12 Family-Friendly Things to Do in North Jersey This Labor Day Weekend | September 4–6, 2026

Looking for family-friendly things to do in North Jersey this Labor Day Weekend? There is plenty happening across the region.

From carnivals and fireworks to apple picking, cultural festivals, live entertainment, hands-on activities, and free community events, I rounded up 18 options worth checking out from Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6.

A few of these celebrations continue through Labor Day Monday, September 7, so I’ve included those details as well.

Event schedules, pricing, and activities can change. Always confirm details directly with the event organizer before heading out.

1. Boonton Fire Department Labor Day Carnival

Boonton High School Field, 306 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, Morris County September 4–6 Admission: Free

The Boonton Fire Department’s annual Labor Day Carnival is one of the area’s longtime holiday weekend traditions.

The carnival actually begins Friday, September 4, and continues through Sunday with rides, games, food, live music, and family activities.

Friday runs from 6–11 PM. Saturday features the annual parade at 1:30 PM, followed by the carnival. Sunday runs from 3–11 PM and concludes with fireworks.

Admission to the grounds is free. Rides, games, and food are additional.

Jersey Girls Finds Tip: If you can only choose one day, Sunday gives you both the carnival and fireworks.

Official Details:https://boontonfd.org/events/

2. Dream Asia Festival

Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, Sussex County September 5–7

Dream Asia Festival returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds for Labor Day Weekend with Asian food, cultural performances, anime, cosplay, shopping, and family entertainment.

It is a great option for families who enjoy experiencing different cultures and trying new foods together.

Jersey Girls Finds followers can use code JERSEYGIRL10 for 10% off tickets.

Official Details and Tickets:https://www.dreamasiafest.com/

3. Sparta New Jersey Renaissance Festival

Camp Sacajawea, 844 White Lake Road, Sparta, Sussex County September 5–6 | 10 AM–6 PM

The Sparta Renaissance Festival kicks off its 2026 season over Labor Day Weekend.

Families can explore a wooded Renaissance-style setting filled with performers, knights, theatrical entertainment, vendors, food, and interactive activities.

Official Details and Tickets:https://www.spartanjrenfaire.com/

4. Riamede Farm Apple Days

122 Oakdale Road, Chester, Morris County Beginning September 5

Apple season officially gets underway at Riamede Farm with the start of Apple Days on September 5.

Families can pick apples, shop for fresh produce, enjoy wagon rides, grab cider slushies, and explore seasonal activities around the farm.

It is a great way to get an early taste of fall before pumpkin season is fully underway.

Official Details:https://www.riamedefarm.com/

5. Skullduggery! Magic Show Pirate Weekend at Fairy Tale Forest

140 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, Morris County September 5–7 Shows at 1 PM and 3 PM

Fairy Tale Forest is adding a pirate twist to Labor Day Weekend with its Skullduggery! Magic Show.

The special event includes pirate games, a scavenger hunt, themed activities, and live magic.

Children who arrive dressed in pirate attire can also receive a special prize.

The pirate show is an additional charge with regular park admission.

This is an especially fun option for families with toddlers and preschoolers who can also enjoy Fairy Tale Forest’s regular storybook attractions.

Official Details:https://fairytaleforest.com/

6. Scandinavian Fest

Vasa Park, 93 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake, Morris County Sunday, September 6 10 AM–5 PM

The 39th Scandinavian Fest celebrates Scandinavian culture through food, music, demonstrations, crafts, history, vendors, and family activities.

It is a great opportunity to introduce kids to different cultural traditions through food, music, and hands-on experiences.

Official Details and Tickets:https://www.scanfest.org/

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7. Apple Cider Making at Tenafly Nature Center

313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, Bergen CountySaturday, September 5 | 11 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM

Members: $9

Non-members: $12 Tenafly Nature Center is offering its seasonal Apple Cider Making program with three public sessions on Saturday.

Families can learn about apples and traditional cider making while helping turn apples into fresh cider.

Official Details and Registration:https://tenaflynaturecenter.org/seasonal-programs/

8. Park Ridge Labor Day Concert and Fireworks

The High School Football Field, Doc Lewis Field, Bergen County Saturday, September 5 Admission: Free Park Ridge is celebrating Labor Day Weekend with an outdoor concert followed by fireworks.

Bring chairs or a blanket and make it an easy end-of-summer family night out.

Official Details:https://www.parkridgeboro.com/

9. Mendham Pastime Club Labor Day Carnival

Borough Park / Borough Field, Mendham, Morris County September 4–7 Borough Park / Borough Field, Mendham, NJ

The Mendham Pastime Club’s Labor Day Carnival returns with rides, games, food, and classic carnival fun throughout the holiday weekend.

If you are also looking for something to do on Labor Day Monday, Mendham’s larger celebration includes its traditional parade at 10am followed by a concert and fireworks in the evening.

Official Details:https://www.mendhampastimeclub.com/

10. 111th Annual Saint Joseph Festival

St. Joseph Church, 40 Spring Street, Lodi, Bergen County September 4–7 Admission: Free

This longtime Bergen County Italian festival is celebrating its 111th year.

Families can expect carnival rides, games, Italian food, sweets, raffles, and live entertainment throughout the holiday weekend.

It is a classic festival option if your family is looking for carnival fun paired with plenty of food.

Official Details:https://www.saintjosephsociety.org/

11. Von Thun Farms Sweet Corn Fest

Von Thun Farms, 438 Route 57 West, Washington, Warren County September 5–6 | 10 AM–5 PM Price: $21.99 ONLINE, $24.99 IN-PERSON

Von Thun Farms is celebrating Labor Day Weekend with its Sweet Corn Fest.

The experience can include the sunflower trail, hayrides, farm animals, and an activity area with more than 25 games and attractions.

Seasonal flowers, picking opportunities, food, and other farm activities may also be available depending on conditions.

This is a strong choice if you are looking for an outdoor destination where the kids can spend several hours exploring.

Official Details and Tickets:https://vonthunfarms.com/washington/sunflower-festival/

12. Back to School Party

The Backyard at 58 Vose Ave. South Orange, Essex County Friday, September 4 | 5–8 PM Admission: Free

South Orange Downtown is kicking off Labor Day Weekend and the new school year with a community Back to School Party.

The event includes family activities, food and treats from local businesses, live music, and a kids fashion show.

It is an easy Friday-night option for families who want something fun without committing to an entire day out.

Official Details:https://www.southorangedowntown.org/events-calendar

Event information is subject to change. Always confirm dates, hours, pricing, ticket availability, activities, and weather policies directly with the event organizer before visiting.