Things to Do This Weekend In and Around NJ June 9

By Jennifer AmatoPublished: June 7, 2023 June 9, 2023

From food fests and picking strawberries to looking for turtles and celebrating Pride Month, there's a lot happening in New Jersey this weekend. Check safety advisories prior to heading out due to the ongoing air quality issues.

WEEKEND

Museum WeekCrane House and Historic YWCA, MontclairThursday – FridayMuseumWeek is an annual event that takes place on social media, with the goal of promoting museums and cultural institutions around the world. In honor of MuseumWeek, the Crane House & Historic YWCA will be open for self-guided tours.

North to Shore Film FestivalDante Hall, Atlantic CityThursday – SundayMontclair Film joined the three-city North To Shore festival, and will present screenings of movies like the Atlantic City premiere of "Primal Scream," "Earth Mama," "A Compassionate Spy," "Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)" and "Patrick And The Whale." The Opening Night Party with Joe McGinty and The Loser's Lounge is Thursday, while free community screenings of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" and "Top Gun: Maverick" take place on the beach.

Bayshore Greek FestKimisis Tis Theotokou, HolmdelThursday – SundayAnnual highlights include performances by traditionally dressed youth dancers of various ages, guided church tours, and an assortment of games and rides. New this year is live entertainment performing on Friday and Saturday, and the talents of Pegasus DJ on Sunday. There will be plenty of vendors selling Greek items, Greek food sold inside the Taverna, Greek-inspired cocktails and lots and lots of pastries.

Feast of St. AnthonyChurch of the Assumption, Roselle ParkThursday – SundayFor the 23rd year, there will be four days of faith, family, friends and fun. Come by for games, rides, music, homemade food and raffles. A Mass and procession of St. Anthony will be Sunday.

L.E.A.D. Fest CarnivalMonmouth Mall, EatontownWestfield Garden State Plaza, ParamusWoodbridge Center, WoodbridgeThursday – SundayAlong with classic fairway rides, there will be performances by Anastasini Circus. Come for games, carnival food and community interaction.

Cirque ItaliaFreehold Raceway Mall, FreeholdThursday – SundayUnder the big blue and white tent you can catch the Water Circus of this Italian traveling show.

New Jersey International Film Festival Voorhees Hall, Rutgers University, New BrunswickVirtual option as wellFriday – SundayThis annual film fest features 40 films from around the world that will be screened online and during in-person showings. In addition to features and documentaries, the festival will include animated, experimental and short films. The finalists were selected from 711 works submitted by filmmakers worldwide.

OPA! Greek FestivalSt. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, FlemingtonFriday – SundayChoose to eat authentic Greek food indoors or outside under the tent. There will be amusement games, inflatables for children, as well as Greek folk dancing entertainment and Greek music. The festival features a "Spiritual Odyssey" which includes tours of the church interior and a short introduction on Orthodox Christianity. The vendor fair will feature an array of merchants selling jewelry, home decor, fine art, home improvement and more.

Lebanese FestivalSt. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, SomersetFriday – SundayBetter known as a Mahrajan, the festival is a great outdoor gathering of families, friends and neighbors for authentic Middle Eastern food, music, dance and culture. Traditional Lebanese foods and Middle Eastern pastries will be for sale. For entertainment, there will be live music featuring a different singer each day. There will also be dancing and folkloric performances along with raffles, prizes, souvenirs and games of chance.

Rilakkuma USA TourThe Mills at Jersey Gardens, ElizabethFriday – SundayBring your kids to the ultimate fan experience of the adorably lazy bear Rilakkuma on the Newark stop of the 20th Anniversary USA Tour. Go to the parking lot by the AMC for exclusive merchandise, special character appearances and lots of photo ops.

Portugal Day FestivalIronbound section of NewarkFriday – SundayThere will be family-friendly activities, cuisine, music and performances celebrating Portuguese culture both in Newark and abroad.

New Jersey Symphony's Season FinaleFriday and Sunday, NJPAC, NewarkSaturday, Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red BankGrammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell will perform three concerts. Attend a lively Classical Conversation before the performances on Friday and Saturday, where you will learn about the music from New Jersey Symphony musicians, guest artists and other engaging insiders. There will also be the New Century Gala on Sunday, which includes pre-concert reception, premiere seating for the Season Finale with Joshua Bell concert, a post-concert dinner and Young Professionals after party.

