Summer is almost here, and while you’re getting ready to take out the sunscreen and bathing suits, we’ve got lots of free things to do with the fam at home or out. Support animal shelters while viewing local art at the Dog Days of Summer Exhibit Opening Reception in Boonton, watch speed boats race at the Offshore Grand Prix in Point Pleasant Beach, see fireworks displays at the Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night in Wildwood, and try some Taffy Sculpting in Ocean City. Ready to plan out your June? Scroll down to find lots of free fun to make this month fly by.
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Here are 24 free things to do in NJ in June
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it best to check ahead for in-person events)
Superb Summer Saunter at Freneau Woods Park
June 4 from 10 AM-11:30 AM
Get ready to celebrate the start of summer with a walk in Freneau Woods Park. Explore the trails with a Monmouth Park System Naturalist.
360 Monastery Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747
(732) 264-7277
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit Opening Reception
June 4 from 5 PM-9:30 PM
Don’t miss the official leash cutting at 5:30 PM in front of the new Dog Days of Sumer mural. Enjoy this public art installation that features custom designs on life-size fiberglass dog sculptures displayed on Boonton’s Main Street. This event supports animal shelters, Boonton Arts, and local artists. This event coincides with Boonton’s First Friday event, Music on Main.
Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005
(862) 307-5919
Deep Cut Gardens Open House
June 5 from 8 AM-Dusk
Explore Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, NJ, with an open house with tours, demonstrations, drop-in children’s activities, and more. Learn more about the gardens with our Guide.
12 Red Hill Road, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
(732) 671-6050
Ocean Grove’s Giant Flea Market
June 5 from 9 AM – 4 PM
From the Great Auditorium to the Ocean, rain or shine, the Giant Flea Market will feature “family-friendly” items for purchase. Find a variety of vintage, handmade, antique, and new things.
Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
(732) 774-1391
National Trails Day Hike
June 5 from 10 AM-11:30 AM
Take in the scenery of Double Trouble State Park and Double Trouble Village. Enjoy a 5-mile guided walk on the trail and learn all about the park’s nature and history along the way. Registration is required.
581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
(732) 341-6662
Historic Battery Lewis Tours
June 5 at 10 AM-4 PM and June 6 from 1 PM-3 PM
Come and tour the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Wood Park. Learn all about the history of this former coastal defense site.
1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 872-0336
Old Time Baseball Game at the Howell Living History Farm
June 5 from 10 AM-4 PM
Batter up! Join the Bulls and the Hogs as they play ball according to 19th-century baseball rules. All ages can step up to play as the “Striker” and face against the “Thrower.” Watch out for the Referee who can charge up to 5 cents for every broken rule. At 11 AM, watch the Flemington Neshanocks play against the Elizabeth Resolutes. Then at 1:30 PM, the Howell Farm Hogs will have a public game against the Bulls.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Somerville Summer Stage
Every Saturday, May 29 until October 2 from 6 PM-9 PM
Bring your own chairs to this concert series, with a new performance every Saturday. Tyrone Stackhouse is expected to play on June 5, Sweet Fanny Adams on June 12, the Frost Kings on June 19, and Mail Order Bride on June 26.
Division Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 524-0104
Lacemaking Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
June 5 from 1 PM-3 PM
Do you know how to bobbin? Learn all about the historical techniques of crochet, bobbin, and shuttle work from the Victorian era. Watch lacemaking in action with this historic demonstration offered through the Monmouth County Parks System.
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
Climb Time at Clayton Park
June 6 from 12 PM-3 PM
How high can you climb? Visit the Clayton Park Activity Center to try out the 25-foot portable climbing wall. All participants must be 42 inches or taller to climb. Ages 8 and up, under 18 must have an adult present.
161 Emley’s Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08514
(609) 259-5794
Out-of-Doors and Over There
June 6 at 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM
Take a walking tour to follow the Old Dutch Parsonage’s Frelinghuysen family from the American Revolution to the end of World War 1. This tour will include historic grounds and houses that are frequently missed on other tours. All ages are welcome.
Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site, Somerset Street Flagpole
71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 725-1015
Offshore Grand Prix
June 11-13
Watch high-speed boats race in the Grand Prix on the beach in Point Pleasant Beach. Several events will take place during the weekend, and race day will be on June 13. Spectators can watch the race from the beach and the boardwalk.
Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Dairying at the Howell Living History Farm
June 12 from 10 AM-4 PM
Have you ever tasted old-fashioned ice cream? At Howell Living Farm, you can see it being made from milking the cow to collecting the milk and freezing it. Learn all about various cow breeds, milk and cream production, history, and more. Then visit the farmhouse to make cheese and butter before curing and tasting homemade ice cream. A children’s craft is available for a small fee.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Bradley Beach Summer Concerts
June 19 and 26 from 7 PM-9 PM
Get the whole family dancing at one of these weekly free concerts in Riley Park presented by the Bradley Beach Department of Tourism. The Groovesharks will play on June 19, and the Extra Innings Band will play on June 26. Bands are subject to change.
615 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
(732) 776-2999
Jenkinson’s Fireworks
June 24 at dark
Enjoy the first fireworks show of the 2021 season at dark. Colorful fireworks will be launched in the air, and you can view them all along the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 295-4334
Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night
June 25 at 10 PM
Watch colorful fireworks launching into the night sky on the Wildwoods Boardwalk. The fireworks will be launched from the beach on Pine Avenue, but you can view them along the entire length of the boardwalk.
Pine Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 522-1602
243rd Anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth
June 26 and 27
This event is part of the Revolutionary War Days in Monmouth County. Celebrate the 243rd Anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth with living history encampment and programs.
16 Highway 33-BR, Manalapan, NJ 07726
(609) 448-6355
Wheat Harvest and Wheat Weaving at the Howell Living History Farm
June 26 from 10 AM – 4 PM
When last fall’s wheat crop is ready to harvest, the farmers will need help in the field. Follow behind the and gather sheaves of wheat bundled by the McCormick Reaper-Binder. Then assemble the sheaves into shocks to dry. Next, observe a wheat weaving demonstration in the barnyard. A children’s craft is available for a small fee.
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Twp., NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Free Family Fun Night
Mondays, June 28-August 30 from 7 PM-9:30 PM
Double the fun with a Character Show and DJ Dance Party. Enjoy a live performance every week and additional family activities will be available as well. Shows include Superheros Unite, Mickey’s Magical Showcase, and Frozen Showcase to name a few.
Cost: Free
Excursion Park – 2 41st Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
(609) 263-8687
Kiddie Shows on the Beach at Jenkinson’s
Beginning June 28 at 7 PM
Starting in June, enjoy the first Kiddie show from the ride park train station. Experience Andrew’s Big Show with circus acts, juggling, yo-yos, physical comedy, and strange human feats all in one big family-friendly show.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 295-4334
Free Family Fun Night in Sea Isle City
June 28 from 7:30 PM-9 PM
Get the family together and have a family fun night at the shore. This event will be weekly through August.
Excursion Park JFK Blvd. and Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City, 08243
(609) 263-8687
Downtown Wildwood Movies in the Plaza-Free Tuesday Night Kick-Off!
June 29 at sunset
Enjoy a free family movie every Tuesday night and kick it off with “Horton Hears A Who.” Bring your beach chair and enjoy a night under the stars. The film begins as soon as the sunsets.
Byrne Plaza 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 523-1602
Wacky Wednesday-Taffy Sculpting
June 30 from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Shape and sculpt Shriver’s salt water taffy into your own personal masterpiece. This event is open to all ages, but capacity is limited.
Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 339-6111
RWJBarnabas Health: Cooking Classes for Kids
June 1-30, 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, a Mommy and Me style class for 2-4-year-olds. In addition, there will be a Kids in the Kitchen: Farm Fresh & Flavorful event this week too.
RWJBarnabas, Virtual
(973) 926-7371
Barnes and Noble Virtual Saturday Story Time
June 1-30
Click on the link every Saturday to hear a featured picture book read aloud.
1-800-843-2665
What’s your family doing this June for fun? Tell us—we’d love to hear about more things to do.
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