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100+ Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids

Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette
Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette
6/3/22 - By Laurie Rein

Summer is the season for FREE events 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 throughout the Garden State.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide and our Activity Calendar. Have a fabulous summer full of FREE fun!

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

Many events in this listing occur on multiple dates, so be sure to read through the entire description and click through for addresses, times, and any reservation requirements. In addition to our FREE event picks, we've included a collection of fun anytime activities and destinations at the end.

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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, September 2
Screenings are held throughout the county on select Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights through August.  READ MORE

Kiddie Beach Shows at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Mondays through August 29
Top off a day at the beach for these kid-friendly shows at Jenkinson's. Bring a towel to the area across from the amusement park. READ MORE

Beach Treasure Hunt

Lavallette
Mondays through August 29
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

Kids Art Classes at Hoboken Historical Museum

Hoboken
Tuesdays and Thursdays through Thursday, September 15
The Hoboken Historical Museum welcomes preschoolers to this art class held in the museum walkway. The class is offered three times a week and is first come, first served. Art materials are provided, and adults must wear masks. READ MORE

Free Family Movie Nights in Downtown Wildwood

Wildwood
Tuesdays through August 23
Head over to Byrne Plaza on Tuesday nights for a free family movie, with animated titles like Encanto and Rio 2. Bring blankets or beach chairs, and take advantage of free parking, plus plenty of room for social distancing. READ MORE

Barnegat Drive-In Movie Series

Barnegat
Select Tuesdays through August 23
Head to the Barnegat Public Dock for a night at the drive-in every other Tuesday. Satisfy your snack cravings with The Lunch Wagon, Kona Ice of Tom's River, and Nully's Ice Cream, who are on-site for the occasion.  READ MORE

Avalon Beach Movies

Avalon
Tuesdays through August 30
Bring a beach chair or blanket to 30th Street Beach for a big-screen movie every Tuesday. Titles include Spider-Man: No Way Home.  READ MORE

Freehold Family Movie Night

Freehold
Wednesdays through August 24
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

Waldwick Summer Concert Series

Waldwick
Select Wednesdays through August 24
Waldwick presents a free summer concert series at Borough Park. Bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy the show. Food donations are welcome for the Center for Food Action. READ MORE

Princess Storytime

Point Pleasant
Wednesdays through August 31
It's a royal beach outing as princesses share stories, singing and dancing on the beach by the aquarium. READ MORE

Kites and Castles

Lavallette
Thursdays through August 25
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

Aquarium Beach Walk

Point Pleasant
Thursdays through September 1
Explore the shores of Point Pleasant Beach with the staff of Jenkinson's Aquarium and see what treasures may be found.  READ MORE

Ocean Grove Outdoor Movie Series

Ocean Grove
Thursdays through September 15
Catch a hit movie outdoors in Ocean Grove monthly on Thursdays. Registration is required. READ MORE

Thursday's ROCK! Summer Concert Series

Freehold
Thursdays through August 25
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 through September 1
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 29
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

Sunset Sips & Sounds

Princeton
Fridays through September 9
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

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

Wildwood
Fridays through September 2
Spectacular fireworks light up the sky every Friday night on the Pine Avenue Beach. READ MORE

METC Free Summer Concert Series

Madison
Fridays through July 22
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

First Fridays in Downtown Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant
Fridays through December 2
Have a night on the town on the first Friday of each month in downtown Point Pleasant. Stores are open late, street musicians perform, and businesses promote a monthly theme.  READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, September 25
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

Scotch Plains Farmers' Market

Scotch Plains
Saturdays through November 5
The annual farmers' market returns every Saturday morning for its 30th anniversary season, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, gifts and more.  READ MORE

Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market

Wildwood
Saturdays through September 3
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

South Orange
Saturdays through September 3
Downtown After Sundown (DAS) returns to South Orange with free live music every Saturday in Spiotta Park. It's a fun, casual environment to sit back, relax and enjoy the sweet sounds of South Orange Downtown in the warm weather. READ MORE

Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam

Ventnor City
Saturdays through September 3
Kick back in the sand and enjoy live music, food vendors, and crafters every Saturday evening. Leashed dogs are welcome. READ MORE

Drive-In Movie Nights at Billian Legion Park

Bound Brook
Select Saturdays through August 13
Billian Legion Park hosts summer movie nights, complete with themes, giveaways, and refreshments.  You are welcome to bring chairs and sit outside your vehicle. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks

Beachwood
Sundays through September 18
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

Story Time in the Park at Historic Walnford

Freehold
Sundays through August 28
Gather in front of Crosswicks Creek at Historic Walnford for a weekly storytime. Bring a snack and a blanket or towel. READ MORE

