Your Senior-Friendly Guide to 4th of July Week Fun ❤️🤍💙

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It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

🎇We’re heading into one of the most festive weeks of summer — and Monmouth County knows how to party! Whether you want to sway to music under the stars, catch a fireworks show, or shop Jersey-fresh tomatoes, we’ve got you covered.

👀What’s on tap today

• 🎆 Where to Watch the Sky Sparkle

• 🫐 Blueberry Bliss is Back!

• 🐠 Something Fishy This Way Swims

Up first…

🚗💥 On the Road Again: July 4th Travel Tips from AAA

Heads up, Jersey drivers! AAA expects more than 2 million New Jersey residents to hit the road this Fourth of July — with 1.7 million driving, 190,000 flying, and 155,000 cruising, busing, or training their way into the long weekend.

🎉 The good news? Gas prices are the lowest since 2021 — averaging $3.18 per gallon statewide.

⏰ The tricky part? Traffic! Here are AAA’s best bets to dodge the jams:

🗺️ Travel smart: leave early, stay cool, and don’t forget the snacks. Wherever you’re heading this week — enjoy the ride and the fireworks!

Out & About

Celebrate the Fourth All Weekend Long! 🎆

Looking for a festive way to enjoy Independence Day weekend with your grandkids? From dazzling fireworks to blueberry fests and patriotic parades, New Jersey is bursting with family-friendly events that are fun for all ages. ✨ Be sure to check your local township’s website for even more events near you!

Monmouth County fireworks

• Atlantic Highlands: Fireworks on July 3 at the Marina at 9:45 p.m.. Rain date is July 5.

• Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks in Asbury Park! Fireworks on July 3 at Asbury Boardwalk & Beach. Rain date is July 5.

• Bradley Beach: Fireworks on July 5 at the Beach Front. Fireworks begin at dusk. Rain date is July 6.

• Hazlet Township: Fireworks on July 3 at Veterans’ Park, 1776 Union Ave. With music and food trucks, the celebration starts at 6 p.m. Rain date is July 6.

• Long Branch: Oceanfest 4th of July celebration with fireworks, live entertainment and food trucks on July 4.

• Manasquan: Parade, beach concert and fireworks, on July 3 from 5:15-10 p.m.

🎆 Freehold Lights Up the Sky

Celebrate Independence Day early at the Freehold Raceway on Thursday, July 3! Gates open at 5:30 PM for an evening of music, fun, and fireworks.

🎶 Music Lineup:

• 5:40 PM – Erich the DJ Guy

• 6:50 PM & 8:05 PM – The Eddie Testa Band

• 9:15 PM – National Anthem by James Armour

• 🎇 9:20 PM – Fireworks (simulcast on 95.9 The Rat & 100.1 WJRZ)

✔️ Good to Know:

• Bring your blankets & folding chairs

• 🚫 No pets, coolers, or backpacks

• More info: www.freeholdboroughnj.gov

Sponsored by DowntownFreehold.com

Celebrate the Fourth at Historic Allaire

Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6 • 11 AM – 4 PM
Allaire Village, 4263 Atlantic Ave, Wall

Step back in time and view Allaire’s rare historic American flag collection — on display just once a year in the Chapel and Visitor Center. Free admission; donations welcome.

Other holiday events happening across the state:

🎇 Celebrate Our Stars & Stripes – Concert & Fireworks
📅 July 2, 4:30–9:30 PM (Rain date: July 3)
📍 Perth Amboy Waterfront, Sadowski Parkway & High Street
Enjoy 3,000+ shells in a stunning fireworks show synchronized to patriotic music, plus food trucks, live music, and vendors in both Perth Amboy and South Amboy.
Cost: Free

🎺 Independence Day on the Raritan at East Jersey Old Town Village
📅 July 4, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
📍 1050 River Road, Piscataway, NJ
History comes to life with a Revolutionary 5K, patriotic tunes, and colonial-style storytelling along the scenic Raritan.
Cost: Free

🎉 Smithville Fourth of July Parade
📅 July 4, 9:00 AM
📍 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
The largest Fourth of July parade in NJ! Enjoy patriotic fun, shoppes, paddle boats, rides, and food in a charming village setting.
Cost: Free

🎨 Morven Museum’s Fourth of July Festival
📅 July 4, 12–3 PM
📍 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Celebrate history with artmaking, face painting, food trucks, and a live reading of the Declaration of Independence nearby at Princeton Battlefield.
Cost: Free

🌊 Oceanfest
📅 July 4, 1–9 PM
📍 Oceanfront Promenade, 228 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ
A massive beachside bash with music, crafts, dancers, food vendors—and fireworks at dusk!
Cost: Free

