It’s official—summer is finally here, and with it, lots to do with the fam this weekend. See an explosion of colors in the night sky at the Start of Summer Celebration in Atlantic City and at the Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood, build an epic sand sculpture with Beachstock in Margate, or check out classic cars and live music at the Red, White, and Blueberry Festival in Hammonton. And if you’re looking to fill your June calendar, take a peek at our 24 Free Things To Do In June.
Featured Photo Credit: Istock/Nednapa
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June 25 at 9:30 PM
Kick-off summer with a free fireworks spectacular show overlooking the boardwalk and beach. You can view the Fireworks from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel, Showboat Hotel, and Steel Pier.
Cost: Free
North Beach, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
1-888-AC-VISIT
Every Friday night beginning June 25 – September 3 at 10 PM. Raindates are every Sunday at 10 PM
Bring a blanket and beach chairs to take in spectacular fireworks launched from Pine Avenue and the Beach and visible from anywhere along the boardwalk and beach. A music score will be played with the fireworks and simulcasted on 98.7 The Coast.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Boardwalk – Pine Ave. Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 523-1602
June 26 at 8 AM (rain date June 27)
Plan to spend the whole day on the beach, with activities like the volleyball tournament, cornhole tournament, kite demos, and live music. Children can experience sand-sculpting, a hula hoop contest, a children’s eco-friendly treasure hunt, Hula activity, Limbo Fun, and so much more.
Cost: Some events require registration
Between Granville and Huntington Ave. Margate Beach, Margate, NJ 08402
(609) 822-1129
June 26 from 10 AM-4 PM
Last fall’s wheat crop is ready for harvest, and the farmers at Howell Living Farm need your help. Follow behind the horses and gather up sheaves of wheat bundled by a McCormick Reaper-Binder. Next, assemble the sheaves into shocks to dry outside. Don’t miss the wheat weaving demonstration in the barnyard. A children’s craft is available for a small fee.
Cost: Free, small fee for the craft
Howell Living History Museum – 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Wings & Things Arts and Craft Festival at The Naval Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
June 26 at 10 AM
Got kids who love Star Wars? Have them dress as their favorite character and let the force be with them at this festival, where they’ll mingle with characters and snap selfies. Beyond the force, there’s plenty of other things to do, like listen to live music, shop vendors, pose for face painting, and fun.
Cost: Adults $14, Children ages 3-12 $10, Members of the Aviation Museum and children under 2 are free; kids dressed in Star Wars costume have half-price admission.
Naval Station Wildwood Aviation Museum – 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 886-8787
Passaic County Food Truck Fest
June 26 at 11 AM
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, pets, and kiddos for some summer fun in the park. There will be an inflatable village, face painters, corn hole, boardwalk-style games, and don’t forget the food trucks. Proceeds for the event will benefit The Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. for park improvement projects and programs.
Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for ages 4-16, $6 for adults, and $4 for children in advance
Weasel Brook Park – 794 Park Drive, Clifton, NJ 07011
June 26 from 11 AM-4 PM
Enjoy local bands on multiple stages performing jam sessions throughout the day. Bluegrass and Folk Music bands will be playing while you check out the artists’ tables, food trucks, and more. Don’t miss a tour of historic century homes, crafts shops, the general store, and the bakery while you are there.
Cost: In advance $15 all-day pass, ages 4-12 $5 on the day of $18 per adult and $7 ages 4-12
Allaire Village – 4265 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ 07727
(732) 919-3500
June 26 from 11 AM-7 PM
Fifteen food gourmet trucks, music, kids activities, vendors, and more will be at this family-friendly event (bring your furry friends too!). Littles will love the petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, and more. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable or canned food item to help support the food pantry.
Cost: $5, and kids are free
Bundt Park – Red School House Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833
June 26 at 11 AM
Join the Historical Society’s biggest Garden Tour ever and view over 20 blooming gardens. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Cost: Non-members $20, Members $18, Children 18-16 $10, under 8 are free
Bordentown Historical Society – 302 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, NJ 08505
(609) 410-6057
June 26 at 12 PM
The whole family will enjoy this Keansburg event with music, a rock band, beach, and food vendors, and more. Make sure you stay until dusk when fireworks go off.