Millburn Summer Concerts

Millburn
Select dates through July 31
Taylor Park is home to a lineup of free summer concerts. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy. READ MORE
Jenkinson's Boardwalk lights up with fireworks on the 4th of July. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's
Jenkinson's Boardwalk lights up with fireworks on the 4th of July. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's

Free Events in NJ From July 1-July 10

Hamilton Township Independence Day Concert & Fireworks

Hamilton
Friday, July 1
A concert from The Heartbeats kicks off the festivities in Hamilton Township's Veterans Park. Stick around to see the fireworks fly beginning at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Verona Fireworks

Verona
Friday, July 1
Get a jump-start on the holiday weekend in Verona, which celebrates with sparklers a few days early. Enjoy DJ music prior to the fireworks display. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

Lake Hopatcong
Friday, July 1
The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club sponsors this annual fireworks spectacular, which sends sparklers flying high above the lake from floating docks. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Scotch Plains
Saturday, July 2
(Postponed from Saturday due to weather). 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

Cookstove Demonstration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel
Saturday, July 2
Visit the out kitchen at Historic Longstreet Farm, and see what's cooking on the woodstove. Discover how food, recipes, cooking techniques, and the kitchen itself has changed since the 1890s. READ MORE

Mount Holly Fireworks

Mount Holly
Sunday, July 3
Celebrate Independence Day with a festive fireworks display at Ironworks Park. Round out the fun with live music, giveaways, balloon animals, and food trucks.  READ MORE

Milltown 4th of July

Milltown
Monday, July 4
Milltown celebrates the Fourth of July with a full roster of events, including a fishing derby, parade, duck race, music and fireworks.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

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

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival

Camden
Monday, July 4
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

Little Falls Annual 4th of July Street Fair

Little Falls
Monday, July 4
Main Street in Little Falls hosts this big block party on Independence Day. Stroll the blocks-long celebration with food, vendors, crafts, children's activities, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel
Monday, July 4
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

Long Branch
Monday, July 4
All are invited to 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

Livingston 4th of July Celebration

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

4th of July Parade at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Monday, July 4
Come out and celebrate the nation's birth. Historic Smithville has the largest Fourth of July parade in all of New Jersey. The parade starts at 9am, and 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route.  READ MORE

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival

Westfield
Tuesdays, July 5-August 30
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

Sea Isle City Movies Under the Stars

Sea Isle City
Wednesdays, July 6-August 31
Swing by Excursion Park at dusk for free kiddie films, like Encanto and Paw Patrol, each Wednesday night through late August. Remember to bring a blanket or chair. READ MORE

Roselle Park Summer Movie Night Series

Roselle Park
Wednesdays from July 6-27
Wednesday night is outdoor movie night at Herm Shaw Field. Feel free to bring blankets and chairs as well as coolers.  READ MORE

Pier Village Summer Movie Series

Long Branch
Wednesdays, July 6-August 31
Pier Village hosts free flicks every Wednesday night on Festival Plaza. Catch hits like Goonies and Encanto while enjoying the adjacent shops and restaurants. Movies begin at dusk. READ MORE

Kid's Summer Spectacular

Bayville
Thursdays, July 7-August 25
Berkeley Island County Park hosts fun kid shows in its pavilion area every Thursday. See magic shows, circus acts, and more. READ MORE

Summer Night Series

Princeton
Thursdays, July 7-August 18
Princeton Shopping Center's courtyard is home to a diverse summer outdoor entertainment series on Thursday nights. Get ready to dance with local bands. There are plenty of dinner options from nearby Princeton eateries. READ MORE

Union Township Summer Concert Series

Union
Thursdays, July 7-28
Head over to Rabkin Park for live music every Thursday in July. READ MORE

Thrilling Thursdays in Margate

Margate
Thursdays from July 7-August 25
Get a head start on the weekend with this busy Thursday roster of activities in Margate. Start your day with a visit to the farmers market, shop at local sidewalk sales, play free cornhole, and visit the beach free of charge. Top it off with a beachfront movie night. READ MORE

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

Wildwood Crest
Friday, July 8
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

Anglesea Blues Festival

Wildwood
Friday, July 8-Sunday, July 10
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 8-Sunday, July 10
Bring your appetite to this summer celebration of ribs, chicken, brisket, and pork. Between licking your fingers, get some tips from the pitmasters, listen to live music, and see some cooking demonstrations. READ MORE

Dig it! Plant it! Eat it!

