Fun Things to Do in New Jersey This August: Top 10 Picks
What Makes August in New Jersey special for visitors and Residents?
August in New Jersey is special for visitors and residents because it combines peak summer weather with a diverse lineup of festivals, outdoor events, and natural attractions, making it one of the most exciting and activity-filled months for visitors of all ages.
August in New Jersey features;
Peak Beach & Boardwalk Energy: The quintessential Jersey Shore experience at its warmest and liveliest.
Agricultural Bounty: The absolute height of fresh, delicious local produce, especially tomatoes and corn.
Festival Frenzy: A packed calendar of fairs, cultural events, concerts, and fireworks.
Warm Water & Outdoor Focus: Ideal conditions for enjoying water activities and outdoor living.
Unique Atmosphere: A potent mix of vibrant energy and the poignant, cherished feeling of summer's climax before the seasonal transition.
For visitors, it's the ideal (though busiest) time to experience the full, iconic New Jersey summer. For residents, it's a month deeply woven into the state's identity – a time to relish the Shore, savor homegrown flavors, enjoy local events, and soak up the last, long days before fall routines begin.
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1- Plan a weekend getaway or vacation to Ocean City
Ocean City is a Jersey Shore beach resort that sets itself apart from other beach front towns in going all out to insure that its reputation as “ America’s Greatest Family Resort” is true to its motto. This family resort destination has many attractions and accommodations that are family oriented and reasonably priced. Lodging including motels, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and vacation home rentals; family oriented restaurants, both sit in and take-out; shopping, including clothing, T-shirts, souvenirs, and antiques; and of course its beautiful beach and fun filled boardwalk.
2 - Get out an enjoy the outdoors and some exercise
with a scenic bike trip
Best NJ Bike Trips
New Jersey has great terrain and scenery and offers a wide variety of trails for a wonderful cycling adventure for beginners to advanced cyclists.
Some favorites include:
Island Beach State Park - Ride adjacent the sea shore, dunes and wildlife sanctuary - 16 miles round trip - Easy
The Pine Barrens - Traverse pristine pine & oak forests, blueberry fields and cranberry bogs and 3 major rivers. - 43 miles - Easy
3 - Take a day trip to a Jersey Shore Beach
New Jersey Beach Information - fees, facilities, and more
With 127 miles of beaches, the Jersey shore are a natural landscape of beauty, clean ocean water, refreshing breezes and beautiful, white sandy beaches, making the Jersey Shore one of the most desired vacation destinations on the east coast. The beaches in Cape May County are especially known for their wide, fine, powdery sand, and are considered to be among the best beaches on the Atlantic coast.
4 - Pack your hand lines, collapsible traps, and scoop nets, and spend a day enjoying a popular Jersey shore activity.
Your Guide To The Best Crabbing Spots in New Jersey
A popular summer and fall Activity. Crabbing is most active along the bays and creeks on the Jersey Shore.
In terms of numbers caught, recreational crabbing in New Jersey exceeds recreational fishing catches of bluefish, flounder, black sea bass and striped bass.
5 - Take a Canoe or Kayak trip
Best NJ Canoe and Kayaking
NJ offers a wide variety of scenic and wildlife experiences, with a range water from easy flat water to the more intermediate, challenging rivers and beach areas.
Batsto River - Hampton Furnace to Quaker Bridge -
The lower Batsto River from Quaker Bridge to the lake at Batsto Village is a good paddle for all levels.
Merrill Creek Reservoir, Warren County -
Paddle past the red pine and cedar-lined shore forests and fields amongst wildlife and water fowl, where you will find mergansers, king fishers, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, muskrat, hawks and herons.
6 - Take a camping trip to a private camping ground
Your Guide to Camping at a Private Campground
Conveniently located to enjoy nearby attractions on a modest budget. For those who prefer not to wander far from the camp grounds, many of them have extensive family recreational facilities on the grounds. For others who enjoy a beer or glass of wine with their meal, they usually do not have restrictions on moderate alcohol use.
7 - Take the Family to the Annual Bluegrass Festival
The 52nd Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
Labor Day Weekend, August 29 – 31, 2025
Salem County Fairgrounds
725 Route 40
Pilesgrove Township, NJ
This family music festival features southern Appalachian old-time and bluegrass and related music styles. For kids, there is also a Children's Stage.
The festival site has plenty of room for camping for tenters as well as RVers, and unlike many other festivals, they do not charge extra for camping. Weekend ticket holders may camp on the grounds at no charge.
8 - Take-in a Whale Watching Tour - An exciting and fun experience for the entire family
New Jersey Whale Watching Tours
During the past 10 + years, humpback whales have returned to the waters off New Jersey in large numbers, that make whale watching an exciting and fun experience for the whole family.
9 - Take the Family Peach Picking at a "Pick Your Own Farm"
Peach Picking at a "Pick Your Own Farm"
Peach picking is a popular New Jersey family activity. If you love peaches and enjoy getting out with the family for a fun activity, head on out to a pick your own peach farm and take home fresh, fully ripened, and flavorful peaches --- peaches that you aren't able to get at the local supermarket.
Peach picking season begins in mid-July and runs to the middle of September, depending on varieties and weather conditions.
10 - Take the family to an Italian Festival
The Italian American Association of Ocean
Township Annual Italian Festival
August 6th - 10th, 2025
Joe Palaia Park
corner of Deal and Whalepond Road
Oakhurst, NJ
Free admission
This four day Italian Festival annually attracts over 80,000 people with a taste for our traditional foods and wholesome family fun. Celebrating Italian heritage and culture!
