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103 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in New Jersey 2025

Grab a surfboard and hit the beaches of NJ this summer for free fun. Photo courtesy of Wildwood
Grab a surfboard and hit the beaches of NJ this summer for free fun. Photo courtesy of Wildwood
6/8/25 - By Laurie Rein

Summer is the season for awesome FREE things to do all across New Jersey. We’ve rounded up more than 100 family-friendly events to enjoy this summer that don't involve breaking the bank, including fireworks displays galore, festivals that offer something for everyone, and outdoor movie screenings.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide and more freebies in our FREE Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with New Jersey Kids. Have a fabulous summer full of FREE fun!

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Why Summer in New Jersey is Perfect for Free Kid Activities

We always say summer is the season of free! Local parks and cultural institutions host tons of free summer programming from morning to way after dark (free summer movies, anyone?) There's also tons of free fun at local playgrounds, splash pads, and even these free Jersey Shore beaches! So, fill up those water bottles, pack some snacks and sunscreen, and get ready to explore all the free activities for kids in New Jersey this summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Summer Activities in New Jersey

How do I find out about free events happening each week?
Bookmark this list, plus our New Jersey Kids' Guide to Free Fun, and our constantly updated Family Activity Calendar. We add new events to it as we find them all summer long!

Are these activities suitable for all ages?
We've included a variety of free kids' activities on our list below and have tried to target a wide range of ages. Some are suitable for toddlers to teens, while others may cater to one age group or another. Be sure to click through to each listing for more details and age recommendations.

What should I bring to a free outdoor event?
Pack for a day of outdoor adventure! We never leave home without a water bottle, a stocked snack bag, hats, and sunscreen! A light towel or change of clothes is helpful on hot days, where the allure of a playground sprinkler might be too hard to pass up!

How early should I arrive for popular free events?
Free events tend to draw a crowd! Arrive early for popular events or risk being turned away.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kick off every weekend on the Wildwoods Boardwalk with Friday night fireworks. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods, New Jersey
Kick off every weekend on the Wildwoods Boardwalk with Friday night fireworks. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods, New Jersey

Free Things To Do in New Jersey All Summer Long

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

Multiple Locations
Select days through Friday, August 29,2025
Screenings are held throughout the county on select nights through August.  READ MORE

Meet & Greet Mondays at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Mondays from June 30-August 25, 2025
Don't miss Monday character appearances at Casino Pier near the Ferris Wheel. Meet & greets are fun and free. Free face painting is part of the fun. READ MORE

Beach Treasure Hunt in Lavallette

Lavallette
Mondays from June 23-August 25, 2025
Children of all ages are invited to dig for treasures every Monday at President Avenue Beach. Coins are hidden in the sand, and every participant receives a prize.  READ MORE

Free Family Movie Nights in Downtown Wildwood

Wildwood
Tuesdays through August 19, 2025
Head over to Byrne Plaza on Tuesday nights for a free family movie, with animated titles like Inside Out 2. Bring blankets or beach chairs, and take advantage of free parking. READ MORE

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival in Westfield

Westfield
Tuesdays through August 26, 2025
Enjoy a night out in town with free music as you stroll, eat, and relax at outdoor venues around town featuring live musicians. Talented groups play and entertain each Tuesday evening through August with Wednesday rain dates. READ MORE

Ridgewood Movies in the Park

Ridgewood
Select dates from June 11-August 14, 2025
The Ridgewood Guild presents a roster of hits every other Wednesday at Memorial Park. Arrive 30 minutes before the film for complimentary ice cream, candy, performers and a trivia contest. READ MORE

Freehold Family Movie Night

Freehold
Wednesdays , June 25-August 20, 2025
Bring a blanket to the lawn outside Hall of Records every Wednesday night for a showing of a new or classic movie. Grab a bite from a downtown eatery while you're there.  READ MORE