Morristown
Saturdays from July 9-August 6
From pollinators to plant dyes, discover something new in nature each Saturday.  The program runs rain or shine. READ MORE

Pemberton Township Water Carnival

Pemberton
Saturday, July 9
Pemberton Township hosts an aquatic celebration, with a water stunt show, vendors, hula dancers and a kids zone. Top off the evening with a fireworks display. READ MORE

Jaw Dropping World of Sharks Lecture Series

Trenton
Saturday, July 9
Dive in and discover more about sharks in this new lecture series held in conjunction with the exhibition “Jaw Dropping World of Sharks.” Each month features a different shark expert covering topics ranging from fossils to conservation efforts. READ MORE

28th Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival

Haddonfield
Saturday, July 9-Sunday, July 10
Stroll through Downtown Haddonfield and check out crafts, outdoor cafes, music, and more at the 28th edition of this annual festival. READ MORE

Fanwood Summer FanJam

Fanwood
Sunday, July 10
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

Diversity Day on the Morristown Green

Morristown
Sunday, July 10
The Diversity Coalition of Morris County (DCMC) is proud to announce the 5th annual Diversity Day on the beautiful and historic Morristown Green.  This year's theme is “One Community, Together Again”.  READ MORE

Free Events in New Jersey From July 11-July 17

Movie Nights on the Green

Princeton
Fridays, July 15-August 5
Palmer Square in Princeton is the perfect spot for a summer movie night. Bring a blanket or chair to the town green. Plus, grab food from the many restaurants in the area. READ MORE

Edible History: Ice Cream

Freehold
Saturday, July 16
Work together in the shade of the ice house to crank and freeze several batches of this cold sweet treat. Indulge in history as you sample ice cream flavors made from historic recipes that still taste great today. READ MORE

World Snake Day

Toms River
Sunday, July 17
The Cooper Environmental Center hosts a celebration of snakes. Take part in snake crafts, workshops, feedings and tours. READ MORE
Enjoy a big screen indoor showing of Raya and the Last Dragon at State Theatre New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Disney
Enjoy a big screen indoor showing of Raya and the Last Dragon at State Theatre New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Disney

Free Things To Do in NJ From July 18-31

Raya and the Last Dragon Screening at State Theatre

New Brunswick
Tuesday, July 19
Enjoy a big screen indoor showing of Raya and the Last Dragon at State Theatre New Jersey. Experience hit films on the gigantic 46’ screen, with state-of-the-art sound system, in the newly renovated theater. READ MORE

Beach Ball Blast

Berkeley Township
Friday, July 22
Food, games, live music and crafts are all part of the fun at this festive Friday night event. Enjoy dancing, horseshoes, bocce and much more. Bring a beach chair or blanket. READ MORE

Night in Venice

Ocean City
Saturday, July 23
Ocean City's 67th annual boat parade is set to sail this weekend, and its theme is "Mummers: Struttin' on the Bay." Stick around after the flotilla to see a spectacular fireworks display. READ MORE

Cape May Beer & Crab Festival

Cape May
Saturday, July 23
The Emlen Physick Estate beckons food and beer lovers (and their kids) for an all-day festival featuring local and regional craft beers plus all the steamed crabs, pulled pork, crab cakes, shrimp, and hot dogs you can eat. READ MORE

Christmas in July at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27
Santa Claus is coming to the shore in July! Take photos with Santa and enjoy a stroll. READ MORE

Luca Screening at State Theatre

New Brunswick
Tuesday, July 26
Bring the family to a free indoor showing of Luca at State Theatre New Jersey. Experience hit films on the gigantic 46’ screen, with state-of-the-art sound system, in the newly renovated theater. READ MORE

Twilight Farm Festival

Clifton
Thursdays, July 28 and August 25
Come to City Green Farm Eco-Center in Clifton for a free fun evening, with live music, lawn games, free kids activities, and BYO picnic. On the farm, check out the beautiful learning garden, and visit the animals. READ MORE

2022 Mercer County 4‑H Fair

Lambertville
Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31
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

Toms River Seaport Vintage Boat Festival

Toms River
Saturday, July 30
Free and open to the public, this summer celebration brings handsomely crafted boats, food vendors, local artisans and family-friendly activities to Huddy Park. READ MORE
Catch a screening of Encanto at the State Theater of New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Disney
Catch a screening of Encanto at the State Theater of New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Disney

Free Events in New Jersey in August

Fanwood National Night Out

Fanwood
Tuesday, August 2
Fanwood's fun-filled event features inflatables, food, fire trucks, police cars and raffles. Bring your sweet tooth to the pie eating contest. READ MORE