There's something for everyone! From sampling the great taste of Italy's delicious food, rides, games, music, Galbani Live Cooking Seminar, and more
More Can't-Miss August Festivals Across New Jersey
- New Jersey State Fair: Augusta, NJ (August 1-9, 2025) - Experience a classic state fair with agricultural exhibits, horse shows, thrilling rides, and delicious fair food, a perfect example of fun things to do in august.
- Clam Festival of Highlands: Huddy Park, Highlands, NJ (August 1-3, 2025) - Indulge in fresh seafood from top local restaurants, enjoy live bands, and participate in exciting clam-shucking contests at this iconic bayshore event.
- Passaic County Fair: Woodland Park, NJ )August 14-17, 2025) - Enjoy a diverse lineup of music, a thrilling carnival, pony rides, and a spectacular fireworks show at Garret Mountain Reservation.
- Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash: Wildwood, NJ (August 8-10, 2025) - A unique gathering of world-renowned tattoo artists right on the beach, offering live tattooing, contests, and entertainment for a different kind of Jersey Shore experience.
- Canal Day Music & Craft Festival: Wharton, NJ (Saturday, August 23, 2025) - Experience a trip back in time along the Morris Canal with historical displays, craft vendors, ten bands on two stages, and a grand fireworks finale.
Bonus Ideas for August Fun Things To Do in New Jersey
- Hike to the viewpoint at High Point State Park.
- Tour the historic grounds of Princeton University on a sunny afternoon.
- Watch an outdoor movie screening in a local community park.
- Stroll through the stunning Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton.
- Go tubing down the gentle currents of the Delaware River.
- Taste your way through the Cape May Food Tour.
- Attend a Somerset Patriots minor league baseball game.
- Climb the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse for panoramic views.
- Explore the coastal trails at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
- Visit the historic village of Smithville for unique shops and paddle boats.
- Sample local brews along the Jersey Shore Craft Beer Trail.
- Spend an afternoon at the impressive Liberty Science Center.
- Discover American history at Morristown National Historical Park.
- Take a guided tour of the Battleship New Jersey in Camden.
- Find fun things to do in Oakhurst NJ by exploring their local parks.
- Enjoy a peaceful walk through the expansive Duke Farms in Hillsborough.
- Go stargazing from the darker skies at Wharton State Forest.
- Rent a pontoon boat for a leisurely day on Lake Hopatcong.
- Discover unique finds at the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market in Lambertville.
- Taste award-winning wines at a winery in the Outer Coastal Plain AVA.
- See a concert under the stars at the PNC Bank Arts Center.
- Explore the abandoned WWII bunkers at Cape May Point State Park.
- Visit the whimsical Storybook Land theme park with younger children.
- Catch a free beach concert in Atlantic City or Belmar.
- Walk or bike the scenic Henry Hudson Trail in Monmouth County.
- Spend a rainy day exploring the vast Newark Museum of Art.
- Peruse the unique shops and art galleries in downtown Red Bank.
- Take a ferry ride from Liberty State Park for unparalleled city views.
- Try a famous Jersey tomato pie from a classic Trenton-area pizzeria.
- Visit the breathtaking Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
Things to Do in New Jersey in August: Practical Tips for Visitors
Most Jersey Shore beaches require daily, weekly, or seasonal beach badges for access, so check the specific town's policy online before you go. Driving to popular destinations can mean significant traffic on the Garden State Parkway and other major arteries; plan to travel during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) if possible. For a car-free option, NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line provides convenient access to many shore towns from North Jersey and New York City.
When looking for things to do in new jersey in August, remember that many towns offer free entertainment like beach concerts and fireworks. Consider visiting beaches on weekdays, when badge prices are sometimes lower and crowds are thinner. Packing your own cooler with drinks and snacks for the beach is a classic money-saving move. Before you head out, check out this quick planning checklist:
- Book Early: Reserve accommodations, rental cars, and key activities well ahead of time.
- Pack for Sun and Heat: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles.
- Check Beach Badge Rules: Confirm if and where you need to purchase beach tags for your chosen destination.
- Plan for Traffic: Allow extra travel time, especially on Fridays and Sundays, and use a GPS app for real-time updates.
- Go Mid-Week: Visit popular attractions and beaches on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a more relaxed experience.
- Stay Hydrated: The August heat and humidity can be intense; drink more water than you think you need.
- Confirm NJ August Events: Always double-check festival and event details online before you go, as schedules can change.
Upcoming Ticketed Entertainment
Things to Do in New Jersey in August: Practical Tips for Visitors
Most Jersey Shore beaches require daily, weekly, or seasonal beach badges for access, so check the specific town's policy online before you go. Driving to popular destinations can mean significant traffic on the Garden State Parkway and other major arteries; plan to travel during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) if possible. For a car-free option, NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line provides convenient access to many shore towns from North Jersey and New York City.
When looking for things to do in new jersey in August, remember that many towns offer free entertainment like beach concerts and fireworks. Consider visiting beaches on weekdays, when badge prices are sometimes lower and crowds are thinner. Packing your own cooler with drinks and snacks for the beach is a classic money-saving move. Before you head out, check out this quick planning checklist:
- Book Early: Reserve accommodations, rental cars, and key activities well ahead of time.
- Pack for Sun and Heat: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles.
- Check Beach Badge Rules: Confirm if and where you need to purchase beach tags for your chosen destination.
- Plan for Traffic: Allow extra travel time, especially on Fridays and Sundays, and use a GPS app for real-time updates.
- Go Mid-Week: Visit popular attractions and beaches on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a more relaxed experience.
- Stay Hydrated: The August heat and humidity can be intense; drink more water than you think you need.
- Confirm NJ August Events: Always double-check festival and event details online before you go, as schedules can change.
Upcoming Ticketed Entertainment