Cost: Free
1 Beachway Ave., Keansburg, NJ 07734
June 26 from 3 PM-9 PM
Kickoff summer and join live bands to welcome a new season at the shore. Kids are free, and there will be children’s activities during the event.
Cost: $5 for adults; kids are free
Philadelphia Ave., Lavalette, NJ 08735
(844) 365-6952
June 26 from 5 PM-10 PM (rain date is June 27)
Hillsborough is turning 250 this year, and it’s time to celebrate with lots of family fun, music, food, and fireworks to commemorate this milestone. Kids will love climbing and jumping on the inflatables and eating treats from the ice cream trucks. There’s a free shuttle beginning at 5 PM from Hillsborough High School and Middle School.
Cost: Free
Auten Road Intermediate School – 281 Auten Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
(908) 369-4313
June 27 at 10 AM
Street festivals are back—come see the merchants, exhibitors, crafter’s, food booths and trucks, live music, and performances by local groups at this lively festival. Kids will love the section featuring kiddie inflatables, a trackless train, face painters, games, and sand art.
Cost: Admission is free
216 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
June 27 from 10 AM-4 PM
Celebrate 35 years of this festival in the blueberry capital of the world, where there will be lots of food vendors, crafters, and entertainment. Don’t miss Crusin’ Classics Car Show too.
Cost: Free
Old Forks Road, off of Route 30, Hammonton, NJ
info@hammontonnj.us
June 27 at 4 PM
Fireflies are an “electrifying” part of summer—celebrate them and nature with music, wagon rides, and outdoor fun. Littles will love making their wings and antennas to dress up like a firefly and then glow with bug lights. Make sure to grab some food at the Firefly Tent and visit the barnyard.
Cost: Admission is free, $7 for craft activities
Terhune Orchards – 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-2310
State Fair Meadowlands
Now-July 11, hours vary
It’s back—35 acres of fun, and those oh-so-delicious fried Oreos are among the fantastic things awaiting at the State Fair (and did we mention free parking?) Don’t miss rides and attractions and the largest Kiddie Land in the Garden State with rides like Fire Chief, Monkey Maze, and the Wacky Worm. If you are looking for thrill rides, try the Crazy Mouse, Mardi Gras Glasshouse, or the Cliffhanger, and for those who like tamer things, there’s a Petting Zoo, Survivor Game Show, and even a magician and a circus.
Cost: Tickets must be purchased online; the Fun Pass starts at $34.99
State Fair Meadowlands – 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(201) 355-5911
Makers + Shakers Pop Up Market
Every Thursday-Sunday from 11 AM – 6 PM through September 5
Kick-off the summer at this lively market where you can check out various local makers, artists, and designers selling handcrafted goods, clothing, jewelry & accessories, beauty products, art, photography, home goods, and so much more. The kids can also enjoy rides on the Carousel, and don’t forget to visit the beach, restaurants, shops, and the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
52 Centennial Drive, Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-0100
RWJBarnabas Health: Cooking Classes for Kids
Dates and times vary depending on the program
Kids of all ages will love cooking up healthy treats in these virtual hands-on cooking classes (adult supervision required during class): Try Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen for kids 8-12, where they’ll learn to use a recipe, cook with nutritious ingredients, and utilize kitchen basics or try Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen, and My First Cooking Class in Hannah’s Kitchen.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas
Virtual
(973) 926-7371
Building Sandcastles: The Secret Ingredients to Positive Behavior Change For Parents and Children Workshop
June 29 from 6 PM-8 PM
Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate in a free virtual workshop to support children’s unique behavioral needs. Topics include: Identify triggers to challenging behavior, tools to help support positive behavior change, question and answer specific behavior challenges.
Cost: Free
Virtual, Sponsored by Children’s Specialized Hospital
(732) 828-3000
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