Bergen County Movies in the Park

Paramus
Wednesdays and Fridays, Wednesday, July 11-Friday, August 22, 2025
Bergen County presents movies in two locations- Van Saun County Park and Pascack Brook County Park. Free movies include Inside Out 2 and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.  Bring chairs and blankets. READ MORE

South Orange Farmers Market

South Orange
Wednesdays through October 29, 2025
South Orange Downtown welcomes its 34th season of the Farmers Market, with returning vendor favorites and exciting additions. Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and more. READ MORE

Sea Isle City Free Movies Under the Stars

Sea Isle City
Wednesdays, June 25-August 27, 2025
Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robots are a couple of the great movies scheduled to play at Excursion Park on Wednesday nights.  READ MORE

Kites and Castles in Lavallette

Lavallette
Thursdays, June 26-August 28. 2025
Bring your kites to the Philadelphia Avenue beach every Thursday night for sandcastle building and kite flying. A first place prize is awarded each week, and prizes are given to all participants.  READ MORE

Thrilling Thursdays in Margate

Margate
Thursdays, July 3-August 28, 2025
Get a head start on the weekend with this busy Thursday roster of activities in Margate capped off by a movie on the beach. Start your day with a visit to the farmers market, shop at local sidewalk sales, then head over to the beach at 6:30pm for pre-screening activities and giveaways. READ MORE

Downtown Plainfield Pop-Up Concert Series 2025

Plainfield
Thursdays from June 12-August 28, 2025
The Downtown Plainfield Pop-Up Concert Series features live music every Thursday evening in front of Park Plaza. From smooth jazz to soulful R&B and high-energy funk, this free outdoor concert series brings the community together with an incredible lineup of talent. READ MORE

Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds

Cranford
Thursdays through August 28, 2025
Grab a bite from a local restaurant and pull up a park bench for these special Thursday evening concerts in downtown Cranford. The streets come alive with a different sound from local artists each week.   READ MORE

Thursday's ROCK! Summer Concert Series in Freehold

Freehold
Thursdays through August 31, 2025
Get ready to rock every Thursday night at Downtown Freehold's summer concert series, featuring widely-known and local talent acts. READ MORE

Jenkinson's Fireworks at Dark

Point Pleasant
Thursdays, June 19-August 28, 2025
Gather at Jenkinson's Beach every Thursday night for fireworks on the beach. Fireworks start at dark. READ MORE

Toms River Downtown Night Out

Toms River
Fridays and Saturdays through Saturday, October 18, 2025
Spend Friday and Saturday nights exploring downtown Toms River. Restaurants and businesses are open for dining, shopping, and entertainment. A section of Washington Street is closed for outdoor dining. READ MORE

Princeton Summer Concert Series

Princeton
Fridays, June 13 -August 15, 2025
Princeton Shopping Center's courtyard is home to a diverse summer outdoor entertainment series on Friday nights. Get ready to dance with local bands.  READ MORE

Sunset Sips & Sounds at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Fridays through September 5, 2025
Spend a relaxing Friday evening at Terhune Orchards, with live music from local bands and, of course, wine. Light fare is available for purchase. Families are welcome. READ MORE

Friday Nights at Surfside Park

Toms River
Fridays from June 27-August 22, 2025
Spend a fun-filled Friday night at Surfside Park, with balloon art, face painting, tattoos, DJ, trivia, dancing, character shows, games and prizes. READ MORE

METC Downtown Concert Series

Madison
Every other Friday, July 11-August 22, 2025
METC's free Summer Concert Series sponsored by the DDC is back. Enjoy a free night of music this summer on Fridays. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit and listen to some great performances. READ MORE

Friday Night Concert Series at Somers Point

Somers Point
Fridays from June 13-September 5, 2025
Friday night is music night at William Morris Beach, with free concerts each week. READ MORE

