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Father's Day Weekend Things To Do in NJ: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Celebrate dads on their special day at Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark. Photo courtesy of Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach
Celebrate dads on their special day at Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark. Photo courtesy of Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach
6/14/23 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Father's Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Dad is the VIP on this mid-June weekend, which is filled with family-friendly festivities honoring Father's Day. If dad likes rides and games, you can hit the Tri-County Fair or the Warren Lions Club Expo Carnival. Score FREE-for-fathers admission on Sunday at Casino Pier and Jenkinson's.

This weekend also marks Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrate at events in Scotch Plains, Burlington, Morristown, and Union.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach tote, plus each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:​

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Participate in a variety of activities at the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Juneteenth Celebration. Photo by Tom Kranz
Participate in a variety of activities at the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Juneteenth Celebration. Photo by Tom Kranz

Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend With Kids

Warren Lions Club Expo Carnival

Jersey City–FREE
Wednesday, June 14-Saturday, June 17
The perfect activity for a summer evening, this carnival features food, games, and rides. Saturday evening ends with a bang as fireworks take flight.  READ MORE

Father's Day DIY Drop-In Workshop

Princeton–FREE
Wednesday, June 14-Friday, June 16
Little ones are invited to create a special Father's Day gift. Stop by the common area outside Williams Sonoma for craft kits and photo moments.  READ MORE

Tri-County Fair

Rockaway
Thursday, June 15-Sunday, June 18
Enjoy a spring night out with classic and new amusement rides, kiddie rides, games of chance, food trucks and more. Entertainment includes music, fireworks, a showcase for local bands, monster truck rides, a classic car show with '50s music, and an illusionist. READ MORE

Sankofa’s Juneteenth Festival of Morris County

Morristown
Thursday, June 15-Saturday, June 17
Morristown Juneteenth Weekend brings together five non-profit organizations to create a three-day event that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This free weekend offers access to local artists, food, music, and other festivities at major cultural venues in Morristown and Morris Township. READ MORE

Skimmer Festival

Sea Isle City–FREE
Saturday, July 17
Come to this festival by the sea, featuring vendors, food, live music, rides and children's activities. READ MORE

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Juneteenth Celebration

Scotch Plains–FREE
Saturday, June 17
The towns of Scotch Plains and Fanwood sponsor an afternoon of free programs in honor of Juneteenth. Events are located at or near Shady Rest, the nation's first Black-owned county club. READ MORE

Father's Day Paint and Play Tumbling Party

Princeton
Saturday, June 17
Bring your entire family for a fun day at Tumbles for a Father's Day Paint and Play party. Fathers, grandfathers and children can celebrate together. READ MORE

Juneteenth Arts Festival

Union–FREE
Saturday, June 17
Head over to Rabkin Park for a community celebration in honor of Juneteenth, featuring music, food, art and vendors. This year commemorates the 50th anniversary of hip hop. READ MORE

Military Timeline Weekend

Cape May
Saturday, June 17-Sunday, June 18
Historic Cold Spring Village hosts its annual Military Timeline Weekend, which features encampments, weaponry displays and demonstrations from living history groups depicting various conflicts throughout the centuries. READ MORE

Berries & Brews Father's Day Event

Long Valley
Saturday, June 17-Sunday, June 18
There's plenty to do Father's Day weekend at Ort Farms, including pick-your-own strawberries, food trucks, live music, beers from Jersey Girl Brewing Company, cow train rides, and lots more fun. READ MORE

Burlington Freedom Day 2023: A Juneteenth Celebration

Burlington–FREE
Saturday, June 17-Sunday, June 18
Celebrate Juneteenth on the beautiful Burlington waterfront. The two-day event includes music, food, vendors, a kid zone, crafts, games, and free lunch. The event concludes on Sunday with Praise on the Promenade: A Gospel Music Celebration. READ MORE

Freshwater Fishing Derby

Chester
Saturday, June 17-Sunday, June 18
Manasquan Reservoir and Turkey Swamp Park host these annual fishing derbies, perfect for Father's Day weekend. READ MORE

Father's Day at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Sunday, June 18
Celebrate dads at Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Water park. Dads ride free with a paying child on the same ride. Water park admission is free with child. READ MORE

Father's Day at iPlay

Freehold
Sunday, June 18
Treat dad to fun and games at iPlay America for Father’s Day. Download a free Unlimited Ride Band from the website so dad can enjoy various unlimited rides. READ MORE

Father's Day Luau

Landisville
Sunday, June 18
Celebrate Father's Day Hawaiian style at Bellview Winery, featuring tropical flavored sangria, live music, food trucks and a bounce house for the kids. READ MORE

Father's Day at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Sunday, June 18
Head to the Jersey Shore for a day out with dad. With a paid child’s admission, fathers get free admission to the Amusement Park, Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, Castaway Cove Mini Golf,  Lighthouse Point Mini Golf, and the Fun House.  READ MORE

Father's Day Train Rides

Whippany
Sunday, June 18
Surprise dad this Father's Day with the unforgettable experience of a train ride on one of Morris County's historic railroads. Step back in time at the nonprofit Whippany Railway Museum, where a larger-than-life train provides a 45-minute, round-trip ride.  READ MORE

Father's Day Walk

Tenafly
Sunday, June 18
Fresh air is on tap this Father's Day at Tenafly Naure Center with a guided walk. Dads may hike for free. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
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