It’s official—summer is here, the smell of the ocean is so close, and we’re ready to do all the things to do in NJ this summer. Whether your family loves to head to the shore, go to the lake, hit the amusement parks, or stay close to home, we’re here to tell you that summer 2024 in NJ will be epic. Spend a day at a waterpark overlooking the sand, hit one of the festivals with live music, cruise along the coast searching for whales, or zipline above the trees for a unique adventure. Ready to fill your bucket list? Scroll down for ways to make this summer the best one yet. (featured photo credit: Phil Hoops @hoopsapproved)

Fun things to do in NJ this summer

Try all the coasters

Get your summer thrills on fun rides and coasters around the Garden State. Try the New Jersey Devil roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. Go for the thrills at Land of Make Believe in Hope Township or climb aboard construction-themed rides at Diggerland USA in West Berlin. Whatever adventure you want, there are plenty of rides and kiddie experiences at one of the many New Jersey amusement parks.

Get festive

They’re baaack—summer festivals and fairs are here to bring on the family fun. Find festivals with food trucks, live music, vendors, or rides in towns near you all season. Or gear up for statewide ones, like the State Fair Meadowlands (June 20- July 7), with thrills, spills, and many family-friendly shows. Later in the summer, August 2-10, the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm & Horse Show will have carnival rides, a Monster Truck show, and a Demo Derby. So get ready to pack up the car and taste fried Oreos, ride all the rides, and get in some quality family time at a fair.

Size up the shore

Whether you like to jump right into the ocean or sit under an umbrella in the shade, spending time at the shore is an NJ summer rite of passage. Yes, there are so many beaches and so little time, and if you’re not sure where to start, look at our recommendations of the 11 best beaches with tips on where to park (and where the free ones are). Make sure you get your 2024 NJ beach badge, and if your kiddos are looking to ride the waves, they can hang ten and get surf lessons at the shore.

Step back in time to a historic seaside town

Victorian homes, delicious restaurants, and, of course, the beach—Cape May hotels are where it’s at. From M&M pancakes at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House to a Taco Tuesday lunch at Big Wave Burritos, Cape May is a shore gem you should visit at least once. Book an overnight in one of the family-friendly Virginia Cottages with a chef-style kitchen or Lokal Hotel with child-friendly suites with private decks. And you’ve been warned—it will be hard to tear yourself away from this seaside paradise.

Sizzle, boom, pop!

It wouldn’t be summer without a fireworks show, and our summer fireworks guide will bring on the sizzle and spark. See the weekly fireworks along the shore, set your blanket down to watch the 4th of July fireworks, or find that perfect spot in the park to watch the live show. Seeing fireworks in NJ is truly one of those staple summertime activities for the whole crew.

Take a quick escape

Want a quick getaway without a pricey plane ticket or lots of gas? If you love the outdoors and roasting marshmallows, try camping. The Garden State is full of locations to pitch your tent and settle in for a fun night. Or, if you want plusher accommodations, check into one of the many family resorts you can get to in under two hours. Lucky enough to have a sitter for the kids? Then it’s time to book that adult-only getaway you keep talking about.

See NJ’s top spots

While many NJ attractions are open year-round, there is something special about hitting them up in the summer months. From exploring the ecosystem in Sandy Hook to seeing the animals at Cape May County Park and Zoo, NJ is full of must-see places. And if you are looking for something a little different, there are strange attractions you’ll want to add to your bucket list, too, like the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg.

Chase the waterfalls

Did you know that waterfalls are scattered around the Garden State, some small and some up to 77 feet tall? Explore everything from Buttermilk Falls in Layton to Tillman Ravine in Branchville. Waterfalls on a hike are an excellent reward when you reach your destination. And don’t miss the second largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi at Paterson Great Falls in Paterson.

Climb to the top of an NJ lighthouse

Want a peek into our state’s maritime history? New Jersey lighthouses are historic and beautiful, have outstanding views, and are worth visiting for the fun climb to the top and museum area. Visit East Point Lighthouse, built in 1849, or the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, which almost resembles a gingerbread cottage. Another reason to seek out a lighthouse? Climbing the stairs to the top is also a great way to burn off extra out-of-school energy.

Let loose on the swings

Nothing starts or finishes a summer day like time on the playground. Take a road trip to explore a new one, like Newport Green Park in Jersey City or Ocean Acres Park in Stafford Township, and explore our list of the best playgrounds around. Spending time down the shore? Hit up one of the beach playgrounds from Long Branch to North Wildwood to keep your toes in the sand with ocean views.

Get sky high

Climb up into the trees and fly on a zip line for a unique perspective and adventure. Take a Tarzan swing at Tree to Tree in Cape May, scale a 50-foot climbing wall at The Mainland Adventure Park in Manahawkin, or get the best ocean views you will ever see at Jenkinson’s Adventure Ropes Course. Whether ziplining is your sport or you like the challenge of ropes courses, there are over 8 places to keep your little adventurer more than occupied. Want to really soar? Try parasailing for a unique and thrilling shore perspective of the ocean and beach. 