Cancelled: Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

Wildwood
Fridays, June 27-August 29, 2025
Update, 8/25: The fireworks have been cancelled through the end of the 2025 season due to hurricane damage.  Spectacular fireworks light up the sky every Friday night on the Pine Avenue Beach. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Farmers' Market

Scotch Plains
Saturdays through November 1, 2025
The annual farmers' market returns every Saturday morning for its 33rd season, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, gifts, entertainment and more.  READ MORE

Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market

Wildwood
Saturdays through August 30, 2025
The Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market features 60+ quality vendors, including farmers selling a full variety of produce, plants, and flowers. Bakers offer all kinds of goodies, too, with many gluten-free varieties. Children's entertainment takes place each week. READ MORE

Downtown After Sundown in South Orange

South Orange
Saturdays through August 30, 2025
South Orange Downtown's live music series, Downtown After Sundown (DAS), is a free summer music series that features 13 live performances from talented local musicians covering several genres including R&B, soul, flamenco, rock, jazz, and more. READ MORE

Montclair Movies Under the Stars

Montclair
Select dates from Saturday, June 21-Saturday, August 23, 2025
Montclair's 16th annual summer movie series kicks off with a Wicked sing-along and continues at various town locations. READ MORE

2025 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series

various parks
Select dates from Tuesday, June 24-Friday, August 15, 2025
Kick back in the park, and hear a diverse group of musicians and entertainers throughout Essex County. Performers include local and international acts in jazz, rock and roll, big band, reggae and more.   READ MORE

Horizon Sounds of the City 2025

Newark
Select dates from Friday, June 27-Thursday, August 7, 2025
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is proud to host this free live summer concert series taking place under the stars on the NJPAC Campus at Chambers Plaza. Enjoy local talent, plus a one-night showcase of local artists. READ MORE
Free Pride parades and events are happening across NJ.
Free Pride parades and events are happening across NJ.

Free Events in NJ in June

Juneteenth Celebration in Freehold Boro

Freehold – FREE
Sunday, June 8, 2025
This fun-filled Juneteenth celebration features food, music, vendors and live entertainment headlined by Valerie Adams & The Dimension Band. READ MORE

Montvale Mile Long Street Fair

Montvale
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Montvale Chamber of Commerce hosts the 12th annual mile-long street fair, one of the season’s most popular events. Paragon Drive features over 150 quality exhibitors, a special arts & crafts section, a kid’s area, a community section, two food courts, and live entertainment all day. READ MORE

Family Fun Night in Downtown Summit

Summit
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The whole family can enjoy a fun-filled evening in Downtown Summit, complete with entertainment, a carnival-themed kid zone, business promotions and more. READ MORE

Glassboro CommUNITY Day

Glassboro
Saturday, June 14, 2025
CommUNITY Day celebrates the emarkable diversity and culturally vibrant community that Glassboro embodies. The entertainment lineup features performances by local nonprofits and Glassboro High School. Vendors and food trucks round out the fun. READ MORE

Skimmer Festival in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Come to this festival by the sea, featuring vendors, food, live music, rides, and children's activities. Enjoy sand art, balloon art, and a photo booth. READ MORE

Kids Fest in Elmwood Park- CANCELED

Elmwood Park
Saturday, June 14, 2025
(Canceled due to weather) This is a fun, family-friendly event filled with activities, entertainment, and games designed to engage children and create lasting memories, featuring kid-oriented vendors, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. READ MORE

Union Township Juneteenth Arts Festival

Union
Saturday, June 14, 2025
(new date due to weather) Head over to Biretumfpel Park for a community celebration in honor of Juneteenth, featuring music, food, art and vendors. The fun includes face painting and a photo booth. READ MORE

GM Auto Show at Historic Smithville

Absecon
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Come on out to enjoy a beautiful day at Historic Smithville and check out some incredible cars. READ MORE

