It’s the last weekend before the big one (hello, MDW), and spring fun is still going strong, with plenty to do with the kids. Get a head start on summer fun with rides, carnival games, delicious food, and more at the Kiwanis Karnival in Livingston, dress up as a pirate and join the treasure hunt and parade at the Captain Kidd Pirate Day in Wildwood, or lace up your running shoes and do a 5K for a good cause followed by a lively festival featuring music face paiting and more at the 2nd Annual Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day in Sewell. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: @livnjkiwanis)
Bloomfield Food Truck and Music Fest
May 15 at 4 PM
Visit 16 food trucks, live music, face painting, hatchet throwing, a petting zoo, sand art, kids’ activities, and vendors. Parking is free.
Cost: $5; kids under 5 are free. Please bring a canned or boxed nonperishable item to support the food pantry.
St Thomas the Apostle Parking Lot – 50 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Kiwanis Karnival
May 15-16
The Kiwanis Club of Livingston will host its 2026 Kiwanis Karnival featuring exciting rides for all ages, festival food and treats, carnival games and prizes, and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
E. Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ 07039
New Jersey Seafood Fest, Belmar
May 15-17
It’s the 37th year of seafood and family fun in Belmar. At this free festival, which includes live music and vendors, you can try everything from conch fritters to crab legs.
Cost: Free
Downtown Belmar, NJ 07719
3rd Annual Touch-a-Truck
May 16 at 10 AM
Have a little one who loves trucks? Head to this event for trucks galore, food, music, and giveaways.
Cost: Free
Central Avenue Parking Lot, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
Farm To Fleece Sheep Shearing & Fiber Arts Fun
May 16 at 10 AM
Visit Fosterfields and watch the sheep get shorn the old-fashioned way and learn how wool is used for crafts, including spinning, felting, and dyeing.
Cost: $10 per person, 2 and under are free
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
Mansfield Touch-a Truck
May 16 at 4 PM
Travel down the parkway and stop by this event featuring vehicles from the fire, police, and EMS departments, plus more. There will also be food trucks, games, face painting, and fun.
Cost: Free
Mansfield Township Elementary School, 200 Mansfield Road East, Columbus, NJ 08022
Glen Ridge Art and Eco Fair
May 16 at 10 AM
Celebrate the arts and the environment at this eco-friendly fair. This event will include arts and crafts, wellness vendors, live performances, eco demonstrations, and children’s activities.
Cost: Free
200 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028
Woodbridge Street Fair & Craft Show
May 16 at 11 AM
Bring your crew to enjoy artists, crafters, vendors, food, rides, and live music. Kids will love the rides, games, and more just for them.
Cost: Free
Downtown Woodbridge, NJ Main Street and Amboy Avenue Woodbridge, NJ 07095
History Day
May 16 at 10 AM
Learn about the history in your backyard from local, state, and national historical organizations. Visit Revolutionary War and Civil War camps, see historical weapons demonstrations, and meet Generals George Washington, Rochambeau, Anthony Wayne, and Colonel Stephen Moylan. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy live music with a special performance by the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band.
Cost: Free
East Jersey Old Town Village, 1050 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Captain Kidd Pirate Day
May 16 at 11 AM
Ahoy, mates—kids can dress in their pirate best for the Annual Captain Kidd Pirate Day parade and a treasure hunt at 20th Avenue. Kids can walk in the parade, receive a treasure chest, and enter a raffle and costume contest.
Cost: Free
Parade, 26th, and the Boardwalk., Wildwood, NJ 08260
Keansburg 8th Annual Food Truck Festival
May 16 at 2 PM
Bring the whole family to Keansburg’s 8th Annual Food Truck Festival. Your kids will enjoy face painting, a bounce house, and more. This event will also feature No Limit Entertainment from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and The Margarita Thrills from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Cost: Free
1 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ 07734
Point Pleasant Beach Great Strides 2026
May 16 at 10 AM
Help support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which funds the research and care needed to help advance a cure for the disease, and spend time with the family all at once. Walk with family and friends, then join the celebration, community, and fun.
Cost: Registration cost
Band Shell, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
2nd Annual Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day
May 16 at 8 AM
Lace up your running shoes and do a 5K for a good cause. Let your little ones take part in the Kids Dash for ages 11 and under or the Diaper Dash for ages 2 and under. Spend the rest of the day enjoying dance performances, face painting, a balloon artist, lawn games, and celebrity guest appearances. The proceeds will be donated to the Gaudreau Family Foundation to support hockey initiatives.
Cost: Registration costs vary
Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurfville-Cross Keys Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
Mayfest
May 16-17 at 10 AM
Head to Historic Smithville for Mayfest, which features an international food court, crafters, and live music. There will also be plenty of activities for the kids, such as face painting and carousel rides, and free shuttles will leave from the parking lot.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, NJ 08060
Asbury Park Vegan Food Fest
May 16-17
It’s a two-day celebration featuring vegan and plant-based meals from local chefs, vegan products, plant-based fashion, and live music. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: $15-$30
Bradley Park – 101-199 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Maplewood Street Fair & Craft Show
May 17 at 11 AM
Get out and about and head to this street fair, featuring crafters, delicious food, activities for the kids, and a great time with the community.
Cost: Free
Springfield Avenue & Rutgers Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Seafood & BBQ Festival
May 17 at 12 PM
Fan of seafood? This festival is for you. During this event, you will find a beer garden, craft cocktails, live music all day, local vendors, BBQ, and seafood from around the world, and activities for the little ones.
Cost: $5 at the door, and kids under 5 are free
Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550
Walk4Friends 2026
May 17 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to a lively day supporting The Friendship Circle to create awareness, solidarity, and support for children with special needs, teen volunteers, and their families. Walk with the group, then join the festival featuring a DJ, BBQ food, face painting, a climbing wall, train rides, a slime station, and much more.
Cost: Registration is free and online, walk-up fee $10
1979 Township Drive, Marlboro, NJ 07746
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