Time to break out the red, white, and blue—4th of July is here, and there’s so much to do with the fam this long weekend. Dress up your bikes and kids for a Patriotic Bicycle Parade in Lavallette, grab a bite and watch the sky light up at the Fireworks and Food Truck Festival in Paramus, and spend the night under the stars at the Battleship NJ Fireworks in Camden. And if you’re looking for more fun on the 4th, check out our 4th of July Fireworks Guide.
Featured Photo Credit: Istock/Manny DaCunha
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
ADVERTISEMENT: One-on-One with Janice Johnson Dias, PhD
June 30 at 12 PM
Renowned sociologist, educator, public scholar, and author of “Parent Like it Matters: How to Raise, Joyful, Change-Making Girls,” Dr. Janice Johnson Dias will discuss how healthcare disparities impact Black and brown women. The first 5 registrants will receive a copy of her book.
Cost: Free
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Virtual
nbivirtualcommunity@rwjbh.org
ADVERTISEMENT: Paint and Sip from Home with Simone Anthony-Brown
June 30 at 6 PM
Enjoy a relaxing evening of guided waiting instruction with Simone, instructor/owner of Express Yourself Studios. The first 25 registrants will receive a paint-and-sip kit. Please reserve your spot and provide your mailing address by June 15th.
Cost: Free, supplies needed for the event
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Virtual
nbivirtualcommunity@rwjbh.org
July 1 – August 29
Performers from all over the world will perform in a 2-hour show. Acts, thrills, and laughs will keep the whole family entertained. Watch The All American Motorcycle thrill team in the Globe of Death or the circus performers from America’s Got Talent.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Showboat Atlantic City – 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 487-4600
July 2 at 10 PM. Raindate is 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
July 3 from 9 AM-10 AM
Get that red, white, and blue ready—join a longstanding Lavallette tradition and decorate your bicycle for a Fourth of July bike parade. Open to all ages.
Cost: Free
President Avenue Beach, Lavalette, NJ 08735
(844) 365-6952
July 3 from 10 AM-4 PM
Try freshly made ice cream churned by Farmer Jim and his crew. A “hit or miss” engine will churn gallons of ice cream while the Jugtown Mountain String Band will perform. And don’t miss the kids’ games and farmhouse tours —plus crafts, surrey rides, and ice cream are 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
July 3 at 9 PM
Treat yourself to some fantastic food trucks, an ice cream truck, a self-guided scavenger hunt, and enjoy a day of family fun before taking in the fireworks show at the Tuckerton Seaport. The day begins with a parade down Main Street at 10 AM, and then the family fun continues from 10 AM – 7 PM for the celebration. Finish off the night with the fireworks show at dusk. Rain date July 10.
Cost: $5
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum; 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
(609) 296-8868
July 4 from 12 PM-4 PM
Bring the 1890s into the 2000s at Longstreet Farm. Music, games, and contests will be available at this Independence Day celebration.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
July 4 at 12 PM
Celebrate an annual celebration with a children’s decorated bike parade and fireworks display. Food trucks, live music, and carnival rides will also be available.
Cost: Firework show is free; other activities may have a fee
Soldier’s Memorial Field – 5 Myrtle Ave., Summit, NJ 07901
(908) 277-2932
July 4 at 2 PM
Come hungry to sample over 20 food trucks, and the kiddos can enjoy a DJ, inflatables, arm/leg painting, and kids’ activities. At night, cuddle up to watch the spectacular fireworks show.
Cost: Admission is $5. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Paramus Food Pantry
Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex and Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
July 4 at 2 PM
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 4th of July fireworks in New Jersey, and there is a live music performance at 8 PM. And good to know—there is no parking in Knight Park on the 4th.
Cost: Free
401 Knight Park House, Oaklyn, NJ 08107
(856) 854-0720
July 4 departs at 6:45 PM and 7 PM
Get out on the water to see the most famous fireworks in the country—Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. The whole family can spend the evening eating and viewing the fireworks from the deck. This event is kid-friendly.
Cost: $165 adult, $155 for ages 62 and up, and $125 for ages 4-12
NY Waterway – Port Imperial – 4800 Avenue at Port Imperial, Weehawken, NJ 07086
(800) 533-3779
July 4 from 7 PM-10 PM
Watch the fireworks on the Battleship NJ with a 5-inch gun salute. Or watch like an Admiral at the top of the Open Navigation Bridge. There will also be music, food concessions, and a cash bar for adults. The Battleship will open her decks at 7 PM. The fireworks shows are projected to begin at 9:30 PM. While you can’t bring in chairs, food, or beverages, blankets are allowed.
Cost: $10 donation or $100 for the Admiral Fireworks Experience
62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 966-1652
July 4 at 9:30 PM
Celebrate our nation’s freedom with a gorgeous fireworks display on Jersey City’s waterfront that rounds out a huge free family event with Fireworks by Grucci. Grucci, also known as the Guinness World Record holder for the “Largest Fireworks Display” ever recorded, will transform the night sky on the 4th. Stay tuned for a map of locations.
Cost: Free
Exchange Place at Montgomery and Hudson, Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 547-6921
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
Psst—want to read more posts like this? Sign up for NJMOM’s weekly newsletter, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and use #NJMOM on all your adventures around New Jersey.
