It’s Fourth of July weekend, celebrating our country’s 250th birthday, so there are a bunch of patriotic things to do with the fam. Hit up one of the patriotic parades or fireworks displays up and down the state, see live music, nonstop entertainment, and a fireworks display at the 9th Annual Family Fun Fest in Keansburg, or enjoy a weekend of fun including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a golf cart parade, and a boat parade at Fourth of July Events in Avalon. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: iStock/cindygoff)
FEATURED
A Day Out With Thomas
August 7-9
Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled family event taking place at The Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Each ticket includes a train ride with a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as well as access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy. Activities include live entertainment, photo ops with Sir Topham Hatt, lawn games and shopping at the pop-up gift shop for exclusive Thomas swag. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun that’ll have the whole family dancing.
Cost: $22 per person
38 Market Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Fourth of July Events in Avalon
July 2-4
Kick off the Fourth celebrations with a reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 2 at Surfside Park, followed by live music from American Soul. On July 3, watch a golf cart parade at Surfside Park, and then on July 4, head to the Avalon Yacht Club for a boat parade, hang at the beach, and then catch the fireworks lighting up the night.
Cost: Free
Surfside Park, Avalon Yacht Club, and Beachfront, Avalon, NJ 08202
Paramus Fireworks Show and Food Truck Festival
July 3
At night, cuddle up to watch the spectacular fireworks show. Make sure you don’t forget your blanket or chair.
W. Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652
Stone Harbor Fireworks
July 3 at 9:15 PM
Bring the whole family to the Recreation Fields or the beach and enjoy the Independence Day fireworks show that will light up the night.
Cost: Free
Recreation Fields, 81st Street and Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Denville Semiquincentennial Days
July 3-5
Denville Days will transform Gardner Field into a vibrant festival grounds featuring three full days of live music and entertainment, including a Friday night kickoff under the big tent, a dedicated kids activity area with games and hands-on crafts, picnic spaces with food vendors and classic festival fare, a beer garden, friendly competitions and contests for all ages, an arts and crafts market, exciting tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), and the town’s traditional fireworks display lighting up the July sky.
Cost: Free
Gardner Field, 1 St Mary’s Place, Denville, NJ 07834
Fireworks, Drones & America’s 250th on the Delaware
July 3-5
New Hope and Lambertville come together for a three day America 250th festival featuring Revolutionary-era theater, a synchronized fireworks and 200-drone sky show, music, a lively parade, dragon boat racing, and church bells ringing across both towns. There will also be local specials at restaurants and shops.
Cost: Free events
Locations throughout Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA
Star-Spangled Nights at Great Adventure
July 3-4
It’s a party at Great Adventure with rides, music, and discounted tickets, capped off by a gorgeous fireworks display.
Cost: Price of admission ticket
1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527
Atlantic City 4th of July Fireworks in New Jersey Shows
July 4 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. Tropicana will offer a fireworks spectacular at 10 PM on July 4.
Cost: Parking costs
Tropicana – 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Fireworks from the Battleship
July 4 at 7:30 PM
Take in the fantastic view of the fireworks over the Delaware River. Enjoy live music, face painting for kids, food concessions, bar service, and more. The Battleship’s decks will open at 7:30 PM. Fireworks begin around 9:30 PM.
Cost: $10
Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ 08103
Independence Weekend in Ocean Grove
July 4 at 10:30 AM
The parade is on rain or shine at 10:30 AM, and at 7:30 PM, there will be a Patriotic Concert in the Great Auditorium.
Cost: Free
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
9th Annual Family Fun Fest
July 4 at 12 PM
This kickoff summer event is a great way to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary. There will be time on the beach, live music, nonstop entertainment, and a fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Baywalk East, 2 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg, NJ 07734
City of Jersey City 4th of July
July 4 at 9:30 PM
A street festival, vendors curated by Jersey City Night Market, live concerts, and a free bike check with Bike JC will all be in Jersey City on the 4th of July. Then, at night, you won’t want to miss the world-famous Grucci fireworks on the Hudson.
Cost: Free
Montgomery Street, Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Bergen County Star-Spangled Spectacular
July 4 at 9:30 PM
Head to Overpeck County Park for an afternoon and evening packed with patriotic fun, including live music, food trucks, carnival attractions, inflatables, a beer and wine garden, and one of Bergen County’s biggest fireworks shows.
Cost: Free
Overpeck County Park, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
Florham Park Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 at 9:30 PM
Come out for Florham Park’s largest July 4th celebration ever, beginning with a flag-raising ceremony at 9 AM at the firehouse, followed by our patriotic parade, the longest running in New Jersey history. After the parade, head over to the Boro lawn for a family picnic and activities, including kiddie rides. There will be live music, an ’80s tribute band, and the biggest fireworks display ever put on in Florham Park.
