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4th of July Weekend in New Jersey: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. Photo by the author
Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. Photo by the author
6/28/23 - By Laurie Rein

 Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

The long-awaited 4th of July weekend blasts off with fireworks and festivities throughout the state, including displays in Wildwood, Jersey City, Camden, and more. Round out the celebrations with Independence Day festivals like the Little Falls 4th of July Street Fair and the Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm.

Consider planning a getaway on this long weekend at one of the best family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore, or making a splash at a swimming pool with day passes. Bookmark our Family Activity Calendar for more fun things to do.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach towel. Plus, each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids

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Wildwood's 4th of July celebration includes a parade, live music, and spectacular fireworks. Photo courtesy of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority
Wildwood's 4th of July celebration includes a parade, live music, and spectacular fireworks. Photo courtesy of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority

4th of July Fireworks and More Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend

Great Fair of Saint Mary's

Middletown–FREE
Daily through Saturday, July 1
Food, rides, and games are all part of the excitement at the Saint Mary's Great Fair. Stop by the Kiddie Zone, which opens daily at 5:30pm.  READ MORE

State Fair Meadowlands

East Rutherford
Daily through Sunday, July 9
The jam-packed State Fair Meadowlands returns for 18 days with more than 100 rides and attractions, including Jurassic Kingdom, plus plenty of food and entertainment. Fireworks take place July 3-4. READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck

Beechwood–FREE
Friday, June 30
Kids of all ages are invited to get behind the wheel and explore all kinds of vehicles. Crafts and snacks round out the fun. A sensory-friendly half hour, with no noises or flashing lights, takes place at 10am. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks

Lake Hopatcong–FREE
Friday, June 30
The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club sponsors this annual fireworks spectacular, which sends sparklers flying high above the lake from floating docks. READ MORE

L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair at Mercer County Park

West Windsor
Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 9
Summer fun awaits at L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair at Mercer County Park with food, rides and entertainment. Plus, don't miss performances by Anastasini Circus. READ MORE

Atlantic City Fireworks

Atlantic City–FREE
Friday, June 30
Kick off the summer with a fireworks display at North Beach AC. Multiple viewing locations are available, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel, Showboat Hotel, and Steel Pier.  READ MORE

Lyndhurst Fireworks

Lyndhurst–FREE
Friday, June 30
Head over to this patriotic party on Riverside Avenue, with food trucks, vendors and a fireworks display at dusk. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure July 4th Fest

Jackson
Saturday, July 1-Tuesday, July 4
Spend a thrilling and adventurous July 4th weekend at Six Flags, with 4 days of holiday festivities, including music, food and fireworks. READ MORE

Perth Amboy Fireworks

Perth Amboy–FREE
Monday, July 3
View one of the state's biggest fireworks displays over the Raritan Bay. The fun begins at 3pm with food and festivities, topped off with fireworks at night. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Scotch Plains–FREE
Saturday, July 1
Celebrate an early Independence Day at the Scotch Hills Golf Course when fireworks set the sky on fire. Pre-show entertainment is planned. Fireworks begin at 9pm. READ MORE

Highland Park Fireworks

Highland Park–FREE
Sunday, July 2
Food trucks, music, and fun are the pre-show to this fireworks display, which begins at 9:20pm.  READ MORE

Mount Holly Fireworks

Mount Holly–FREE
Monday, July 3
Celebrate Independence Day with a festive fireworks display at Ironworks Park. Round out the fun with live music, giveaways, rides, and food trucks.  READ MORE

Milltown 4th of July

Milltown–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Milltown celebrates the 4th of July with a full roster of events, including a fishing derby, parade, duck race, food, music and fireworks.  READ MORE

Wildwood 4th of July Fireworks

Wildwood–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
The beach town hosts its annual Independence Day celebration with a fireworks spectacular visible from almost anywhere on the Wildwoods Boardwalk.  READ MORE

Livingston 4th of July Celebration

Livingston–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Livingston's 4th of July celebration is an all-day affair, featuring rides, games, food trucks, pony rides, a photo booth, and live entertainment.  READ MORE

Little Falls Annual 4th of July Street Fair

Little Falls–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Main Street in Little Falls hosts this big block party on Independence Day. Stroll the blocks-long celebration with food, vendors, crafts, children's activities, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Point Pleasant–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Jenkinson's action-packed boardwalk celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display. READ MORE

Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival

Camden–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day at the Freedom Festival, presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the City of Camden. Families can expect patriotic fun, live music, and an amazing fireworks show over the Delaware River. READ MORE

Oceanfest

Long Branch–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
All are invited to Oceanfest, an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together the most memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Oceanfest combines community and cultural events and tops off with spectacular fireworks. READ MORE

4th of July Parade at Historic Smithville

Galloway–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Come out and celebrate the nation's birth. Historic Smithville has the largest 4th of July parade in all of New Jersey. The parade starts at 9am, and 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route.  READ MORE

Independence Day Celebration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with an old-school flair. Longstreet Farms takes the party back to the 1890s. Enjoy old-fashioned patriotism and celebrate with games, music, and more. READ MORE

Jersey City Freedom & Fireworks Festival

Jersey City–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day on the waterfront at the annual Jersey City 4th of July Festival. The fun includes three barges of fireworks, a street fair and live music. READ MORE

Springfield's July 4th Celebration 2023

Springfield–FREE
Tuesday, July 4
Springfield's July 4th Celebration 2023 features free activities that include a DJ, inflatables, a trackless train, a petting zoo, pony rides, fireworks at dusk, and a live concert by Barbara Harris and The Toys. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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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