Public Safety Day: The Shoppes at Flemington

Flemington
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Shoppes at Flemington is celebrating local heroes in collaboration with the Flemington Police, Fire Department, Rescue Squad, CERT, EM, and Love Flemington by hosting a Public Safety Day event. Join this unforgettable day of hands-on activities for all ages. READ MORE

Montclair Pride 2025

Montclair
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Out Montclair has lined up some amazing events to celebrate Pride Month, including its biggest event of the year: Montclair Pride. This sprawling daylong festival spans five blocks in the heart of beautiful downtown Montclair and features live entertainment, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival

Washington
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Sustainably Green Music and Arts Festival returns to Washington Borough, featuring a day of live music, eco-friendly vendors, crafters, artists, free kids activities, shopping, and dining. READ MORE

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Juneteenth Celebration

Scotch Plains–FREE
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The towns of Scotch Plains and Fanwood sponsor an afternoon of free programs in honor of Juneteenth. Events are located at or near Shady Rest, the nation's first Black-owned county club. READ MORE

Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows at Jenkinson's Boardwalk

Point Pleasant
Friday, June 20, July 18, August 15 and August 26, 2025
Friday nights are wild on the boardwalk with the Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows, featuring up-close and personal encounters with fascinating creatures. The program is both fun and educational for all ages. READ MORE

Kids Workshops at Lowes

various locations
Saturdays, June 21, July 19 and August 16, 2025
Kids can get creative and learn to build at Lowes' mini-DIYers workshops. Reserve a spot online. Some walk-ins may be permitted. READ MORE

Dunellen Street Fair & Craft Show

Dunellen
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Head to downtown Dunellen for a festival featuring interesting arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids' games, and great food. READ MORE

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Bridgewater
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Bring family and friends to this carnival with no-fee admission. Enjoy rides, inflatables, carnival games, and a DJ spinning tunes. Plus, there's a petting zoo, crafts tent, face painting, food trucks, and more. READ MORE

Fair Lawn Street Fair & Craft Show

Fairlawn
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Take a stroll through downtown Fair Lawn, and peruse original and interesting arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids' games and great food. READ MORE

Fanwood Summer FanJam

Fanwood
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Rock out to live music from local bands, along with a classic car show, food trucks, and more at this Fanwood music festival. READ MORE

Deptford Mall Kid's Mini Theater Show

Deptford
Thursdays, June 26, July 24, August 28, 2025
Beloved story characters take the stage at Deptford Mall for FREE monthly shows. Enjoy singing, dancing, story time, fun giveaways, and a meet-and-greet with the character. Registration is required.  READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck at Jakes Branch County Park

Beechwood
Friday, June 27, 2025
Kids of all ages are invited to get behind the wheel and explore all kinds of vehicles. Crafts and snacks round out the fun. A sensory-friendly half hour, with no noises or flashing lights, takes place at 10am. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

Mount Arlington
Friday, June 27, 2025
The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club sponsors this annual fireworks spectacular, which sends sparklers flying high above the lake from floating docks. Fireworks may be viewed by the public on the south end of the lake. READ MORE

Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Long Beach Island
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Gather at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for an evening campfire, with live music and marshmallow-roasting. Please bring a blanket or chair and some marshmallows and sticks. READ MORE

Keansburg Fourth of July Family Fun Fest

Keansburg
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Head to the beach in Keansburg for a fun, family-friendly celebration to start summer. Enjoy live music by The Non Stop Band, plus frolic in the sand to DJ music. Food and beach vendors sell snacks and more.   READ MORE

Firefly Festival at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Light up the summer with a free evening of nature, music, wagon rides, and outdoor activities. Children can decorate firefly wings and make antennas in the craft area. There is a kids' play area, plus farm animals to visit. READ MORE

Hammonton Red, White, and Blueberry Festival

Hammonton
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Hammonton, which calls itself the Blueberry Capital of the World, hosts this 39th annual event, with fair food, kiddie rides, crafters, children's craft activities, and entertainment throughout the day. See a blueberry pie-eating contest, and explore the classic car show. READ MORE

