Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend July 20-21: Ice Cream Fair, City of Water Day, Woodland Walk and More!
We’re about at the halfway point of summer, so we’ve had some time to (hopefully) relax but there’s also a stretch of hot, lazy weekends ahead. What to do? Keep cool at the 11th Annual NJ Ice Cream Festival in Toms River or the City of Water Day at Liberty State Park. For outdoor fun, check out Buzz Into Action at the Essex County Environmental Center or the Burlington County Farm Fair in Springfield Township. And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.
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Into The Woods Jr. (Netcong, NJ)
Based on classic fairytales by The Brothers Grimm, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine offer up a cockeyed fairy tale where all of your favorite characters - Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and The Witch - meet and interact on their journeys. Into The Woods Jr. is a funny and engaging way to get young people to think about the stories with which they’ve grown up and the moral of their tales. All ages welcome. Show times Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 4pm. $12/Person. 973-347-4946
Saturday, July 20th
11th Annual New Jersey Ice Cream Festival (Toms River, NJ)
When you mix some seriously hot weather with a day full of ice cream, how can you really go wrong? Head down the shore for some seriously sweet fun and celebrate the 11th Annual New Jersey Ice Cream Festival this Saturday. Taste all of the flavors (if you’ve got room!) and cast a vote for your favorite. Stick around for the ice cream eating contest, games, rides, entertainment and even a kids’ coloring contest. 11:30am-5pm. Free (Tasting kits are $7/each). 732-341-8738
City of Water Day (Jersey City, NJ)
Celebrate the New York-New Jersey harbor at this waterfront festival at the much-loved Liberty State Park. City of Water Day is the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance’s way to bring together everything about the water that is exciting and fun, from port commerce to environmental education to active recreation. Highlights include free historic boat tours, live music, ferry rides and delicious food from local vendors. There are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy too, including fossil viewing, sand art and a bouncy house. 10am-4pm. FREE. 212-935-9831
Buzz Into Action: Insect Education (Roseland, NJ)
For all those little guys and gals that just love bugs, the Essex County Environmental Center has put together a fun and interesting weekend program. Head to the nature center this Saturday with the whole family for a hands-on presentation about bugs (and butterflies too!). After learning some quirky facts about your favorite insects, everyone will get a chance to visit the Butterfly Tent and see the beautiful creatures in action. Recommended for ages 5 & up. Sessions at 10am & 12pm. $7/Child, $10/Adult. 973-228-8776
Burlington County Farm Fair (Springfield Township, NJ)
Head on down to Burlington County for some good old-fashioned family entertainment! There’s plenty to keep your brood busy at this fair, from 4-H animal exhibits and daily horse shows to amusement rides and live performances. Kids of all ages can join in the fun by entering the Scarecrow Recycling Contest, participating in the “Farmer for a Day” program or vying for the blue ribbon in Saturday’s Open Pet Show. 10am-11pm. $10/Car Parking Fee (includes admission for all). 609-784-8369
Sunday, July 21st
Flower Power Family Day (Morristown, NJ)
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is always thinking up creative and cool family activities and their Flower Power Day is no exception. Parents & kids can decorate their strollers, carriages or even wagons to look extra groovy before joining the afternoon flower parade. The festivities will include fanciful, animated puppets and music by Ira & Julia Levin. A great way for families to get creative together and have a blast! 1-4pm. $10/Vehicle. 973-326-7603
Family Woodland Walk (Ringwood, NJ)
If you don’t mind a little hot weather and are looking for some outdoor adventure, the Skylands NJ Botanical Gardens is hosting their Family Woodland Walks right through the hot summer months. Each family-friendly hike meanders along the Garden's charming woodland and meadow paths, with steppingstone bridges to navigate. More ambitious groups may make the easy trip to the top of Mount Defiance for a splendid view across the Ramapo Mountains. In each hike you’ll explore some of the geology, plants and animals that call the Botanical Garden home. Recommended for ages 6 & up (younger tots are welcome, but may need to be carried). 1pm. FREE.
Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month! GO JULY 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.
