Family events in Monmouth County, NJ

For youth who crave golden sunsets, flickering campfires, and meaningful time with animals, Magnolia Equine Sanctuary offers a calm, two-evening drop-off experience designed for ages 9 to 14. As the sanctuary settles into the night, participants meet the rescued horses, goats, and cows who live there, then take part in the gentle rhythm of evening care. Feeding grain, filling water troughs, prepping hay nets, and helping the herd wind down becomes a hands-on way to slow the pace and feel present. Guided moments with the horses include grooming while they eat and leading demonstrations with individuals who are comfortable and willing that day. There is unhurried time in the paddocks to observe and connect at the animals’ pace, with an emphasis on reading body language, respecting boundaries, and learning that trust grows through patience and care. The experience also lifts up a larger goal, encouraging empathy and a commitment to stand against animal cruelty in every form. On the first night, participants prepare frozen enrichment treats made with apples, carrots, and apple juice. On the second, they offer those treats after the evening feed. Goat pen time adds a playful pause as the sun lowers, followed by a packed dinner under the open sky. Each evening wraps up around a campfire with s’mores. Cost is $150 per youth. Spots are limited to keep the atmosphere calm, personal, and meaningful for every participant and animal. Interactions happen only on the animals’ terms, and paddocks may be closed at any time to keep everyone safe since this is a rescue and sanctuary, not a petting zoo. All ticket sales are nonrefundable and help care for the rescued animals. If weather or an emergency interrupts plans, the experience will be rescheduled and tickets will automatically move to the new date.

Stop by Doggie Sweets for Yappy Hour with your pup and grab a free ice cream for your dog. It’s a fun chance to treat your pet and enjoy some sweet time together.

An evening of dragon-inspired fun awaits with hands-on crafts, lively games, and plenty of imaginative play, plus pizza and snacks. The cost is 30 dollars for the first child and 20 dollars for each additional sibling. For ages 4 and older. Advance registration is required. This is a children-only drop-off program.

Get ready to jump, groove, and celebrate health and fitness at the Capital City Double Dutch Competition. This is a family-friendly event for all ages and skill levels, with a community walk hosted by Trenton Run Club, followed by yoga and a high-energy workout session. The main event features double dutch competition with jumpers taking part for prizes, plus music, games, bounce houses, food, giveaways, and more. Health and Human Services will also be on site with information about local resources for individuals and families.

Join the India Foundation of Metropolitan Princeton (IFMP) for a family-friendly picnic day at Mercer County Park in Princeton Junction. The event is geared for all ages, with outdoor games and activities, team fun, and a chance to relax and connect with the community. There will also be music, dance performances, food and drink options, and an exhibition, bringing a lively mix of culture to the park.

Sail the Bay Day 2026 is a free afternoon of sailing and beach fun around Sandy Hook Bay. You’ll board Hobie catamarans with experienced skippers for short sailing jaunts, plus there will be hot dogs and burgers for attendees. The event runs for about three hours and is open to all ages, with anyone under 18 needing to be with a parent or legal guardian. The activity is weather-dependent, so it’s a good idea to check for last-minute event alerts before heading over.

Long Branch Historic House & Farm hosts a community dog show alongside terrier races, sponsored by Blue Ridge Hunt and Long Branch Historic House & Farm in Boyce, Virginia. This community gathering showcases dogs in a historic house and farm setting.

Families and friends can learn to craft their own soap at Sensorium Emporium in Red Bank during weekly Saturday sessions. This kid friendly workshop invites everyone to get creative together. Participation is $25 per person, and class size is limited to 20 to keep things cozy. You can secure a spot by RSVPing and paying in advance on Eventbrite, or try for a walk in seat on a first come basis. For questions, the organizers are available by direct message, email, or phone. Be cautious about third party ticket resellers, as scam accounts have appeared in earlier posts.

