One of the best things about summer, in our humble opinion, is being able to party hardy in the great outdoors. So save your pretty plates and table linens for Christmas, and take your fiesta outside with the help of one of New Jersey’s numerous party planning companies. We’ve got everything from children’s birthday bashes to block parties to neighborhood movie nights, and it’s their job to help you enjoy your gala under a big blue sky.

The origins of the term “flea market” are disputed, with explanations ranging from buyers and sellers being active as fleas, or that the very first flea market had flea-infested goods and people. Wherever the expression came from, flea markets are here to stay and a totally fun way to spend a summer day. And don’t forget to also check out all the summer craft fairs and festivals in NJ—there’s about 5,762 of them (only a slight exaggeration). We’re highlighting just a few of the best for your summer arts and crafts consumption. So cruise to the crafts and flee to the flea! (sorry, couldn’t resist.)

There’s a wild variety of fun FREE activities in New Jersey this weekend, so leave the wallet at home and head out to play chess on a 3-foot tall chess board, walk through the inside of a hot air balloon, pan for gold in the Musconetcong River, or be inspired by the athletes at the Special Olympics Summer Games. If you willing to spend a bit of dough, you can also take in a rodeo and Daddies can have a special tea party with their little princesses. Enjoy!

Ah, the romance of the drive-in… smooching with your sweetie, eating stale popcorn, not caring what the movie is… Oh. Wait a minute. We have kids now. Well, the drive-in is still a blast! (though not quite as steamy…) And did you know that New Jersey is the birthplace of the drive-in? The very first one opened in Pennsauken in 1933 with the slogan “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are!” Still a big selling point, right? There are a mere five drive-in theaters accessible to Manhattanites and Jerseyites (under a two hour drive), so drive over, drive in, grab your snacks and enjoy!

NJ WEEKEND EVENTS JUNE 12-13: POKEMON, PANERA BREAD’S CHESS FOR LIFE, AND PANNING FOR GOLD, ALL FREE!

There’s a wild variety of fun FREE activities in New Jersey this weekend, so leave the wallet at home and head out to play chess on a 3-foot tall chess board, walk through the inside of a hot air balloon, pan for gold in the Musconetcong River, or be inspired by the athletes at the Special Olympics Summer Games. If you willing to spend a bit of dough, you can also take in a rodeo and Daddies can have a special tea party with their little princesses. Enjoy!

Pokemon Video Game Championships (Secaucus)
http://www.pokemonvgc.com/en/events/newark.php

Did you know there were Pokemon video game competitions that can lead to a national championship?! Well, you do now. So gather your team and head over to the Meadowlands Exhibition Center for a chance to qualify for the Nationals. Come as a competitor or spectator and come for FREE. Saturday, June 12. Junior registration 8am to 8:30am, Senior registration 1pm to 1:30pm. Call 201-330-1172 for competition rules and regulations.

Chess for Life at Panera Bread (Montclair)
http://www.westorangenavigator.com/events/chess-for-life-is-coming-to-1

Panera Bread of Montclair invites children, teens, and adults to learn all about the game of chess and play against professional chess masters. You’ll have a chance to win a beautiful glass chess set and play on a 3-foot tall chess board game. Cost is FREE, but they probably would appreciate it if you bought a little bread. Saturday, June 12 from 3:30 to 6:30pm. Call 973-233-1703 for more info.

Hot Air Balloon Walk-Thru (Piscataway, Flemington)
http://www.rainbowacademy.com/

Do an actual walk-through of the inside of a hot air balloon and learn how to fly one from a licensed pilot! This FREE event is sponsored by the NJ Balloon Festival and Rainbow Academy. There will be refreshments, giveaways and a balloon artist (we’re assuming of the small ‘birthday party’ variety). At the Flemington Rainbow Academy location at 10am and at Piscataway at 1pm. Call 732-699-1700 for more info.

2010 Special Olympics NJ Summer Games (Ewing)
http://www.sonj.org/General/SpecialEvent.php?FileId=863

There aren’t many events that are more inspiring than the Special Olympics and this weekend, more than 2,000 athletes from across NJ will compete in aquatics, bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, tennis, and track & field. Opening ceremonies take place at 7:30pm on Friday, June 11, followed by a full weekend of events. FREE. For more info, registration and schedule, call 609-896-8000.

Panning for Gold in Stephens State Park (Hackettstown)
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/getoutdoorsnj/index.html

Ever wonder what it was like when early pioneers panned for gold in the 1800s? Well, on Sunday you and your family can become prospectors and wade in the Musconetcong River, looking for fool's gold. Wear “wet-able” clothes and old shoes. FREE. The “fools” will gather on Sunday, June 13 at 1pm and 2:30pm.
Call 908-852-3790 for more info.

Montgomery Rodeo (Skillman)
http://www.cowboy.com/index.php?id=19163&nav=listing

Listen, how often do you get to see a rodeo in New Jersey? Montgomery’s17th Annual Professional Rodeo for charity includes bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, girls break-away roping, cowgirl barrel racing, bull hockey, bull riding, food, drink, rides and games for kids. I’d go just to find out what “cowgirl barrel racing” could be. June 12 at 7pm and June 13 at 2pm, gates opens ½ hour before event. Admission $15/Adults, $13/Students. Call 908-359-7832 for more information

Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band (Pennington)
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=QHBSBLWNQAYQJE...

Miss Amy and the Kids will perform a Fitness Rock & Roll show at Princeton Community Church, so come and be a star—the show is being filmed for Miss Amy’s DVD. Saturday, June 12 at 4pm. $3 per person. Call 609-730-1114 for more info.

Daddy & Daughter Tea at Main Street Bakery and Eatery (Kingston)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121014794602879&ref=mf

Main Street Bakery and Eatery is celebrating Father’s Day early with a tea party for Daddy and his little princess. Register early—the first few princesses to sign up will receive a free tiara. Sunday, June 13 at 1pm. The price is $40 for the Daddy/Daughter couple which includes fresh brewed teas, gourmet sandwiches and desserts. Registration is required, call 908-239-0100 for reservations.