Looking for a fun afternoon activity with your kids? We love visiting the annual Dog Days of Summer in Boonton.
When I’m looking for things to do with the kids, whether it’s summer or not, it’s usually a mix of free or inexpensive adventures.
Because the more adventures, the better.
Visiting the Dog Days of Summer in neighboring Boonton is one of our free (and fun) adventures. This is the fourth year of the Dog Days of Summer, and it makes for a fun afternoon outing.
Main Street in Boonton is lined with over 100 life size dog statues; each one is completely different and they are decorated by both professional and amateur artists. Some community groups and even school students get in on the action.
A large share of the sculptures are outside in front of the stores and businesses, but there are many that are inside the store windows as well, which makes for a fun challenge to try and peek inside each store to see if we find one.
The statues are on display until August, and besides the entertainment value it provides, this is also done as a fundraiser. The statues can be purchased (or “adopted”), and the money raised goes to several local charities, including two animal groups (and you know how much I love that). More details on the available dogs can be found here in their Etsy shop.
*this one was one of my favorites
You can park anywhere on Main Street, just watch the two hour limit because they pay attention to how long cars are parked there. We usually park at one end of Main Street, do one whole side, and then cross over and go back up the other way. Depending on how fast you move, or how much browsing you do in the cute downtown shops and eateries, it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to do them all. Be sure to stop into the Scoop House for ice cream, or one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat.
Hungry for more day trips or afternoon adventures?
You can visit Thomas Edison’s estate, museum, and laboratory for a rich step back into his life and mind.
Head for the Jersey shore and Jenkinson’s Aquarium. It’s small, but packed with many sea creatures and knowledgeable and friendly staff.
If you have an avid rock collector or history buff in your family, visit the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. Because of the cool temps inside the mine, it’s perfect for a hot day.
Brookhollow’s Barnyard might have been the cutest farm we’ve visited so far.
The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is a great step back in time.
For even more activity ideas in the tri-state area, visit this appropriately-themed Pinterest board.
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