There’s so much fun to be had in NJ to mark the unofficial kickoff to summer, and after the year we’ve had, we’re ready to get outdoors and enjoy!
Wildwood International Kite Festival
Friday to Sunday, times vary
On the Beach at Rio Grand Avenue, Wildwood
Kicking off with an illuminated night kite fly at 9 pm on Friday, this weekend-long event is sure to entertain the family, and it is free to spectators. Stop by for the loud and silent auctions on Saturday, and check out the family games, sport kite demos, large inflatable kites and more throughout the weekend.
Legoland: New York
Goshen, NY
Legoland amusement park is open all weekend. You can book your tickets in advance to check the fun lands in the park, including the MINILAND which features LEGO buildings of a lot of your favorite landmarks.
Intrepid Museum Fleet Week
Intrepid Museum, NY
Thursday – Monday
Throughout the weekend, explore a variety of displays, activities and demos from the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. The weekend will conclude on Monday, May 30 with the Museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
41st Annual May Fair
Haddon Ave., Collingswood
Saturday (rain date Sunday)
This fun day will include art, music and activities for all ages. An expected 200+ artists and crafters will display and sell their unique creations in a juried show. Children will enjoy the KidZone featuring carnival games, rides and child-friendly crafters. Multiple stages of live music will feature blues, rock, folk and more.
The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night
House of Independents, Asbury Park
Friday
Are you ready for it? This event for adults (21+) will have you dancing the night away to your favorite Swift songs and other pop music. Get a sitter, grab your crew and come party!
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
Liberty Lake, Bordentown Township
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire is back featuring merchants, food and tons of exciting shows throughout the day, this weekend promises crazy entertainment for the whole family. Tickets are available online.
Memorial Day Weekend at Six Flags
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Saturday – Monday
Kick off summer by riding Kingda Ka and Nitro. Got a dinosaur lover at home? Good news! Be sure to also check out the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure right next door featuring over 1,200 animals from 6 continents.
Springing into Summer Carnival at Franklin Pond
6 Corkill Rd., Franklin
Wednesday – Sunday
Join for rides, games, food, vendors and much more. There’s something for everyone in the family at this fun event. Ride wristbands are available daily.
LEAD Carnival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Thursday – Monday
Enjoy food, rides and entertainment at the LEAD Fest an event hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence. This festival includes a performance by Granpa Cratchet. Kids must be 36″ to ride most rides.
Land of Make Believe Season Opening
354 Great Meadows Road – Route 611, Hope
Saturday – Monday
The Land of Make Believe will be open weekends only from Memorial Day weekend to the third weekend in June. Hit the rides with your little ones to start the summer off on a fun note!
Spring Open House and Craft & Farmers’ Market
Well-Sweep Herb Farm, Port Murray
Saturday – Sunday
Join for two full days of free informative lectures and presentations, tours of the spectacular gardens and a special Craft and Farmers’ Market! This event is rain or shine.
Memorial Day Ceremony Aboard the Battleship
Battleship NJ, Camden
Monday
The Battleship New Jersey will remember the military heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice with a free ceremony on the ship’s forecastle (forward deck). The Knights of Columbus will cast a memorial wreath onto the Delaware River to remember the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation.
Renault Jazz Festival
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor Township
Friday – Sunday
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with live performances on the main stage in Renault’s new festival grounds on the Champagne Patio and indoors in the Tasting Room. Renault Food and cocktail specials will include BBQ brisket, shrimp po boys, beignets and signature beverages. Food trucks will also be available for additional options. The weekend-long festival is highlighted by a fireworks display on Sunday night.
Green Valley Farms Rodeo
997 Route 23 North, Wantage
Saturday
Come check out a live rodeo. The kids rodeo is up first, followed by the pro rodeo.
Family Fun Night Wall Stadium
1803 Highway 34 South, Wall Township
Saturday
A demolition derby is the main event here. Celebrate Memorial Day together at this awesome outing on the Jersey Shore. It’s called the “roar of the Jersey Shore” for good reason!
Touch a Truck and Family Movie Night
Mansfield Twp. Community Park, Columbus
Saturday
Families are invited to see various vehicles big and small and at dusk Paw Patrol the Movie will begin. The showing will be on the soccer fields on the right side of the park. Bring your own blankets and chairs.
Annual Fireworks Display on the Bay
Bryant Rd., Waretown
Saturday (rain date Sunday)
The Township of Ocean will host its annual Fireworks Display on the Bay. DJ Mike Thompson will be playing tunes and the Lunch Wagon food truck and ice cream will be on-site at Bay Front Park.
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Ocean Ave., Bradley Beach
Saturday – Sunday
Join for vendors, crafters, music and food. It’s family-friendly fun that everyone will enjoy.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport
Saturday – Monday
Come enjoy 35 of the Jersey Shore’s most mouth-watering food trucks. Sample everything from lobster rolls to mac & cheese to fried Oreos. There will be great music, live horse racing and much more.
Field Station Dinosaurs Opening Day
3 Overpeck Park Driveway, Leonia
Saturday
Dino fans can come to check out 30+ life-size moving dinosaurs at Field Station Dinosaurs. There will be shows, games and activities to keep the little ones entertained.
Cape May Music Festival
Cape May Rotary Bandstand, Cape May
Sunday
Join the band in beautiful Cape May for an evening under the stars as they open the Cape May Music Festival with a patriotic-themed concert to honor those who gave their all to protect our freedoms.