🎶 Freedom Festival with The Spinners
📅 July 4, 5–10 PM
📍 Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden, NJ
Groove to live music from Matt Cappy & The Spinners, then enjoy a waterfront fireworks show.
Cost: Free

🎆 Tropicana Fireworks Show
📅 July 4 & 19, 10 PM
📍 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
See fireworks from the beach or boardwalk in front of Tropicana Atlantic City.
Cost: Free

🎨 Craft Day by the Bay
📅 July 5, 10 AM–4 PM
📍 Sunset Park, Harvey Cedars, NJ
Stroll among 70+ local crafters and artists at this scenic bayside market.
Cost: Free

🐎 Meadowlands Fan Appreciation Night & Fireworks
📅 July 5, 6 PM–Midnight
📍 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ
$1 hot dogs, $2 beers (21+), live races, and fireworks under the stars!
Cost: Free

💡 Laser Light Show & Fireworks in Belmar
📅 July 5, 8:45 PM
📍 Silver Lake, 512 Ocean Ave N, Belmar, NJ
Enjoy a brilliant light/music show and fireworks. Donations encouraged to support Rebuilding Warriors.
Cost: Free

🎈 Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Balloon Festival
📅 July 26 – August 2
📍 1350 Strykers Rd, Phillipsburg/Harmony, NJ
One of NJ’s most charming fairs, with tethered hot air balloon rides, classic carnival fun, live music, and special admission days for seniors and veterans.
Cost: Adults $10, Kids 6–12 $5, Kids under 5 free

🍅🥕 Taste the Garden State! 🌽🫐

What does New Jersey grow? Only some of the juiciest, crunchiest, tastiest summer treats you’ll ever sink your teeth into! We’re talking sweet corn, plump tomatoes, and those famous Hammonton blueberries (yes, it is the Blueberry Capital of the World!). Whether you're slicing, snacking, or simmering, there's nothing like Jersey-fresh produce. After all, they don’t call us the Garden State for nothing—dig in and enjoy the bounty!

🫐 This Week’s Featured Fruit: Blueberries!

It’s blueberry season, folks — and Jersey does it best! These little blue gems aren’t just tasty, they’re a superfood packed with antioxidants, making them a sweet treat your body will thank you for. New Jersey ranks in the top six states for blueberry production, cranking out a whopping 41 million pounds a year. That’s a whole lot of pie potential!

🌞 Peak Season: July through August — so grab 'em while they’re at their juiciest!

🚗 Where to Go:
Head down to the Pine Barrens for pick-your-own fun at classic family-run farms like DiMeo Farms in Hammonton or Haines Berry Farm in Pemberton. In New Egypt, Emery’s Blueberry Farm pairs picking with a pit stop at their bakery — trust us, the blueberry pie is worth the trip. Further north? Phillips Farms in Milford has been growing berries (and memories) for over 200 years.

🧺 Pack a sunhat, bring a basket, and enjoy a berry sweet day out!

🫐 Whitesbog Blueberry Summer Fest
📅 July 5 (also July 11, 18, 25), 10 AM–2 PM
📍 120 West Whites Bogs Rd #34, Browns Mills, NJ
Pick blueberries, tour historic sites, and enjoy music, pies, games, and local vendors.
Cost: Free (donations welcome)

🍗 Argos Farm Blue & BBQ Festival
📅 July 4–6, 3–8 PM
📍 1250 Lacey Rd, Forked River, NJ
Live music, blueberry treats, photo ops, and U-pick blueberry fun all weekend.
Cost: Ticket info at argosfarm.com

And here’s a delicious Jersey Fresh recipe for Blueberry Muffins with a sweet crumble top!

🛍️ Farm Fresh & Fabulous This Week

• Grown in Monmouth Pop-Up at Holmdel Park (Wednesday, July 3): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  Enjoy live acoustic music and pick up handcrafted jams and herbal teas!

• Red Bank Farmers Market (Sunday, July 7): Local corn, tomatoes, peaches & pies.

🎶 Live Music & Easy Breezy Nights

• July 5 – Freehold Summer Concert Series
  Hall of Fame rock covers at the Hall of Records, 7:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair!

• July 6 – Belmar Plaza Friday Nights
  Jazz, swing & dancing under the stars, 6–9 p.m. Great for couples and grandkids alike.

• Ongoing – Concerts at Pier Village (Long Branch)
  Every Sunday evening — music, dancing, and ocean breezes.

Grandkid Corner

🐠 Dive Into Wonder: Kaleidoscope Cove Now Open at Adventure Aquarium – A Must-See for Grandparents and Grandkids!

