Looking for a new way to cool off this summer? How about slipping down a blow-up water slide and splashing into a beautiful NJ lake?

That's exactly what Lacey Township had in mind—so it's installing a huge new inflatable water park in Lake Barnegat (2nd Lake) in Forked River, which is slated to open in late June. Intended for swimmers ages 8 and older, the "hydro-playground" will combine slippery waters slides, bouncy inflatable climbers, floating balance beams, monkey bars, and more.

Not heading down the shore this summer? Residents of northern NJ can check out the water park at Lewis Morris County Park's Sunrise Lake Beach Club.

When you're not attending a graduation or crafting keepsakes or special treats for dad, we know you want the lowdown on the best things to do with your kids this month. June brings the start of summer and school vacation, which makes it the perfect time of year to get active, get outdoors, and explore nature. It's also a great time to introduce your kids to Boston's rich cultural scene, with festivals and performances filling our events calendar throughout the month. Don't forget to bookmark our summer fun guide for even more ideas for making the most of the sunshine and extra free time for family.

With school winding down and camps just getting started, June really is the perfect month to devote to family fun. It's Connecticut Trails Day from June 1st to 2nd, so consider kicking off the month with one of these short, easy hikes that are perfectly suited to kids. Highlights this month include lots of festivals, front porch concerts, fireflies and pirates. Of course our Summer Fun Guide and events calendar are chock-full of more ideas, but if we had to choose our very favorite June activities, these picks would make our top 25. Have fun out there!

Do you ever fantasize about living in a perpetual state of June?

Think about it: In what other month on Long Island are the flowers blooming so brightly; is the sky a more colorful blue; are the temperatures quite so, temperate?   

June on Long Island is a month of transition—from spring to summer, from the end of the school year to the beginning of vacation time. But it also a month of remarkable possibilities, 30 days to celebrate all we love about life on our overcrowded, traffic-strewn stretch of real estate.

At the start of the month, a mere four weeks remain in the school year. That’s still plenty of time to cherish dad, enjoy a seasonal festival, tap into your inner STEM self, or even join in the celebration of our most celebrated literary celebrity. Whatever your preference, there’s plenty to keep you and your kids engaged until the school year concludes.

Say goodbye to the school year and hello to the summer as June heats up with amazing, warm-weather events. Most of NJ's amusement and water parks are now open for the season, and Jersey Shore beaches are ready for summer revelers.

June also brings a fresh crop of fairs and festivals, along with strawberry picking, Father's Day fun, and the start of free summer movies. You can listen to local bands, celebrate fireflies and fairies, and travel back in time to the Italian Renaissance and the American Civil War.

Of course, you can always find more fun in our Event Calendar, and in our Summer Fun Guide for NJ Kids, including where to find the Best Water Playgrounds and Splash Pads in the state.

Read on for 15 of our favorite family events of the month. Enjoy the start of summer, and happy June!

In Western New York, hugging the shores of Lake Erie, awaits Buffalo, the second largest city in the Empire State. Famous for its spicy chicken wings, this vibrant area is also known for its history, art deco architecture, great restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly fun, indoors and out. The nearby Niagara Falls usually attracts the most tourist attention, but do not skip a visit to Buffalo, which makes the list for being one of our favorite family getaways in upstate New York.

Below are nearly two dozen suggestions of kid-friendly activities for a great family trip to Buffalo, New York.

If camping is on your summer bucket list, you’re in luck: There are lots of campsites both in and around Westchester and the Hudson Valley, which means you’ll never be at a shortage for places to pitch your tent for a few nights.

Next time you’re ready to pack up your sleeping bag and s’mores provisions, consider staying at one of these area campgrounds, some of which offer even more fun activities for kids, like playgrounds and beaches.

Prefer something a little different? Check out these alternative camping ideas—and our entire summer activity guide!

Note that campground openings and closures are changing frequently in the 2020 season; click through to the campground website for the most current information.