2026 NJ Festivals for Families:
Your Local Guide to Family Fun
A Guide to NJ Festivals for Families: What to Know
New Jersey packs in family fun all year. You can hit the beach, stroll a boardwalk, and grab snacks in one afternoon. Kids bounce from skee-ball to soft serve, while parents enjoy the throwback boardwalk smells, hello funnel cake.Rain in the forecast, no problem. Head to hands-on exhibits at Liberty Science Center or plan a full day at American Dream with indoor skiing and big-ticket attractions. If you are searching for new jersey family festivals near home, short drives make it easy to plan nj family events and nj kids activities every weekend.
Street fairs, cultural days, art shows, food fests, and live music fill the calendar. Expect bounce houses, parades, fireworks, scavenger hunts, and sensory-friendly options. From trails and farms to pumpkin patches and holiday lights, you will find plenty of nj kids events near me to keep everyone happy.
Takeaways
- Short drives make it easy to find new jersey family festivals near you.
- Many nj family events offer free or low-cost entry, with paid add-ons.
- Look for sensory-friendly times, early hours, or quieter nights if needed.
- Pack layers, water, and snacks, and confirm parking before you go.
- Save links to your favorite nj kids activities so you can plan fast.
Northern NJ Festivals and Family Events
February 2026 North Jersey Festivals
The Sky Above (sensory-friendly)
Saturday, February 7, 2026: @5:00 pm
Raritan Valley Community College,
118 Lamington Road,
Branchburg, NJ
All ages
Designed for guests with sensory sensitivities, this gentle and inclusive planetarium show offers a calm environment with lowered sound, softened lighting, and a relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere. Families can enjoy an engaging journey through the night sky while feeling fully supported and comfortable. If you’re looking for a sensory-friendly event in New Jersey that blends education, accessibility, and fun, this Branchburg planetarium experience is a perfect choice.
2026 Lunar New Year Spectacular
February 15, 2026
The Dream Stage – Court A, Level 1, American Dream Mall, East Rutherford, NJ
The 2026 Lunar New Year Spectacular will light up The American Dream Mall with an afternoon of vibrant cultural celebration. Families, shoppers, and visitors will be treated to dazzling traditional performances, colorful costumes, dynamic music, and festive entertainment honoring the Year of the Horse. Set against the lively backdrop of one of New Jersey's most iconic destinations, this special event invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the joy, artistry, and community spirit of Lunar New Year.
Mac and Cheese Mayhem
February 28, 2026
The Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave., Morristown, NJ
Cost: $7 in advance, $10 at the door. 3 and under free.
Mac and Cheese Mayhem returns in 2026, transforming the Morristown Armory into a bubbling, golden celebration of everyone's favorite comfort food. Guests can wander through a delicious maze of gourmet, traditional, and wildly creative mac-and-cheese creations crafted by top local chefs and food artisans. The event blends cozy nostalgia with bold culinary flair—think smoky bacon blends, truffle infused twists, spicy jalapeño bites, and overthetop toppings that spark pure joy. With music, family friendly fun, and plenty of opportunities to sample and vote for your favorites, it's a warm, winterbright highlight for food lovers across New Jersey.
April 2026 North Jersey Festivals
Paramus Food Truck Festival
Sunday, April 26, 2026: 11am until 7pm
Paramus Park Mall-North
700 Paramus Park
Paramus, NJ
Cost: $5, Kids under 5 FREE
The event Kicks Off The Food Truck Season with Flavors & Fun & a Feast for the senses! Expect food, beer, Musi, and kids events. Its a fun filled family da with 20+ Gourmet Food Trucks, music by DJ Ray Colon, pony rides, petting zoo, knockerball, mini golf, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors & a beer, sangria & margarita bar.
May 2026 North Jersey Festivals
Chester Food Truck and Music Festival
Saturday, May 2, 2026; 11am - 7pm
Muncipal Field,
Chester, NJ
The Food Trucks are rolling into Chester Borough! It's a fun filled family day! 18 Gourmet Food Trucks, Live Music from 3 bands, beer, sangria & margarita garden, kids activities, face painting, inflatables, vendors & more! Bring your friends, family, appetite, lawn chairs, pups and blankets. Event is a Benefit for the Chester First Aid Squad & The Chester/Mendham Food Pantry They are also asking all attendees to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the food pantry. Please help those less fortunate.
Bayonne Food Truck Festival
Saturday, May 9th, 2026; 12pm - 7pm
19th-22nd St. Avenue E
Bayonne, NJ
Cost: Free Admission
A family friendly event featuring a fun day with drinks, a beer & wine garden, live bands, face painting, and of course 30+ food trucks.