Let your flip-flops hit the boards

The smell of funnel cake and the sound of the waves and screams from the amusement rides can only mean one thing—yup, you are at a Jersey Shore boardwalk. There are six family-friendly boardwalks on the Jersey Shore each featuring iconic landmarks and pavilions that have entertained generations of families each summer. Don’t miss the family-friendly Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk, and for more things to do in NJ this summer down the shore, strolling the boards at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood is a must.

Spend the day on the water

You don’t have to travel to Alaska—yes, NJ whale watching is a thing. From the Sunstreak in the Highlands to the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center in Cape May, you can spot Northern Right whales, Minke, or even Humpbacks without leaving your home state. Want your kids to live out their seafaring fantasies? Hop aboard one of the pirate adventures down the shore. Dress up like a pirate on Jersey Shore Pirate or dance like one on Black Pearl Pirate Tours for a swashbuckling family adventure. Want to plan your own adventure? Rent a boat from one of the marinas on a lake or at the shore. 

Hit a homerun with the fam

Batter up—the Garden State is full of baseball teams that hit a home run in family entertainment and one of the top things to do in NJ this season. The best part is that these baseball games are more than just the game—there’s food, entertainment, and even bounce houses for the kids. Watch players from the Jersey Shore Blue Claws or the Somerset Patriots before they go pro. 

Get soakin’ wet

Plunge down a waterslide, drift in the lazy river, or get knocked down in the wave pool. Waterparks in New Jersey are a great way to cool off from the hot Jersey sun. Glide down a slide at Thundering Surf Waterpark in Long Beach Island, try the wave pool at Diggerland USA in West Berlin, or enjoy a pirate-themed adventure at the Land of Make Believe at Pirate’s Cove in Hope. Looking for a free way to get wet? Spend the afternoon at one of the fantastic splash parks.

Get out on the lake

Getting out on the water doesn’t always mean the shore. There are a bunch of pristine swimming lakes in NJ that are just as family-friendly as the ocean. Lakes like Sunrise, Greenwood, and Lake Nummy are perfect for a day on the water. Or, if you’re a family who craves adventure, explore the wildlife-rich Rahway River or the historic Parvin Lake by kayaking or canoeing in NJ.

Make it a movie night

A movie under the stars is even better than a theater, and heading to a drive-in movie or outdoor one on the sand can always be a great idea. Catch a movie at the Delsea Drive-In Theater, which many call a Vineland gem, for a unique and retro experience of seeing a drive-in movie in NJ. If you want to ditch the car and bring a blanket or chair instead, there are still plenty of options. New Jersey has outdoor movies at the park, the beach, and even along the river.

Snag something sweet

There is nothing like a frozen, sweet treat on a hot summer day, and there are so many delicious options all over the state. Step back in time and try one of the old-fashioned ice cream shops to treat your sweet tooth. Or, don’t miss gourmet ice cream shops like Amanda Bananas in the Hoboken area, Cookman Creamery in Asbury Park, or Sundae Best Homemade Ice Cream in Avalon. 

Parks for the win

Explore the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park spanning several New Jersey counties, or take in the fantastic views at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. High Point State Park, Hurd Park, and Branch Brook Park are just some NJ parks to visit this summer. Whether you hike, bike, or walk the trails, visiting a park is a great way to get active in warmer weather.

Pick the freshest flowers and fruits

One of the best things to do in NJ this summer? U-pick farms where you can pick fruits, flowers, and veggies to bring home. Get a whiff of aromatic lavender at a lavender farm and take home some lavender treats from lavender lotions, lavender tea, or lavender for baking. Visiting one of the blueberry picking farms or going peach picking is another sweet way to spend the afternoon with the family. And summer isn’t complete without picking your own sunflowers or getting lost in a sunflower maze.

Have some adult-only fun

Did you know that there were over 100 small vineyards in NJ pre-Prohibition? The deep, sandy soil, mild weather, and long growing season give New Jersey a boost to produce the perfect grapes for a large variety of wines. In fact, South Jersey’s Outer Coastal Plain has the same climate and soil as the Bordeaux region in France, making for world-class wines that are affordable and close to home. Learn about wine-making or stick with sipping on vino at over 50 vineyards and wineries in the Garden State. Or, if you are looking for a lager, visit a brewery in NJ. Want something stronger? Head to a craft distillery specializing in bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin.

Save some cash

Looking to save money? You’re in luck since there are lots of free things to do in NJ whenever the mood (or your budget) strikes. Check out what you can do without costing a dime—visit an art museum in Princeton, hop on a free kayak or canoe at Scotland Run Park in Gloucester County, or head to the free Cape May Zoo. And one of the best-kept secrets of the Jersey Shore is the free, no-badge-required beaches you can visit during the season in the Wildwoods, Cape May, and Atlantic City. 

Make this summer a hole-in-one

The family that plays together stays together, and there are plenty of mini-golf locations to keep you going all summer. Explore 19 holes with life-size African animals at Mini Golf Safari next to Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, or head over to the Asbury Eighteen for 18 holes of mini-golf with a beach vibe in Asbury Park. Down the shore, you can get scary and try out your spooky putt-putt skills at Haunted Golf in Ocean City. Whether you like your mini-golf with pirates or animals, hitting the putt-putt course is a family must this summer.

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