Looking for fun before summer slips away?

August in New Jersey is full of FREE and budget-friendly events for families, friends, and kids of all ages. From community festivals and nature programs to interactive fun and educational adventures, there’s still plenty of time to make unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a last-minute outing, this guide highlights the best free things to do across the state this August!

 

1. Night Moves at Turtle Back Zoo (West Orange), August 7th & 27th- Experience the zoo in a whole new way with Night Moves, a special after-hours guided tour led by our knowledgeable Docents. You’ll explore the zoo’s nocturnal animal exhibits and learn how different species use their senses and adaptations at night. This one-hour tour is perfect for families, friends, and curious animal lovers, but advance registration is required for all guests age 2 and up.

 

2. South Street Seaport Museum presents- FREE August Family Activity Weekends- Lenape Games, running Saturdays and Sundays from August 2–31, 2025, between 11:00 AM and 4:45 PM. Families are invited to explore traditional Lenape games through hands-on play, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations. These engaging drop-in activities are free and open to all—no registration required.

 

3. Cape May Zoo- Free Admissions (Cape May)- Open year-round just off Exit 11 on the Garden State Parkway. Home to over 550 animals across 250 species, the zoo offers an easy walk-through experience that can take an hour or become a full-day adventure. Famous for its Snow Leopard cub births in 2010 and 2012, it continues to be a standout family destination. While visiting, grab a bite at the Safari Cafe or cool off with a treat from the Savanna Garden kiosk.

 

4. Inside Out 2 – Free Summer Movie at State Theatre New Jersey, Tuesday, August 5th- Riley Andersen is officially a teenager in Inside Out 2, the long-awaited sequel where she faces new emotions and the challenges of growing up. As she prepares for high school, her familiar emotions encounter unexpected new arrivals—bringing chaos, comedy, and heart.  Catch this family-friendly hit as part of State Theatre New Jersey’s FREE Summer Movies Series! Enjoy screenings on the theater’s massive 46’ screen with top-tier sound and Spanish subtitles. Showtimes are 10:30 AM and 7 PM, with FREE movie-themed arts & crafts at 6 PM before the evening screening in their accessible Studio space.

 

5. Tiny Tots Program at Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes-Looking for a fun summer activity with your little one? Happening August 7th & 14th, this program is designed for children ages 18 months to 3.5 years and their caregivers, this engaging nature program at Lorrimer Sanctuary features storytelling, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning. Be prepared—kids will get messy with water and nature play!

 

6. Ocean City Sand Sculpting Contest, Thursday, August 7th- Kids, teens, adults, and families are invited to build their own sand sculptures starting at 9 AM, with judging beginning at 11 AM. There’s NO COST to participate—just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun day at the beach!

 

7. National Light House Day in North Wildwood, Thursday, August 7th- Join the fun at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse from 9 AM to 5 PM as they celebrate the 235th anniversary of the 1789 Lighthouse Act. Enjoy a fun-filled day with games and surprises for kids, courtesy of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society. Admission is FREE (donations welcome)!

 

8. New Brunswick Heart Festival, Saturday, August 9th- This FREE, family-friendly event celebrates the arts, culture, and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex County with live music, dance performances, kids’ activities, an arts market, and local food vendors. It’s a vibrant afternoon of community celebration open to all ages.

 

9. Exploration of Life In A Fresh Water Pond- Join Park System Naturalists for a fun and educational exploration of a freshwater pond at Freneau Woods Park in Aberdeen! Thursday, August 14th 11am-12pm. Meet outside the Visitor Center and keep an eye out for turtles, frogs, herons, fish, and other pond life—both above and below the water’s surface. This FREE, all-ages program (under 18 with an adult) is weather permitting, and closed-toe shoes are required.

 

10. Casual Birder at Hartshore Woods Park-August 19th- Start your morning with a peaceful bird walk led by a Park System Naturalist at Hartshorne Woods Park. We’ll explore 2–4 miles of trails over the course of about 90 minutes, keeping an eye out for a variety of birds along the way. No experience needed—just meet at the Rocky Point parking lot in Highlands, and feel free to borrow a pair of binoculars (available in limited supply). This free program is a great way to connect with nature!

