Megan Muessen

©istockphoto.com/BHPix Pickleball has exploded in popularity throughout NJ. This paddle sport (oddly named after a food, though legend has it pickleball was named after a pup named Pickles who loved to chase his ball around Bainbridge Island in Washington) combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong—and will have you working up a sweat in no time. According to a report from USA Pickleball, New Jersey has almost 1,000 courts, with about half indoors.

June is filled with free celebrations for Pride Month, Father’s Day, Flag Day and Juneteenth. Here’s our list of where to take the kids this month without breaking the bank. OutMontclair Pride Events Montclair There is a full month of activities planned aside from the headlining Montclair Pride Festival on June 14. Events include a Pride flag raising, cocktail reception, art exhibits, a variety show, Doughnuts & Drag, film screenings, lectures and a Pride market.

There’s still lots of summer (and all the fairs and festivals that come with it) left. We’ve rounded up some of the best free and free admission things to do in August so you can start planning the rest of your summer! Mummers Night Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City The Mummers will parade down the boardwalk, with select local marching bands, from 6th to 14th streets.