Summer officially starts this weekend (woo hoo), and we’re so ready for it with plenty of kid-friendly things to do with the fam. Visit with the animals at the petting zoo, get on the carnival rides, watch fireworks, and see a magic show at the North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival in Milltown, visit the gardens and create a world where tiny fairies can visit at Fairy Day in Morristown, or head to Jenks Boardwalk with the fam for a fun-filled night of up close and personal encounters with some of the most fascinating creatures at Eyes of the Wild Animal Show. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/Lisa5201)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
Blueberry Summer Fest
June 20 at 4 PM
Pick blueberries, take a wagon ride, enjoy locally made blueberry pies, donuts, and cakes, tour the home of The Blueberry Queen, Elizabeth Coleman White, and shop handmade vendors while listening to music on the Whitesbog stage.
Cost: no fee, but donations are appreciated.
Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Summer Solstice Music Festival
June 20 at 4 PM
It’s the official start of summer in Haddon Township. Bring your crew to enjoy live music, food trucks, strolling entertainment, a petting zoo, a beer garden, and a giant fun slide.
Cost: Free
Haddon Avenue between Strawbridge Avenue & Cooper Street, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Eyes of the Wild Animal Show
June 20 at 5:30 PM
Head to Jenks Boardwalk with the fam for a fun-filled night of up-close and personal encounters with some of the most fascinating creatures. This show will feature education, fun, comedy, and entertainment for adults and children alike.
Cost: Free
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Barking Lot Sips & Brews
June 20 at 5:30 PM
Eat, drink, and have fun to help save homeless animals. Enjoy food trucks, cocktails, local brews, live music, cornhole, and other family-friendly games.
Cost: Free admission, drink tickets sold for 21+
Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Boulevard, Vorhees, NJ 08043
Cape May Coffee and Chocolate Festival
June 20-21
Head to this delicious and fun festival where you will have the chance to indulge in coffee, chocolate, and more. While you are there, sample a variety of coffee roasts and styles, plus chocolate-themed sweets from local businesses.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
North Brunswick Youth Sports Festival
June 20-22
This festival will feature carnival rides, fireworks, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, High Flying Pages Thrill Show, Wild Wheels Thrill Motorcycle Show, a magic show, and a petting zoo.
Cost: $13-$35; prices vary on select dates
US-1, Milltown, NJ 08850
How To Train Your Dragon Release Party
June 21 at 11 AM
Ready for the new How To Train Your Dragon movie? Celebrate this family-friendly movie with a dragon stilt walker, photo ops in front of a customized photo moment, and a Viking sword craft activity. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Toothless himself.
Cost: Free
MarketFair, 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ 08540
Kick Off to Summer Food Truck Festival
June 21 at 3 PM
You will find Island Vibe music and food trucks at this Jersey Shore family-friendly event. Don’t miss the Kickoff to Summer 5K in the morning before the event.
Cost: Adults are $5, children are free
Lavallette Bayfront and Philadelphia Avenue, Lavallette, NJ 08735
Annual Giralda Music & Arts Festival with the New Jersey Symphony
June 21 at 3 PM, NJ Symphony Performance at 6 PM
If you have a family member who loves music, this event is for you. There will be music performances, an art show, children’s activities, a raffle, and food trucks. This year, the festival will feature the sounds of your New Jersey Symphony under the stars. This program features a medley of timeless classics, Broadway themes, and patriotic favorites that the whole family will love
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Giralda Farms, Route 124, Madison, NJ 07940
Fairy Day
June 21 at 1 PM
Visit the gardens and create a world where tiny fairies can visit. You will have the chance to build your own enchanted dwelling to welcome the fairies, gnomes, and other garden nymphs. Snacks are included.
Cost: $35 per fairy house
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07962
Fantasy Faire
June 21-22
Filled with costumed characters that portray historical and mythical figures, live performances, storytelling, dancing, drumming, and sword demonstrations. Come dressed in your favorite fantasy costumes.
Cost: $12 per adult, $11 per senior, $7 per student, and kids under 5 are free
WheatonArts, 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, NJ 08332
Blues, Wine & BBQ
June 21-22
Get ready to kick off the season in smoky, soulful style with some of the area’s best BBQ, wine tastings, and the sound of live blues music filling your ears. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair and sit back, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.
Cost: $20-$25
Glassboro Town Square, 1 High Street West, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Fair Lawn Street Fair
June 22 at 11 AM
Everyone will enjoy a day outdoors in Fair Lawn with live music, a DJ, crafters, vendors, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Wild Fest 2025
June 22 at 12 PM
This music festival will benefit Woodlands Wildlife Refuge. There will be food trucks, live music, face painting, balloon animals, and giant bubbles. Bring your rods for fishing in the pond.
Cost: $10
Clinton Elks Lodge 2434, 211 Sidney Road, Franklin Township, NJ 08867
Cars At The Park Car Show
June 22 at 10 AM
Come check out all the cool cars while enjoying the summer weather. There will also be delicious food, drinks, a DJ, and more.
Cost: Free
2168 State Route 31, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
Guided Fossil Hunts
June 22 at 11 AM
Dig up history with the fam at this fun event. You can expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, aka 65-72 million years ago, with equipment for screening for fossils and a guide to help you identify your treasures.
Cost: $5 per participant
Poricy Park Fossil Beds, Middletown, NJ 07748
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School, Eatontown, is back! Join every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for fun and socializing. Children and caregivers love the padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM, and a lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child, and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
