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Best Things To Do in New Jersey May 2025 with Kids

The Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies on Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies on Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival
4/27/25 - By Laurie Rein

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we've rounded up fun things to do in New Jersey all month long!

The Garden State is in full bloom this May, and our calendar is loaded with springtime fun. As warmer weather arrives, it's time to get outdoors and soak in the sun and sights at festivals like Wildwoods International Kite Festival and Lincroft's Creative Arts & Music Festival. Get a taste of almost-summer at festivities with rides and games, including the six-day St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival. 

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in New Jersey this May—we're adding more events to the New Jersey Events Calendar every day. 

 

More Things To Do in New Jersey this May with Kids:

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Best Things to Do in May in New Jersey

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

Various Gloucester County parks–FREE
Select dates beginning Friday, May 2, 2025
Screenings are held throughout the county on select nights through August.  READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Augusta
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Bring the whole family to this all-day party that takes place right on the field. The spring festival features more than 20 food trucks, upwards of 100 craft beers, music, games, sports on the big screen, shopping, and more. READ MORE

Ocean Grove Spring Fling

Ocean Grove–FREE
Saturday, May 3, 2025
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

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Bridgewater–FREE
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Bring family and friends to this free carnival with no-fee admission to rides, inflatables, carnival games and DJ music. Plus, enjoy a petting zoo, crafts tent, face painting, food trucks and more. READ MORE

Mother’s Day Celebration in Jersey City

Jersey City–FREE
Friday, May 9, 2025
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–FREE
Saturday, May 10, 2025
The annual Creative Arts Festival features artists selling offerings such as mixed-media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. READ MORE

Asbury Park Spring Bazaar 2025

Asbury Park–FREE
Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11
Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at the Asbury Park Spring Bazaar. Relish in a day filled with local vendors, live music, and delicious food. Shop for unique crafts, art, and vintage finds while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Asbury Park. READ MORE

Azalea Festival at Sayen Gardens

Hamilton–FREE
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Sayen Botanical Gardens welcomes you to this magnificent display of more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Enjoy the landscaped walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes, gazebos, and breathtaking scenery. READ MORE

St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival

Medford–FREE
Monday, May 12-Saturday, May 17, 2025
Rides, games, food, and live entertainment are all part of the excitement at this six-day carnival. Bring your appetite for a huge selection of food, and be sure to enter the raffles. A MegaPass is available and covers unlimited rides for the run of the festival. READ MORE

Cape May Spring Festival

Cape May
Thursday, May 15-Sunday, May 18, 2025
The beachside town of Cape May hosts four days of family-friendly activities, from trolley tours to boat rides to indoor activities.  READ MORE

New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar

Belmar–FREE
Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18, 2025
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

Fairy and Pirate Festival at Turkey Brook Park

Budd Lake–FREE
Saturday, May 17, 2025
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

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Lake Hopatcong–FREE
Saturday, May 17, 2025
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

2nd Annual World Food Festival in West Windsor

West Windsor
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18, 2025
Join this two-day celebration of global flavors, music, and fun in West Windsor Township. Explore 20+ food vendors showcasing authentic dishes from around the globe. READ MORE

New Jersey Renaissance Faire in Columbus

Southampton
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, May 17-Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Italian Renaissance takes over Burlington County Fairgrounds for four weekends, featuring cast members entertaining visitors as they walk through the castle gates. Look out for a jousting tournament, aerial acrobatics, circus performers, fire dancers, and craft demonstrations. READ MORE

Ocean Fun Days in Berkeley

Berkeley–FREE
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18, 2025
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

Maplewood MayFest

Maplewood–FREE
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Enjoy a fun day in Maplewood at this fair, featuring artists, vendors, kids activities, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood–FREE
Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26, 2025
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

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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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