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52 Free and Fun Things To Do in New Jersey May 2024

Discover deep-sea secrets at Island Beach State Park's Ocean Fun Days festival. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
Discover deep-sea secrets at Island Beach State Park's Ocean Fun Days festival. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
5/3/24 - By Laurie Rein

Hooray for May! Bring on the outdoor festivals, including the Creative Arts Festival in Lincroft. Hit the Shore for free fun at the Annual Seafood Festival in Belmar.  And if you're budgeting for summer vacations and camp, there's no need to skimp on the May fun, because these 52 activities and events are all FREE to attend.

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar.. 

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Ongoing Free Things To Do in May 2024

Electric Dandelions in Hoboken

Hoboken
Daily through May 24, 2024
Beautiful flower sculptures light up the Hoboken waterfront as part of the Electric Dandelions display. These magnificent sculptures are crafted from sturdy steel, with translucent and brilliant LEDs that dazzle when the sun goes down. READ MORE

Preschool Storytime at Bridgewater Library

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Swing by the library on Mondays with the little ones for books, songs, and activities. READ MORE

Maker Mondays Kids Craft Hour at Jake Branch County Park Nature Center

Beechwood
Every Monday
Drop by the nature center on select Mondays for nature-inspired crafts. Registration is not required. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Bridgewater

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater every Monday morning for stories and fun. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston

Livingston
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Enjoy childhood classics and new favorites at Barnes & Noble in Livingston on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  READ MORE

Bookscape Babies at Cotsen Children's Library

Princeton
Every Tuesday
Cotsen’s youngest patrons get active, social, and build their vocabularies in a special play space in the Bookscape gallery. Soft ramps, tunnels, and plush alphabet letters await. READ MORE

Storytime at Barnes & Noble East Brunswick

East Brunswick
Every Tuesday
Give the kids a storytime break every Tuesday morning at Barnes & Noble in Brunswick Square Mall. Participants will hear a story and take part in a coloring activity. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Brick

Brick
Every Wednesday
Head over to Barnes & Noble every Wednesday for children's stories and fun. READ MORE

Playtime at Ramsey Free Public Library

Ramsey
Every Wednesday
Pop in for playtime with lots of toys and fun guaranteed. READ MORE

Tiger Tales at Cotsen Children's Library

Princeton
Every Friday
Join the staff at Cotsen Library for a special interactive weekly storytime. Tiger Tales begins with a story and ends with a hands-on project to take home. READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Every Saturday and Sunday
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks at Jake Branch County Park

Beechwood
Every Saturday and Sunday
Head over to Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center every Sunday for an up-close look at the park's inhabitants. Visitors learn about the various species that call the Nature Center home. Talks last about 20 minutes. READ MORE

Spring Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Every Saturday and Sunday
Join family and friends for Terhune Orchards' winery weekend music series.. Set in the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, it is the perfect way to relax, connect, and toast the new season. Sit back, and listen to live music from local artists each week. READ MORE

Sunday Makebreak at Michaels

Various Locations
Every Sunday
Michaels welcomes guests for a free and fun craft every Sunday at the store. Register online. READ MORE
The Azalea Festival at Sayen Botanical Gardens takes place in May. Photo courtesy of the garden
The Azalea Festival at Sayen Botanical Gardens takes place in May. Photo courtesy of the garden

Free Things To Do in May 2024

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

Various Locations
Select Fridays from May 3-August 30, 2024
Screenings are held throughout the county on select nights through August.  READ MORE

Secaucus 13th Annual Green Festival

Secaucus
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Calling all eco-enthusiasts! Secaucus is gearing up for its highly anticipated 13th Annual Green Festival, complete with environmental exhibits, workshops, interactive family activities, food trucks and more. READ MORE

Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair in Washington Borough

Washington
Saturday, May 4, 2024
The 4th Annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair features a full day of live music, streets lined with vendors, fabulous costumes, street performers, local specials, activities and so much more. READ MORE