Greenwood Lake Air ShowGreenwood Lake Airport, West MilfordFriday – SundayExperience the ultimate high-flying acts from many of the world's top air show performers, military flight demonstrations and WWII Showcase. Friday and Saturday will feature nighttime shows.

Unicorn FestivalParadise Farms, ChesterfieldSaturday – SundayThe kids will go crazy for unicorn rides, photos with Forgotten Angels mini unicorns, face painting and hayrides.

AnneliesSaturday: Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, PlainfieldSunday: Presbyterian Church, MorristownThe Somerset Hills Chorus and Rise Up Chorus will sing together on a choral work based on "The Diary of Anne Frank. The libretto is largely made up of extracts from the diary. Annelies is written for a large chorus, a soprano soloist, and (in this version) a small instrumental ensemble consisting of piano, violin, cello, and clarinet.

Scouts WeekendWild West City, StanhopeSaturday -SundayScouts who show up in uniform (Class A or B) can earn a Wild West City patch for their merit badge vest or sash by completing the Wild West City Treasure Map of Knowledge. There will be plenty of live action shows, storytelling and interactive learning adventures around the park. Explore the town's museums, visit the new Native American Village, see real frontier animals at the barnyard and watch live demonstrations at the blacksmith shop, mountain man cabin, chuckwagon camp, the one-room schoolhouse and the print shop. Try your luck panning for gold at Egan's Gold Mine.

Strawberry FestivalShoppes at Dragon Village, BridgetonSaturday – SundayCheck out the craftsmen, artisans and food vendors that will be strawberry themed, along with 4-H-hosted crafts, a basket raffle and train and/or trolley rides.

Tina Fey & Amy PoehlerHard Rock Atlantic CitySaturday – SundayThe friends and "Saturday Night Live" alums will perform stand-up comedy together, including improv and even some dancing.

Strawberry FestivalVonThun Farms, WashingtonSaturday – SundayThere will be strawberry picking, an activity area with more than 20 games, hayrides, barnyard animals, face painting, craft vendors and food vendors. On your way out stop in the farm market to pick up some homemade, fresh apple cider donuts, and lots of strawberry-themed goodies.

Cultural Festival & Food Truck RallyMercer County Park, West WindsorCelebrate your own heritage, or that of your friends and neighbors, as bands, dancers and food trucks represent different cultures from around the world. Music selections include bluegrass, Italian, Irish and Puerto Rican groups. Dancers will be performing traditional dances that are Polish, Bollywood, Chinese, African, Greek, Mexican and Korean. There will be dozens of different food trucks on site.

National Outlet Shopping DaySaturday – SundayJackson Premium Outlets, JacksonJersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton FallsThe Mills at Jersey Gardens, ElizabethThis weekend, shop at your favorite Jersey outlet malls. Not only will most of the retailers be offering specials and discounts, but the outlet centers themselves will have games, giveaways, entertainment and kids’ activities.

New Jersey Renaissance FaireBurlington County Fairgrounds, SouthamptonSaturday – SundayThe Shire of Crossford is open so that you may meet Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Aside from all the fantasy fun during the day, there will be three nighttime, after hours shows: on May 20, Jacques Ze Whipper brings his infamous Secret Show to the stage, the ladies of Chaste Treasures perform in concert May 27, and the Righteous Blackguards perform on June 10.

FRIDAY

Bloomfield Food Truck & Music FestivalSt. Thomas the Apostle School, BloomfieldThe day will feature 16 quality food trucks, live music, beer, sangria, margaritas, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, sand art, vendors and a 50/50 raffle.

Railroad Heritage DayBlack River & Western Railroad, FlemingtonThis is your chance to learn more about some of the locomotives, equipment and people that keep the railroad running. The 20-minute train ride from Flemington to Ringoes features narration from one of the volunteer staff members. Listen to a demo of "hooping up" train orders. Take a guided tour of an authentic railroad caboose, or a guided tour of additional railroad equipment, including a Mack industrial locomotive and an SW-1 switching locomotive. Watch a demo of one of the maintenance-of-way machines used to maintain the track.

Central Brass QuintetNew Jersey Botanical Garden, RingwoodThe brass quintet plays a wide range of popular, Broadway, Americana, jazz, folk, ragtime and classical music.

Chuck E. Cheese Summer RoadshowChuck E. Cheese, UnionThe grand opening celebration for the new location includes a purple carpet premiere, special appearances from Chuck E. and friends, a live performance from Chuck E. Cheese and the band, and a meet-and-greet with Chuck E. after the show. The first 25 guests in line will receive one hour of play for free during the event, free cake and the chance to win prizes.