Enjoy the New Brunswick Heart Festival, a free, outdoor, family-friendly celebration of the arts, culture, and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex County. Expect live music and dance performances, plus free kids dance classes, craft and visual art vendors, face painting, henna, balloon animals, and a health and wellness area. There will also be food vendors and chances to win ticket and swag giveaways.

Join ComedySportz for an energetic, interactive improv comedy show where performers create everything on the spot using audience suggestions. Expect a fast-paced, competitive format, and a family-friendly experience rated E for Everyone. It’s a fun night out that works for date night, groups, or a get-together with friends.

Explore the Howell Farmers Market at Echo Lake Park, featuring fresh-from-the-farm produce, fresh-baked treats, handcrafted items, and other beloved local picks. New finds appear each week, making it a welcoming spot for a family outing while supporting local businesses. Enjoy a relaxed market day and see what is new this week.

Pokemon Open Play welcomes participants at every skill level. New and curious players can receive guidance, and weekly Discord posts share details about entry, format, prizes, and promos.

As part of the Westside Jazz Concert Series, the Eddie Allen Quintet performs at Johnny Jazz Park. Organized by The Jazz Arts Project alongside the Red Bank Division of Parks and Recreation, this free concert welcomes the community. Support is provided in part by Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.

Join a week of hands-on discovery at Plainsboro Preserve, exploring how animals and plants adapt to challenges like finding food and avoiding predators. Campers will dig into topics such as frog eating habits, the changing colors of maple leaves, and what turtle shells are made of, then wrap it up with learning through games plus arts and crafts. This program is for kids ages 6 to 12 and runs weekdays during the week of August 10.

Children ages 6 to 12 can explore farm life at G&G Stables through a hands-on camp that mixes learning with plenty of fun. Participants meet and learn about barn animals, practice basic horse care and grooming, enjoy guided lead-line rides, pitch in with chores, and make creative crafts. Days are planned to encourage responsibility and curiosity in a safe, welcoming setting. Two four-day sessions are available. Families can pay $80 per day or $300 for the complete four-day session, with optional early drop off and late pick up for an added fee. Group sizes are intentionally small for individual attention, and spots are limited. For registration or more details, email gandgstables@yahoo.com.

Join this kids’ art program with four different arts and crafts stations. There will be painting, so dress for a mess. Each child needs to be registered individually, and the program is for ages 4 to 9.

Explore Murray Pond with a hands-on nature activity that invites participants to discover what lives beneath the surface. Nets are provided to gently scoop up tadpoles, small fish, aquatic insects, and other critters, and there will be chances to spot frogs, turtles, and snakes. Expect to get muddy and dress accordingly. Every child must be accompanied by an adult. This program is designed for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The cost is $5 per child and it takes place at Poricy Park Nature Center.

The Red Bank Division of Parks & Recreation presents a screening of Superman at Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank. Before the film, the Red Bank Charter School PTO will lead activities for kids. Admission is free for everyone.

Tempo Alegre takes the stage at the Broadway Band Shell as part of the City of Long Branch Free Concert Series. This installment of the 2026 Tuesdays On Broadway lineup highlights one of the summer’s featured bands, with other weeks showcasing artists such as Tito Puente, Jr., Almost Santana, David Cedeno & Orchestra, El Grupo K’ndela, Xol Azul, Rumbaile, and Grupo Warachando, and one Tuesday set aside with no performance. If the weather turns, the concert will be relocated to the Long Branch Senior Center.

The AP Concert Band performs in the bandshell with live music and no cover charge. Make it a relaxed night out by enjoying dinner during the show.

A farmers market will be held at Tall Oaks Brewery.

Kids ages 6-12 can practice their reading skills alongside gentle therapy dogs. The program uses four separate 15-minute time slots, with one slot per family. Registration is required, and families are instructed to call the Jackson Branch Children’s line to check availability.

Presented by Jazz Arts Project in collaboration with the Red Bank Division of Parks and Recreation, this Jazz in the Park performance features The Rhythms of the Heart Band at Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank. Spread out a picnic and relax in a scenic setting with views of the Navesink River as the music fills the park. Admission is free for everyone.