Country Jamboree Festival
Saturday May 16, 2026
; 11am-8pm
Firemans Field
144 Beach Street
Rockaway, NJ
Cost: $5, children under 5 free.
This fun filled event features a day filled with live music, delicious food, and good ol' country fun. Join in for a family for a day of line dancing, BBQ, and great music from local country bands. Don't forget to wear your best cowboy boots and hats! This is a can't-miss event for all country music lovers. There will be live music by Tennessee Honey.
June 2026 North Jersey Festivals
Mount Olive Food Truck & FireTri-County Fair
Thursday to Sunday, June 18, 19, 20, 21, 2026
Christ Church,
140 Green Pond Road,
Rockaway, NJ
Event Cost: Free admission, $5 parking
This event features free family entertainment, such as: family friendly music, a spectacular fireworks show on Friday night, music, monster truck rides, Drone light show and More. d fireworks viewing.
NJ Air Show
Father's Day Weekend
June 19, 20, 21, 2026
Greenwood Lake Airport,
126 Airport Rd,
West Milford, NJ
This popular Father's Day weekend event features
a day into night airshow with some of the world's top aerial acrobats. Aerial acrobatic performers will be showcasing their daredevil skills during night airshow. Each night Show will conclude with a pyro musical with booming fireworks and laser show. Food options will be available. For general admission, bring a folding chair or blanket.
Wyckoff Street Festival
June 27, 2026
Main Street, Wyckoff, NJ
A full day with live music, games, rides, food vendors, and fireworks just after sunset.
July 2026 North Jersey Festivals
Randolph Township 50th Annual Freedom Festival
July 9, 10, 11, 2026; 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m
County College of Morris
214 Center Grove Road
Randolph, NJ
Parking Fee $5
This three-day festival features a celebration of 50 years of community spirit with fireworks, food, and fun! This extra-special edition includes live entertainment, games, and patriotic flair. Fireworks will be at 9:45 PM on July 11, 2026
The Saturday evening finale fireworks show with synchronized music by DJ, at 9:45 pm.
August 2026 North Jersey Festivals
Mount Olive Food Truck & Fireworks Festival
Saturday, August 22, 2026: 4pm-10pm
Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake, NJ
Cost: $10 – Ages 18+ $5 – Ages 13–17. Ages 12 and under – FREE
Enjoy 18+ food trucks, local vendors, live music, beer, and inflatables for the kids—all capped off with a spectacular fireworks show. From savory to sweet and family fun to evening vibes, there is truly something for everyone. Don't forget to bring blankets and lawn chairs for relaxing and fireworks viewing.
Central NJ Festivals and Family Events
February 2026 Central Jersey Festivals
New Jersey Sports Card Convention
February 6, 7, 2026,
WAREHOUSE 100, Freehold, NJ
The New Jersey Sports Card Convention brings a fresh burst of energy to the hobby with a venue that feels tailor made for collectors. The industrial chic space at Warehouse 100 gives vendors and exhibitors room to spread out, making it easier for attendees to browse rare cards, meet industry pros, and discover emerging trends in the sports collectibles world. What makes this event special is its blend of nostalgia and modern collecting culture—whether you’re chasing vintage gems, exploring the latest graded releases, or introducing a young fan to the hobby, the atmosphere is welcoming and electric. It’s an ideal weekend for seasoned collectors, casual enthusiasts, families, and anyone who loves the thrill of finding that next great card in the wild.
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
Sunday, February 8, 2026: 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm,
44 Longstreet Road,
Holmdel, NJ
Beat the winter blues and beat your opponent too! Strategize your best moves while playing Halma and Basilinda, two long-forgotten 1890s board games.
They also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers, and Dominoes.
New Jersey Boat Expo
February 12th - 15th, 2026
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center,
97 Sunfield Avenue,
Edison, NJ
Cost: Adults:Adults: $15 Kids 12 and under FREE
This show has something for every age and interest with hundreds of new boats on sale from the top dealers in the state representing boating's most popular brands. it's the perfect outing for families and friends. Step aboard an impressive lineup of boats, shop a vast selection of accessories and services, and enjoy free fishing seminars, kid-friendly activities, and delicious food and drinks. It's a fun-filled day out of the February chill, getting you ready for an unforgettable summer on the water.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE 'Glow-N-Fire'
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, February 13, 14, 15, 2026
Cure Insurance Arena,
81 Hamilton Avenue,
Trenton, NJ
This electrifying, family-friendly spectacle is one you won't want to miss. Its a high energy tour that lights up the arena with glowing trucks, explosive stunts, and larger than life entertainment perfect for kids, parents, and die-hard Hot Wheels fans. Experience jaw-dropping jumps, epic battles, and the signature "Glow-N-Fire" effects that make this touring show one of the hottest winter events in New Jersey. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking for unforgettable family fun, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE in Trenton promises a thrilling adventure for all ages.