Ocean City Spring Block Party

Ocean City
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Head to the Jersey Shore for this spring street fair with more than 350 crafters, vendors, fair food, live music, and some fresh, salty air.  READ MORE

Touch-a-Truck at Rockaway Townsquare

Rockaway
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Join the fun at this Touch a Truck event in the outer parking lot, featuring trucks and vehicles from local organizations, plus a DJ, bubble show and giveaways. READ MORE

Ocean Grove Spring Fling

Ocean Grove
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Get a jump-start on summer with an early trip to the Jersey Shore. Ocean Grove holds this annual celebration with vendors, artisans, music, and more.  READ MORE

Free Comic Book Day 2024

Various Locations
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Pow! Crash! Boom!  Getting comic books for free is...super! Free Comic Book Day returns on its usual first Saturday in May date. READ MORE

ECO Fair at Wheaton Arts

Millville
Saturday, May 4, 2024
The 17th annual ECO Fair at WheatonArts is a free family day inspired by natural and artful living. ECO Fair features local gardening clubs, including Rutgers Master Gardeners. There are various plants, herbs, and artisanal crafts for sale. READ MORE

Founders Day in Plainsboro

Plainsboro
Saturday, May 4, 2024
All are invited to join in the fun at this annual Founders Day event.  Enjoy a variety of activities, inflatables, amusement rides, live entertainment, music, dance, jugglers, arts and cultural programs, exhibits, local history, food and beverages for purchase, and more.   READ MORE

Highland Park 5k Race and Spring Street Fair

Highland Park
Sunday, May 5, 2024
It's time for the annual Highland Park Run in the Park 5k race and Spring Street Fair. Starting at 9am, come take a run, walk, or roll through the downtown and beautiful neighborhoods of Highland Park and then stick around for the annual street fair. READ MORE

Springfest Craft Show & Antique Corner in Westwood

Westwood
Sunday, May 5, 2024
This exciting shopping event is held in picturesque Veterans Park, where 120 exhibitors are set up on the grass selling handcrafted items, art, and gifts. READ MORE

Westfield Spring Fling

Westfield
Sunday, May 5, 2024
More than 300 vendors line the streets of downtown Westfield for this springtime festival, which is chock full of all-ages fun. There are yummy festival eats on offer, and children's entertainment abounds.  READ MORE

2024 Walnut Street Fair

Montclair
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Spread throughout the heart of Walnut Street in beautiful Montclair, the Walnut Street Fair features 250+ vendors and displays, food trucks, live music and performances, a family fun zone with Touch-A-Truck, and much more. READ MORE

Mother’s Day Celebration in Jersey City

Jersey City
Friday, May 10, 2024
Jersey City welcomes families to celebrate Mother's Day at a fun-filled festival that includes a picture corner to capture sweet memories, arts & crafts, music for kids, cookie decorating, delicious food vendors, performances, and more. READ MORE

Creative Arts Festival in Lincroft

Lincroft
Saturday, May 11,2024
The annual Creative Arts Festival features artists selling offerings such as mixed-media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. READ MORE

Azalea Festival at Sayen Gardens

Hamilton
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sayen Botanical Gardens welcome you to this magnificent display of more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas, and rhododendron. Enjoy the landscaped walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes, gazebos, and breathtaking scenery. READ MORE

National Public Gardens Day at Macculloch Hall

Morristown
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Celebrate National Public Gardens Day in the historic gardens on Macculloch Hall's grounds. Enjoy special presentations, scavenger hunts, and art activities. READ MORE

Asbury Park Spring Bazaar 2024

Asbury Park
Saturday, May 11-Sunday, May 12, 2024
It's a busy Mother's Day weekend at the Spring Bazaar, featuring a shopping, arts & crafts, and music experience in two beautiful locations by the beach. Shop for fresh flower bouquets, Mother's Day photos and photo stations, music, entertainment, kids workshops, food, and more. READ MORE

