It’s the unofficial start to summer, and we’re gearing up for the sunny season with lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend for full-steam fun ahead. Head to one of the Memorial Day parades happening up and down the state, take in a full day of food, rides, and entertainment at the LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza, or enjoy some time with the fam during the strawberry peak season at the Berry Bash Festival in Jobstown. And for more May fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/carminesalvatore)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
LEAD Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza
May 23-26
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
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Woodbridge Center Carnival
May 23-26
It’s that time of year again—bring the kids to this lively carnival packed with rides, food, and fun. Wristband pre-sales close at midnight on May 21.
Cost: $5 per person
Woodbridge Center, 250 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Wildwood International Kite Festival
May 23-26, 12 PM on Friday
Kick off this weekend-long event, which turns 39 this year, with a Friday night social and the 9:00 PM Illuminated Night Kite Fly. On Saturday and Sunday, come out to watch giant inflatable kites take flight, team fly, and participate in family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Cost: Free to spectators
Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Antique & Vintage Show
May 24 at 8 AM
Bring the whole family to Allaire State Park to check out the antiques and vintage items. There will also be food from the Allaire Bakery, a food truck, and time to explore the park. The rain date is Sunday, May 25.
Cost: $5 per person aged 11 and up
Allaire State Park, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
AAPI Storytime
May 24 at 3 PM
Gather up the family and head to this special story time event that helps celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. During this story time, little ones will have the chance to explore different Asian cultures, including bilingual Cantonese-English books.
Cost: Free
Monty and Milo, 4 Division Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Memorial Day Parade
May 24 at 10 AM
Head to the annual Memorial Day parade and honor all those who lost their lives for our country. The parade begins at 10 AM, and there will be a short ceremony at Monument Hall at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Princeton Monument Hall, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540
Memorial Day Parade/Ceremony
May 24 at 9 AM
Bring the whole family to this parade and ceremony, which is the perfect way to take in this holiday and honor the brave who have sacrificed for our country.
Howard Boulevard from Borough Hall to Memorial Park, Mount Arlington, NJ 07856
May Summer Concert
May 24 at 3 PM
Get ready for the season with the first concert in this 2025 series featuring Rob Brock. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on.
Cost: Free
Mt. Arlington Memorial Park, Mountainside Avenue & North Glen Avenue, Mount Arlington, NJ 07856
44th Annual Collingswood May Fair
May 24 at 10 AM
This annual event will have lots of family fun, including blocks of attractions, artists and crafters, carnival games, rides, and children-friendly crafters. There will also be live music and food.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107
2025 Memorial Day Parade – Lawrence Township
May 24 at 10 AM
This parade will honor the men and women who lost their lives in military service. The Lawrence Township Police Department, Lawrence Township Fire Department, Lawrence Township EMS, and Lawrence Township Public Works Department will participate in the parade. The parade will end at Veterans Park, where a ceremony will take place featuring music from the Lawrence Township Community Band, a cannon salute, and wreath-laying.
Cost: Free
The parade kicks off at Lawrence High School and proceeds to Veterans Park
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
May 24 at 11 AM
Come salute brave veterans and fallen heroes at Washington Township’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. This ceremony will take place rain or shine at Rock Spring Park’s War Memorial Site. The keynote speaker will be First Lieutenant Timothy E. Fallon, USMC.
Cost: Free
35 E Springtown Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 24-26 at 11 AM
Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival. Enjoy 40 mouth-watering food trucks and sample everything from lobster rolls to mac and cheese to fried Oreos. This event will feature live music on each day. Free activities for the kids include clowns, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house.
Cost: Free
Monmouth Park Race Track, 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Berry Bash Festival
May 24-25 at 10 AM
Enjoy some time with the fam during the strawberry peak season at this festival. The festival will feature live music, wine, scenic hayride tours, delicious food, and the chance to pick your own succulent strawberries.
Cost: Ticket prices TBA
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Renaissance Faire NJ
May 24-25
Take a step back into the 16th century, and 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).
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 24-25
It’s the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to spend it than with the family at the beach? There will be vendors, a parade, food, and music all weekend.
Cost: Free
Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Spring AdventureFest
May 24-25
Bring the entire family and enjoy a free outdoor production of Riddlesbrood’s The Magic of Merlin in Historic Smithville. The interactive show is a fantastical journey featuring a choose-your-own-adventure style where the audience uses their cell phones to decide how the brave heroes’ journey unfolds. The story changes with every performance, making it a unique experience each time you watch it.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Absecon, NJ 08201
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 24-25 at 9 AM
Stroll along the boards overlooking the ocean and peruse the collection of talented artisans and crafters, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to unique artwork and beach-inspired treasures. This show will be held rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
24th Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 25 at 10 AM
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 24th Annual Seaport Craft Show featuring handmade crafts from over 60 crafters and artisans. Art, jewelry, and unique gifts will be available. Don’t miss the live entertainment at 12 PM.
Cost: Free
325-329 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
NJ Jerk Fest 2025
May 25 at 1 PM
Looking for something different to do? Head to this festival, where you will find vibes, music, and delicious jerk chicken right off the grill. There will also be kids’ activities and shopping.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Boyd Park, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Oakland Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
May 25 at 1 PM
Bring the whole family out for a lively parade featuring the Indian Hills High School Marching Band, the Oakland Police Department, the Oakland Fire Department, the Oakland First Aid Squad, Essex Shillelagh Pipes and Drums, military vehicles, antique cars, and much more. A commemorative ceremony will be held at Veterans Park immediately following the parade.
Cost: Free
The parade route is from Dogwood Drive to Oak Street, along Ramapo Valley Road
Farmingdale’s 52nd Memorial Day Parade 2025
May 26 at 1 PM
Grab the fam and head to this annual parade, which is sure to delight everyone. Enjoy the patriotic setting of the town with music, dancing, classic cars, horse-drawn carriages, and more.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
2025 Jackson Memorial Day Parade
May 26 at 10 AM
This event is a great way to spend the day with the family. It includes a memorial ceremony, food, vendors, giveaways, live music, and children’s activities.
Cost: Free
Parade route – Starting at Holman Elementary School, proceeding down Manhattan Street, and ending at Johnson Park, Jackson, NJ 08527
Somerville Memorial Day Parade 2025
May 26 at 8:15 AM
Grab the fam and head to this parade that will include military style vehicles, veterans, people from town, and families participating in the Family Fun Ride. Join the ceremony at 10 AM at the Somerville New Cemetery.
Cost: Free
Corner of Culver Street and East High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
West Essex Memorial Day Parade
May 26 at 9:30 AM
Six different communities will be coming together to honor Memorial Day with a parade that is perfect for the entire family. After the parade, head to Crane Park for a moving ceremony.
Cost: Free
Forest Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ 07006
Hightstown’s Memorial Day Parade
May 26 at 9 AM
Round up the family and head to this parade, which will delight everyone and is a great way to spend the day together, remembering the reason for the holiday.
Cost: Free
Memorial Park, N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
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