Fran Cosmo of BostonCarteret Performing Arts and Events Center, CarteretFran Cosmo is best known as the lead singer for the legendary group Boston.

Improv/Acting WorkshopThe New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, RingwoodIf you’ve ever wanted to try acting, this is your opportunity. Adults from 18 to 95, even if this is your first time trying, can attend this workshop to learn basic improvisation, movement and acting exercises.

Shania Twain: Queen Of Me Tour Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, CamdenShania Twain is a country/pop star, and her concert will include classic favorites, plus new songs using state-of-the-art technology during the performance.

"Drift" Documentary ScreeningPlainsboro Preserve, CranburySave Barnegat Bay will present a documentary film that tells the story of Barnegat Bay through the voices and eyes of people who cherish the bay as a natural, recreational and economic resource. The film allows you to "drift" through 50 years of complex issues through a series of short vignettes, using a variety of perspectives, viewpoints and experiences. A short Q&A discussion will follow the film.

EarthShare Celebrates New JerseyThe Patterson Family Barn, FreeholdThe evening celebrates the people and organizations who are making a difference for the environment. You will be treated to dinner, a variety of auctions and the NJ Treasure Chest with goodies from around the state.

Daddy/Daughter Paint NightAround the Corner Art Center, FreeholdKids 6 and older can join their dad (or any adult) and paint a beautiful lake sunset together.

SATURDAY

Hot Wheels Family Fun Day Car-nivalCalvary Plaza, TurnersvilleYou and the kiddos can play on more than 50 different Hot Wheels tracks and sets. There will be carnival games and a car show, Hot Wheels Collectors Room, Girl Zone and a 20-foot video gaming screen. Shop at the Pit Stop Gift Shop – but every kid will also get their own Hot Wheels car.

The Family Expo of AmericaNew Jersey Convention & Expo Center, EdisonThere will be tons of family-centric entertainment, music, shopping, education, health and wellness, face painting, balloon art and more.

June Festival of AntiquesGloucester County Fairgrounds, Mullica HillThe sale will include antique country and formal furniture, pottery, fine art, glass, stoneware, textiles, quilts, dolls, Americana, jewelry, clocks, porcelain, sterling, toys, advertising, metal-ware, and much more.

ArtWalk 2023West Windsor Arts, Princeton Jct.The 1-mile fun walk around the neighborhood will be centered around a scavenger hunt. Along the way you can read signage with inspirational quotes. After, stay for family-friendly art activities, games, picnics, music and more.

Pitman Bioblitz 2023 Alcyon Park, PitmanUse the iNaturalist app to catalog any species you find on this all day and night hunt in the outdoors. The Rowan University School of Earth & Environment will host a nature scavenger hunt (Bioblitz light) during the day so you’ll feel like a true citizen scientist. Expert speakers will offer focused talks throughout the day.

Downtown FunhouseDowntown MetuchenTo celebrate its win in the Great American Main Street contest, Metuchen will hold a Coney Island-style party. There will be axe throwing, performers straight from the Brooklyn beach, Rac-On-Tour and more.

IABX Children's Book FestivalWarinanco Sports Complex, RoselleIndependent Authors Book Experience will have a series of authors, illustrators, vendors and entertainment for reading lovers of all ages.

Pride Fest in the ParkHuddy Park, HighlandsPride Fest will include live music and entertainment, food vendors, specialty vendors and a wine and beer garden.

Lavender & Raspberry PickingHappy Day Farm, ManalapanLavender and raspberries are now ready for the pick-your-own season, so come down for opening day and take advantage of the early crops, plus lots of cool photo ops.

Community DayCommunity Park, RobbinsvilleThere will be a Kids Play Zone, amusements, games, contests, a trackless train, pony rides, rock climbing, a prize alley, a food court, laser tag and a chocolate-eating contest. The music lineup is a DJ at 2 pm, Robbinsville High School Jazz Band at 3 pm, Performing Arts Group at 3:30 pm, 80s Band at 6 pm and The Best of the Eagles at 7 pm. Beer tent proceeds benefit Robbinsville Meals on Wheels.

Lions Tigers & Beers FestivalPopcorn Park Animal Refuge, Forked RiverAfter hours the park will be open for beer and wine tastings, food vendors and more.

