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Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Best Free and Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids June 2024

Light up a summer evening with free entertainment at Terhune Orchards' Firefly Festival. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Light up a summer evening with free entertainment at Terhune Orchards' Firefly Festival. Photo courtesy of the orchard
5/30/24 - By Laurie Rein

Load up your calendar with dozens of FREE events taking place throughout June in New Jersey, because there's no reason summer fun has to come with a big price tag. As the days get longer, under-the-stars movies, carnivals, and other activities fill your summer roster without emptying wallets.

Swing by local fairs like West Orange Street Fair, or kick back at evening events like Wildwood Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks.

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.     

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Ongoing Free Things To Do in June 2024

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
Mondays through June 17, 2024
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

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 Livingston

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

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

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
Select Saturdays and Sundays
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

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

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

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

Free Things To Do in June 2024

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

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

47th Annual Hungarian Festival in New Brunswick

New Brunswick
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Head over to New Brunswick for a wonderful day of great food, song, and dance at the 47th Annual Hungarian Festival. READ MORE

West Cape May Strawberry Festival

West Cape May
Saturday, June 1, 2024
This fun-filled festival features Jersey fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake, craft vendors, food, and more. READ MORE

Jersey City Jazz Festival

Jersey City
Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 2, 2024
This 5-day celebration features over 100 musicians on three stages, plus food trucks and more, all on the Jersey City waterfront. READ MORE

West Orange Street Fair

West Orange
Saturday, June 1, 2024
The popular West Orange Street Fair is back and better than ever. The fair features crafters, vendors, food, street performers, a classic car show, beer and wine garden, and kids' activities. READ MORE

Rockabilly at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Enjoy a day of 50s style entertainment with a modern twist, including live music, a classic pin-up contest, and vendors.  READ MORE

Crafts in the Park Show in Westwood

Westwood
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Over 100 exhibitors with arts, crafts and photography from three states showcase a great variety of hand crafted items, such as stained glass, pottery, garden decor, welcome signs, paintings, apparel, metal & resin art, charcuterie boards, jewelry, florals, birdhouses and more. READ MORE

Feria de Sevilla in Woodbridge

Woodbridge
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of Spain. This event not only celebrates Spain's unique cultural heritage with New Jersey flair but also provides an enjoyable family-oriented event for all ages. READ MORE

Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair

Hasbrouck Heights
Sunday, June 2, 2024
The Hasbrouck Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce sponsors the borough’s most popular spring event, held annually along the Boulevard. It features area merchants, exhibitors, a crafter’s section, food booths and trucks, kiddie rides and live music. READ MORE

Deptford Family Movie Night

Deptford
Friday, June 7, 2024
The Township of Deptford presents free movies in the park on select summer Fridays, including hits like Trolls Band Together. READ MORE

Garwood Rocks

Garwood
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Rock out in downtown Garwood, with food, rides, a petting zoo, KidZone, classic cars, live entertainment and much more. Rain or shine. READ MORE

Haddon Township Pride Parade + Events

Haddon Township
Thursday, June 6-Friday, June 7, 2024
Join Haddon Township Equity Initiative for a weekend of pride celebrations with the theme Collaborate + Celebrate. The fun includes a Pride Parade on Thursday at 6pm on Haddon Avenue and a community learning event on Friday at 5:30pm at Haddon Square. READ MORE

Sparta Day 2024

Sparta
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Swing by this vendor fair, family festival, and highly anticipated community event. Enjoy over 100 vendors, live entertainment, a food plaza, games, amusements, and more. READ MORE

Pride in the Park in Red Bank

Red Bank
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Everyone is invited to Riverside Gardens Park for a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Featured are live music, vendors, giveaways and activities. Don't miss the Best Pride Pet Contest and Drag Bingo. READ MORE

Bayonne Hometown Fair

Bayonne
Saturday, June 8-Sunday, June 9, 2024
The Bayonne Hometown Fair is an annual two-day festival featuring two stages of free entertainment, one with main and one with community acts. Check out the many local businesses and vendors on display, plus free blow-up rides. READ MORE

