adults alike. Helpful advice from the beekeeper: avoid wearing perfume or hairspray if you are going to get up close to the bees or "brush" the bees off the frames. Starting at 1pm, children can help spin honey from the frames by turning the crank of an "extractor". Honey extracting and sampling will take place at 1:00 pm. There’s also an optional craft event from 11-3pm where you can make a beeswax candle ($3 per child). 609-737-3299.

Lake Carnegie Paddle (Pennington, NJ)
Join the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association for a guided morning paddle on Lake Carnegie. This is the perfect event for families with children 8 and up who have always wanted to try out canoeing or kayaking! You will be able to view the lake from a different perspective, discovering firsthand a wide array of plant and animal life alongside a Watershed Association naturalist. 9:30am-12:00p. $25-$50 depending on watercraft. Call 609-737-7592 to reserve your spot!

Bergen County 4-H and Master Gardener Fair (Paramus, NJ)
Come on out to Van Saun Park from 10am-6pm for this fun filled family event at one of Mommy Poppins NJ's favorite locations. This fair offers 4-H and Master Gardener exhibits and displays, science demonstrations, animals, chick hatching, butterflies, interactive activities for children, arts and crafts, food and entertainment, and more! FREE.

Summer Social (Hamilton, NJ)
Celebrate summer, 50’s style at the Grounds For Sculpture from 11am-4pm. There will be lots of cool workshops where parents and kids can learn some 50's dance moves, and then show off their swing’n style or create a Pop Art print using templates or construct their own sculptures using wire, foam, and string. You will also find lots of music to rock around the clock as well as an array of vintage 50’s and 60’s cruising cars displayed by Jersey Cruisin Classics of New Jersey. You can even share a malt or root beer float, and make your own sundae. Feel free to come dressed for the occasion too! Free with admission: Adults$12/Children 6-12 $8/Children under 6 FREE. 609-586-0616.

Sunday August 5th

On Hallowed Ground: 150 Years of History at the Twin Lights (Highlands, NJ)
History and lighthouse lovers should visit the Twin Lights National Historic Site from 11am-4pm to celebrate the 150th birthday of the current structure—the nation’s only connected lighthouse—which was completed atop the Navesink Highlands in 1862! You'll have the opportunity to visit America’s first lifesaving station, which has been preserved and restored by the TLHS and will be open to the public for the first time this summer. A flag raising will commemorate the first official recitation (1893) of the Pledge of Allegiance. The Twin Lights Museum will tell the story of Marconi’s first commercial tests of wireless telegraphy (1899). FREE.

Guided Nature Walk (Tenafly, NJ)
Enjoy the summer season with a guided walk along one of Tenafly Nature Centers’s trails with an Environmental Educator. These walks are held on the first Sunday of the month from 3-4pm and all ages are welcome. It's a great way to see something new on the trails and forest each month. Members FREE/ Non-members $5.00. 201-568-6093.

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.

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