All Weekend

Strawberry Harvest Festival (Chester, NJ)
If you’re ready for a taste of summer, what better way to celebrate than with an all weekend Strawberry Festival at Alstede Farms? Stuff yourself silly with everything strawberry you can think of: homemade strawberry ice cream, strawberry shortcakes, strawberry shakes, strawberry lemonade slushies, strawberry sundaes, strawberry pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, and strawberry fudge. Whew! You’ll also get the chance to take a hayride out to the fields to pick your own juicy red fruit to take home. Plenty of activities such as wagon rides and a Moonbounce will keep the kids entertained. Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. Cost varies depending on activity. 908-879-7189

Belmar Seafood Festival (Belmar, NJ)
Nothing says summertime quite like the Jersey shore and seafood so get your fill of both at the Belmar Seafood Festival. Dubbed the ‘Largest Seafood Festival in the Country,’ you’ll definitely want to come hungry and gobble up free samples from local NJ restaurants. Mom & Dad might want to check out the wine tent and beer garden and the kids can keep busy at the children’s activity tent with games and entertainment just for them. Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 11am-8pm & Sunday 11am-6pm. FREE.

Turtle Back Zoo 50th Anniversary Celebration (West Orange, NJ)
This quaint zoo (a Mommy Poppins favorite!) has been a destination for NJ families for 50 years and everyone is invited to celebrate their anniversary this weekend. Make the rounds and see your favorite animals including wolves, kangaroos, llamas and cougars, then maybe get in line for a pony ride or feed a sheep at the petting zoo. Then be sure and stick around for special animal presentations, kid-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the weekend.  Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm. $11/Adult, $8/Children & Seniors, Children under 2 are free. 973-731-5800

Saturday, June 8th

Pirates Fest (Tuckerton, NJ)
Arrr! Gather up your little pirate this Saturday and head to Pirates Fest at the Tuckerton Seaport. Learn all about pirate history (both authentic and make-believe!) before you embark on a treasure scavenger hunt. Kids will also get the chance to do pirate crafts and those that come dressed for the occasion can enter the costume contest. Throw in live music and plenty of delicious eats and you’ve got a great family outing. 11am-5pm. $8/Adult, $5/Children 6-12, Children 5 & under are free. 609-296-8868

Rubber Duck Race & Festival (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Everyone’s favorite bath toy takes the starring role in a quirky and fun festival at Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead this weekend. The big event of the day is the rubber duck race – the Farmstead will be transformed into a duck-lover’s paradise, with thousands of yellow duckies ready to take their places at the starting line on the Passaic River. The festivities also include a silent auction (featuring local artists), artisan and craft vendors, music and lots of good eats. 12-4pm. FREE.

Sunday, June 9th

Native NJ Canoe Day (Tenafly, NJ)
For some outdoor fun, head to Tenafly Nature Center on Sunday for their once a year Canoe Day! Start with a relaxing and scenic canoe ride on Pfister’s Pond or take a short hike on one of the center’s many nature trails and enjoy the trees and flowers in full summer bloom. Kids will be invited to check out frogs and other wildlife at Salamander Pond and can cool off with a seasonal craft at the educational pavilion. Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and blanket and stay for the afternoon. Recommended for ages 9 & up. 11am-4pm. $3/Members, $8/Non-Members.

Spring Festival of Children (Jersey City, NJ)
Beautiful Van Vorst Park is nestled among historic brownstones in Jersey City and this weekend’s 5th annual Spring Festival of Children is the perfect time to visit. Performances of music, theater, dance and sports will take place at the gazebo from 10am to 5pm. The festival is a great chance to meet the local providers for the education of children in arts, sports and science. Kids can do an arts & crafts project or slide and swing at the nearby playground if they’ve got energy to burn. And if you need a place to refuel before heading home, stop at the popular (and delicious) Brownstone Diner & Pancake Factory down the street. 10am-5pm. FREE.

Check out our brand-new GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month! GO JUNE is hot off the presses!

And 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.