Drop In Artist at METC

Madison
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Come experience BOOKED 18: SEE/ING before it closes on May 12 with a special artist talk. Drop into METC anytime between 12pm and 2pm to hear about the exhibit and its amazing pieces from our artists in residence from the Book Arts Roundtable. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

Various Locations
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Stop by New Jersey JCPenney stores on the second Saturday of every month for free and fun crafts. Children receive a lanyard and collector's pin. Six pins earn a Project Master Medallion. READ MORE

Cape May Spring Festival

Cape May
Thursday, May 16-Sunday, May 19, 2024
The beachside town of Cape May hosts four days of family-friendly activities, from trolley tours to boat rides to indoor activities.  READ MORE

37th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar

Belmar
Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19, 2024
Head over to Belmar for one of the largest seafood festivals in the country. Sample yummy dishes from area restaurants, enjoy live music, and visit the children's activity area for special games and entertainment. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Landing
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Celebrate New Jersey’s largest lake during this day-long festival. Connect with community groups, crafters, and food vendors while enjoying activities, raffles, giveaways, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more. READ MORE

Fairy and Pirate Festival at Turkey Brook Park

Budd Lake
Saturday, May 18, 2024
The wee folk and swashbuckling buccaneers are back at Turkey Brook Park, turning it into a magical wonderland of games, rides, entertainment, and activities. Costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Ocean Fun Days in Berkeley

Berkeley
Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19, 2024
This two-day festival celebrates the ocean with exhibits, classes, nature tours, crab races and children’s activities focused on our coastal environment. READ MORE

Kids to Parks Day at Ocean County Parks

Various Locations
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Spend the day at Ocean County's parks as part of a national movement to encourage local park exploration. The fun activities include nature exploration, crafts and scavenger hunts.  READ MORE

Steel Mill Street Fair at Roebling Museum

Bordentown
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Now in its 45th year, with a new name, this annual fair features diverse artisans, area merchants, live music, food, family fun, entertainment, and even a pet parade. READ MORE

Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair

Glen Ridge
Saturday, May 18, 2024
The Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair is a day of family-fun activities promoting both a healthier environment and the arts. The all-day fair and art show features arts, crafts, and wellness vendors. READ MORE

Pennington Day 2024

Pennington
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Since 1980, this lively street fair featuring local businesses, artisans, activities, music, food vendors, and non-profits has become one of the most anticipated events in Pennington Borough and Hopewell Valley. READ MORE

Kenilworth Street Fair with Classic Cars

Kenilworth
Sunday, May 19, 2024
The Boulevard is transformed into a giant block party and features quality exhibitors, a special crafter’s section, great food, kiddie rides, live performances, and local merchants and civic organizations. READ MORE

Walnford Day

Upper Freehold
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Ingenuity, technology, culture and history come together in one great event, featuring historical demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music and more.  READ MORE

Deptford Mall Kid's Mini Theater Show

Deptford
Thursday, May 23, 2024
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

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood
Friday, May 24-Monday, May 27, 2024
The annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest such festival in North America, features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible and colorful creations. READ MORE

World Turtle Day at Cattus Island County Park

Toms River
Sunday, May 25, 2024
This annual celebration of the turtle increases knowledge of and respect for these creatures and encourages human action to help them survive and thrive. The fun includes crafts, lectures, and live animal encounters. READ MORE

Freehold Memorial Day Parade

Freehold
Monday, May 27, 2024
Spend Memorial Day at the oldest and largest such Memorial Day parade in Western Monmouth County. More than 70 groups–including veterans, bands, fire departments, civilian, and youth organizations–participate each year. READ MORE

Glassboro Memorial Day Parade

Glassboro
Monday, May 27, 2024
The town of Glassboro shows its patriotic pride at its annual parade, featuring veteran and military groups, marching bands, mummers, motorcycles, scouts, fire trucks, patriotic floats and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Cotsen Library at Princeton University
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Veterans Park Westwood
Downtown Westfield
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
Island Beach State Park (plus other location)
various Ocean County parks
Beach Across from Wildwood Convention Center