All Weekend

The County Caper (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Although it sounds like a crime drama on the fall TV season, the County Caper is actually a two-day game that takes families on an interactive tour of Somerset County parks and facilities. There's also an accelerated Caper on Saturday for adults only that will be more of a mental and physical challenge, where you complete fun tasks throughout the day as your team races against the clock. Both events kick off at 8am at the Environmental Education center. FREE. 908-766-2489.

Chocolate and Vanilla Family Festival (Camden, NJ)
Head on over to the Camden Children's Garden from 1-4pm for this fun-filled family even that is dedicated to two of nature’s most flavorful plants. Vote for you favorite ice cream flavor (VANILLA!), and take a tropical smell test. You will also enjoy crafts, educational activities, and a Flavors of the Forest concession stand as well as chocolate and vanilla treats. $6 per person and free for children two and younger.

Saturday August 25th

Fiddlin' on the Farm (Lambertville, NJ)
Oh yes, it's an old time fiddle contest at Howell Living History Farm where fiddlers compete for cash prizes and your family gets to witness all the fun for FREE!  Also performing at the contest is the Jugtown Mountain String Band, a traditional old-time acoustic country string band. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The farm opens to the public at 10am, and the contest begins at noon. Carriage rides and lunch fare are available for sale. From 11am-3pm there is also an optional "Make your Own Percussion Shaker" craft for $2 per child. 609-737-3299.

Summer Shorebird Walk (Jersey City, NJ)
Join the staff at the Interpretive Center at Liberty State Park from 10am-12pm for a leisurely stroll along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway (one of our family's favorite places!) as you look for and identify local summer shorebirds. Dress for the outside and bring binoculars if you have them, as there are only a few available to borrow. FREE.

Starfish in Concert (New Brunswick, NJ)
Spend the evening with your family at this FREE concert in Boyd Park that will give parents the opportunity to share a real rock concert experience with their children. StarFish will bring a little bit of rock and roll to the little ones, performing original, energetic, classic rock-based tunes with kid-friendly lyrics, they cover such familiar territory as sibling rivalry, school rules, and fun times with friends. Concert starts at 5pm, but you can get there early and enjoy a picnic or can purchase food and beverages from the festival vendors.

TAP 'N TIME - Jersey Tap Fest's Main Stage Event (Bloomfield, NJ)
If your kids are anything like mine, mesmerized by all things tap, make sure to come out to Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College at 7:30pm for an entertaining evening of song, rhythmical dance and astounding tapping feet! $15 kids/$22 adults. 908-202-7635.

The Taming of the Shrew (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Bring your older kids out to the FREE "Plays in the Park" series at Pleasant Valley Park's outdoor amphitheater in Basking Ridge for a night of Shakespeare! 
Show starts at 8pm so bring and blanket or a chair and enjoy a night of theater out under the stars.

Sunday August 25th

Concert in the Garden (Morristown, NJ)
Come out to Macculloch Hall at 4pm for a family friendly event in their gorgeous gardens. The Libby Prison Minstrels will be performing music from the Civil War era. Bring your own dinner or purchase food onsite.  Adults $8, Seniors $6, Students (over 12) $6, Children 6-12 $4. Children under 6 free. (973) 538-2404.

Bats for Beginners (Tenafly, NJ)
Tenafly Nature Center's event at 7pm will give you a chance to brush up on all your bat knowledge before Halloween! You will learn how bats use echolocation to play a vital ecological role as the only flying mammal in New Jersey (who knew?!?!). There will be live bats to see and then you can walk along the trails and use a sonar detector to search for signs of bat life. Program is intended for adults and children 5 and up. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 201-568-6093. Members $5/Non-members $10.


Don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar.  And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar  to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.

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