Spend the day at Van Saun Park and bask in seasonal fun like ice skating. Photo by Kaylen Chiarello Ebner
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From turkey trots to ice skating, there's lots happening on Thanksgiving Day in NJ. Photo courtesy of the Chatham Turkey Trot
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The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
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Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
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More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
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With more than 18 miles of trails to explore, Duke Farms is a beautiful backdrop for a fall day trip. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
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Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
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Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
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The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Weekend Fun: County Fairs, Festival of the Sea, Train Show

The 81st annual Middlesex County Fair lights up East Brunswick this weekend. Photo courtesy of the fair
The 81st annual Middlesex County Fair lights up East Brunswick this weekend. Photo courtesy of the fair
8/6/19 - By Laurie Rein

There's no better place to spend a mid-August weekend than the Jersey Shore—and this weekend, the shore is filled with fair and festival fun, including LBI's Festival of the Sea, the Keyport Fireman's Fair, and the Atlantic County 4-H Fair. 

Peachy celebrations continues this weekend with Alstede's Peach Harvest Festival and the Peach, Princess and Pirate Celebration at Camden Children's Garden. And don't miss more fair fun at New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show and Montclair Jazz Festival.

Find even more weekend options in our Summer Fun Guide, including 20+ August Fairs and Festivals for New Jersey Families. And look to our August GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Train lovers won't want to miss Greenberg's Train Show this weekend at the NJ Expo Center. Photo courtesy of the show
Train lovers won't want to miss Greenberg's Train Show this weekend at the NJ Expo Center. Photo courtesy of the show

All Weekend

Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show at New Jersey Expo Center

Edison
All aboard the largest and longest-running model train collectible toy show in the Northeast. The show boasts huge operating model train displays with workshops and demonstrations. READ MORE

New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show

Augusta
The New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show features horse shows, live entertainment, carnival rides and games, exhibits, delicious food, and more. READ MORE

Stony Hill Farms Sunflower Festival

Chester
Surround yourself with beautiful sunflowers at this Stony Hill Farms festival. Take scenic photos and pick your own bunch in the 2.5-acre field of vibrant, golden-hued blossoms. READ MORE

Peach Harvest Festival at Alstede Farms

Chester
Enjoy peach treats galore including peach muffins, peach pie, crumb cake, ice cream, and more. Families can also take a scenic hayride to the farm's peach orchard to pick their own fruit to take home. READ MORE

Middlesex County Fair

East Brunswick
This 86th annual festival boasts carnival rides, crafts, agricultural displays, and an amazing array of live entertainment. Plus, enjoy a puppet show, The High Flying Cortes Trapeze Spectacular, magic, and fireworks on opening and closing nights.  READ MORE

Peach, Princess, & Pirate Celebration

Camden
Bring your little princesses and pirates to Camden Children's Garden for a fun and fruity afternoon, with crafts and a treasure hunt. Receive $1 off admission when wearing a costume.  READ MORE
Check out the Family Jazz Discovery zone at the Montclair Jazz Festival on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the festival
Check out the Family Jazz Discovery zone at the Montclair Jazz Festival on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the festival

Saturday, August 10

Montclair Jazz Festival

Montclair
Nishuane Park in Montclair presents this 10th annual jazz extravaganza, with nine hours of live jazz. In the spotlight are the regional favorites and performances on the main stage by more than 150 Jazz House Kids emerging musicians. READ MORE

Atlantic County 4-H Fair

South Egg Harbor
Kids can pet a goat and meet a menagerie of other farm animals at this annual event hosted by Rutgers University's Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County. The fun includes a car show, baby parade, pet parade, rides and more. READ MORE

Arts & Crafts by the Sea

Seaside Heights – FREE
This annual event features over 70 artists and crafters, ranging from hand-made jewelry to home-made soy candles and art works. Enjoy a day of shopping with the sights and sounds of the Jersey Shore in the background. READ MORE

Festival of the Sea

Long Beach Island
Head over to St. Francis Community Center for family for five nights of fun for all ages. Rides, games, carnival food favorites and a 50/50 raffle are all a part of the excitement. READ MORE

Keyport Fireman's Fair

Keyport
The annual Keyport Firemen’s Fair provides four evenings full of summer carnival and boardwalk fun. Enjoy food trucks, games, rides, 50/50’s, live music, and more. READ MORE
Enjoy lots of kid-friendly fun at Monmouth Park on Sunday. Photo courtesy of he park
Enjoy lots of kid-friendly fun at Monmouth Park on Sunday. Photo courtesy of he park

Sunday, August 11

Family Fun Days at Monmouth Park

Oceanport
Every Sunday is a fun day at Monmouth Racetrack. The little ones are treated to pony rides, face painters, clowns and bounce houses.  READ MORE

Peach Pancake Breakfast at Alstede Farms

Chester
Enjoy a hay wagon ride around the farm and an all you can eat’ breakfast featuring the farm's own peaches and pancakes along with eggs, bacon, and more.  READ MORE

Summer Family Movie Series

New Brunswick – Wonder Park – FREE
Top off the weekend with a family-friendly movie every Sunday at The Yard. Titles include hits like Wonder Park and Incredibles 2. READ MORE

Seaside Heights Movies at the Beach

Seaside Heights – Coco – FREE
Bring a beach chair, towel and plenty of munchies for this summer movie series on the beach in Carteret. Movies play Sundays. Showtime starts at sunset. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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