Pride and Community DayBordentown CityThe meet up for the march will be at 2 pm at the Riverline. There will be a mass wedding before the march at Old City Hall (where there will be tarot card readings later on). The Community Fun Area is back at Bordentown Home for Funerals: there will be face painting, arts and crafts, a henna tattoo artist, a pet fashion contest, music and more. Fun times are planned all through town, including a Pride Party at HOB Taver with DJ Justintime, drink specials at Tindall Road Brewing Company and an event at Old Town Pub.

Montclair Pride 2023MontclairThere will be six hours of entertainment catered to the whole family, including more than 100 local vendors. There will be three stages throughout the day, plus a street dance party at night.

Juneteenth FestivalPapaianni Park, EdisonGet yourself into the history books by joining the longest Soul Train line! Join the NAACP MEAB Branch to celebrate Freedom Day with basketball games, a walk-a-thon, a parade, main stage live acts and a technology zone.

South Jersey History Fair Gabreil Daveis Tavern, Gloucester Twp.Learn all about what local South Jersey history has to offer. There will be free antique appraisals, an introduction to genealogy, tours of the tavern and lots of exhibits.

Summer Solstice Craft ShowSt. Francis Community Center, Brant Beach, Long Beach IslandThere will be so many local makers showcasing what they’ve created: crafters, potters, woodworkers, artists, photographers, apparel designers and more.

Jersey Shore Ride to Defeat ALSThe WildwoodsDesigned for people of all ages and riding abilities, there will be four distance options: the Metric Century (100 KM), Metric Half-Century Ride (50KM), Metric Quarter Century Ride (25KM) or the Family-Friendly 6-Mile Loop. After you cross the finish line, head to Morey's Piers where you’ll have lunch and get two passes to the amusement and water parks. Proceeds support the fight against ALS.

Toms River Pride FestivalWashington Street, Toms RiverThe Toms River Pride Committee and Exit 82 Theatre Company invite the community to the fifth annual LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Festival and parade, where you can have some food, shop from vendors, watch performances and shop. Reps from B98.5 radio will be on site.

DairyingHowell Living History Farm, HopewellFarmer Katelyn will demonstrate handling and milking the farm cow, Blizzard. Learn about cow breeds, milk and cream production, history and more. You can also help make cheese and butter before churning and tasting a batch of old-fashioned ice cream.

Hunterdon County Community DayHunterdon County Fairgrounds, RingoesActivities include Touch-a-Truck, food trucks, vendors, local organizations, inflatables, entertainment, three reptile shows and music.

Kate Gorrie Butterfly House Season OpeningThe Watershed Institute, PenningtonWatershed educators Alison Novobilsky and Vicky Allen will take you on the first tour of the season. Learn about the plants in the Buttterfly House and the lifecycle of butterflies. Play the Monarch Migration Game and try to catch butterflies around the retention pond with nets.

Celebrate Middlesex CountyRoosevelt Park, EdisonCelebrate the greater Middlesex Community with free family fun, including touch-a-truck, arts and crafts, a fishing derby, live music, games and food vendors.

Fairy Gardens WorkshopScherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, BernardsvilleYou’ll get all the supplies you need to make your own take-home fairy garden: baskets, soil, plants, fairy materials and natural materials will be used to make houses, tables, chairs, swings and more. You can try making a flower fairy or gnome, too. Kids are more than welcome to attend with an adult.

‘Turncoat's Widow’ Book SigningMorristown National Historical Park Museum Auditorium, MorristownMally Becker volunteered at the Morristown National Historical Park, and as she sifted through one of the park's collections of old documents, she found an indictment for the Revolutionary War-era crime of traveling to New York City "without permission or passport." She used that to write a Revolutionary War historical mystery series, and she’ll be talking about and signing copies of her new book.

5 Alarm 5KOcean and 5th Avenues, Asbury ParkEach year, more than 7,000 people, including some of New Jersey's firefighters, receive specialized medical treatment only available at The Burn Center at RWJBarnabas Health. This 5K, open to everyone, raises funds to support that mission. There will be prizes awarded in different categories.

Green FairCarlslake Community Center, BordentownThere will be local food vendors, native plants, children's activities, eco-friendly goods, live music and vendors.

Czig Meister Anniversary PartyCzig Meister Brewery, HackettstownIt will be a day of craft beer, games, live music and craft vendors to celebrate the brewery's seventh anniversary. Try one of the special anniversary beers before playing in old school games like tug-a-war, keg relays and more.

