Curious Parents Places to Go

summer fun

The new school year may be creeping up, but that doesn’t mean summer has to end just yet. There is still a whole month left, so get off the couch and visit some local events with the family. From county fairs to magic shows, these August events have something fun for everyone.

Central Jersey Events

Middlesex County Fair Aug. 6-12
655 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, N.J.
732.257.8858

Bring the family and enjoy daily shows like The Star Family Circus and The Barnyard Express. Opening day offers free admission for kids under age 12 and will feature its first performance by Mark Miklos and the Raritan Valley Ramblers. Aug. 7 features $1 admission for seniors over 65 along with a rock performance by the Secret Agent Band. Other exciting musical performances include last year’s crowd pleaser, The Amish Outlaws, After the Reign and a special tribute to the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis. Rides are one price all day and parking is free. Fair hours are Monday-Friday from 5p.m.-11p.m., Saturday from 11a.m.-11p.m. and Sunday from 11a.m.-7p.m.

Big Sea Day Celebration Aug. 11
Recreation Beach Manasquan, N.J.
732.223.0544

For a perfect day at the shore, visit Manasquan for their annual Big Sea Day Celebration. Have fun at the beach by building a sand castle. Surf the waves or devour some pies during the pie eating contest. Don’t forget to bring along some bait for the fishing contest. For visitors who would rather avoid the mess, plenty of art exhibits will be available for viewing. The rain date will be held Aug. 12. Registration will be held at 9:30a.m. and festivities will begin at 10a.m.

Summertime Magic with Joe Holiday & Sharon Aug. 9
Dante Hall Theater of the Arts
14 N. Mississippi Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.
609.344.8877

Be dazzled at Dante Hall by the thrill of stage magic performed by Joe Holiday and Sharon. Joe and Sharon have been entrancing people the world over and now they’re coming to New Jersey for a little slight of hand. Their new summer series of shows features illusions and so much more that will amaze audiences of all ages. Once you’ve seen the show you can take a walk on the boardwalk and go to Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum or the aquarium. Atlantic City may not seem family-friendly, but there’s plenty for families to do! Admission is $5 for all.

Butterfly Festival Aug. 11
The Watershed Reserve
31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington N.J.
609.737.3735  www.thewatershed.org

The children can dress up for the butterfly costume contest and you can indulge in some great local food while learning about earth-friendly practices. Sounds pretty good, don’t it? That and you’ll be able to see some of the prettiest bugs around: butterflies. The Monarchs will be flying south soon and you can see them up close and personal at the family festival’s main attraction, the Kate Gorrie Memorial Butterfly House. So take the hike out to the Watershed and then take a hike around it—you won’t be disappointed. The festival lasts from 10a.m.-4p.m. $5 per person or $15 per car.

‘Copter Kids Day Aug. 12
American Helicopter Museum
1220 American Blvd., West Chester Pa.
610.436.9600 www.helicoptermuseum.org 

Children can propel themselves to the limits of their imagination at the American Helicopter Museum with a day of stories, activities and a scavenger hunt through the museum. It’s a hands-on day for kids as they tour the grounds and climb aboard and see the insides of over 35 choppers, including the only tilt-rotor Osprey V-22 displayed publicly in the world. And what day at the Helicopter Museum would be complete without a trip into the wild blue yonder? For $35 a person you can take that trip. Regular admission is $5 per person.

Racing to the Rainbow! The Wiggles Live! Aug. 11-12
Wachovia Spectrum
3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa.
215.336.3600

Join the Australian based group, The Wiggles, as they take their most adventurous tour yet. Preschoolers will love the fun and exciting songs and dances from characters like Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur and the Wiggly dancers. So come bring the little ones and set out for a fun afternoon filled with imagination. Show times are at 1:30p.m. and 5p.m. Ticket prices range from $19 to $40 depending on your seating preference. Discounts are offered for groups of 15 or more.

