Holland Ridge Farms combines a tulip theme and the holidays in its Winter Wonderland installation. Photo courtesy of Holland Ridge Farms
Christmas Vacation in New Jersey: 20 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids
Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a twinkling wonderland at Holidays in the Park. Photo by Lisa Warden
Christmas Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Light Shows, Santa Visits, and More Things to Do
Santa ships out before Christmas Day, but there's still plenty to see at the Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
What's Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey: A List of Awesome Things to Do
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
Pictures with Santa in New Jersey
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks 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
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
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
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
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
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
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey 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
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
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
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes 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
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with 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: 20 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
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
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
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
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
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

Best Things To Do in New Jersey May 2024 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
4/28/24 - 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 at sights at festivals like Wildwoods International Kite Festival. Meanwhile, local festivals take it to the streets in Ocean Grove and Lake Hopatcong.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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 3, 2024
Screenings are held throughout the county on select nights through August.  READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Augusta
Saturday, May 4, 2024
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 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

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Bridgewater–FREE
Sunday, May 5, 2024
(New date due to weather) 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

Creative Arts Festival in Lincroft

Lincroft–FREE
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–FREE
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

St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival

Medford–FREE
Monday, May 13-Saturday, May 18, 2024
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 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–FREE
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

Fairy and Pirate Festival at Turkey Brook Park

Budd Lake–FREE
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

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Lake Hopatcong–FREE
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

New Jersey Renaissance Faire in Columbus

Southampton
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, May 18-Sunday, June 9, 2024
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 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

Maplewood MayFest

Maplewood–FREE
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Enjoy a fun day in Maplewood at this fair, featuring artists, vendors, activities, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood–FREE
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

Places featured in this article: