Spend this weekend with your kids experiencing fun and interactive events throughout New Jersey. Enjoy yummy food at Monmouth Park Racetrack’s Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival or at Trenton’s Mill Hill Park Pork Roll Festival. Celebrate our service men and women at Liberty State Park’s 2nd Annual Fleet Week or the Greek culture at Perth Amboy’s Greek Festival. Spend some time outdoors at Asbury Park’s Summer Kickoff Carnival, Wildwood’s International Kite Festival, or Bradley Beach’s Memorial Day Weekend Festival.
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
1. Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 26-28, 2018
Saturday & Sunday from 11:00AM to 5:30PM, Monday 11:30AM – 5:30PM
The Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival returns just in time for another spectacular Memorial Day Weekend. With over 40 unique food trucks to choose from paired with an amazing festival space, there is no reason for your family to miss out on all the fun. There will be three FULL days of fan favorites such as: ocean-fresh lobster rolls, savory empanadas, ice-cold lemonade, live music, ice-cold drinks, and family activities for everyone. Families are encourage to arrive early and keep in mind the festival will run until the end of live racing each day at approximately 5:30pm. Of course, for the many kids attending there will be FREE pony rides, face-painting, clowns and a bounce house. Spend your Memorial Day Weekend the right way, surrounded by family, food, and fun.
Monmouth Park Racetrack
175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Cost: Free for Children 12 & under, $5 Adult, $5 Parking
2. Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 25-27, 2018
Friday from 4:00PM to 8:00PM
Saturday from 11:00AM to 8:00PM (Parade at 10:00AM)
Sunday from 11:00AM to 8:00PM
The Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival will feature a plethora of food vendors, Beer and Wine tents, and Crafters that will reach a mile long. For the kids, there will also be jumping houses and many other family friendly activities to accompany the good time. If your family is looking for a great time, look no further than Bradley Beach.
Bradley Beach Boardwalk
Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Cost: Free
3. Asbury Park Summer Kickoff Carnival
May 23-28, 2018
Weds/Thurs from 5:00PM to 10:00PM, Fri from 5:00PM to 11:00PM, Sat from 12:00PM to 11:00PM, Sun/Mon from 1:00PM to 10:00PM
Asbury Park invites your family to their annual Summer Kickoff Carnival located at Bradley Park May 23-28, 2018, across the street from the famous Asbury Park Convention Hall. The annual Summer Kickoff Carnival will feature exciting rides for all ages, delicious food, challenging games, and much more. Admission to the carnival is free. Ride tickets are $1.25 per ticket, $25 for 20 tickets, and $50 for 56 tickets. Rides take 3 to 5 tickets each. There will be two ride wristband days on Thursday, May 24th and Memorial Day, May 28th. Ride wristbands are $25 per wristband/per day and allow for unlimited rides on the day of purchase.
Bradley Park
5th & Ocean Avenues, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Cost: $1.25 single tickets, $20 for 20 tickets, $50 for 56 tickets
Special Promotions: Thurs. May 24th $25 Unlimited Rides all day and Mon. May 28th $25 Unlimited Rides all day
4. 3rd Annual Fleet Week at Liberty State Park
Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Back for its third year, Fleet Week at Liberty State Park, celebrates the sea services and gives families an unparalleled opportunity to meet heroes that are Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Join the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard as they display the latest capabilities of their modern maritime services. There will be an array of activities, Military Static Display, Search & Rescue Demonstrations, and kids activities so all of the family can participate in this unique event.
Liberty State Park
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Cost: Free
5. Garden State Comic Fest: Great Adventure Edition
Sunday, May 27, 2018 from 12:00PM to 7:00PM
Six Flags Great Adventure will be hosting their fun filled mini-con. Comic-book lovers can feast their eyes upon comics, collectibles, artists and some of the best DC Comics cosplay around; all set with the backdrop of DC Comics themed roller coasters. Don’t miss your opportunity to strike a pose with Wonder Woman and Superman! Special Guest Appearance by Dean Cain, best known for his role as Clark Kent/Superman in the popular American television series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” Currently, Dean can be seen on the popular “Supergirl” TV series playing Jeremiah Danvers. Dean Cain will set aside some time for a panel discussion hosted by Bill Spadea from NJ 101.5 and Chasing News.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, NJ 08527
Online Cost: $51.99
Park Entrance Cost: $48.99 Child, $76.99 Adult
6. Perth Amboy Waterfront ARTS Festival 2017
May 25 & 26, 2018
Friday from 6:00PM to 10:00PM
Saturday from 12:00PM to 9:00PM (Bonfire at Night)
Art enthusiasts are not the only ones who will appreciate this spectacular festival. All families will get the chance to embrace the culture of many local and regional talented artists, who showcase their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, prints, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics, hand-made items, and breath-taking photography. Families will be treated to bands taking the stage throughout the day playing Latin sounds, rock, folk, jazz and acoustic music. The food court on display will also include over a dozen local eateries and food trucks. Even more of a reason to attend, this extraordinary event includes will also feature free arts and crafts activities for children and a community mural that everyone can participate in creating. The festival is sure to be a fun time for the whole family, and a good introduction to the world of art, or a great way to indulge in the arts.
Perth Amboy Waterfront
97 Sadowski Pkwy, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Cost: Free
7. The 2017 Pork Roll Festival
Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 10:00AM to 7:00PM
At The 2018 Pork Roll Festival, your family will experience the world’s largest selection of pork roll food items. Families will also get the chance to witness the finale of the Pork Roll Queen Pageant & Recipe Contests that will be accompanied by live bands throughout the day. The Festival will be also be home to food trucks, snack vendors, merchandise and craft vendors, and kids entertainment for the littles looking for more fun.
Mill Hill Park
100 South Broad Street, Downtown Trenton, NJ 08608
Cost: $5 for 4 tickets for $15
8. Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 25-28, 2018
Friday at 12:00PM
Saturday at 8:00AM
Sunday at 9:00AM
Monday at 11:00AM
The largest kite festival in North America is finally here and will take your family to greater heights. This event features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible creations. Event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities following include opening of the kite sales tent, a Friday night social via the local kite club and the 9 p.m. illuminated kite fly. Saturday includes the silent and loud auctions (open to all) and Saturday & Sunday include the flying of large inflatable kites, sport kite demo’s, team flying as well as family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Competition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
On the Beach at Rio Grande Avenue
And inside the Wildwoods Convention Center
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Cost: Free
9. Second Annual Shark Awareness Weekend
May 26-28, 2018 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Prepare the kiddies this Memorial Day Weekend as Adventure Aquarium focuses on the world’s most misunderstood predator – SHARKS!. Adventure Aquarium will be taking kids behind the scenes shark care taking and how OCEARCH keeps track of sharks in the wild. There will also be a Shark Fact or Fiction table where you will receive info and have to guess if it is fact or fiction so don’t forget to visit the Blue Mile in Zone B.
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Cost: $21.99 Child, $29.99 Adult
10. Art In the Park 2018
Sunday, May 28, 2018 at 10:00AM – 5:00PM (Rain or Shine)
Art In the Park assures your family a day filled with strolling through West End with visiting booths full of artistic creations made by local talents. Artists will have their showcases up and down Brighton Avenue and throughout West End Park. Make sure your family also checks out all the great restaurants and shops in the area too.
Brighton Avenue & West End Park
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Cost: Free
11. New Jersey Renaissance Faire
May 26-27, 2018 from 10:00AM to 6:00PM (Rain or Shine)
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire invites your family to figure out of myths and history as they are taken on a path and must figure out a way back on their paths. Greats such as Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael are back, and this time as the actual famous artists their names are based on. This Spring at Liberty Lake, popular historical figures from Machiavelli, Ferdinando de’ Medici, and more will transport your family to a family-friendly festival filled with entertainment, food (including giant pickles and the ever popular “dragon legs”), and mystifying activities including a Jousting Tournament, Human Chess Match, and seven hours of Sword Fighting, Juggling, Fire Breathing, Aerialists, Comedy and Music on a variety of stages. There will also be a wine garden, a Merchant Village filled with glass blowing, blacksmiths, and other fine trinkets. The NJ Renaissance Faire is an event your family just cannot miss, and is also nationally known for being the most interactive Faire, with 80 trained cast members who will make you and your family a part of the show, as soon as you walk through the castle gates.
Liberty Lake Day Camp
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, New Jersey 08505
Cost: $12 Child, $20 Adult
12. Cape May Music Festival
Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 7:00PM
The Cape May Music Festival will be a place filled with music and excitement for the whole family. The Atlantic Brass Band, under the baton of Salvatore Scarpa, presents a program of rousing American music, the perfect finish to the Memorial Day Weekend.The performance will be moved inside to Cape May Convention Hall if the weather is uncooperative. The perfect finish to your family’s Memorial Day Weekend.
Cape May Rotary Park
400 Lafayette Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Cost: Free
13. Highlands Annual Seaport Craft Show
Sunday, May 27, 2018; 10:00AM to 4:00PM
The Highlands Business Partnership will host their 18th Annual Seaport Craft Show on Sunday, May 27th. Come experience a delightful collection of various handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans. Shop till you drop for unique gifts, art, jewelry and personal items at this Juried Show.
Huddy Park
325- 329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
Cost: Free
14. USCG Sunset Parade
Sunday, May 27, 2018 at 7:30pm
Sunset Parades are colorful, inspiring military ceremonies featuring the Recruit Precision Drill Team, marching troops, cannon fire. They take place at sunset on the Training Center’s Parade Grounds,are open to the general public, and there is no admission charge. Children are welcome to attend, but should be accompanied by an adult.
United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May
1 Munro Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
Cost: Free
15. Woodland Park Memorial Day Street Fair and Parade
Monday, May 28, 2018 from 11:00am to 6:00PM (Parade 11:00AM)
McBride Ave will be transformed into a giant town block party! This event brings the whole community together. Local merchants and businesses will showcase their shops and offer their special sales. Everyone come hungry and enjoy the wide selection of delicious foods such as hot dogs, ice cream, chicken fingers, zeppoles, shish ka bobs, fresh squeezed lemonade, Italian Ices, french fries, hamburgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and much more. The event features a special kids section with rides, face painting, sand art, temporary tattoos, pony rides & petting zoo.
McBridge Ave from Lackawanna Ave. to Memorial Drive, Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Cost: Free
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NJ THIS WEEKEND:
- Top Summer Day Camps in NJ
- Museums in North, Central, & South NJ
- Aquariums in NJ
- 20 Family Friendly Hiking Trails in NJ
- 52 #NJMOM Must-Do Adventures
- Plan ahead by checking NJ Mom’s 60+ Things to Do in New Jersey
- Free Museum Days in NJ (the first weekend of each month)
- 275 Parks & Playgrounds in NJ
- 50 Best Spas in NJ
- 10 Mommy & Me Classes in NJ
- Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad
- Kids Eat Free Restaurants
- Kids Bowl Free in NJ
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
