The Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 8,500 square feet of fun in Ocean City. Photo courtesy of Totally Tubular
Inflatable Water Parks in New Jersey for Wet and Wild Summer Fun
Cascade down the lazy river at Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
Our 2025 Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Cool off at one of the many splash pads around New Jersey. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Splash Pads in New Jersey for Kids Summer 2025
GUIDE
New Jersey Kids Summer Guide: 592 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things To Do
Visit Crystal Springs Family Water Resort and spend the day swimming and splashing. Photo courtesy of the resort
Best Swimming Pools with Day Passes in New Jersey
Rides, food, and more family-friendly fun await at the Monmouth County Fair. Photo courtesy of the event
4th of July and More Best Things To Do in New Jersey July 2025 with Kids
Spring Lake offers low-key fun within proximity to Asbury Park's more lively scene. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Hidden Beaches on the Jersey Shore That Are Great for Families 2025
Find the best free and cheap activities in your city this summer with Mommy Poppins.
Summer of Savings 2025: Save Money on Kids Activities and Travel This Summer with Mommy Poppins
See
Free Outdoor Movies in New Jersey Summer 2025
The SPTS online guide details what to do, ask, and expect if you’re worried about your child’s mental health.
Free Parents’ Guide Offers Help for Rising Mental Health Issues in Kids
Grab a surfboard and hit the beaches of NJ this summer for free fun. Photo courtesy of Wildwood
103 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in New Jersey 2025
Splash Zone Waterpark is now open for the 2025 season right on the fun-filled Wildwoods boardwalk.
Jersey Shore’s Splash Zone Waterpark Opens with New Dino Attraction
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
Pick some delicious, ripe strawberries at Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford this spring. Photo courtesy of the farm
21 Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals in New Jersey
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
Best NJ Children's Museums in South and Central Jersey
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids in 2025
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide
See 15 tons of sand turn into gigantic sculptures at the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival. Photo courtesy of Wildwood
History on the Green and More Fun Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey

Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for New Jersey Families Summer 2025

The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield
The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield
6/6/25 - By Laurie Rein

Outdoor concerts are a summer staple throughout New Jersey, and going to one is the perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Luckily for us, it's possible to take in FREE live music nearly every night of the week in New Jersey, so get ready to go concert-hopping at the local parks, downtown areas, and beaches we've listed below. 

Find more summer freebies with our guide to Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids and our rundown of free summer outdoor movies in New Jersey. We also have lots more ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

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

Check individual venues for movie listings and alternate rain plans.  

More Free Activities in New Jersey this Summer

Free Summer Movies in New Jersey

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids June 2025

109 Free Things To Do in NJ This Summer With Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy free music on Fridays at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Photo courtesy of METC
Enjoy free music on Fridays at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Photo courtesy of METC

Free Summer Concerts in New Jersey

Thursday's ROCK! Summer Concert Series in Freehold

Freehold
Thursdays from June 5-August 22, 2025
Get ready to rock every Thursday night at Downtown Freehold's summer concert series, featuring widely-known and local talent acts. READ MORE

Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds

Cranford
Thursdays from June 5-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

Princeton Summer Concert Series

Princeton
Fridays from June 6-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 from June 6-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

METC Downtown Concert Series

Madison
Select Fridays from June 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

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

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

2025 Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series

Essex County 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

Music Under the Stars Concert Series

Flemington
Select Thursdays from June 26-August 7, 2025
Deer Path Park is home to Hunterdon County's music under the stars on select Thursday evenings. 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

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival in Westfield

Westfield
Tuesdays, July 1-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

Union Township Summer Concert Series

Union
Select dates from Friday, July 4-Thursday, July 24, 2025
Head over to Bierteumpfel Park for live music every Thursday in July. Grab a bite from food trucks on site. READ MORE

Livingston Summer Concert Series

Livingston
Wednesdays from July 9-August 30, 2025
Stop by the gazebo in Memorial Park Wednesday nights for live music from local bands. READ MORE

2025 Summer Music and More at Nassau Park Pavilion

Princeton
Select Saturdays from July 12-August 9, 2025
Gather at Nassau Park Pavilion for a free summer music series, along with free art activities for both youth and adults. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.