Several large-scale family events are set to fill New Jersey this weekend, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for children and adults. Highlights include the rescheduled Monster Jam at Newark’s Prudential Center, the final weekend for LuminoCity’s Dino Safari in Freehold Township, and shark- and fossil-themed programs at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Mantua Township. Music fans can also find a one-day block party tied to the Montclair Jazz Festival.
Monster trucks roar back to Prudential Center
The popular Monster Jam attraction returns to the Prudential Center this weekend after being rescheduled due to a January snowstorm. The three-day engagement — listed as Friday through Sunday in event listings — brings the world-famous trucks and freestyle motocross to Newark. Expect appearances by fan favorites such as Grave Digger, El Toro Loco and Sparkle Smash, with racing, jumps and freestyle runs across the arena track.
Event organizers are staging a pre-show hour that allows ticket-holders to preview competitions, observe pit crews and hear drivers discuss their experiences, providing a behind-the-scenes component for families attending early.
Final weekend for LuminoCity’s Dino Safari at Freehold Raceway Mall
LuminoCity’s Dino Safari is set to close this weekend at the Freehold Raceway Mall after an extended run through the summer. The exhibit features more than 70 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, along with a lit-up nighttime experience. Interactive elements include a Triceratops Bounce Nest, a neon inflatable DJ octopus called Neon Octo-Beats, a Caveman Axe Throw, a Dino Speedway, fossil-dig activities and a carousel.
The attraction’s in-mall run continues through Aug. 15, with the exhibit closed on Wednesdays according to the venue schedule.
Shark-themed programs and quarry digs at Edelman Fossil Park
The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Mantua Township is hosting a weeklong series of shark-focused activities through Aug. 16. The annual celebration highlights the museum’s fossil collections, including shark teeth and prehistoric marine specimens found in the area.
Families can expect hands-on science stations, a shark-tooth digging contest in the quarry, special screenings and trivia events, a kids’ “Sea” Foam Party and an after-hours Glow-In-The-Shark Party. Indoor exhibits include life-sized replicas of prehistoric marine mammals and dinosaurs. Outdoor play areas feature a pteranodon-themed playground.
Music and community gatherings: Montclair Jazz Festival block party
The Montclair Jazz Festival’s downtown programming includes a daylong block party on Saturday at Lackawanna Plaza Stage. The festival’s Jamboree is expected to run for many hours and features national and regional jazz performers. The one-day local block party can serve as an accessible option for families who want live music without a ticketed festival experience.
- Monster Jam — Prudential Center (Newark): Friday–Sunday; rescheduled from January dates
- Dino Safari — Freehold Raceway Mall: through Aug. 15 (closed Wednesdays)
- Sharks at the Park — Edelman Fossil Park & Museum (Mantua Township): through Aug. 16
- Montclair Jazz Festival block party — Lackawanna Plaza Stage (Montclair): Saturday
| Event | Location | Dates / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Jam | Prudential Center, Newark | Friday–Sunday; rescheduled from January |
| Dino Safari (LuminoCity) | Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp. | Through Aug. 15 (closed Wednesdays) |
| Sharks at the Park | Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Mantua Twp. | Through Aug. 16; hands-on activities and quarry digging |
| Montclair Jazz Festival: Downtown Jamboree | Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair | Saturday; daylong block party and performances |
Practical tips for families attending
Given the mix of indoor arenas and outdoor or mall-based attractions, families should plan around weather and crowd levels. Consider these practical points:
- Check individual event websites for precise showtimes, ticket availability and any last-minute rescheduling.
- Arrive early to Monster Jam for pit access and the pre-show competition preview.
- Note that LuminoCity’s Dino Safari closes on Wednesdays; plan weekday visits accordingly if you want to avoid crowds.
- For fossil park quarry activities, bring sun protection and sturdy shoes for outdoor digging.
These events offer a range of experiences for New Jersey families this weekend, from high-energy motorsports and live music to educational fossil hunts and interactive dinosaur displays. For the latest on times, tickets and health or safety advisories, check each venue’s official announcements before you go.