Soultown to MotownCarteret Performing Arts and Events Center, CarteretThe Sensational Soul Cruisers is an 11-piece, choreographed band that delivers a show of the greatest hits of the Temptations, the Jackson Five, The Spinners, Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and many others. You’ll go on a musical journey from Memphis to Philly to Detroit.

Aberdeen Food Truck & Music FestivalVeterans Memorial Park, KeyportCelebrate the first year of this fest with food, beer, music, a margarita and sangria garden, pony rides, a petting zoo, miniature golf, bounce house, slide, knockerball, bungee trampoline, face painting, sand art, vendors and a bungee trampoline.

Dancing and DessertPlainsboro Preserve, CranburyMove outside for a ballroom dancing lesson, along with coffee and dessert.

Tots & TurtlesPlainsboro Preserve, CranburyHave a fun time learning about turtles with a turtle-rific craft and a hands-on meet & greet with the Box Turtle ambassadors of the Plainsboro Preserve. This one-day program is a part of the Nature for Tots weekend series, geared towards introducing little ones to the wonders of nature.

SUNDAY

Mile Long Street Fair, MontvaleParagon Drive, MontvaleParagon Drive will be turned into a giant street fair featuring over 150 quality exhibitors, a special arts & crafts section, a kids’ area, a community section, two food courts and continuous live entertainment all day.

Hudson River ShowcaseSinatra Drive, HobokenHoboken's inaugural car show takes place along the waterfront, so you can stroll along and check out all the vintage, classic and luxury autos while shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.

Lake Festival 2023Memorial Lake, WoodstownThere will be local artisans, music and a food truck at this Locals on the Lake festival.

Tea For Three: Lady Bird, Pat & BettyMorristown National Historic Park Museum Auditorium, MorristownActress and playwright Elaine Bromka will portray American First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford. She talks about how the stresses and joys of being married to the President of the United States are as unique as each individual lady but as similar as the unofficial office they hold.

Strawberry Pancake BreakfastAlstede Farms, ChesterTake a wagon ride through the farm to Harvest Hall, where you will sit down for homemade pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, homemade strawberry topping, coffee and drinks. After you eat, continue your day on the farm picking strawberries in the PYO fields.

Walk to Cure ArthritisSouth Mountain Recreation Complex, West OrangeJoin the walk as an individual or team and help fundraise for arthritis research.

Big Bubble BonanzaBergen Performing Arts Center, EnglewoodGuinness Book of World Records-holding master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer will hold a sensory-friendly bubble show where he’ll put people inside bubble rainbows, have kids make volcano bubbles and blow gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles.

Yoga in the GardenNew Jersey Botanical Garden, RingwoodJoin Mary Ann Gebhardt in the garden for gentle yoga to connect with the beauty of nature, followed by guided relaxation to the sounds of nature and Tibetan singing bowls.

The Melanin MarketRahway Recreation Center, RahwayThe Program Committees of Phi Eta Omega & Omega Psi Omega chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are coordinating this pop-up shop event showcasing Black entrepreneurs.

Carstadt Street FairHackensack StreetRain or shine there will be activities for the whole family: vendors, entertainment, children's rides, games and adult beverages.

North Jersey Pride FestivalMemorial Park, MaplewoodAll are invited to attend this all-day festival celebrating pride and inclusivity. It will be super family-friendly and include a kids’ zone.

Forest Bathing WalkThe New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, RingwoodThis walk will be at an easy pace and focus on connecting to nature through mindfulness. There will be short, guided, meditations and breathing exercises in the forest using all of your senses.

Sports Cards & Memorabilia ShowKnights of Columbus, Old BridgeBaseball pitcher Dwight "Doc" Gooden, who played for both the Yankees and the Mets, will be signing autographs. There will be plenty of sports cards from baseball, football, hockey, basketball, etc. on display, as well as memorabilia for purchase.

Christopher Cross & Justin HaywardWellmont Theater, MontclairJustin Hayward is a British singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the legendary rock band The Moody Blues. Christopher Cross is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician who has hits such as "Sailing," "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)," and "Ride Like the Wind."

Nature DayTenafly Nature Center, TenaflySee the animals and birds of prey, make a nature art craft, hit the pond on a canoe or take a walk through the forest.

