Woohoo—summer is (un) officially starting this three-day weekend, and with it, lots of things to do with the fam. Start with a spa day at Family Days at Island Spa this Memorial Day Weekend in Edison, see beautiful kites fly high at the Wildwoods International Kite Festival in Wildwood, or step back in time at the Renaissance Faire in Bordentown. And after much time off, Memorial Day events are back, including Freehold’s 148th Memorial Day Parade and the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ceremony in Holmdel. And if you want to fill up that spring calendar, don’t miss our guide to free things to do in NJ in May. (feature photo credit: iStock/DnHolm)
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
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Family Days at Island Spa this Memorial Day Weekend
May 28-30
This Memorial Day Weekend, relax with the whole family at Island Spa and Sauna! Children of all ages will be welcome within the spa on May 28-30. Children must be accompanied by a same-sex parent/guardian at all times.
Cost: Weekday admission is $35, and weekend admission is $40 for all guests, including children. Admission includes access to our 30,000 square foot Korean spa, our traditional Korean bathhouses, five dry saunas, an ice sauna, lounge areas, and juice bar/restaurant.
1769 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ 08817
(732) 253-7379
Springing into Summer Carnival at Franklin Pond
May 25-29, 6 PM on Wednesday and Thursday and 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday
Bring the whole family out for five days of fun with food, treats, carnival games, and rides. There is something for everyone in the family.
Cost: $32 presale wristband and $35 at the event
6 Corkhill Road, Franklin, NJ 07416
LEAD Carnival
May 26-30, June 1-5, 8-12, Wednesday- Friday starts at 5 PM, and Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day start at 12 PM
Head out to this lively festival, including carnival rides and a performance by Granpa Cratchet. Children must be 36″ to ride most rides.
Cost: $5 and up
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 27 at 12 PM – May 30
Heading to the shore on Memorial Day weekend? The annual International Kite Festival begins on Friday with events and the 9 PM illuminated night kite fly. The rest of the weekend will soar high with the flying of giant inflatable kites, team flying, and family games and exhibitions at this lively and popular event.
Rio Grande Avenue and the Wildwoods Convention Center (4501 Boardwalk) Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 729-9000
Spring Lake 5K and Kids Race
May 27-28
The Spring Lake Five began in 1977 as a project of the Recreation Committee and the Town Council and now is one of the country’s biggest events, supporting local charities. This 5K in New Jersey is currently full, but the kid’s race still has open spots.
Cost: $20
Ocean Ave & Sussex Ave., Spring Lake, NJ US 07762
Land of Make Believe Opening
Opens Memorial Day Weekend
The Land of Make Believe will open for weekends only from Memorial Day weekend to the third weekend in June. Start the summer with lots of fun for the whole family.
Cost: $32.83 for adults and children, $30.01 for seniors
354 Great Meadows Road – Route 611, Hope, NJ 07844
Spring Open House and Craft & Farmers’ Market
May 28 at 9 AM and May 29 at 11 AM
It’s the 53rd Open House at Well-Sweep Herb Farm. There will be two full days of free informative lectures and presentations, tours of the gardens, and a special Craft and Farmers’ Market. This event will be held rain or shine.
Cost: Free
205 Mount Bethel Rd, Port Murray, NJ 07865
Collingswood 41st Annual May Fair
May 28 at 10 AM
This fair began in 1979 as a small “clothesline art exhibit,” and it now encompasses more than a mile of the business district along Haddon Avenue. There will be over 200 makers, and children can let loose in the “KidZone” with carnival games, rides, and kid-friendly crafters. The rain date is May 29.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
2022 Saturday Makers
May 28 at 10 AM
Join the monthly celebration of the creative community in Asbury Park with vendors and local makers. Asbury Fresh hosts this event, taking place in Kennedy Park.
Cost: Free
104 Grand Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Spring Craft and Vendor Fair
May 28 at 10 AM
Free admission and plenty of crafters and vendors for everyone. Enjoy a day with the family outdoors.
Cost: Free
Sparta Ambulance Squad, 14 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 07871
Spring into Summer at the Woodlands Village
May 28 at 10 AM
At this annual Spring into Summer event, shops will be kicking off their full-time summer season with entertainment, a food truck, face painting, henna, and crafts.
Cost: Free
Woodland Village, 1943 N Route 9, Clermont, NJ 08210
Green Valley Farms Rodeo
May 28 at 11:30 AM
Enjoy a live rodeo at Green Valley Farms. Gates open at 11:30 AM, the Kids Rodeo starts at 12:30 PM, and the Pro Rodeo begins at 2 PM.
Cost: $16 for adults, $12 for 12 and under, Veterans with ID and five and under are free; prices increase after May 25
997 Route 23 North, Wantage, NJ 07461
Family Fun Night Wall Stadium
May 28 at 4 PM
It’s time for some family fun mixed with a demolition derby as the main event. Discounted admission for the whole family.
Cost: adults $10, students 7-17 $5, and children 6 and under are free
1803 Highway 34 South, Wall Township, NJ 07719
Touch a Truck and Family Movie Night
May 28 at 7 PM
Start the evening with big vehicles and trucks with Touch-A-Truck and then end the night with a movie. Paw Patrol The Movie will be playing on the soccer fields on the right side of the park. Bring your own blankets and chairs.