Cedar Grove Fireworks

Cedar Grove
Monday, June 30, 2025
Head to the turf field at Panther Park with your picnic blanket and spread out to enjoy the fireworks. Prior to the show, entertainment includes a DJ, balloon artist, crafts, inflatable maze and refreshments.  READ MORE

Free Events in NJ in July

Hamilton Township Independence Day Concert & Fireworks

Hamilton
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Music, food and fun kick off the celebration at Hamilton Township's Veterans Park. The festivities kick off at 6 PM with delicious food from a variety of vendors and live musical entertainment by The Heartbeats. Then, at 9:30 PM, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky. READ MORE

Free Summer Movies at State Theatre New Jersey

New Brunswick
Select Tuesdays from July 1-August 5, 2025
State Theatre New Jersey hosts free summer kids’ movies, with both morning and evening weekday screenings. Experience favorite family films on the theater’s gigantic screen and state-of-the-art sound system. READ MORE

Verona Fireworks

Verona
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Get a jump-start on the holiday weekend in Verona. Enjoy the DJ music and dancing in Liberty Field at 7pm followed by the fireworks display around 9:15pm. READ MORE

Perth Amboy Fireworks

Perth Amboy
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
View one of the state's biggest fireworks displays over the Raritan Bay. A pre-fireworks festival starts at 3pm with bands, food trucks and more on the waterfront at Sadowski Parkway. READ MORE

Highland Park Fireworks

Highland Park
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Food trucks, music, and fun are the pre-show to this fireworks display, which begins at 9:15pm.        READ MORE

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival

Camden
Wednesday, July 4, 2025
Celebrate Independence Day at the Freedom Festival, presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the City of Camden. Families can expect patriotic fun, live music, and an amazing fireworks show over the Delaware River. READ MORE

Milltown 4th of July

Milltown
Thursday, July 4, 2025
Milltown celebrates the 4th of July with a full roster of events, including a fishing derby, parade, duck race, food, patriotic house contest, bike contest, music and fireworks.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Point Pleasant Beach
Friday, July 4, 2025
Jenkinson's action-packed boardwalk celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display. READ MORE

Bridgewater Independence Day Fireworks

Bridgewater
Friday, July 4, 2025
Bring family and friends to North Branch Park for an evening of live music, food trucks and a Revolutionary War encampment, topped off with fireworks.  READ MORE

Springfield's July 4th Celebration

Springfield
Friday, July 4, 2025
Springfield's July 4th Celebration features free activities that include a DJ, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, fireworks at dusk, and a live concert. READ MORE

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular

Leonia
Friday, July 4, 2025
Bergen County's 2nd annual Independence Day Celebration features the New Jersey Wind Symphony, plus an afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and stunning fireworks at Overpeck Creek. READ MORE

Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel
Friday, July 4, 2025
Celebrate Independence Day with an old-school flair. Longstreet Farms takes the party back to the 1890s. Enjoy old-fashioned patriotism and celebrate with games, music, and more. READ MORE

Oceanfest in Long Branch

Long Branch
Friday, July 4, 2025
All are invited to the 32nd annual Oceanfest, an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together the most memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. READ MORE

Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration

Ridgewood
Friday, July 4, 2025
Join the 115th annual Ridgewood 4th of July celebration. The day starts with a flag raising at 9am followed by a parade stepping off at 10am. The evening festivities include food trucks and fireworks. READ MORE

Livingston 4th of July Celebration

Livingston
Friday, July 4, 2025
Livingston's 88th annual 4th of July celebration is an all-day affair, featuring rides, games, food trucks, pony rides, a photo booth, and live entertainment.  READ MORE

Historic Smithville 4th of July Parade

Absecon
Friday, July 4, 2025
Come out and celebrate our nation’s birth at the largest Fourth of July parade in all of New Jersey. The parade starts at 9am, and around 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route.  READ MORE

Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford

Holmdel
Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, 2025
Observe a 19th-century gristmill in action at this historic farm property. While you're there, stroll through the 18th-century industrial village, as well as the woodlands and wetlands of the area. READ MORE

Summer Palooza at New Market Fire Company

Piscataway
Sundays, July 6-27, 2025
Get ready for the ultimate summer fun at Beastro's Summer Palooza. Every Sunday in July, enjoy an amazing lineup of vendors, thrilling inflatables, games, face painting, scrumptious food, delectable sweets, a lively fun photobooth, and incredible live DJ tunes. READ MORE

Princess Fridays at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Fridays, from July 11-August 29. 2025
Bring your little princess to meet their favorite princesses Friday nights on Casino Pier. The fun includes sing-a-longs and meet-and-greets. READ MORE

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

Wildwood Crest
Friday, July 11, 2025
Serious sand lovers can grab a pail, shovel, and other tools and head to the beach at Wildwood Crest for the town's annual sand sculpture festival. This ultimate summer event is worth checking out even if you don't want to compete.  READ MORE

Palmer Square Movie Nights

Princeton
Every other Friday from July 18-August 15, 2025
Enjoy a family-friendly outdoor movie under the stars on Palmer Square. Come early for upscale shopping and enjoy al fresco dining before the show or pick up a meal to bring to the Green. READ MORE

Anglesea Blues Festival

Wildwood
Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13, 2025
All are invited to enjoy blues music and delicious barbecue at the Anglesea Blues Festival in beautiful North Wildwood. The festival features both national and regional blues musicians and is held in conjunction with the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship. READ MORE

NJ State Barbecue Championship

Wildwood
Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13, 2025
Bring your appetite to this summer celebration of ribs, chicken, brisket, and pork. Between licking your fingers you can get some tips from the pit masters, listen to live music, and see some cooking demonstrations. READ MORE

Maplewoodstock

Maplewood
Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13, 2025
Maplewoodstock is a two day festival featuring over 20 local music and arts in Memorial Park. The whole family is invited to enjoy food and art, a Kid Zone area, and regional & national music acts. READ MORE

Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival

Haddonfield
Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13, 2025
Stroll through Downtown Haddonfield and check out crafts, outdoor cafes, music, and more at the 31st edition of this annual festival. READ MORE

Aerialist Show at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Monday, July 21-Friday, July 25, 2025
Come enjoy the amazing aerial acts of Nikki Rush at Casino Pier, featuring a mixture of silk aerials and cirque acts to make you awe at her talents. READ MORE

LED Cirque Hula Hoop Show at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Thursday, July 24-Friday, July 25, 2025
Bring on the family friendly fun as professional hula hoop artists perform an upbeat multi hoop show, then share the hoops with the crowd for a hula hoop dance party. READ MORE

Night in Venice

Ocean City
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Ocean City's 70th annual boat parade is set to sail, and its theme is "70 Years of Champions."  This theme provides an opportunity for people to honor the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles or any other championship team, individual or group from the past seven decades.Stick around after the flotilla to see a spectacular fireworks display. READ MORE

Diversity Day on the Morristown Green

Morristown
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Diversity Day celebrates the diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic gifts of neighbors who live and work in the Morristown community. READ MORE

2025 Mercer County 4‑H Fair

Lambertville
Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025
Spend the day enjoying everything this county fair has to offer, including animal shows, hay rides, pony rides, music, a magic show, homemade ice cream, and more.  READ MORE

Free Events in NJ in August

Highlands 30th Annual Clam Festival

Highlands
Friday, August 1-Sunday, August 3, 2025
This annual event has fresh seafood, live entertainment, contests, vendors, crafters, and games. Stick around for a fireworks display on Sunday at Snug Harbor Beach. READ MORE

