It’s the last weekend in June (how’d that happen?), and from festivals to pre-Fourth festivities, we’ve got a bunch of fun things to do with the family. Enjoy hopping on rides, playing games, and riding a firetruck at the Fireman’s Carnival in Chester, take in the sounds of the New Jersey Symphony outside at Branch Brook Park in Newark, or celebrate Independence Day early with a Parade and Fireworks in Maple Shade. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: iStock/wicki58)
New Jersey Symphony at Branch Brook Park in Newark
June 26 at 7:30 PM
Enjoy the sounds of the New Jersey Symphony while taking in the beauty of Branch Brook Park. The music will range from timeless classics and Broadway themes to patriotic favorites. Make sure to bring your own lawn chair/blanket.
Cost: Free
Jim Wise Theater, Kupfrian Hall at NJIT, 154 Summit St, Newark, NJ 07103
Barking Lots
June 26 at 5:30 PM
Spend the evening with the family enjoying delicious food trucks, live music, corn hole, games, a dog pool party, and more. This event will help support homeless animals in the community.
Cost: Free
Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ 08043
Jurassic June – Movie Nights
June 26 at 6 PM
Grab the family and get ready for a roaring good time at Jurassic June! This step back in time starts at 5 PM, and before the movie begins, guests can explore the museum and dig for real fossils in our quarry, making it a night packed with prehistoric fun from start to finish. Come dressed as your favorite Jurassic Park character for even more fun. There are two showings of Jurassic Park each night: 6 PM & 8:30 PM. The 6 PM showing will be in the theater. The 8:30 PM showing will be both on the veranda and in the theater. Select your showing at checkout.
Cost: $30
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua, NK 08080
Chester Firemen’s Carnival
June 26-27 at 6:30 PM
Bring the whole family to this carnival in support of the Chester Volunteer Firemen. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, play games, listen to live music, and ride on a fire truck. There will also be fireworks at night.
Cost: Wristbands and $35 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
290 West Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Saint Ambrose Parish Carnival
June 26-27
Pony rides, face painting, glitter tattoos, games, food, rides, and nightly character visits—this carnival has it all.
Cost: $35 online before June 22 at midnight; $45 when purchased at the event
St. Ambrose Parish Carnival, St Ambrose, 61 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Saint Mary’s Great Fair
June 26-27
The Fair opens at 6 PM, but at 5:30 PM, there will be a special Kiddie Zone. Bracelet night is every night of the fair. There will be rides, games, 50/50’s, and boardwalk games.
Cost: $30 after Mass, $35 at the fair
18 Cherry Tree Farm Rd, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
Scotch Plains Revolution 250
June 26-27
This two-day event will have a parade, a ceremony, food, fireworks, and live music.
Cost: Free
Downtown Scotch Plains and Shady Rest Country Club, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Margate Beachstock
June 27 at 8 AM
Head to the beach for a full day of family fun. Enjoy live music, free surf, kite lessons, children’s activities, new food vendors, and more. This event will feature the Red Bull Foam Wreckers Soft Board Surf Classic, fun environmental, educational, interactive activities, and live music. The rain date is June 28.
Between Granville and Huntington Avenues, Margate, NJ 08402
Manchester Day
June 27 at 2 PM
Come out for a day filled with fireworks, vendors, free rides, games, and so much more. Live entertainment starts at 6 PM, featuring “Kickin’ Wing” and “KBrown Express,” and there will be games, prizes, free swimming, and fireworks at dusk.
Cost: Free
Harry Wright Lake, Manchester Twp, NJ 08759
Morris County Pride 2026
June 27 at 11 AM
This family-friendly event will feature onstage performances, food, crafts, merchandise vendors, and community groups, as well as special offerings for children, teens, and adults.
Cost: Details to come
214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869
Blueberry Summer Fest
June 27
Pick blueberries, take a wagon ride, enjoy locally made blueberry pies, donuts, and cakes, tour the home of The Blueberry Queen, Elizabeth Coleman White, and shop with handmade vendors while listening to music on the Whitesbog stage.
Cost: no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Maple Shade Independence Day Celebration
June 27 at 12 PM
Celebrate Independence Day with a parade and fireworks. The parade will start on Main Street, and fireworks will be at Maple Shade High School at dusk.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
Juneteenth Celebration
June 27 at 12 PM
Head to this event and celebrate freedom, culture, and community. There will be local vendors, local crafters, delicious food trucks, and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Free
30 Western Drive, Westampton, NJ 08060
Terhune Orchard’s Blueberry Bash
June 27-28 at 10 AM
Celebrate everything blueberry with tons of family fun all weekend long. From a pupper theatre and bubble fun to picking blueberries and saying hello to the barnyard friends.
Cost: Free to enter
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Summer Poured Perfectly Food Truck Fest
June 27-28 at 11 AM
Enjoy the start of summer at this fun festival at Laurita Winery, which will include live bands, vineyard wagon tours, fun food trucks, and delicious wine for all of the adults. There will also be face painting fun for the little ones.
Cost: $14 online; admission is free for everyone under 21.
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Fantasy Faire
June 27-28 at 10 AM
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center proudly declares that Fantasy Faire returns on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. In partnership with Mystic Realms, Ltd®, this annual event features talented performers as they bring to life the “Kingdom of Wheaton” by enacting a series of interconnected shows. Visitors of all ages can interact with strolling costumed characters portraying historical and mythical figures throughout WheatonArts’ campus.
Cost: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $8 for students; children 5 and under are free
WheatonArts, 1000 Village Drive, Millville, NJ 08332
Cars At The Park Car Show
June 28 at 10 AM
Come check out all the cool cars while enjoying the summer weather. There will also be delicious food, drinks, a DJ, and more.
Cost: Free
2168 State Route 31, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
Atlantic City 4th of July Fireworks
June 28 at various locations
As a city known for its grandeur and over-the-top displays, these fireworks in NJ are not to be missed. The free show is viewable from places along the beach and the casino district. Catch the North Beach show on June 28 at 9:30 PM.
Cost: Parking costs
North Beach, North Beach Boardwalk area, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
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