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Hot Air Balloon Festival and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

Enjoy the sight of hot air balloons and take part in activities like tethered rides at the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Enjoy the sight of hot air balloons and take part in activities like tethered rides at the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
9/20/24 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Fall makes its official debut this weekend, and what better way to celebrate than an everything-autumn festival like Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival. Plus, witness a sky full of beautiful balloons at Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids:​

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Top Things To Do in New Jersey this Weekend with Kids

Jack O’ Lantern Experience

Augusta
Select dates from Friday, September 20-Sunday, November 3
This 30-day event guarantees thrills and chills for the whole family. Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, outdoor games, pumpkin picking and painting and a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns in the crisp fall air with family and friends. READ MORE

XPoNential Music Festival

Camden
Friday, September 20-Sunday, September 22
WXPN and the Camden County Board of Commissioners present the XPoNential Music Festival presented by Subaru. The festival returns to the Wiggins Park on Camden Waterfront. As always, the festival is a great opportunity to see established artists and to discover new up-and-coming bands. READ MORE

Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival

Ridgefield Park – FREE
Friday, September 20-Sunday, September 22
Enjoy some family fun at the annual Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, featuring a craft fair, carnival rides, a farmers market, animals, live music, food trucks and much more.  READ MORE

Harvest Moon Nights at Alstede Farms

Chester
Fridays and Saturdays from Saturday, September 21-Friday, October 25
Spend an unforgettable evening under the glow of the harvest moon at Alstede Farms' Harvest Moon Nights celebration. Embrace the crisp fall air as you navigate the enchanting corn maze, where surprises and delights await around every corner. READ MORE

Wind & Sea Festival at Bayshore Waterfront Park

Port Monmouth– FREE
Saturday, September 21
Head over to Bayshore Waterfront Park for a celebration of all things water. Visitors can enjoy a variety of coastal activities, including kayaking, fishing, kite flying, crafts and more. READ MORE

Water Lantern Festival

Jersey City
Saturday, September 21-Sunday, September 22
Enjoy a picturesque evening at Liberty State Park when the Hudson River becomes illuminated by beautiful lanterns. The festivities begin with food trucks and music, followed by the designing of lanterns at 6:30pm. READ MORE

Festival in the Borough 2024

Washington – FREE
Saturday, September 21
Festival in the Borough returns to Downtown Washington with three stages of music and 19 acts, ranging from local favorites to national, touring, Grammy-nominated artists. Streets are lined with vendors, plus there's a children's fun zone, food, local shopping, and a beer garden to round out the fun. READ MORE

All About Downtown Street Fair

Jersey City – FREE
Saturday, September 21
The annual All About Downtown Street Fair returns to Jersey City for its 13th year with more than 100 vendors and more than 10 food and mobile fashion trucks. This event features a day full of fun for the entire family. READ MORE

Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival

Washington
Saturday, September 21-Sunday, September 22
Head over to Warren Community College for two days of family fun at this hot air balloon festival. Gates open at 3pm each day with vendors, food trucks, and family entertainment.  READ MORE

34th Annual St. James Street Fair

Woodbridge – FREE
Saturday, September 21
The 34th Annual St. James Street Fair boasts food trucks, crafters, vendors, live performances, and children's activities.  READ MORE

Hopatcong PBA Food Truck & Music Festival

Hopatcong
Saturday, September 21
Hopatcong PBA 149's Annual Food Truck, Music & Car Show takes the stage in a new location, with five gourmet food trucks, live music, car show, bungee trampoline, a rock wall, miniature golf, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, sand art, inflatables, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Italian Festival at Historic Smithville

Galloway – FREE
Saturday, September 21
Come join the excitement at this Italian Festival, featuring an Italian market with a spectacular variety of wares and food. The day is filled with live Italian music, bocce ball, folk dancing, kids’ activities, and more. READ MORE

Westfield FestiFall

Westfield – FREE
Sunday, September 22
Welcome the fall season at this bustling annual festival, featuring entertainment, fantastic food, more than 300 vendors, and more. A special KidZone houses rides, games, and activities just for children. READ MORE

Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival at Bridgewater Commons

Bridgewater – FREE
Through Sunday, September 22
Join this traditional Chinese folk celebration of light at Bridgewater Commons, featuring a display of 20 illuminated handmade Chinese lanterns up to 10 feet high, lantern-making workshops at the Community Hub and a special performance in Center Court.  READ MORE

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