ONGOING

North to Shore FestivalJune 7-11: Atlantic CityJune 14-18: Asbury ParkJune 21-25: NewarkThe three-city New Jersey-wide festival celebrates the best arts, entertainment and culture our state has to offer. There will be movie screenings, comedy shows, music concerts, tech demos, arts and more.

Princeton FestivalMorven Museum & Garden, PrincetonJune 9-25The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has a lineup of performances, including a comic opera by Gioachino Rossini to independent tributes honoring Aretha Franklin and Harvey Milk; plus orchestral concerts, chamber music and dance, a Juneteenth celebration, Family Day, and genre-defying performances by top ensembles and three 2023 Grammy Award winners.

Restaurant WeekThe WildwoodsJune 11-15Wine and dine throughout the Wildwoods. A select group of restaurants will offer a complete four-course meal including appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert for $40 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

St. Charles Borromeo CarnivalSt. Charles, CinnaminsonJune 12-17You can have a good time playing games, winning prizes, riding rides and eating food while celebrating this year's theme, "Take Me Out to the Carnival!"

Plays-in-the-Park: Rock of AgesRoosevelt Park, EdisonJune 14-24 (except Sundays)Watch aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew battle the big developers who want to turn everyone's favorite Sunset Strip venue into a strip mall in the late 1980s. This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benetar, Twisted Sister and more.

Jazz in JuneMcCarter Theatre, PrincetonWeekends, through June 17The series kicks off with Samara Joy, the 2023 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist. Oran Etkin presents a Timbalooloo family event recommended for kids ages 2-8. There will be jazz music, a saxophonist and an 18-member ensemble on different nights.

World War II ExhibitMuseum of American History at Deptford, DeptfordThursdays – Sundays, through June 17Kids and adults who are interested in history will learn about the lives and memories of veterans and fallen heroes from World War II through this exhibit. There will be military and civilian paraphernalia including weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.

Junior Historians ClubWicoff House, PlainsboroSaturdays, through June 17Kids ages 6-8 will learn about historic preservation through fun and immersive activities. Each meeting will have a theme such as archaeology, architecture, conservation or genealogy. There will be weekly activities, crafts and museum scavenger hunts.

Museum LittlesWicoff House, PlainsboroSundays, through June 18Little ones ages 2-4 will be introduced to new topics through fun crafts and engaged learning. Activities include classical music, sensory activities and an active play area based on weekly themes such as Little Architect, Little Botanist, Little Astronomer, Little Linguist, Little Archeologist and more.

MermaidsAdventure Aquarium, CamdenThursdays – Sundays, through June 18This special exhibit inside the aquarium lets you get up close and personal with mermaids under the water and above the surface. You’ll watch them dive in the shark tank, too.

Laser Elton JohnEdelman Planetarium, GlassboroFridays, through June 24Laser Elton John celebrates his larger-than-life persona, bringing the Rocket Man's powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light.

Sand and SeaThe Morris Museum, MorristownWednesday – Sunday, through July 9From bathing suit fashions to souvenirs to art, check out objects in this exhibit that will make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.

Golden Girls Murder MysteryResorts AC Casino and Hotel, Atlantic CitySelect dates through August 19Miami's Fab Four are investigating a potential murder hit – when they become suspects in a completely different murder! Use your detective skills to figure out which character is responsible and what their motive it – could it possibly be one of our favorite friends who is guilty?

Movie HouseParamus Park Mall, ParamusThursday – Saturday, through August 26Movie fans will love the 10 different rooms packed with games, virtual reality-inspired experiences, photo ops, "easter eggs" from movies and more. Snap photos in the Alice in Wonderland Illusion Room or the Under The Sea room; navigate through the Willy Wonka Infinity Tunnel, take a walk through munchkin land in the Wizard of Oz room, experience the magical Harry Potter-inspired room, or head over to the beach-themed room. There's also a Movie in the Park Experience (with a real movie playing every night), and movie-themed games including interactive Movie House Trivia in a Blockbuster Room. You can take part in the Movie House Scavenger Hunt, too.

Morning WalkScherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, BernardsvilleSaturdays, through August 26New Jersey Audubon is hosting a weekly morning walk so you can enjoy a quiet morning at the sanctuary, walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. The walk is informal and informative: you’ll discover birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians along the way.

Nature Infused YogaScherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, BernardsvilleVirtual option as wellSaturdays, through August 26Yoga teacher Kristin Mylecraine will show how yoga is a great way to relax, find inner connection, and increase flexibility and strength. Explore the connections between yoga and nature in this 75-minute class hosted by New Jersey Audubon.

