Get Out and Enjoy Outdoor Activities While Summer Lasts

The joys of nature in full bloom are on full display in some of the activities planned for the next few days, and into next weekend.

From a midsummer activity at the  to the annual canine scavenger hunt at the  to a family overnight at the Round Top Swim Club in Warren, there's still a chance to grab outdoor activities in what (could be) ideal weather, with a little edge taken off the heat. 

Activities for all ages are mixed with child-friendly fun things to do.

There's even a free consultation on designing your outdoor living space at  center in Basking Ridge.

And then, there's 8-minute dating. (keep readling.)

When/Where: From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the  in Basking Ridge. 
Why Go: Because children ages 4 to 6 will enjoy an expedition of the world of plants and animals with an exploration of fields, forests, and ponds. 
Pricing: $40 per person. Registration required.

When/Where: At 5 p.m. on Sunday at  in Basking Ridge. 
Why Go: Because it's a "treat" hunt for dogs and their human companions with prizes for all. 
Pricing: $10 per dog and handler. $2 per additional person. Registration required.

Where: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To meet with a design specialist and leave with a great new idea to improve or create your own outdoor oasis. Don't forget to bring your pictures.
Pricing: Free. Register online.

Where/When: From shortly before 9 a.m. until about 1 p.m. every Saturday through November at the Bernardsville Train Station off Mine Brook Road (Route 202) at the Claremont Road intersection.
Why Go: Because you can pick up seasonal fresh produce and fruits, flowers and some delectable gourmet treats as well.
Pricing: Free admission, about ten vendors with varying prices.

Friday Night Movie: The Conspirator
When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Friday at the  in Bridgewater. 
Why Go: To view a riveting thriller about a woman who would do anything to protect her family, and the man who risked everything to save her.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 8 p.m. on Saturday to Sunday morning at  in Warren.
Why Go: To grab a tent and sleeping bag and enjoy good times, family and friends, and of course, smores.
Pricing: Free with membership. 

Where/When: From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at  in Morris Township.
Why Go: Because this is the 15th annual afternoon on the River Queen with an all-star band including Ed Polcer, Joe Midiri, Paul Midiri, Don Stein, Frank Tate, Kevin Dorn and singer Judy Kurtz
Pricing: $92.

Where/When: From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday around  in Morristown.
Why Go: Because you can pick up fresh produce and fruits (including organic), flowers, herbs, eggs, cheese, baked goods, pickled products, honey, fish, poultry, pork, and grass-fed beef.
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

Where/When: 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the  on Sunday.
Why Go: Because you can discover how butterflies can help a garden grow and learn to use nature journaling to really “look” closely at these special insects.
Pricing: $3 to $7.

When/Where: From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday at The Arc of Somerset County in Manville. 
Why Go: For children ages 3 to 12 with developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy an evening of fun activities in a safe and caring environment.
Pricing: $15 for the first child, and $5 per sibling.

When/Where: From 9:30 a.m. to closing on Friday and Saturday at the  in Warren. 
Why Go: To drop in anytime and enjoy a variety of board games with library friends.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at  in Madison.
Why Go: Because enjoying Dario Fo’s brilliantly funny, scathing political farce is a terrific way to spend your weekend.
Pricing: $32 to $55.

Where/When: From Noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday at The Green, South Street and West Park Place in Morristown.
Why Go: Because this free music festival will feature five top jazz and blues groups.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: All day on Saturday at  in Morris Township.
Why Go: Because you can come by with your own dahlias to be judged, or just mosey by to admire these splendid flowers on display and soak up knowledge from the folks who grow them.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 6:30 p.m. Saturday at  in Morris Township.
Why Go: Because this 5k will benefit The Goryeb Children's Hospital at Morristown Medical Center and the Morris Township Fire Department, and also include a one-mile Kids Fun Run.
Pricing: Donations.

Where/When: Starting at  in Morristown at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 12 and trekking 20 miles through Harding and Chatham, then back to Morristown.
Why Go: Because you’d like a workout to start your Saturday morning, or because the weather is warming up. Rain or snow cancels.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From Noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday at The Green, South Street and West Park Place in Morristown.
Why Go: Because this free music festival will feature five top jazz and blues groups.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: All day on Saturday at  in Morris Township.
Why Go: Because you can come by with your own dahlias to be judged, or just mosey by to admire these splendid flowers on display and soak up knowledge from the folks who grow them.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 6:30 p.m. Saturday at  in Morris Township.
Why Go: Because this 5k will benefit The Goryeb Children's Hospital at Morristown Medical Center and the Morris Township Fire Department, and also include a one-mile Kids Fun Run.
Pricing: Donations.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Sunday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To sing a long to "Cracklin Rosie" and "Sweet Caroline." It's the ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute.
Pricing: Free.   

When/Where: From 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because this craft makes back to school easier with name tags and labels for books and supplies.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Colorado Cafe in Watchung.  
Why Go: To meet singles in your age group and enjoy a night of free dance lessons, appetizers, games and raffle prizes. It's an evening of fun and a chance to meet that someone special. 
Pricing: $30 for tickets purchased via 8MinuteDating.com with promo code 8mdnynj5.