Parents, don’t panic: summer vacation is a little less than two months away. So, to keep our kids from climbing the walls this coming July and August, it’s best to start planning now (and to put in for those vacation days from work) to find ways to keep them busy.
There are plenty of summer fairs and festivals on the 2011 calendar for the summer months. Both are great family activities because the admission price is either low or free and because they offer something for everyone—so Mom, Dad and the kids can find all something they like.
Oceanfest 2011 (Long Branch)
July 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Oceanfest’s festivities are on the beach, where you can find music, food, activities and entertainment for the kids, plus shopping at vendors’ booths. Oceanfest concludes with a grand fireworks display.
NJ Sandcastle Contest (Belmar)
July 13, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Come and make your own sandcastle or watch the competition. Register for the event at 8 a.m.; the competition is from 8 a.m. until noon. There is no cost to take part in the competition and there will also be music, food and free giveaways.
Ninth Annual NJ State Ice Cream Festival (Toms River)
July 16, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (tasting from noon to 3:30)
Come out and enjoy ice cream tasting (from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.), ride the rides, participate in ice cream eating contests and try your luck at games of chance. At 4:30 p.m., listen for the winners of the ice cream tasting contest.
Monmouth County Fair (Freehold)
July 27-31
Take your kids to see the farm animals and animal shows. Kids of all ages will enjoy the antique cars, crafts and exhibits.
QuickChek NJ Festival of Ballooning (Readington)
July 29-31
Tickets for this festival can be purchased online at balloonfestival.com. Watch more than 100 balloons lift off at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs and a picnic basket and dine during the ascension and evening fireworks. Balloon rides and family entertainment and rides will also be available.
Middlesex County Fair (East Brunswick)
Aug. 1-7
Adults $6, seniors 65-plus $4, kids 3-12 $1. Blood donors get free admission through the fair’s blood drives. Parking is free. Open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. There will be music, rides, shows, food and contests. (There are home arts contests in several areas, including vegetables, fruit, flowers, baked goods and crafts.)
