As spring blossoms into full swing, May is the perfect month to get outside and enjoy family fun across New Jersey—without spending a dime. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or opportunities to learn and play, the Garden State has you covered. Here’s a roundup of free events and activities your whole family can enjoy this May:

1. Parent Support Group at Montclair B.A.B.Y.- Join a free trial group designed for first-time parents to connect in a safe, supportive space where you can share experiences and discuss the transition into parenthood. Topics include sleep habits, play, intimacy, family boundaries, and emotional wellness, all explored in a nurturing, non-judgmental environment. After the trial session, a six-week group cycle will follow.
When: Thursday, May 8 - 11am-12:15pm

2. Career Pathway Night at Morris County School of Technology- This free event, much like a career fair, offers high school students the chance to explore jobs, post-secondary education, military careers, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials. Adults looking for new job opportunities or information on post-high school options for their children can also connect with industry professionals. 
When: Thursday, May 8 - 6:30-8:30pm

3. Maywood Food Truck & Vendor Event - Maywood’s Food Truck Festival features top food trucks from across New Jersey, offering a variety of gourmet, international, and boardwalk-style eats. Enjoy outdoor seating, live music, a kids zone, a beer garden, and fun shopping at the vendor pop-up. Admission is free, courtesy of the Borough of Maywood.
When: Saturday, May 10th -12-7pm

4. Cinco De Mama at Community Church of Ho ho kus- Celebrate Mother’s Day with the whole family, featuring food, vendors, Mother’s Day mini photo sessions, a soft play area, a photobooth, and a tricky tray raffle, plus more fun activities!
When: Saturday, May 10th -2-6pm

5. Teen Room Hangout At Montclair Library - Drop by the Teen Room to hang out with friends and make bracelets—no registration needed, open to ages 12–18.
When: Monday, May 12th- 3-5pm

6. Career Carnival for Kids at The Parsippany Library- This fun and interactive career exploration event is designed to spark curiosity in kids ages 8 to 14 (younger and older are welcome) as they discover different careers through hands-on activities. Families can enjoy demos, games, and giveaways while learning about the work people do every day. Everyone will leave with new ideas, insights, and inspiration for the future!
When: Tuesday, May 13th at 6pm

7. Dog Casting Call at K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel in Hillsborough- This is your pup’s chance to shine in the spotlight! The search is on for the next top dog model to grace the cover of our City Lifestyle magazines in Bridgewater & The Somerset Hills. Bring your furry friend to show off their personality, mingle with other canine stars, and have a paw-some time!

8. Ridgewood Touch-A-Truck Event - May 15 at 9am-2pm. Imagine taking a seat behind the wheel of a real police car that’s ready to roll, climbing aboard a shiny fire truck as you prepare to battle a blaze, exploring up-close a fleet of the other emergency and public works vehicles you’ve only seen at a distance on the streets of Ridgewood. Treat your children to a day of hands-on adventure, featuring opportunities to climb on board the vehicles that touch their lives, when Ridgewood Touch-a-Truck Day 2025 rolls into downtown Ridgewood’s Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.

9. IGo STEM Camp Carnivals - STEM Academy is hosting 2 FREE camp carnivals at their locations in Montgomery on May 17, 12-4pm,  (908) 341-0109 (2311 US-206 #300, BELLE MEAD, NJ) and Robbinson on May 31, 12-4pm, (609) 208-3862 (1095 WASHINGTON BLVD, ROBBINSVILLE TWP, NJ)  outdoor parking lots. Enjoy obstacle course, bubble painting, and outdoor STEM activities. 
Workshops, Exciting neighborhood vendors, & SO MUCH MORE! 