Disney 100: The ExhibitionThe Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PAThrough August 27Disney fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at their favorite characters, movies and theme parks. Walk through 10 different galleries that will immerse you in sight, sound and touch.

Sand Sculptures in The VillagePeddler's Village, New Hope, PAThrough August 31Celebrate summer vibes with six larger-than-life sand sculptures that celebrate your and your kid's favorite stories from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Winnie-the-Pooh, Mother Goose stories and Alice in Wonderland.

Yoga By the BayOld Bridge Waterfront Park, Cliffwood BeachSundays and Tuesdays, through SeptemberBring a mat or towel because these one-hour yoga classes will be held on the grass overlooking the water.

Downtown After SundownSpiotta Park, South OrangeSaturdays, through September 2Each week there will be a different musical style represented, such as Flamenco, New Orleans brass, jump blues, vintage rock, pop rock, country, R&B, pop, funk, blues, jazz and cover bands.

Beach YogaOcean Place Resort and Spa, Long BranchFridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through September 3Put on sunscreen, wear a hat and bring lots of water, because these one-hour hatha vinyasa classes are on the beach along the Atlantic.

Boardwalk Craft ShowRio Grande Avenue Boardwalk, WildwoodSelect weekends, through September 3As you stroll down the boardwalk, check out the artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts and more. The dates are May 27 and 28, June 17 and 18, July 1, 2 and 3, July 15 and 16, August 12 and 13, August 19 and 20, and September 2 and 3.

Statue at Sunset CruisePier 16, New York, NYEvery day, through September 3Bring your kids or date on board a small, intimate Circle Line vessel, where you’ll sail along the East River for an hour during sunset, passing by NYC landmarks such as the Statute of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be a photo stop at Lady Liberty.

Identity & Restraint: Art of the Dog CollarAKC Museum of the Dog, New YorkThrough September 4This unique exhibit presents an array of dog collars from the National Sporting Library & Museum. Fine art from the AKC Museum of the Dog and American Kennel Club Collections will help develop an understanding of the collar as both art and object and how its design changed in relation to different dog breeds and their uses.

Thomas and Friends Explore the RailsLiberty Science Center, Jersey CityThrough September 4Kids can learn, play and solve problems while finding themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Younger kids can practice counting objects, comparing sizes and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running.

Bonfires on the BeachAsbury ParkThrough September 29On Fridays in May and June, Wednesdays in July and August, and Fridays again in September, you can visit one of several beaches in Asbury for a family bonfire. Bring your chairs, blankets and s’more-making items.

Cowtown Pro-RodeoCowtown Rodeo, PilesgroveSaturdays, through September 30There will be tons of bull riding fun, including steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, tie down roping and team roping.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition50 West 34th Street, New York, NYThrough October 15This immersive exhibit is dedicated to all things Harry Potter. The exhibition features the iconic moments, characters, settings and beasts seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and also includes the costumes, props and imagery from the Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can choose a Patronus, cast a spell, test their Quidditch skills, and brew potions while you’re there.

Little Falls Farmers MarketLittle FallsSundays, through October 29Soupeteer, Doughboy On The Rise, Jersey Pickles, High Mountain Foods, Pastabalities, Rosie's Empanadas, Jersey Spirits, Seven Tribesmen and Cousins Main Lobster are just some of the returning vendors for the season. Live music will be from Your Mom's Hot and new this year will be live jazz music from Hunter Hays – plus DJ Allstar Spotlight.

Mountain Creek Resort Bike ParkMountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.Through October 29The bike park at Mountain Creek has 52 downhill trails that challenge everyone from first-time bikers to downhill professional racers. Zip tours feature a series of ziplines ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length. On Wednesday, May 17, the bike park opens for the season at Mountain Creek, followed by the opening of the zipline tours on May 27.

Duke Farms MarketDuke Farms, HillsboroughSundays, through November 12The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.

T-Rex TakeoverField Station: Dinosaurs, LeoniaSelect days, through November 12The park will be home to more than 30 larger-than-life-sized dinosaurs, and includes the Jurassic Jump attraction, activities like dino trivia or feeding a T-Rex, time to speak with actual paleontologists and a scavenger hunt.

Food Truck Festival SeasonLaurita Winery, New EgyptSelect Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus have a glass or wine or two. There will be family activities, too.

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