Glassboro Community Day

Glassboro
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Join the Glassboro community for a day of fun activities, like crafts, face painting, music, demonstrations, food, kid castles, theater performances and more. Over 50 vendors are present. READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

various locations
Saturday, June 8, 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

Montvale Mile Long Street Fair

Montvale
Sunday, June 9, 2024
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

Ridgewood Movies in the Park

Ridgewood
Select Wednesdays from June 12-August 7, 2024
The Ridgewood Guild presents a roster of oldies but goodies every other Wednesday at Memorial Park. Arrive 30 minutes before the film for complimentary ice cream. READ MORE

Family Fun Night in Downtown Summit

Summit
Thursday, June 13, 2024
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

Skimmer Festival in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City
Saturday, June 15, 2024
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

Gospel Doo Wop Car Showcase in Forked River

Forked River
Saturday, June 15, 2024
The 2nd Annual Gospel Doo Wop Car Showcase combines the soulful sounds of gospel doo-wop music with a stunning display of vintage automobiles.Experience a day filled with powerful gospel music, vintage cars, and uplifting community spirit. READ MORE

Union Township Juneteenth Arts Festival

Union
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Head over to Rabkin 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

Elmwood Park's Multi-Cultural Street Fair

Elmwood Park
Saturday, June 15, 2024
This mega-block party is held on Market Street and the Recreation Field with shopping, live music, vendors, children's activities, food  and more. The Kidz Traveling Shindig includes bounce rides, slides, face painters, sand art and games. READ MORE

Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival 2024

Washington
Saturday, June 15, 2024
The Sustainably Green Music and Arts Festival returns to Washington Borough, featuring a day of live music, ecofriendly vendors, crafters, artists, free kids activities, shopping, and dining. READ MORE

International Horseshoe Crab Day at Cattus Island County Park

Toms River
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Cooper Environmental Center honors these magnificent creatures with crafts, lectures, stories and live encounters.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Fireworks at Dark

Point Pleasant
Thursdays from June 20-August 29, 2024
Gather at Jenkinson's Beach every Thursday night for fireworks on the beach. Fireworks start at dark. READ MORE

Marvel Superheroes Meet & Greet at Jenkinson's Boardwalk

Point Pleasant
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Spider-Man and Iron Man swing by Jenkinson's Boardwalk to meet with fans. READ MORE

Freehold Family Movie Night

Freehold
Wednesdays from June 26-August 21, 2024
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

METC Downtown Concert Series

Madison
Select Fridays from June 21-August 30, 2024
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

Aquarium Beach Bingo at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Fridays from June 21-August 30, 2024
All are invited to Jenkinson's Aquarium Beach Bingo on Friday. Instead of numbers, this bingo uses beach items. Meet in front of the aquarium and win prizes.  READ MORE

Summer Picnic Party at Berkeley Island

Berkeley Township
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Kick off the summer at the park with live music, bocce, horseshoes, giant Twister and food trucks. Bring a beach chair or blanket. READ MORE

Princess Palooza at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Select Thursdays from June 27-August 15, 2024
Meet your favorite princesses at Jenkinson's Pavilion Beach Stage prior to the fireworks show. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

Mount Arlington
Friday, June 28, 2024
The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club sponsors this annual fireworks spectacular, which sends sparklers flying high above the lake from floating docks. READ MORE

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

Wildwood
Fridays from June 28-August 30, 2024
Spectacular fireworks light up the sky every Friday night on the Pine Avenue Beach. READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck at Jakes Branch County Park

Beechwood
Friday, June 28, 2024
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

Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Long Beach Island
Saturday, June 29, 2024
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 29, 2024
Head to the beach in Keansburg for a fun, family-friendly celebration of the start of summer. Enjoy live music by The Nerds, plus frolic in the sand to DJ music. Food and beach vendors sell snacks and more.   READ MORE

Scotch Plains Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Scotch Plains
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Celebrate an early Independence Day at the Scotch Hills Golf Course when fireworks set the sky on fire. Pre-show entertainment is planned. Fireworks begin at 9pm. READ MORE

CANCELED- Firefly Festival at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Sunday, June 30, 2024
(Canceled due to weather. New date tba).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

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
various Deptford parks
Riverside Gardens Park
Elmwood Park's Multi-Cultural Street Fair
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center