The Wizard of Oz Aug. 3-11
Bucks County Playhouse
70 South Main St. New Hope, Pa.
215.862.2041 www.buckscountyplayhouse.com

 The Bucks County Playhouse will be featuring The Wizard of Oz as part of their Summer Children’s Theatre Series. Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon show featuring Dorothy, Toto and the rest of the gang as they follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City. Sing along to classic tunes like “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” Tickets are discounted at $6 online. Regular rates are $7 with cash or check and $8 with a credit card. Each show begins at 1p.m.

Roasting Corn Festival Aug. 18-19
The Museum of Indian Culture
2825 Fish Hatchery Rd., Allentown, Pa
610.797.2121 www.lenape.org 

For a true cultural experience, come and be apart of the Roasting Corn Festival at the Museum of Indian Culture. Native drums and spiritual music by host drummer, Black Horse Butte, rise through the air and for those who love to shop, vendors will offer a variety of crafts and jewelry. But, don’t eat beforehand as authentic Native American cuisine will be cooking up at the Festival. The museum asks that visitors bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. The festival is open to the public at 10:30a.m. along with a grand entrance at 12p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $3 for children over the age of 12. Members of the museum are free of charge. No worries about a rain date. The events will proceed, rain or shine.

44th Annual Das Awkscht Fescht Aug. 3-5
Macungie Memorial Park
Nine miles from Allentown on Route 100, Macungie, Pa.
610.967.2317

Enjoy three days in the beautiful outdoors at the Das Awkscht Fescht with antique cars as well as bingo, fireworks, arts and crafts and flea markets. Kids will love the Crayola Corner, where they can interact with jugglers, magicians and participate in creative activities. The park pool and playground will also be accessible throughout the weekend. Musical entertainment will include a variety of bands like The Don Cunningham Band and The Blues Brotherhood. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for children ages 15 and under. Gates to the festivities open bright and early at 6a.m.

The 155th Great Allentown Fair Aug. 28-Sept. 3
302 North 17th St., Allentown, Pa.
610.433.4005

Whether your family enjoys music concerts or amusement park rides, you won’t leave this fair disappointed. The Grandstand will be featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment like the Counting Crows and Brad Paisley. The RCN Farmerama Theater will host several fun-filled children’s events and talent shows. Put on your dancing shoes and visit the Music Festival Pepsi Plaza where visitors can dance and sing along to a free show featuring a variety of bands. The fair also features over 100 rides and games that the whole family will love. Admission is $6 for ages 12 and over. Those under age 12 are always free and opening day is free for every visitor. Hours are from 4p.m.–midnight opening day, 12p.m.–midnight Wednesday through Sunday and 12p.m.–11p.m. on Labor Day.

Cinderella Aug. 3-4, 10-12, 17-19
Pennsylvania Playhouse
Illicks Mill Rd., Bethlehem, Pa.
610.865.6665 www.paplayhouse.org

Will the prince find the owner of the glass slipper? Find out by paying a visit to The Pennsylvania Playhouse, one of the state’s top regional theaters, to see the classic play, Cinderella. Each and every guest will feel like they are part of the production as there are only nine rows total in the theater. Show times are 8p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 6p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors over 65 and $15 for students under 18.

 

Peach Party Aug. 11; the Chocolate & Vanilla Festival Aug. 25
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Dr., Camden, N.J.
856.365.8733 www.camdenchildrensgarden.org

Come visit the Camden Children’s Garden Camden for two special August events, the Peach Party and the Chocolate & Vanilla Festival. On Aug. 11, the whole family can join in on a full day dedicated to the Jersey peach. Activities include planting workshops, fun crafts and a treasure hunt. And, of course, peaches will be available at the concession stand. Party hours are from 11a.m.-4p.m. 
    On Aug. 25, those with a sweet tooth are welcome at the Chocolate & Vanilla Festival, where visitors will learn about the plants as well as join in on entertainment and craft activities. Festival hours are from 11a.m.-4p.m.