S'mores & Goats
February 15, 2026
Gorgeous Goat Creamery 71 Featherbed Ln, Stockton, NJ
Admission: 13 years and older $17, 3-12 years $12, 2 and younger free
This outdoor family event features a roast with marshmallows around the campfire. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or tea, and meet the goats. They will have 4 campfires for you to enjoy. Each admission come with a kit to make two smores, bottomless hot cocoa or tea, and lots of snuggles with the goats.
Maple Sap Collection
Sunday, February 22, 2026 (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
42 Lilac Drive,
Flemington, NJ
Ages: 4 through 8 recommended (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Families, nature lovers, and curious learners are invited to explore how maple trees are tapped, discover the science behind sap flow, and watch the early steps of turning sap into syrup. This interactive outdoor program is perfect for kids and adults looking for an educational, seasonal activity that celebrates local traditions. If you're searching for winter things to do in Flemington, NJ or maple sugaring events in New Jersey, this engaging experience offers a sweet way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new.
May 2026 Central Jersey Festivals
5th Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo
May 2, 2026: Noon until 5pm
Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ
Event Cost: $45.00
This family event features festivals with a Margarita Contest where local restaurants will be competing for the Best Margarita in Highlands! Participants will sample delicious 6oz. Margaritas and vote for their favorite! The fee includes free samplings and discounted food and drink specials at local eateries and pubs, as well as specials at many retail establishments. Live Mariachi music will be playing at the participating restaurants to add an authentic Mexican flair to the event!
New Jersey's Empanada Food Festival & Car Show
May 2, 2026
Rustic Mall, Main Street, Manville, NJ
Get Ready for the Ultimate Latin Food Fest! Explore a variety of cuisines!- there will be Mexican, American and a few other food choices as well. Expect Empanada food trucks, car show, live music, Beer & Wine: Sip and enjoy, craft vendors, Adventure Zone for Kids of all ages- Face Painting, Henna Tattoos, Fun for all ages!
Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival
Saturday, Sunday, May 16, 17, 2026: Noon - 6PM (rain or shine)
Bradley Park
101-199 5th Ave
Asbury Park, NJ
Cost:
$19+. Kids 13 and under are free.
This two-day celebration features a two-day celebration bringing together the state's finest vegan and plant-based food from local chefs, restaurants, food trucks, and product developers, as well as vegan lifestyle gear, cruelty-free fashion, live music, and an outdoor bar stocked with vegan cockatils and mocktails! This festival serves up everything from jackfruit tacos to desserts that could convert the most committed cheese-lover.
Southern NJ Festivals and Family Events
February 2026 South Jersey Festivals
Winter Warrior Challenge
Saturday February 14, 2026
The Civic Center,
Ocean City, NJ
A Presidents Day Weekend event brings families and local businesses together in Ocean City in the heart of winter. The event is run out of Civic Center and includes three components: an obstacle course race for children, a "Winter Warrior" obstacle course race for parents and individuals and team challenges such as a fire truck pull.
March 2026 South Jersey Festivals
Nerd Force Fan Fest Episode 3
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ
Admission $10, Kids 12 and under Free with paying Adult.
This event will be transforming Rowan University into a vibrant hub of comics, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture celebration. This year’s installment promises an even bigger lineup of special guests, interactive panels, indie creators, and handson experiences designed to delight fans of every universe—from superheroes and sci-fi to anime, tabletop adventures, and retro gaming. With its lively marketplace, family friendly activities, and a community atmosphere that encourages creativity and connection, Episode 3 is shaping up to be a standout spring gathering for fans across New Jersey and beyond.
September 2026 South Jersey Festivals
Pine Barren Makers Fall Fest
September 19th & 20th, 2026: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
3610 Nesco Rd.
Hammonton, NJ
This
family oriented fun for all ages Fest features food trucks, handcrafted vendors, kids activities, photo ops, and a scavenger hunt map on your way in to win a prize!
FAQs
Q: Where can I find nj kids events near me on short notice?
A: Check event pages linked above on the day of. Many festivals post updates on weather, hours, and ticket windows.
Q: Do I need tickets in advance for popular fall events?
A: Often yes. Timed entries and weekend dates sell out fast, especially at pumpkin walks and light shows.
Q: Are these festivals stroller friendly?
A: Most are, but farm fields and gravel paths can be bumpy. Bring a carrier for infants if you plan to walk trails.
Q: What should I bring for outdoor nj family events?
A: Dress in layers, wear comfy shoes, pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and a small flashlight for evening walks.
Q: How can I find quieter times for kids who need less noise?
A: Choose weekday evenings, early time slots, or rain dates. Some venues offer sensory-friendly hours, so check each link.
