New Jersey Leisure Guide Monthly Newsletter
June, 2020

In response to this unprecedented crisis that is affecting our health concerns, with limits placed on New Jersey public gatherings, this issue will focus more on things to do as opposed to large event gatherings such as festivals and concerts.

At this time, and until further notice, New Jersey COVID-19 executive orders in effect apply to large public gatherings such as concerts, festivals, fireworks, and inside restaurant dining and bars, resulting in either closures or restrictions in operation.

Some outdoor recreational areas and businesses have been able to restart their operations. These include beaches, state and municipal parks, and recreational campgrounds. State parks are open for passive recreation, including fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, jogging, biking, birding, horseback riding, and more. Limits on people gathering outdoors have been increased from 10 to 25, including picnics and cookouts. However, indoor gatherings are still limited to 10 people.

Looking forward, there is an early consensus according to New Jersey industry members, that live music and festivals will resume in the fall with some restrictions. For the next six months, and possibly longer, you're going to see some venue operating changes taking place including reduced capacity at festivals and concerts, and the opening of some additional drive-in concerts and movies. Restrictions may include getting your temperature taken, requirements to wear a mask, scattered seating, restrooms that will limit one or two people into a restroom at a time, getting tickets in advance or only accepting ticket purchases online, and more.

While we have listed some scheduled events below, some of the events may be at risk of being cancelled as event sponsors are continuing to consider their options. Before heading out to an event or venue, our viewers are advised to confirm the event and activity listed below to ensure thay have not be cancncelled or closed since publication of this newsletter.

. This Edition's Contents...

• Popular June Things To Do
• Seasonal Frequently Asked Question

Note: This information is provided by event sponsors as a free service to our viewers. Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event

June 2020 Things To Do

As of the date of the publication, the listed activities have not been cancelled, though many are operating with some restructions.

Virtual Experience "Ask the Astronomer"
Every Tuesday @ 10am
The Newark Museum of Art
Zoom and Facebook Live
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope. Learn how the Hubble has become one of the most productive telescopes in history and revolutionized modern astronomy. Then ask our Museum astronomers about the exciting mysteries and science of space. This week's live session is available on

Cape May Zoo "Virtual Zoo School"
Videos will be featured on their Facebook Page and their Website, daily at 11:30 AM.
Join in Monday through Friday at 11:30 AM as we take you on a virtual tour of the zoo! Each day we will feature a short clip of a different animal and teach you all about it. At the end of every clip we have a challenge for YOU to do right at home. You can show us how you completed your challenges by sharing photos or videos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Physick Estate Virtual Tour
Website/Virtual Tour Access
This is an abbreviated version of their normal 45 minute guided tour.
The Physick Estate today offers a look back at our Victorian past as evidenced by its architecture, decorative arts, customs, and the lives of one particular Cape May family, the Physicks. Emlen Physick Jr., his widowed mother, Frances Ralston, and his maiden aunt, Emilie Parmentier, moved into their home when it was completed in 1879. The Physicks' distinctive home illustrates their changing tastes as well as the particulars of the Victorian lifestyle in Cape May.

Pinelands Adventures - Online Programs
Access Pinelands Virtual Tours
While stuck indoors, stay connected with nature through these interactive instructor-led programs.
Pinelands Adventures is offering some great online programming. They have developed a series of Online Adventures to bring New Jersey's Pine Barrens to you.

Take in a day at one of New Jersey Beaches:
New Jersey beaches along the 127 miles of the Jersey shore are a natural landscape of beauty, clean ocean water, refreshing breezes and beautiful, white sandy beaches, making the Jersey Shore one of the most desired vacation destinations on the east coast.
Guide to NJ Beaches

Take a camping trip in one of New Jersey's scenic state parks
The New Jersey State Park System also offers many excellent camping facilities that bring you up close to the wilderness and many other amenities. Two of the popular state parks for camping are Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Worthington State Forest Campground in Warren County; and Wharton State Forest straddling Atlantic, Burlington and Camden Counties.
Guide to NJ State Parks

Get out an enjoy the outdoors and some exercise with some outstanding biking and hiking.
Guide to Best NJ Hiking Trails - NJ has a large variety of forested trails, waterfalls, ridges, and scenic views.

Take the Family To A Pick Your Own Farm for Strawberry Picking
Strawberry picking is a great family activity and the best way to enjoy flavor full strawberries. If you love strawberry's avoid the supermarkets --- where strawberries are sold before they fully ripen --- and head out to a strawberry picking farm in New Jersey. Strawberries do not ripen after picking. Fresh picked, fully ripened strawberries are a deep red color throughout including the core, and are juicier, more more tasty, and healthier than the berries purchased in the supermarkets. Strawberry picking begins in late May and runs into late June.
Guide to the Best Strawberry Picking Farms

Renaissance Faire
Changed to June 20 & 21, 2020; 11:00 am - 11:30 pm
Historic Smithville
615 E Moss Mill Rd
Absecon, NJ
Website
This family event features a journey back to the days of yore and merry Olde England as the Historic Village of Smithville is transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English Renaissance. The good Duke of Northumberland has decreed merriment for all.
This event is fun for the whole family and includes comedy, tragedy, sword fighting, dance, song, knights, jesters and so much more. Also stroll amongst the wares of the local vendors and traveling merchants sporting historical gifts and finely crafted items.

State Fair Meadowlands
Fair runs from Thursday, June 25 until Sunday, July12. 2020
102 NJ State Highway 120
East Rutherford NJ
Next to MetLife Stadium
Website (Check Schedule)
This very popular family event features quality rides, plenty of free entertainment, open air thrill shows, games and prizes, and a variety foods. There are a variety of activities to interest all ages.
All Tickets Include Free Live shows and concerts. Free Live concerts. Fireworks shows take place on the evenings of Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4th.

Seasonal Frequently Asked Question:

Question: A place to hold an Inexpensive, small group picnic. What is a great, but inexpensive spot for a group picnic?

Answer: I would suggest contacting your local county parks department as a good source of having sites for inexpensive picnics. Most county parks charge a small fee but they usually offer a pavilion, grills and some recreational facilities. Or visit Top New Jersey County Parks

Top Ten Things To Do in June - The popular NJ seasonal outdoor and indoor activities, events, attractions, and points of interest for people of all ages.

Virtual events and Tours - Events and venues that have offered stay at home access to to New Jersey attractions and events.

Monthly Events - This page has links to events that appear in future months, usually 3-4 months in advance. The Monthly newsletter that you are receiving includes many of the events found on the pages.