 

11. Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series and Food Truck Festival- Takes place every Wednesday through August 20 at Centennial Park, from 4 to 9 p.m. Enjoy free live music, delicious eats from gourmet food trucks, and unique finds from local craft vendors. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening by the shore.

 

12. Pupstock Festival- Happening Saturday, August 23, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. 37 Plains Road in Augusta- Online tickets priced at $7.39 for children (ages 5–13) and $18.73 for adults. Bring your furry friend to enjoy dog activity zones, contests, local vendors, food trucks and live music. The festival promotes dog adoptions while offering a fun, family-and-pet-friendly afternoon for all.
 

13. Thrilling Thursdays in Margate- Returns on August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Spend the day enjoying local sidewalk sales, free beach access, games like cornhole, and a stop at the farmers market. End the night with a movie under the stars along South Decatur Avenue.
 

14. Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth Hands-On Nature Program- Explore the wonders of marine life as we use a seine net to catch and observe fish, crabs, and other sea creatures along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. This FREE, weather-dependent program is perfect for individuals and families. Meet on the beach near the parking lot, wear closed-toe shoes, and please note that parents or guardians must stay with and supervise their children—no swimming during the event.

 

15. Three Birds Yoga Studio- Celebrates their 4-year anniversary of with a Free outdoor all-levels yoga class on Thursday, August 28 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Village Plaza in South Orange, led by co-owner Sarah Bodnar and set to music by DJ Pap. The evening includes check-in at 6:00 PM, yoga from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, and a post-class hangout with fresh juice from Juice Hub. Free with registration here; bring your mat and props—rain date is Friday, August 29.

 

16. Island Water Park at Showboat-Kids 3 and under free- Enjoy a fun-filled day at The Island Waterpark with unlimited access to 11 waterslides, the Island Drift Lazy River, Blue Cascade Waterfall, Adventure Island, Kids Cove, Wild Wave FlowRider, the boardwalk, four restaurants, and three bars. Kids ages 3 and under get in free, but a wristband is still required for entry. Please note that towels are not provided—guests are encouraged to bring their own or purchase one at the onsite retail shop.
 

17. Wednesday Wonder Walk at Tulpehaking Nature Center- Take part in a relaxing, social walk through the scenic trails of Roebling Park, where there’s always something in nature to spark curiosity and conversation. These interactive walks are perfect for connecting with others while exploring the beauty around us. On the last Wednesday of each month, enjoy seasonal beverages and refreshments at the Tulpehaking Nature Center following the walk.  This program is free. No registration is required. Meet in the parking lot near the Tulpehaking Nature Center by 10 AM.  Note: A light rain will not cancel the walk. Cancellations are posted by 9 AM on their website and Facebook page.

18. Free Guided Garden Tours at NJBG- Join the knowledgeable NJBG docents for free guided tours of the blooming Botanical Garden every Sunday at 2 PM through the end of October. Tours begin at the Carriage House—just wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to explore! Please note: tours are canceled in case of rain or extreme heat.

 

19. Jenkinson’s Free Movies On the Beach- Bring a blanket and enjoy a relaxing night under the stars with Movies on the Beach in August on select Tuesdays, see calendar for dates.! Gather your friends and family for a free seaside movie experience—weather permitting. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening by the ocean!

 

20. New Jersey State Museum Free Summer Fun-Enjoy free weekday activities all summer long at the New Jersey State Museum from July 8 to August 29. Weekly programs include story time and crafts on Tuesdays and Saturdays, drop-in make-and-take crafts on Wednesdays and Fridays, and hands-on gallery cart activities on Thursdays—all from 12 to 2 PM. Visit statemuseum.nj.gov for full details and the daily schedule.
 

Make the most of the final stretch of summer by exploring all that New Jersey has to offer—without breaking the bank. With something happening every weekend, it’s the perfect time to get outside, try something new, and enjoy quality time with the people you love. Let the adventures begin!


Read more at NJ Kids