Duke Farms Preps for Summer

The conservation and environmental awareness mission at Duke Farms hasn't dulled as the seasons change.

If anything, it's coming into its prime.

With  a nature walk this weekend, the center offers an opportunity to meld with local wildlife and furthers the center's conservation mission.

Looking for other weekend activities? Check our list.

Where/When: Saturday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Quick Stadium at Widener University, 1 University Place, Chester, Pa.
Why Go: You'll see the best female soccer players in the world and help honor those who make a difference as  they celebrate "Salute to Local Heroes" night on Saturday.
Pricing: $5 for all police fire and rescue officers, $10 for family members.

Where/When: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 129 Shady Lane in Randolph.
Why Go: It's Morris County NOW-NJ's annual fundraising event.
Pricing: How much do you want to spend?

Where/When: Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Shrine of St. Joseph’s, 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling.
Why Go: To enjoy a delicious meal and a fun time with your whole family on Father’s Day. You'll have a sit-down dinner, or do quick-and-easy takeout.
Pricing: Menu prices range from $8 to $25.

Where/When: Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at  in Morristown.
Why Go: To spend your Saturday night enjoying live music. 
Pricing: Free (except, of course, for what your order at Zebu).

Where/When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight at  in Morristown.
Why Go: To enjoy great live music.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: At 10 a.m. on Friday at the  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To take an illustrated trip through New Jersey's history and learn about some of our state's most beautiful scenery. No extra gas money (beyond what it takes to get to the library) necessary.  
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To let Dad relax on his special day with a leisurely, walk-only trail ride. Maybe he will even let you join him. Note: Children not currently enrolled in a class at LSS must be at least 12 years old to participate.
Pricing: Registration required. $25 for Friends of Lord Stirling Stables members, $30 for non-members.

When/Where: From 6 p.m. on Friday evening to Saturday morning at in Warren.
Why Go: It's a 24-hour relay of fun and support for the American Cancer Society. Celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.  
Pricing: $10 registration/commitment fee per person. Donations graciously accepted. 

When/Where: From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because all ages and abilities are welcome to grab a racket, get some exercise, and enjoy some friendly competition. 
Pricing: $15 Men's and Women's Singles Tournament fee. Contact center for additional pricing. Registration required.

When/Where: At 9 a.m. on Saturday at in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To be the first of the season to hike through the established trails, forest, meadow and pond habitats of the farm. 
Pricing: $15 per person. $10 per NJ Audubon member. Registration required. 

When/Where: At 7:30 p.m. on Friday at in Hillsborough.
Why Go: Because it's a murder mystery dinner with a chance to play detective, find clues, and solve the mystery all while enjoying a delicious meal. A little "murder" among friends never hurt any one.  
Pricing: $49 per person. Reservations required. 

When/Where: From 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling.
Why Go: To sit down or take out a hearty menu of steak, ribs, hamburgers and hotdogs. It's a barbecue and a fun time for the whole family to greet nearby neighbors and reach out to the neighboring community. Dad gets to enjoy a barbecue with no cleanup.
Pricing: $8 to $35. Advanced tickets recommended. 

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday at  in Bernardsville.
Why Go: There will be a martial arts demonstration with board breaking, Japanese taiko music, crafts, food and fun for the whole family. Proceeds benefit the orphans from the Japanese disaster.
Pricing: Free admission.

Where/When: Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. at , in Morristown
Why Go: Kids can stop by and make coasters for their dads, grandpas or favorite uncle. All supplies will be provided.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at the Grounds in Warren.
Why Go: Because it is the longest-running carnival in Somerset County. Enjoy rides, games, food and more with neighbors and friends.
Pricing: $2 admission. Children under 5 are admitted for free.

St. Ann Festa
When/Where: From 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday at St. Ann School in Raritan.
Why Go: It's a carnival with Italian food, a battle of the bands, and even a magic and comedy show. 
Pricing: Free admission. Ride, food, and event fees vary. 

When/Where: At 4 p.m. on Thursday at the  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Children seven to nine will slither and learn about bearded dragons and their reptile friends. Don't worry mom, the craft won't need a cage.
Pricing: $9 per person. Registration required.

When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Friday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To hear a special reading of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and to enjoy a visit from Cookie Mouse himself. Bring your camera and smile.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: It's a special kids' workshop for Father's Day. Create a "Lil' Toolbox" with Dad by your side.
Pricing: Free. 

When/Where: From 3 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the in Hillsborough.
Why Go: The program room will be open to students in grades nine through 12 to prepare for finals. Study with friends and snacks with no worry about being too loud. Sounds like a "grade A" plan. 
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Jerry Davis Center for Children and Families in Manville.
Why Go: It's an opportunity for children with developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy a safe and caring evening of activities.
Pricing: $15 per first child from a family, $5 per sibling.

When/Where: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: The 4-H Anime and Manga Club are hosting this brand-new anime convention with proceeds benefiting the maintenance of the 4-H Center. Dance your anime off or hang out in the Manga reading room. Do you YuGiOh?
Pricing: $7 at the door. Cash only.