Hey, summer, is that you? The temps might not be up there, but the season of family fun is, especially with all the kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Enjoy a full day of food, rides, and entertainment at the LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza, step back into the 16th century and build a magic wand at the Renaissance Faire NJ in Columbus, or spend enjoying delicious food, family fun, and community celebration at the 7th Annual Food Truck & Music Fest in Hackettstown. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/DIGIcal)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Hopewell Cruise Night
May 30 at 5 PM
Grab your crew and cruise the streets of Hopewell, where there will be live music, games, food, shopping, and a car show. Make sure you check out the classic and modern cars on display.
Cost: Free
East and West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525
LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza
May 30-June 1
Bring the whole family to a carnival to kick off the season. Enjoy a day full of food, rides, and entertainment at Garden State Plaza at this carnival, which benefits the LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program.
Cost: $5 and up
The Dog Market
May 31 at 11 AM
It’s the first annual Dog Market at Van Saun Park, sponsored by Indigo Pups, a non-profit organization that advocates for and provides resources for homeless dogs and dog owners. Shop a wide variety of local vendors, watch demos, participate in crafts and contests, find an adorable rescue pup to adopt, and enjoy a fun-filled day with your four-legged family members. There will be dog-themed vendors, a cutest dog contest, 360 photos, a dog training demo, and more.
Cost: Free to attend
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
7th Annual Food Truck & Music Fest
May 31 at 12 PM
Kick off the summer season with delicious food, family fun, and community celebration. There will be live music, pony visits, a rock wall, and games. Make sure you bring your own blankets or chairs.
Cost: $8 per person at the door, kids 10 and under are free
Donaldson Farms, 340 Allen Rd, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Under Cover Music Fest
May 31 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 31-June 1
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
Strawberry Festival
May 31-June 1
Love strawberries? Head to this festival, which boasts two locations, a hayride, strawberry picking, farm animals, face painting, and more. There will also be strawberry-themed goodies for sale.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Von Thun’s Country Farm Market – 519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
May 31-June 1
Come and tour the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Wood Park. Learn all about the history of this former coastal defense site.
Cost: Free
1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford
May 31-June 1
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
June 1 at 11 AM
The 10th annual Raptor Trust event will be fun for the entire family. There will be games, gifts, auctions, raffles, food, and arts and crafts.
Cost: Free
The Raptor Trust, 1390 White Bridge Road. Millington, NJ 07946
Car Show
June 1 at 9:30 AM
Head to this fun event where the whole fam can check out the cool cars on display. There will also be a beer garden for the adults, food, live music, and time to tour the Train Station museum. The rain date is June 8.
Cost: $5 per person; kids under 12 are free
Waldwick Train Station, the intersection of West Prospect, Lafayette Place, and Hewson Avenue, Waldwick, NJ 07463
South Bound Brook Food Truck & Music Fest
June 1 at 11 AM
Did someone say food trucks and music? This is a fun event filled with entertainment, delicious food from a variety of food trucks, and more.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880
Marlton Day on Main Street
June 1 at 12 PM
From food trucks and ice cream to a beer garden and tons of fun, this event is one you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Marlton, NJ 08053
57th Annual Strawberry Festival
June 1 at 1 PM
This festival is one of the largest events in Montgomery Township, organized by a local Boy Scout Troop. Delicious strawberry desserts will be served, and entertainment will delight the whole family.
Cost: $7 in advance and $9 at the door; kids under 3 are free
Montgomery Lower Middle School, 373 Burnt Hill Rd, Skillman, NJ 08558
Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair
June 1 at 10 AM
Enjoy live music and entertainment on two stages, delicious food from various food vendors, and loads of family fun, including the JC Kids Zone featuring carnival games, bouncy inflatables, and more.
Cost: Free
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
Garwood Rocks 2025
June 1 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family out for live music, classic cars, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and fun for the entire family.
Cost: Free
Center St. Garwood, NJ 07027
A Walk For A Lifetime
June 1 at 9 AM
Spectrum360’s Walk for a Lifetime brings together families, friends, staff, and community sponsors to show their support of Spectrum360’s students and adults. This event includes a walk through Verona Park and a dog costume contest, where pups will be dressed up in their most creative, funny, or adorable costume.
Cost: $25 per person
Verona Park, Porcello Lane, Verona, NJ 07044
Shedfest Music Festival
June 1 at 2 PM
This outdoor music festival is also a fundraiser for Raritan Headwaters and includes local bands, delicious food, and enjoying the peacefulness of nature at the wildlife preserve.
Cost: $39.19 per person (includes fee) and free for kids 12 and under
Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown, is back! Join every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for fun and socializing. Children and caregivers love the padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
