It’s the last weekend in May (how did that happen?), and we’re excited for tons of family-friendly events all weekend long. Enjoy the kick off to strawberry season with strawberry picking, scenic hay wagon rides, delicious seasonal treats, and activities for the whole family at the Strawberry Festival Weekend in Chester, spend the weekend with food, fun, rides, a petting farm, and pie-eating contest at the LEAD Fest State Fair in Paramus, or take a step back into the 16th century with lively shows, unique merchants, and delicious food at the Renaissance Faire NJ in Columbus. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: NJ Mom)
LEAD Fest State Fair – Garden State Plaza
May 29-31
Get ready for food, fun, rides, and more at the Law Enforcement Agents, Drugs and Violence (LEAD) Fair. Nightly entertainment will include a petting farm, rides, Cowtown USA, and a pie-eating contest.
Cost: $7 during the week and $8 on weekends; several activities are an additional cost
One Garden State Plaza Parkway, Paramus, NJ 07652
Frozen
May 29-31
Based on the beloved story of Frozen, this show brings the world to life with new music written exclusively for the stage and tells the tale of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
2026 Greek Festival By The Bay
May 29-31
Spend the weekend having fun with the family with delicious food, live music, fun dancing, and more. There will also be Greek beer, wine, and Greek iced coffee.
Cost: Free
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 41-47 Wisteria Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Community Day & Kids Marathon
May 30 at 9 AM
Get out and about for this fun event. During this community day, there will be free fun, including music, games, giveaways, face painting, kids’ crafts, and screenings. At 10 AM, lace up those running shoes and take part in the kids’ marathon and family fun walk.
Cost: Free
Miry Run Recreation Area, 66 Sharon Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
South Bound Brook Food Truck & Music Fest
May 30 at 11 AM
Kick off the summer season by heading to this festival that will feature food trucks, live music, vendors, kids’ activities, pony rides, a petting zoo, and so much more. Proceeds will go to The South Bound Brook Fire Company.
Cost: $5 at the gate, and kids under 5 are free
Memorial Park, 78 Elizabeth Street, S Bound Brook, NJ 08880
WheatonARTS Day
May 30 at 10 AM
Spend the day getting a chance to create, explore, and experience art on Wheaton’s 45-acre campus. There will be demonstrations, hands-on projects, and experiences at all skill levels, taught by artists and makers eager to share their craft.
Cost: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $8 for students, and free for members or children ages 5 and under
1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ 08332
Paws & Feet 5K Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day
May 30 at 9 AM
Bring Fido and the family to this 5K run and walk, which emphasizes the special bond between humans and their beloved pets while supporting a great cause. There will also be live music, small business vendors, and delicious food and drinks.
Cost: $20-$40
Cooper River Park, N Park Drive, Pennsauken, NJ 08109
Strawberry Festival Weekend
May 30 at 9 AM
Enjoy the kick-off to strawberry season at this fun festival weekend. There will be strawberry picking, scenic hay wagon rides, delicious seasonal treats, and activities for the whole family. Make sure you have your phones out for all the photo ops you will find.
Cost: Admission prices vary
Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Miles for Matheny
May 30 at 8 PM
This annual event is a day filled with fun, movement, and support for Matheny, whose mission is to provide care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities. Enjoy a 5K trail run or walk, kids’ entertainment, a kids’ fun run and obstacle course, a wheelchair walk, and a family-and-friends BBQ. And don’t forget to bring a pair of sneakers for the Sneaker Drive, which will fund the High School Transition Program.
Cost: Registration fee
Matheny School and Hospital, 65 Highland Avenue, Peapack, NJ 07977
Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century
May 30 at 1 PM
Round up the family for a unique experience. When you arrive at the farmhouse at Historic Longstreet Farm, you can spend the afternoon listening to popular turn-of-the-century ballads.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Under Cover Music Fest
May 30 at 2 PM
Enjoy great music as nine cover bands take the stage at Under Cover Music Fest. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local eateries, and kids’ activities will be available in the Y-Zone from 2 to 6 PM courtesy of the South Mountain YMCA.
Cost: Free
Sloan Street Parking Lot, 12 Sloan Street South Orange, NJ 07079
Renaissance Faire NJ
May 30-31
Take a step back into the 16th century at the Renaissance Faire, with lively shows, unique merchants, and delicious food. Kids can explore Nipper’s Nook with fun activities, including piñatas, water balloon games, building magic wands, and the new gaming cart of wonder.
Cost: $25 and up. $10 for Child Flex Day Pass (Ages 5 to 12).
1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ 08022
Berry Bash Festival
May 30-31 at 9 AM
Strawberries are a delicious treat for this time of year, and this festival is a great way to celebrate all things strawberries. There will be strawberry picking, scenic hayrides, live music, handcrafted iced beverages, and more.
Cost: Price of admission
Johnson Locust Hall Farm, 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Strawberry Festival at Shady Brook Farm
May 30-31
Grab the family and enjoy time outside with a wagon ride to the strawberry patch and over 25 activities for everyone. There will also be live music, delicious treats, and pick-your-own fruits.
Cost: @12 online and $17 at the gate
931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA 19067
Terhune Orchards Strawberry Festival
May 30-31 at 10 AM
Celebrate summer at this strawberry festival that includes fun around the farm, barnyard friends, children’s games, pony rides, and, of course, all things strawberries.
Cost: $15 per person advance or $18 at the gate, children under 3 are free
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
VonThun Farms Strawberry Festival
May 30-31 at 10 AM
Is there anything better than Jersey Fresh strawberries, sunny skies, and a fun strawberry festival? Have fun picking strawberries, spending time in the activity area, taking a hayride, stopping to see the barnyard animals, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
505 Ridge Road, Dayton, NJ 08810
Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford
May 30-31
Watch the 19th-century historic Gristmill in action. Each free demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Cost: Free
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
FeatherFest
May 31 at 11 AM
Bring your crew to this festival, which will benefit the care of injured and wild birds. There will be games, gifts, auctions, raffles, food, and arts and crafts.
Cost: Free
The Raptor Trust, 1390 White Bridge Road. Millington, NJ 07946
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