CAMDEN, NJ – If you’re looking for a colorful, exciting, and stress-free summer day trip to share with the grandkids, mark your calendars: the Adventure Aquarium in Camden has opened its most ambitious exhibit in over a decade—Kaleidoscope Cove.

Spanning 2,000 square feet, this new interactive experience is perfect for all ages, offering dazzling displays of light, marine life, color, and touchable tech—an ideal mix of learning and fun for kids and a relaxing, memory-making opportunity for adults.

🌈 What Is Kaleidoscope Cove?

Unlike traditional aquarium exhibits grouped by habitat or geography, Kaleidoscope Cove is organized by color, movement, and bioluminescence. It features 100+ aquatic species, including 10+ new-to-the-aquarium creatures, brought together in one immersive, ever-changing space. Think: neon fish, glowing jellyfish, and rainbow-colored frogs—all in a kaleidoscope of light and motion.

🦑 Featured species include:

• Flashlight fish

• Flamboyant cuttlefish

• Purple-striped jellyfish

• Poison dart frogs

• Clownfish and hippo tangs

👵👦 Why It’s Perfect for Grandparents & Grandkids

Whether you're a doting grandparent looking to share the magic of the sea or simply planning a cool place to beat the heat, this exhibit offers something for every age—and every energy level.

✔ Interactive exhibits to keep little ones engaged
✔ Modular seating areas for adults to relax
✔ Calming soundscapes to create a soothing environment
✔ Hands-on encounters to explore sea stars, light walls, digital sand tables & more
✔ Educational content built in at every step

The aquarium’s design even uses natural sunlight through waterfront windows, so the exhibit changes throughout the day—meaning no two visits are the same.

🎨 Highlights Not to Miss

• Sea Star Shores: A guided touch tank where kids can feel marine life

• Draw Alive Mural: Kids draw their own sea creatures and watch them come to life onscreen!

• Interactive Light Wall: A giant pegboard that lets kids and adults “paint” with light

• Imagination Sand Station: A responsive digital sand table that reacts to touch and movement

• Color-Themed Aquariums: Tanks organized by red, blue, yellow, etc.—a visually stunning and easy-to-follow layout for younger guests

📍 Location, Tickets & Memberships

Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
📆 Kaleidoscope Cove opens June 28, 2025

🎟 Tickets: Available at AdventureAquarium.com
💡 Tip for repeat visitors: Consider a membership for year-round entry, plus access to seasonal events like Mermaids, Fintastic Pumpkin Glow, and Christmas Underwater.

📰Prime Time News

Tips for Expat Retirees, From Expat Retirees: You may enjoy a lower cost of living by moving abroad, but it requires careful planning. Kiplinger, June 29

Watch Your Mailbox: Scam letters you may receive after closing on your home purchase. Next Avenue, June 27

Dump Your Spouse, Not Your Assets: 7 Tips for Surviving 'Gray Divorce': For a midlife man or woman trapped in a failing marriage, a “gray divorce” can bring liberation. And financial ruin. USA Today, June 21.

Social Security Stops Reporting Call Wait Times and Other Metrics: The changes are the latest sign of the agency’s struggle with website crashes, overloaded servers and long lines at field offices amid Trump cutbacks. The Washington Post, June 20.

Why Single Retirees Have It Better Than You Think: From housing to health care, see how flying solo in retirement can stretch your funds further. Kiplinger, June 21.

How to Retire in Belize: Belize is a popular retirement destination for Americans due to its low cost of living, accessible residency options and English-speaking population. U.S. News & World Report, June 16.

🎂 Born on the Fourth of July!

🥳Wishing a very happy birthday this week to Dolores G. of Ocean Twp., turning 85 on July 4. Wishing you a birthday filled with fireworks, laughter, and all the love you deserve. May your year ahead shine as bright as the skies tonight. Happy Birthday, Firecracker! 🎆🎉❤️🤍💙

Two other notable people that share Dolores’ birthday include:

🏛️Calvin Coolidge – 30th U.S. President, born July 4, 1872.
He’s the only U.S. president born on Independence Day!

🎬 Tom Cruise – Hollywood star, born July 4, 1962.
From Top Gun to Mission: Impossible, he’s been lighting up the screen for decades.

Fun Fact: About 12,000 babies are born in the U.S. every year on July 4!

🎬That’s a wrap!

🙌 Holiday Heroes, We See You!

A big thank you to everyone working this Fourth of July weekend — from nurses and first responders to grocery clerks, lifeguards, event organizers and gas station attendants. While we celebrate, you're keeping things running. We appreciate you!

Questions, comments, or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

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😎Have a great week, and remember — life keeps getting better with age… especially in Monmouth County.

Until next week,
The Better With Age NJ team