Olde Freehold Day

Freehold
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Now in its 49th year, Olde Freehold Day hosts food, drinks, music, and family fun. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, canoe rides, a climbing wall, a dunk tank, and more fun in the Kid Play Zone. READ MORE

Chatham Borough National Night Out

Chatham
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Gather at Memorial Park for live music, free ice cream, food trucks, giveaways and more for the town's National Night Out celebration. Don't miss the dunk tank, frog fling and can smash. READ MORE

Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Award-winning illusionist Eric Wilzig has captivated audiences nationwide with one of the largest touring illusion shows in the country, combining an explosive mix of big cutting-edge illusions, daring escapes, outrageous stunts, audience participation, music, lights and special effects. READ MORE

National Night Out – Wildwood

Wildwood
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Games, food, prizes and a dunk tank are all part of the fun at this Wildwood Police Department-sponsored event.  READ MORE

New Brunswick Heart Festival

New Brunswick
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The 6th annual New Brunswick Heart Festival celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex Counties, featuring live music, dance, crafts, food vendors, roaming musicians, interviews with local artists, and a wellness tent. READ MORE

Dinosaurs on the Pier at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Tuesday, August 12-Thursday, August 14, 2025
Extinct No More! Dinosaurs have been found again on Casino Pier in a brand new show. Its mission is to bring the wonder and excitement of prehistoric creatures to life, creating unforgettable experiences for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.  READ MORE

Metuchen Street Fair & Craft Show

Metuchen
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Swing by downtown Metuchen for a day of family fun with original and interesting arts & crafts, shopping, live music, kids' games, and great food. READ MORE

Big Bubble Bonanza at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Tuesday, August 19-Thursday, August 21, 2025
Bubble rainbows with people inside; audience members making volcano bubbles; gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles? See the newest, funniest, zany spectacular from world-famous, Guinness Book of World Records-holding, master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer, as he takes bubbles to the max with big bubble flair. READ MORE

Canal Day Music & Craft Festival

Wharton
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Celebrate the Morris Canal at this country fair with live music, regional crafts, and tasty food. Take a trip down the canal on a mule-drawn boat, check out musical artists, take a kayak ride, and see the animal and cowboy shows. The festival winds down with fireworks. READ MORE

Women's Equality Day Festival in Mt. Laurel

Mt. Laurel
Saturday, August 23, 2025
The 4th annual Women’s Equality Day Festival is a free public event that welcomes over 500 visitors annually and features 50+ women-owned businesses and organizations from across NJ and PA. It is held at historic Paulsdale, childhood home of suffragist Alice Paul.  READ MORE

Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival

Long Branch
Saturday, August 23, 2025
This annual event features jazz and blues music, local food, children's activities, crafts, games, and fun. READ MORE

Acapella Night with Backtrack Vocals at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Catch the amazing sounds of Backtrack Vocals performing at Casino Pier. Sing along with your favorite Disney, children’s songs and show tunes. READ MORE

Frenchtown Riverfest

Frenchtown
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Downtown Frenchtown hosts Riverfest, a street fair celebration along the river. Stroll Bridge Street and Sunbeam Park for a fun-filled day of live music, art, food, family-friendly activities, and paper boat races with the Frenchtown Vikings. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in New Jersey Labor Day Weekend

St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival

Scotch Plains
Friday, August 29-Monday, September 1, 2025
This annual Italian fest is a Labor Day weekend tradition with something for everyone. There is nightly live music, rides, games, and delicious food, including favorites like pizza, pasta, zeppoles, clams, and calzones. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

President Avenue Beach
Downtown Westfield
Van Saun County Park (and another park)
Sloan Street Parking Lot
Philadephia Avenue Beach
Eastman Clock Plaza
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
Municipal Parking Lot
Various Montclair locations
Essex County Parks
Historic Smithville & the Village Greene
Shady Rest Country Club House
various Lowes stores
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Historic Smithville & the Village Greene

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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