With back to school right around the corner, fun family outings are super important! Before new backpacks are bought and school supplies found, spend the day with your squad at one of the free events happening across the state. With our 30 Free Events guide, there is something for everyone! Don’t forget to tag #NJMOM in your pictures!
Movies on Pt. Pleasant Beach
During the month of August, bring your blanket or beach chair and take in a movie on the beach at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk! Each week the movie is different but guaranteed to be family friendly!
Fridays in August 2016
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Avenue Point Pleasant, NJ
For more information, please call 732-892-0600
Family Fun Nights
Fridays through August 26, take the whole crew out for Family Fun Night in Sea Isle City! Enjoy different activities and themes each week!
Fridays from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Excursion Park, Sea Isle City, NJ
Groove on Grove
Every Wednesday night in August, come out and enjoy some outdoor music with the family! Each week there is a new artist, band or entertainment to dance and listen to together!
Wednesdays in August 2016 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Grove Street Path Plaza, 325 Grove St., Jersey City, NJ
Movies on the Beach
Every Sunday and Tuesday in August, take a seat on the beach for free movie nights!
Beginning at dusk
Carteret Ave. Seaside Heights, NJ
National Night Out
Across the state, in many different cities, people will be coming together for a night of fun to celebrate National Night Out! Check with your town for details!
August 2, 2016 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Multiple locations
Movie Nights
On the first two Tuesdays of August, bring the whole family to enjoy The Good Dinosaur and Big Hero 6!
August 2 and 9, 2016 from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center, 4 Boland Drive, West Orange NJ 07052
For more information, please call 973-669-7385
Sand Sculpting Contest
Be a spectator and watch talented individuals sculpt figures and scenes out of sand! Or, if you think you have what it takes, enter the family and compete!
August 3, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
6th St. Beach, Ocean City, NJ
For more information, please call 609-399-6111
Family Fun Days in Cape May
Climb the Cape May Point Lighthouse and partake in some good old fashioned family fun! From performers to crafts and kid-friendly activities, there is something for everyone!
Wednesdays August 3, 10 and 17 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cape May Point Lighthouse, Cape May, NJ
Hermit Crab Races
Join in the fun and watch as the Hermit Crabs compete for the King of Klutz Plaque!
August 3, 2016 following the Miss Crustacean Pageant
6th Street Beach, Ocean City, NJ
For more information, please call 609-399-6111
22nd Annual Clam Festival
Come enjoy free entertainment, crafts, games and most importantly… Clams!! There will be plenty of other seafood too in case clams isn’t your thing!
August 4th to 7th
Huddy Park, Bay & Waterwitch Aves, Highlands, NJ
Beach Ball-A-Palooza
Boat rides, games and crafts are just some of the fun that can be hd at Beach Ball-A-Palooza! Bring a beach chair or blanket and enjoy live music and entertainment!
August 5, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
1198 Brandon Rd, Toms River, NJ
For more information, please call 1-877-OCPARKS
Festival of Lights
What could be better than food, music, fun and quality family time? Come and enjoy time with the family and top off the night with FIREWORKS!
August 6, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.
Riverfront Promenade, Pearl St. Burlington, NJ
Fine Arts & Peach Festival
Peaches, peaches, peaches galore! Local vendors and crafters will also display their work for families to browse, enjoy and maybe purchase!
August 6, 2016 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Riverview Estates, 303 Bank Avenue, Riverton NJ 08077
Night Hike
Come prepared with a flash light and explore nature at night! This is a guided nature tour with a hike and campfire included!
August 6, 2016 at 8:30 p.m.
Washington Crossing State Park 355, Titusville, NJ
For more information, please call 609-737-0623
Fun Down on the Farm
Play and visit with barnyard animals as well as make crafts to take home or take a horse and carriage ride at Fun Down on the Farm!
August 6 and 7 2016
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Rte. 9, Cape May NJ
For more information, please call 609-898-2300
We All Scream for Ice Cream
Explore the history of one of the most favorite dessert choices, ICE CREAM!! Families can help churn the ice cream as well as taste some flavors from the 19th century!
August 7, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
For more information, please call 609-259-6275
Italian Festival
Come and enjoy some free fun at the Ocean Township Italian Festival! There will be rides, eating contests, a plethora of food and a petting zoo!
August 10-14, 2016 from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Joe Palaia Park, 200 Whalepond Rd, Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Cruisin’ Downtown
Classic cars and live entertainment line the street in Downtown Toms River for families to enjoy! A DJ will keep everything exciting and restaurants will be open for business! Don’t miss out!
August 10, 2016 from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Washington St.(Between Hooper Ave. & Main St.) Toms River, NJ
For more information, please call 732-341-8738
Meet Captain America
Meet Captain America at Learning Express Toys. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
August 12, 2016 form 5:00pm-6:00pm
Learning Express Toys of Holmdel
2107 State Route 35, Holmdel NJ
Climb Time
Children 8 and up can climb the 25’ portable wall! The kids, and adults alike, get to experience rock climbing in a safe and easier setting!
August 12, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft, NJ
Scavenger Hunt
Do you have what it takes to follow clues and find the objects for a Scavenger Hunt? Beginning at Branch Brook Park, bring your walking shoes because the hunt spans much of the town!
August 13, 2016 from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Lake St. & Park Ave., Newark, NJ
Hollystock Music and Arts Festival
Spend some time with the family and enjoy the Music and Arts Festival! There will be arts and crafts, food trucks (yum!) and local music played on three outdoor and three indoor stages!
August 13 and 14, 2016
4 Mill Street, Mount Holly NJ 08060
For more information, please call 609-760-4365
Pirate’s Day
Do you have any pirate fans in your family? If so, this event is perfect! There will be a Pirate Show at 6 p.m. on the South Beach Stage along with face painting and balloonists!
August 17, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
300 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant, NJ
For more information, please call 732-892-0600
Atlantic City Air Show
Bring your lawn chair and grab a seat on one of Atlantic City Beaches and catch a glimpse of some of the finest flying at the AC Airshow! Get there early, it is packed!
August 17, 2016 from 10:40 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
Atlantic City Beaches, NJ
Canal Day Music and Art Festival
Take a free kayak ride on the Morris Canal at the Canal Day Festival! Enjoy fireworks, pony rides, arts and crafts and so much more!
August 20, 2016 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Canal Park, 180 W. Central Ave, Wharton, NJ
Art in the Park
Experience all different kinds of art such as visual artists, poets, bands and more! There will also be entertainment and fun for the family!
August 20, 2016 from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Ocean County Parking Garage, Hadley Ave., Toms River, NJ
Jersey Fresh Festival
Walk around Alstede Farms and enjoy samples using some of the freshest Jersey produce ever! Made with local fruits and vegetables, foods will focus on summer delectables!
August 20 & 21, 2016 from 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Long Beach Jazz & Blues Festival
Sit back and enjoy the sounds of Jazz and Blues with the family! Along with amazing music, there will be crafts, kids’ activities and the beach!
August 27, 2016 from 12:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
The Great Lawn at the Promenade, Long Branch, NJ
Grapestomping Festival
Head to Renault Winery to celebrate the end of summer! Enjoy vendors, crafts, food and drinks and watch the grapestomping!
August 28, 2016 at 12:00 p.m
Renault Winery, 72 Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ
Crafts & Antiques in the Park
Set in the beautiful Veterans Park, the Crafts & Antiques Show is one you don’t want to miss! From 75 arts and crafters to 35 antique dealers, spend the day with your family and enjoy the fun!
August 28, 2016 from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Veteran Park,, 318 Third Avenue, Westwood NJ 07675
For more information, please call 201-666-1340