10. Sky Observing Night at New Jersey State Museum- An extended Star Talk in the planetarium, where what’s visible in the night sky that evening will be explored, with a special focus on deep sky objects. After the talk concludes around 8 PM, visitors head to Washington Crossing State Park to visit the Simpson Observatory, run by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton. There, the night sky will be observed using the club’s historic telescopes to see the celestial objects discussed earlier.
When: Friday, May 9th & Friday, May 23rd

11. Belmar Sea Food Festival- A beloved annual event at the Jersey Shore, this seafood festival features over 30 food trucks serving up everything from scallop kabobs to lobster rolls. Guests can also enjoy tasty sides like grilled sweet corn, crab fries, and lobster mac and cheese, plus desserts such as fried Oreos and Caribbean rum cakes. The festival includes live music each day and a vendor market full of shopping opportunities.
When: Friday, May 16th – Sunday, May 18th

12. Fairy Tale and Pirate Festival at Turkey Brook Park- The Park transforms into a magical realm as fairies and pirates return for a day filled with games, rides, and live entertainment. Costumes are encouraged, and families can enjoy pony rides, vendors, performances, a DJ, and more.
When: Saturday, May 17th-10am-2pm

13. The Magic of Science at Lakeshore Learning- Kids can explore science through hands-on activities like making bubbling “lava” and painting with magnets. They’ll also enjoy storytime and discover top-rated science toys. Parents who check in at the event will be entered to win a $100 Lakeshore E-Gift Card.
When: Saturday, May 17th-11am-2pm

14. Kids Park Day at Ocean County Park- Celebrate the outdoors with a day of adventure at Ocean County’s parks, part of a national initiative to inspire local park exploration. Families can enjoy nature-themed activities like scavenger hunts, crafts, and wildlife encounters at various park locations. Each site offers unique experiences, from seining demos and owl crafts to meeting turtles and creating bird habitats.
When: Saturday, May 17th (Various Times)

15. Cranford Street Fair- Enjoy delicious food, unique handcrafted items, and live music at this vibrant, walkable festival in downtown Cranford. Free parking makes it easy to join the fun and spend the day exploring.
When: Sunday, May 18th-11am-5pm

16. Deptford Mall Kids Monthly Mini Theater- Monthly Kid’s Mini Theater Shows featuring popular storybook characters with singing, dancing, story time, giveaways, and meet-and-greets. Registration is required for all attendees.
When: Thursday, May 22nd-10:30am-12pm

17. Wildwood International Kite Festival-The Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest in North America, showcases vibrant and imaginative kites flown by creators from around the world. The event begins with a Friday night social and night kite fly, followed by a weekend full of inflatable kites, sport demos, team flying, and family-friendly games. It concludes Monday with the World Indoor Kite Competition at the Wildwoods Convention Center—check the website for full event details.
When: Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26th

18. Kids Workshop at Lowes- Kids can get hands-on and build fun projects at Lowe’s Mini-DIYers workshops. Reserve a spot online in advance; limited walk-ins may be accepted.
When: (Various Dates & Times)

19. Children’s Music & Movement at Johnson Public Library- Children and caregivers are welcome to join in for a fun music and movement session at the library, held in the auditorium, with no registration required.
When: Tuesdays at 10am

20. Kenilworth Library Free Events- Enjoy a mix of events for the entire family throughout May including Bingo, story time, legos, crafts, yoga and more! When: See Link For Details

21. Animal Encounters At Jakes Branch County Park- Visitors are welcome every Sunday for a close-up look at the animals that live there. Enjoy a 20-minute educational talk about the different species that call the Nature Center home.
When: Sundays at 1pm

22. The Dog Market at Van Saun Park - Bring the whole family—including your furry friends—to The Dog Market at Van Saun Park for a day full of shopping, crafts, contests, and pet-friendly fun. Enjoy activities like dog-themed vendors, a cutest dog contest, training demos, raffles, and even dog adoptions with Southern Paws Inc. From 360 photos to painting your pup’s portrait, there’s something for every dog lover to enjoy.
When: Saturday, May 31st, 11am-4pm

May in New Jersey offers a wealth of free fun for families. Whether you’re exploring nature, discovering new museums, crafting at the library or seeking out a new adventure, these experiences make memories that last far longer than any price tag.