Things to do this Summer

It's July and summer is in full swing. There are plenty of kid friendly activities in NJ. Visit a local street fair, chow down on bbq food, or check out music festivals.

Sail 4th 250 - Fleet Week NYC 2026

July 3-8, 2026. Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with week long festivities. Tall ships and maritime vessels will float into New York Harbor. Meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, tour ships, watch music performances, demonstrations, and more! Check schedule for locations and activities. New York Harbor, New York City, NY. Sail4th.org

Turtle Back Zoo Zoo - Vies Family Fun Movie Nights

July movies on Wednesdays, 6PM in the picnic area. Zoo Admission $17 per person.

• July 1, 2026 - DISNEYNATURE African Cats
• July 8, 2026 - Madagascar 3
• July 15, 2026 - The Lion King • July 22, 2026 - Zootopia 2
• July 29, 2026 - How to Train Your Dragon

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

All summer long through September 4th, a FREE fireworks show will be shown every Friday night at 10PM. View fireworks anywhere along the Wildwoods Boardwalk. 

Wildwood Crest Summer Music & Food Truck Festival

Wednesdays through August, 5PM-9PM. A family friendly event with FREE live music with Gourmet food trucks and vendors. Centennial Park at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest NJ. 

Freehold Township Day

Saturday, July 11, 2026, 4PM-11PM. A celebration of Veterans, the Freehold Township Day features a Concert & Festival in The Park. FREE kids rides and activities. Teen center with a DJ. Car Show starts at 2PM. Enjoy musical performances and fireworks in the evening. Michael J. Tighe Park in Freehold NJ.

Ocean County Fair

Wednesday-Sunday, July 15-19, 2026. The Ocean County Fair will have carnival rides, food and vendors. Horse show events, 4-H tent, fun games and activities. Listen to live musical acts each night. Fair Grounds Entry fee. Parking is FREE. Robert J Miller Air Park in Berkeley Township NJ.

The Anglesea Blues Festival

Friday-Sunday, July 10-12, 2026. The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship will be held in North Wildwood. Watch teams turn up the heat on the grill and cook mouthwatering BBQ foods - ribs, chicken, brisket, pork and more! Experience the best BBQ food around, demos, displays, and taste BBQ food. Also featuring top Blues performers. Listen to great blues music for FREE in an outdoor stage.

Cape May County 4-H Fair

Thursday - Saturday, July 16-18, 2026. Free admission. Visit the Cape May County Fair showcasing a children’s discovery farm, animals, family entertainment, rides, games, and more! 355 Court House S. Dennis Rd in Cape May Court House.

Summer In The Street Tom’s River

Saturday, July 18, 2026, 2PM-8PM. FREE Family Fun Day in Tom’s River. Kids Zone with kids games, prizes, rides, balloons, inflatables and more! Live musical entertainment. Food vendors and crafters. Downtown, Washington Street, Tom’s River NJ. 

Monmouth County Fair

Wednesday-Sunday, July 22-36, 2026. Something for the whole family at the Monmouth County Fair with rides, racing pigs, Bwana Jim Wildlife Show, animals, musical acts, food, and more! Home & garden competition for children and adults. $ Admission. Children 12 & under enter FREE. East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Rd in Freehold NJ.

Gloucester County Fair 4-H Fair

Thursday - Sunday, July 23-26, 2026. South Jersey’s premier 4-H fair. Enjoy equestrian events, horse shows, dog shows, sheep shows, livestock, agricultural exhibits, games, magic shows, musical acts, tractor parades, crafts, and food. 4-H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill NJ. 

Morris County 4-H Fair

Friday-Sunday, July 24-26, 2026. Change the World with 4-H. Wholesome family fun with displays of 4-H achievements. Kids hands-on activities, music, face painting, science demos, animals and more! High View Farms in Mount Olive NJ. morris4h.org

Wildwood Crest Christmas in July

Saturday July 25, 2026, 6PM. Celebrate Christmas along Sunset Lake with a July Festival and Boat Parade. Take a FREE photo with Santa. There will be children and family activities, along with food and entertainment. 

Warren County Farmers’ Fair Featuring The Hot Air Balloon Festival

One week, July 25 - August 1, 2026 . The Warren County Farmer's Fair is a fun family fair with 4-H displays, animals shows, Equestrian events, farm exhibits, carnival rides, free concerts, Arts Expo and Kids Corral area with crafts and kids activities. Come see Demolition Derbies, Tractor Pulls, Big Wheel Race and more! Watch hot air balloons launch or ride in a hot air balloon. $ Admission. FREE for kids 5 & under. Fairgrounds at 1350 Strykers Rd, Phillipsburg NJ. 

Visit NJ Kids for more things to do.