See the Grinch on stage at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick in New Brunswick. Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Elf, The Grinch, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
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
Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
19 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in New Jersey
Outhouse orchards corn maze
GUIDE
NJ Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
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
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November's School Holidays
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
Best Things to Do in New Jersey November 2024 with Kids
Johnson's Locust Hill Farm is a picture perfect backdrop for a stroll through sunflowers. Photo by Cody Conk
25 Fun-Filled Fall Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Farms with Family Entertainment 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 Fun 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

4th of July Weekend in New Jersey: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. Photo by the author
Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. Photo by the author
7/5/24 - By Laurie Rein

 Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

The long-awaited 4th of July weekend blasts off with fireworks and festivities throughout the state, including the annual Oceanfest spectacular in Long Branch. Kick off the fun with a daytime celebration like Fourth of July Jubilee at Morven Museum & Garden.

Read on for a full rundown of New Jersey's best kid-friendly events this weekend. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids:​

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

4th of July Fireworks and More Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

Hoboken – FREE
Thursday, July 4
The 48th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks are set to sparkle over the Hudson River, moving to Manhattan's west side for the first time since 2013. The dazzling display features thousands of shells bursting forth and visible from West 14th Street to West 34th Street and along the New Jersey waterfront. READ MORE

Oceanfest in Long Branch

Long Branch – FREE
Thursday, July 4
All are invited to the 32nd annual 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

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular

Leonia – FREE
Thursday, July 4
Bergen County presents a brand new Independence Day Celebration, featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony, plus an afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and stunning fireworks at Overpeck Creek. READ MORE

Livingston 4th of July Celebration

Livingston – FREE
Thursday, July 4
Livingston's 87th annual 4th of July celebration is an all-day affair, featuring rides, games, food trucks, pony rides, a photo booth, and live entertainment.  READ MORE

Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Point Pleasant – FREE
Thursday, July 4
Jenkinson's action-packed boardwalk celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display. READ MORE

Fourth of July Jubilee at Morven Museum & Garden

Princeton – FREE
Thursday, July 4
It’s Morven’s 20th anniversary! Join the commemoration this Independence Day, reflecting on history, civic engagement, and community. The free program features community partners hosting family-friendly activities and crafts inspired by themes of history, civics, and service. READ MORE

Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel – FREE
Thursday, 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

Springfield's July 4th Celebration

Springfield – FREE
Thursday, July 4
Springfield's July 4th Celebration features free activities that include a DJ, inflatables, a trackless train, a petting zoo, pony rides, fireworks at dusk, and a live concert. READ MORE

Ridgewood 4th of July Celebration

Ridgewood – FREE
Thursday, July 4
Join the 114th annual Ridgewood 4th of July celebration. The day starts with a flag raising at 9am followed by a parade stepping off at 10am. The evening festivities include food trucks and fireworks. READ MORE

Milltown 4th of July

Milltown – FREE
Thursday, July 4
Milltown celebrates the 4th of July with a full roster of events, including a fishing derby, parade, duck race, food, music and fireworks.  READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure July 4th Fest

Jackson
Thursday, July 4-Friday, July 5
In honor of the park's 50th anniversary, enjoy a thrilling and adventurous 2-day July 4th party at Six Flags, with music, food and fireworks.   READ MORE

Ocean City 4th of July Celebration

Ocean City – FREE
Thursday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day down the shore in Ocean City with a kite flying competition, live entertainment, and a boardwalk fireworks display. READ MORE

Princess Party on the Pier

Seaside Heights – FREE
Friday, July 5
Calling all Princesses to the Pier. Meet your favorite princesses singing your favorite songs. READ MORE

Unionville Vineyards Independence Day Celebration

Ringoes – FREE
Saturday, July 6
It's a post- July 4 Independence Day celebration with all the trimmings. Enjoy food, live music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, wine tasting and sparklers. READ MORE

Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show

Wildwood – FREE
Saturday, July 6-Sunday, July 7
Peruse crafts, gifts, boutique items and more at the Wildwood 4th of July Boardwalk Craft Show. The show is rain or shine.  READ MORE

State Fair Meadowlands

East Rutherford
Daily through Sunday, July 7
The jam-packed State Fair Meadowlands returns for 17 days with more than 100 rides and attractions, plus plenty of food, entertainment and fireworks. Circus Lena debuts with vintage charm, featuring death-defying acts under the big tent, while Cycle Circus wows audiences with FMX freestyle stunts and pyrotechnics.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: