The Bronx Zoo comes to life after dark during its annual Holiday Lights event. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
Holiday Lights, Christmas Carousel, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
See your favorite characters come to life at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/courtesy of Macy's.
24 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Best Things To Do in NJ with Kids August 2025

Enjoy loads of entertainment, including a petting zoo and pig races during the New Jersey State Fair. Photo courtesy of the NJ State Fair
Enjoy loads of entertainment, including a petting zoo and pig races during the New Jersey State Fair. Photo courtesy of the NJ State Fair
7/27/25 - By Laurie Rein

There are tons of things to do in August in New Jersey–you can enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days. After all, summer is not over yet! 

Soak in the sun with a roster of exciting August events, including fairs, festivals, the circus, dinosaurs, and more. Bring your appetite to food-centric summer festivals like the Just Peachy Festival, featuring farm fun, entertainment, and fruity treats, plus food and fireworks at the 30th Annual Clam Festival.

And mark those calendars for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, in Chatham and several other New Jersey towns. 

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

More Things To Do in New Jersey this August with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids this August

Highlands 30th Annual Clam Festival

Highlands – FREE
Friday, August 1-Sunday, August 3, 2025
This annual event has fresh seafood, live entertainment, contests, vendors, crafters, and games. Stick around for a fireworks display on Sunday at Snug Harbor Beach. READ MORE

New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show

Augusta
Friday, August 1-Saturday, August 9, 2025
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

Just Peachy Festival at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Saturday, August 2-Sunday, August 3, 2025
Celebrate Jersey Fresh and one of the state’s favorite fruits at the annual Just Peachy Festival. Enjoy farm fun, including pony rides, barnyard tractors, the farm store, entertainment, rubber duck races, and a scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Watershed Butterfly Festival

Pennington
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Enjoy a day filled with family fun, including butterfly exhibits, interactive children's activities, live music, local food and more. This 25th annual event features local artisans, an insect zoo, animal shows, nature walks, and the famous Butterfly and Bug Parade. READ MORE

Salem County Fair

Sharptown
Monday, August 4-Friday, August 8, 2025
There is so much to enjoy at this annual county fair: pony rides, pig races, kiddie tractor pulls, horse shows, dairy shows, goat shows, contests and so much more. Load up on entertainment, great food, and family-friendly events. READ MORE

Middlesex County Fair

East Brunswick
Monday, August 4-Sunday, August 10, 2025
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

Chatham Borough National Night Out

Chatham – FREE
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Gather at Memorial Park for live music, free ice cream, food trucks, giveaways and more for the town's National Night Out celebration. Don't miss the dunk tank, frog fling and can smash. READ MORE

Somerset County 4-H Fair

Bridgewater – FREE
Wednesday, August 6-Friday, August 8, 2025
This fair recognizes the accomplishments of 1,000 Somerset County 4-H members and is a showcase for visitors to see a wide variety of 4-H projects in action. Check out robotics, go-karts, large and small animals, plus food and live music. READ MORE

IAATO Italian Festival

Oakhurst
Wednesday, August 6-Sunday, August 10, 2025
The 49th annual IAATO Italian Festival is loaded with delicious food, games, rides, and live music. Don't miss the Friday night fireworks.  READ MORE

New Brunswick Heart Festival

New Brunswick – FREE
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The 6th annual New Brunswick Heart Festival celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex Counties, featuring live music, dance, crafts, food vendors, roaming musicians, interviews with local artists, and a wellness tent. READ MORE

Salt Water Day in Laurence Harbor

Laurence Harbor – FREE
Saturday, August 9, 2025
It's an afternoon of fun in the sun at Salt Water Day, featuring rides, games, vendors, food trucks, bands, and fireworks at night.  READ MORE

Lumia: A Futuristic Cirque Experience

New Brunswick
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Discover the future with Lumia: A Futuristic Cirque Show. This groundbreaking production redefines the boundaries of technology and entertainment, blending breathtaking acrobatics with the latest advancements in visual technology. READ MORE

Dinosaurs on the Pier at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights – FREE
Tuesday, August 12-Thursday, August 14, 2025
Extinct No More! Dinosaurs have been found again on Casino Pier in a brand new show. Its mission is to bring the wonder and excitement of prehistoric creatures to life, creating unforgettable experiences for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.  READ MORE

Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair

Lambertville
Wednesday, August 20-Sunday, August 24, 2025
Head to the Hunterdon County Fairgrounds for this fun, family-friendly 4-H and agricultural fair. This event includes 4-H shows, carnival rides, exhibits, crafts, tractor pulls, live entertainment, and more. READ MORE

Canal Day Music & Craft Festival

Wharton – FREE
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Celebrate the Morris Canal at this country fair with live music, regional crafts, and tasty food. Take a trip down the canal on a mule-drawn boat, check out musical artists, take a kayak ride, and see the animal and cowboy shows. The festival winds down with fireworks. READ MORE

Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival

Long Branch – FREE
Saturday, August 23, 2025
This annual event features jazz and blues music, local food, children's activities, crafts, games, and fun. READ MORE

St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival

Scotch Plains
Friday, August 29-Monday, September 1, 2025
This annual Italian fest is a Labor Day weekend tradition with something for everyone. There is nightly live music, rides, games, and delicious food, including favorites like pizza, pasta, zeppoles, clams, and calzones. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.