Space Jam: A New Legacy Screening at State Theatre

New Brunswick
Tuesday, August 2
Don't miss this big screen indoor showing of Space Jam: A New Legacy at State Theatre New Jersey. Experience hit films on the gigantic 46’ screen, with state-of-the-art sound system, in the newly renovated theater. READ MORE

National Night Out – Wildwood

Summit
Tuesday, August 2
Games, food, prizes and a dunk tank are all part of the fun at this WIldwood Police Department-sponsored event.  READ MORE

Summit's National Night Out

Summit
Tuesday, August 2
There's something for everyone on this night that fosters a positive relationship between the community and law enforcement agencies. Highlights include food trucks, a bicycle stunt show, live music, inflatables and free hot dogs. READ MORE

27th Annual Clam Festival

Highlands
Friday, August 5-Sunday, August 7
This annual event has fresh seafood, live entertainment, contests, vendors, crafters, and games. READ MORE

Encanto Screening at State Theatre

New Brunswick
Tuesday, August 9
Enjoy blockbuster Encanto on the big screen at State Theatre New Jersey. Experience hit films on the gigantic 46’ screen, with state-of-the-art sound system, in the newly renovated theater. READ MORE

Moonlit Movies in South Orange

South Orange
Wednesdays, August 10-31
South Orange hosts weekly movies at Floods Hill in Meadowland Park.  READ MORE

New Brunswick Heart Festival

New Brunswick
Saturday, August 13
The third annual New Brunswick Heart Festival celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex Counties, featuring live music, dance, food vendors, interviews with local artists, and a wellness tent. READ MORE

Old-Fashioned Fun & Games at Historic Walnford

Freehold
Saturday, August 13
Stop by Historic Walnford, and take part in a variety of historically-themed games to delight and challenge the whole family. READ MORE

In the Heights Screening at State Theatre

New Brunswick
Tuesday, August 16
Catch a big screen indoor showing of In the Heights at State Theatre New Jersey. Experience hit films on the gigantic 46’ screen, with state-of-the-art sound system, in the newly renovated theater. READ MORE

Canal Day Music & Craft Festival

Wharton
Saturday, August 20
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, free kayak rides, and animal and cowboy shows. The festival winds down with fireworks. READ MORE

Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival

Long Branch
Saturday, August 27
This annual event features jazz and blues music, local food, children's activities, crafts, games, and fun. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in New Jersey Labor Day Weekend

St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival

Scotch Plains
Friday, September 2-Monday, September 5
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

Riverdale's Annual Labor Day Street Fair

Riverdale
Monday, September 5
Riverdale’s Annual Labor Day Street Fair closes its main street to traffic for a giant block party. Shop for a selection of assorted items, along with a special arts and crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, great festival foods, and so much more.  READ MORE
Take a leisurely ride on the Middlesex Greenway. Photo courtesy of Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation
Take a leisurely ride on the Middlesex Greenway. Photo courtesy of Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation

Free Things To Do in New Jersey Anytime During Summer 2022

35 Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in New Jersey

Cool off at one of these sweet spraygrounds this summer. READ MORE

Free Beaches in New Jersey: No-Cost Fun in the Sun

Soak up the sun at NJ's beautiful, budget-friendly beaches by the ocean, lakes, and bays. READ MORE

Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions

Do your kiddos qualify for free entry at these NJ destinations? Find out here! READ MORE

Fun Family-Friendly Bike Rides in New Jersey

Biking is a breeze on these 15 family-friendly bike trails in NJ. READ MORE

Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive

You may find a zoo or water feature at one of these tricked-out spots. READ MORE

Destination Playgrounds in South Jersey

From beachfront real estate to cool features, South Jersey kids don't lack for fun places to play. READ MORE

New Jersey Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Who says there's no such thing as a free meal? READ MORE

New Jersey Playgrounds Cool Enough for Big Kids

These eight NJ romping spots prove playgrounds aren't just for little kids. READ MORE

Easy Waterfall Hikes for Families in Northern NJ

Find the best spots to go chasing waterfalls in northern NJ with kids! READ MORE

10 Favorite NJ Parks and Reservations with Fun for Kids

Have a nature adventure with hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more! READ MORE

10 Great Picnic Spots for Families in Northern New Jersey

Enjoy the simple pleasure of a family picnic at these scenic spots in northern NJ. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

President Avenue Beach
30th Street Beach
Philadephia Avenue Beach
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
Downtown Point Pleasant
Municipal Parking Lot
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Verona Community Center
Downtown Westfield
John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park
Longport Bridge
Floods Hill in Meadowland Park
Montville Community Playground