12 Ways To Have Fun In July

Check out these fun-filled events that will keep kids smiling and parents happy all month long.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Have Fun July

If your kid’s favorite summer phrase has become “I’m bored,” consider this your rescue plan. July is packed with family-friendly fun across Monmouth County, from outdoor concerts and festivals to nature programs, movies under the stars and plenty of opportunities to burn off some energy (and maybe earn a sweet treat afterward). The hardest part won’t be finding something to do—it’ll be deciding which adventure to go on first.

Grab the sunscreen, pack a few snacks and get ready to make the most of summer. Here are some of the best family-friendly events happening around the county this month.

Now through July 26

  • Journey to the swamp and discover just how many layers ogres have when Shrek: The Musical comes to the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan. Follow the titular Shrek and a colorful cast of fairy tale characters as he sets off on a quest to be left alone—and instead finds love, acceptance and his place in the world. Multiple performances are available, including matinees.

July 15

  • Show off your creativity or check out the designs of others at the annual Belmar Sandcastle Contest. Bring your pails, shovels and other sand tools to the 18th Avenue Beach and start building at 8 a.m. Awards and prizes will be presented to winners in seven different categories.

July 16

  • Motor over to West Front Street in Keyport for the annual Keyport Classic Car Show. From 4 to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy classic cars, music by a DJ and access to downtown shopping and dining.

July 18

  • Looking for great ambiance and art in one of Monmouth’s most picturesque towns? Head to the Ocean Grove Summer Stroll Art Walk, beginning at 4 p.m. This event brings together juried artwork by local artists, live music and refreshing ocean air. You might just find your next favorite treasure—and meet the artist who created it.
  • Movie buffs can enjoy a series of shorts at FilmOneFest: the 18th Annual International One-Minute Film Festival. The outdoor event takes place from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at the Atlantic Highlands Marina and will feature films in categories such as comedy, drama, sci-fi, horror, experimental, documentary, animation, student, New Jersey and female filmmakers.

July 18–19

  • Experience Monmouth County’s beauty and wildlife up close with Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell, hosted by Monmouth County Park System and guided by a park system naturalist. These 45-minute tours begin at 2 p.m., though schedules are weather- and water-level dependent.

July 19

  • Didn’t score tickets to the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford? Middletown Sports Complex is hosting a FIFA World Cup viewing party filled with cheering fans, great atmosphere and fun. Watch the game on giant screens, grab food and drinks and take part in themed activities for kids and adults alike. The fun starts at 11 a.m.

July 22–26

  • A beloved local tradition returns! The Monmouth County Fair comes to the East Freehold Showgrounds for five days. Enjoy live music, carnival food, home and garden demonstrations, animals, rides and games—and keep an eye out for something special celebrating America 250. Opening times vary by day.

July 25

  • The Jersey Shore Running Club presents its sixth annual Navesink 4-Mile Run, a scenic, mostly shaded course featuring rolling hills and views of local horse farms. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Prefer something shorter? Join the 2-mile walk starting at 8:35 a.m. Participants are invited to enjoy a celebration afterward at Birdsmouth Beer in Oceanport.

July 25–26

  • For a taste of Italy right here in Monmouth, don’t miss the Italian Festival & Wine Tasting at Monmouth Park in Oceanport. Sample favorites—from pizza and pasta to cannoli—from more than a dozen local restaurants, delis and food trucks, along with wines from Opici Wines & Spirits. Live music rounds out the experience.

July 28–Aug. 1

  • Take the entire family to the Manasquan Fireman’s Fair at Mallard Park. There will be plenty of rides, games, a food tent, a beer garden, raffles and much more. The fun takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. each day.

July 31–Aug. 2

  • A Monmouth tradition continues at the 31st Annual Clam Fest. The three-day event at Highlands’ Huddy Park features an array of food trucks, funnel cakes, a beer, wine and sangria garden, live music and more. There will be an evening fireworks display on Aug. 1. Times vary by day; check out the website for the full schedule.

Share your favorite photos from this month with us on Instagram @monmouthmagazine.

 

Categories: Monmouth Health & Life