Cost: Free
Mansfield Township Community Park, 24594 E Main St, Columbus, NJ 08022
Annual Fireworks Display on the Bay
May 28 at 7:30 PM
The Township of Ocean is hosting their Annual Fireworks Display of the Bay, and DJ Mike Thompson will be in the staging area. In addition, the Lunch Wagon food truck and ice cream will be on-site at Bay Front Park, located at the end of Bryant Rd. The music begins at 7:30 PM and fireworks at 9 PM. The rain date is May 29.
Cost: Free
Bryant Road, Waretown, NJ 08758
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 28-29 at 9 AM
There will be family fun, vendors, crafters, music, and food. Don’t miss the parade on Saturday at 10 AM.
Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
(732) 776-2999
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
May 28-29 at 9 AM
If you love handmade crafts and the shore, then this event is for you along the boardwalk overlooking the ocean. This show will be held rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts Memorial Day Craft
May 28 at 10 AM and May 29 at 12 PM
Remember and honor our veterans for Memorial Day by creating paper lanterns with the colors of the flag. The crafts are available all day. Drop-in crafts are included with regular museum admission.
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students & children 6 and older, and free for members and children under 6, family maximum admission $15.00.
9 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940
Renaissance Faire NJ
May 28-29 and June 4-5
Take a step back into the 16th century, and the kids can explore Nipper’s Nook. There they will find activities to fire the imagination, including unicorn rides, building your own magic wands, and the new gaming cart of wonder.
Cost: $25 and up
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 28 -30 at 11 AM
Monmouth Park’s biggest event—the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival—is back to its usual date and size. There will be 35 food trucks, music, and live horse racing with free family day events with clowns, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house from 12 PM-4 PM Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: Parking is free, and general admission is $6. Go to seatgeek.com/Monmouth and use the promo code FoodTrucks2022 to purchase your general admission for all three days of our Food Truck Festival in advance and save 15%. Children 12 and under are FREE.
175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Field Station Dinosaurs Opening Day
May 28-June 26 at 10 AM for the spring season
See over 30 life-size moving dinosaurs right in front of you at Field Station Dinosaurs. There will also be shows, games, and activities.
Cost: $17.75 and up
3 Overpeck Park Driveway, Leonia, NJ 07605
Stone Harbor Turtle Trot 5K Race and Fun Walk
May 29 at 8 AM
It’s the 22nd Annual Stone Harbor Turtle Trot, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Diamond Terrapin Program at The Wetlands Institute. Sign up for the 5K or get the whole family involved in the non-competitive, 2-mile fun walk. Prizes will be awarded in the 5k Race.
Cost: $25 for the fun walk and $30 for the 5K
95th Street and the beach, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
21st Annual Seaport Craft Show
May 29 at 10 AM
The Highlands Business Partnership will host the 21st Annual Seaport Craft Show with handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans. Art, jewelry, and unique gifts will be available. Don’t miss the live entertainment at 11 AM.
325-329 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 291-4713
Union Memorial Day Parade and Encampment
May 29 at 1 PM and May 30 at 10 AM
Bring out the kids to get a taste of real history—there will be a pre-Memorial Day Revolutionary War Encampment featuring American and British Crown Forces and historical demonstrations. Then on May 30, there will be a parade for all ages, and don’t miss the recreation of the Revolutionary War Battle at Veterans Honor Roll and Memorial Park.
Cost: Free
Several locations listed above in Union, NJ 07083
Meet the Chickens in the Children’s Garden
May 29 at 2 PM
Learn all about Calgo chickens and the different breeds, including their care routine and things to watch for when raising chickens. Children and their families are welcome to enter the coop to pet the chickens.
Cost: Free; all donations go towards the children’s garden at Calgo Gardens
462 Adelphia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Cape May Music Festival
May 29 at 7 PM
It’s a night under the stars with a Memorial Weekend concert with a patriotic theme. The show will honor those who gave all to protect our freedoms.
Cost: Free
Cape May Rotary Bandstand, 400-498 Lafayette Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Freehold’s 148th Parade
May 30 at 9:45 AM
Cheer on veterans organizations, youth sports teams, scouts, and community organizations while paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the United States. Find a spot along the route—the parade will begin at the corner of Brinkerhoff Ave. and Main Street, proceed down Main Street to Broadway, ending at the Monmouth County Courthouse. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Freehold Borough, NJ 07728
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ceremony
May 30 at 11 AM
This ceremony will remember and honor NJ veterans from the welcome to the posting of colors to Keynote Speaker Vincent Lorenzo. The Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center is also open free of charge.
Cost: Free
1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Ongoing Events
Broadway at the Garden State Plaza
Now-June 25 at 11 AM and 1 PM
See the best of Broadway for kids every Saturday, featuring songs and scenes from hit Broadway shows. This event is free for everyone and will highlight memorable scenes from your favorite Broadway shows like Aladdin, Wicked and Lion King, performed in a partnership with Bergen Performing Arts Center.
Cost: Free, a limited number of VIP tickets will be sold for each event for $10 and include an AMC kids movie theater ticket, a kids meal at Chick Fil A, a LEGO toy, and more.
Level 2, Macy’s Court Area, nearest Shake Shack, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
XC Summer Series
Now-August 31 on Wednesdays at 6 PM
Learn how to run cross country with a weekly series of 5K events on Wednesday nights from April 27 until August 31, 2022. There are a total of 15 races in the series. The course is open to all ages and abilities, and walkers are welcome.
Cost: $8-$10 per race or $50-$85 per series
Central Ave and North Cottage Road, Parsippany, NJ US 07954
Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Run
Every Saturday at 9 AM
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or cheer on participants at this fun event. This run is free, but make sure to register before attending.
Cost: Free
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
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