Cost: Free
Overpeck County Park, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
Bay Village July 4th Fireworks
July 4
Come to Taylor Avenue to see fireworks light up the sky on Long Beach Island. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Long Branch Oceanfest
July 4 at 9 PM
Since 1990, hundreds of thousands have flocked to Long Branch’s oceanfront promenade for Oceanfest. This all-day, family-friendly festival brings together the most memorable sights, sounds, and sensations of the summer. The fireworks display at dusk caps off the day.
Cost: Free
1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Seaside Heights Fireworks
July 4 at 9:30 PM
Spend the day on the boardwalk and the night at the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular. The show is visible from anywhere on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Freedom Festival and Fireworks
July 4, the event starts at 6 PM
Celebrate the 4th at the Camden Waterfront with a star-studded festival featuring The Commodores and a salute to America and our veterans. Then, top it all off with a fireworks show over the Delaware.
Cost: Free
Wiggins Waterfront Park & Marina, Riverside Drive, and Martin Luther King Boulevard, Camden, NJ 08102
Fun on the Fourth in Collingswood
July 4 at dusk
Water games, raft races, and more during the day, and watch the sky light up with fireworks at night. Gates open at 6:30 PM for the fireworks, with a live music performance at 7:45 PM. And FYI—Knight Park will have no parking on the 4th.
Cost: Free
401 Knight Park House, Oaklyn, NJ 08107
Margate July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4 at 9 PM
Join in on this annual July 4th celebration on the beach, sponsored by the Margate Mothers’ Association. Don’t forget your beach chairs and blankets.
Cost: Free
101 S. Huntington Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402
Ocean City Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 at 9 PM
After a fun day on the beach, families look forward to lining up on the boardwalk for this annual event. Before settling in to watch the fireworks show, you can enjoy the rides or watch the kite flying competition at 7 PM, followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Boardwalk, 9th Street Beach, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Washington Township Fireworks
July 4 at 9 PM
Visitors can see the parade at 6:30 PM at Washington Township High School, and fireworks begin at 9 PM. The rain date is July 5.
Cost: Free
Washington Township High School – 529 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road #2831, Sewell, NJ 08080
Sea Isle City Fireworks
July 4 at 9:15 PM
Launching from an ocean barge near 50th Street Beach, the Sea Isle Independence Day Fireworks Show will not disappoint–catch the show while making yourself comfy with chairs and blankets on the beach.
Cost: Free
50th Street Beach, Sea Isle City, 08243
Wildwoods Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
July 4 at 10 PM
Set up your blankets and chairs on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue or anywhere along the Wildwoods Boardwalk and enjoy this special holiday fireworks extravaganza. The fireworks will launch on Pine Avenue and be visible from the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Smithville Fourth of July Parade
July 4 at 9 AM
This parade kicks off at the Smithville Town Center with patriotic costumes, fire trucks, antique cars, and more. The parade will follow its usual route: east on Smithville Boulevard to Moss Mill Road, then west on Moss Mill to Historic Smithville. Up to 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route, ending with an Independence Day ceremony in Smithville’s Village Greene.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, 615 E Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
2026 Moorestown 4th of July Parade: 1776
July 4 at 12 PM
This year’s parade theme is Let Freedom Ring. Watch floats, marchers, and bands along the parade route, which starts on Chester Avenue at the E. Central Avenue intersection. The route continues up Chester Avenue, turns right onto Main Street, and continues to Church Street.
Cost: Free
Corner of Chester and E. Central Avenue
Sussex County Miners Post Game Fireworks
July 4, after the game
You’ll be striking out if you take the family to a Miners game and miss the fireworks. This fireworks show is the biggest one of the season—the 4th of July show is Hometown Heroes night, too.
Cost: Fireworks show included in-game admission
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Semiquincentennial 4th of July Celebration
July 4-5 at 11 AM
Make this Independence Day weekend a family event at Cold Spring Village’s annual Independence Day Celebration. This event features a variety of family activities, programs, and music. The Village’s restored historic buildings will feature demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts. There will be a Militia Muster for children ages 5 to 12, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence and much more.
Cost: Starting at $12
Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
Jenkinson’s Independence Day Fireworks
July 5 at 9:30 PM
Weather and wind permitting, fireworks will burst into the air at the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. Don’t miss the amusement park, games, and food on the boardwalk while you are there.
Cost: Free
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Belmar 4th of July Fireworks & Light Show
July 5 at 8 PM
Head down the shore to Belmar for a free concert, a computerized light show, and fireworks to finish off the night. The best viewing position is Silver Lake Park on the grass in front of Taylor Pavilion.
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Silver Lake Park, 410 7th Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
