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Best Things To Do in New Jersey May 2023 with Kids

See the stunning show when the Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies Memorial Day weekend.
See the stunning show when the Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies Memorial Day weekend.
4/30/23 - By Laurie Rein

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we've rounded up fun things to do in New Jersey all month long!

The Garden State is in full bloom this May, and our calendar is loaded with springtime fun. As warmer weather arrives, it's time to get outdoors and soak in the sun at food truck festivals, kite festivals, and the debut of outdoor movie season. Local town festivals take it to the streets in Ocean Grove, Kenilworth, and Lake Hopatcong.

The month also brings with it longer days and time to linger at a favorite destination playground, spread a blanket out for a leisurely picnic, and, come Memorial Day weekend, hit the sand and the surf at our favorite Jersey Shore beaches.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

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All aboard for the fun at the Lake Hopatcong Block Party. Photo courtesy of the event
All aboard for the fun at the Lake Hopatcong Block Party. Photo courtesy of the event

Best Things to Do in May in New Jersey

Skylands Stadium Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Augusta
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Bring the whole family to this all-day party that takes place right on the field. The spring festival features more than 20 food trucks, upwards of 100 craft beers, music, games, sports on the big screen, shopping, and more. READ MORE

Madagascar the Musical

New Brunswick
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Join Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. This crack-a-lackin' musical features all of your favorite friends as they escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo. READ MORE

Ocean Grove Spring Fling

Ocean Grove–FREE
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Get a jump-start on summer with an early trip to the Jersey Shore. Ocean Grove holds this annual celebration with vendors, artisans, music, and more.  READ MORE

Gloucester County Movies in the Park

Various Gloucester County parks–FREE
Select dates beginning Friday, May 12, 2023
Screenings are held throughout the county on select Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights through August.  READ MORE

Creative Arts Festival

Lincroft–FREE
Saturday, May 13, 2023
The annual Creative Arts Festival features artists selling offerings such as mixed-media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. READ MORE

Azalea Festival

Hamilton–FREE
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Sayen Botanical Gardens welcome you to this magnificent display of more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas, and rhododendron. Enjoy the landscaped walking paths, fountains, bridges, lakes, gazebos, and breathtaking scenery. READ MORE

St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival

Medford–FREE
Monday, May 15-Saturday, May 20, 2023
Rides, games, food, and live entertainment are all part of the excitement at this 6-day carnival. Bring your appetite for a huge selection of food, and be sure to enter the raffles. A MegaPass is available and covers unlimited rides for the run of the festival. READ MORE

Cape May Spring Festival

Cape May
Thursday, May 18-Sunday, May 21, 2023
The beachside town of Cape May hosts four days of family-friendly activities, from trolley tours to boat rides to indoor activities.  READ MORE

36th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival

Belmar–FREE
Friday, May 19-Sunday, May 21, 2023
Head over to Belmar for one of the largest seafood festivals in the country. Sample yummy dishes from area restaurants, enjoy live music, and visit the children's activity area for special games and entertainment. READ MORE

Fairy and Pirate Festival

Budd Lake–FREE
Saturday, May 20, 2023
(New date due to weather) The wee folk and swashbuckling buccaneers are back at Turkey Brook Park, turning it into a magical wonderland of games, rides, entertainment, and activities. Costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Lake Hopatcong–FREE
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Celebrate New Jersey’s largest lake during this day-long festival. Connect with community groups, crafters, and food vendors while enjoying activities, raffles, giveaways, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more. READ MORE

New Jersey Renaissance Faire

Southampton
Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, May 20-Sunday, June 4, 2023
The Italian Renaissance takes over Burlington County Fairgrounds for 7 days, featuring cast members entertaining visitors as they walk through the castle gates. Look out for a jousting tournament, aerial acrobatics, magic shows, fire dancers, and craft demonstrations. READ MORE

Ocean Fun Days

Berkeley–FREE
Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21, 2023
This 2-day festival celebrates the ocean with exhibits, classes, nature tours, and children’s activities focused on our coastal environment. READ MORE

Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show

Kenilworth–FREE
Sunday, May 21, 2023
The Boulevard becomes one big block party with vendors, live music, kiddie rides, festival food, and more. Activities for kids include bounce houses, face painting, sand art, and many others.  READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood–FREE
Friday, May 26-Monday, May 29, 2023
The annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest such festival in North America, features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible and colorful creations. READ MORE

Beyonce Laser Show

Jersey City
Wednesdays through Sundays until Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Head over to Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, and sing along to Beyonce tunes from speakers. Plus, dance to the beat timed to lasers that are produced using 88 million pixels and 281 trillion colors. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
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