Can't-Miss New Jersey Family Festivals and Attractions

Exciting Events for Families in New Jersey

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Discover the vibrant world of family festivals and events in New Jersey, where entertainment, delicious food, and fun-filled activities come together to create unforgettable experiences. From skilled artisans showcasing handcrafted treasures to captivating performances that delight audiences of all ages, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Families with kids will especially appreciate the variety of engaging activities tailored just for younger visitors, ensuring endless excitement for the little ones. Each festival is uniquely themed, adding an extra layer of charm and making every event feel distinct and memorable.

Whether you’re exploring the creations of talented crafters, savoring diverse culinary delights, or enjoying interactive activities, these festivals offer a perfect blend of fun, creativity, and community spirit. Make lasting memories and immerse yourself in the magic of New Jersey’s exceptional family events!

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Multi-Date, North Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Maple Sugaring Demo & Festival
Saturday, Sundays, beginning January 18th until March 9th, 2025
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center .
247 Southern Boulevard
Chatham, NJ
Cost: $6 per person
Preregistration is required.
Learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Finish with a syrup taste test! This program will be held entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. Syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last.
For ages 6 and up.

January 2025 Northern Jersey Family Festivals and Events

DESSERTOPIA
January 25, 2025: 11am-7pm
at Morristown Armory
430 Western Ave
Morristown, NJ
Cost: General Admission $5.49, (kids under 5 free) This event features a dessert filled event with a specialty dessert beverage, vendors, a DJ, an adult beverage bar, face painting, and, most importantly, a wide array of desserts ranging from cupcakes, cookies, waffles and ice cream to pastries, pies, puddings, chocolate and so much more.
If it's sweet, it will be there, so get your tastebuds ready!

Garden State Comic Fest
Saturday-Sunday, January 25-26, 2025
Sussex County Fairgrounds
37 Plains Road,
Augusta, NJ
Cost: $10 for a daily pass (Buy Saturday, get Sunday free)
This family event features a meet up with comic book celebrities such as Bob Sharen, Bud Larosa, Scott Hanna, Nick Caponi, and more.
There will be comics, artists, vendors, delicious foods, and more.

Lunar New Year Celebration
January 25 , 2025: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Montclair Art Museum
3 S Mountain Ave
Montclair, NJ
Attendees at the Montclair Art Museum will get to ring in the year of the snake with a traditional dragon parade, lion dance, cultural performances, vendor market, crafts, and of course, an array of food trucks serving delicious dishes and drinks to keep you warm and full.

Monster Jam Pit Party
Saturday, Sunday, Jan 25, 26, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ
Join in for this this pre- Monster Jam race at the Pit Party and see the massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities.
This fun-filled experience is the only place to get an insider's look at how these 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks are built to stand up to the competition.

February 2025 Northern Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Mac & Cheese Mayhem
Saturday, February 8, 2025; 11 am – 6:30 pm (This is an indoor event…rain or shine)
430 Western Ave,
Morristown NJ
Cost: $7
Join in for a fun-filled family day packed with comfort food and exciting activities for everyone! Enjoy live music, refreshing beverages like beer, margaritas, and sangria available for purchase, as well as a variety of vendors and kid-friendly attractions. Highlights include hatchet throwing, a petting zoo, face painting, sand art, and more! Food vendors will be serving small plates, so bring your friends and family to sample all the delicious, cheesy creations. Don't forget to vote for your favorite dish and make it a day to remember!

Laser Queen
Saturdays, February 15, 22, 2025: @8:00 pm
Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Road
Branchburg, NJ
Aged 10 to Adult
The legendary music of Queen transcends time, and this show might rock audience members right out of their seats. Did we mention the lead guitarist, Brian May, is an astrophysicist? Come rock the cosmos in a blaze of light, sound, and color. Some of Queen's hit songs in this show include "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Another One Bites the Dust," "Under Pressure," and "We Are the Champions."

June 2025 Northern Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Tri-County Fair
Thursday to Sunday, June 12, 13, 14, 15, 2025
Christ Church
140 Green Pond Road
Rockaway, NJ 07866
Event Cost: Free admission, $5 parking
This event features free family entertainment, such as: family friendly music, a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday night, an old-time car show complete with 50’s music, monster truck rides, and the Extreme Illusions and Escapes of Josh Knotts! Plus, bring your superhero dad on Father’s Day to take a picture with the Batmobile!

October 2025 Northern NJ Festivals and Themed Events

PuchiCon NJ 2025
October 4, 5, 2025
Doubletree Hilton
2117 Route 4 Eastbound
Ft. Lee, NJ
Anime Convention features a video game & comic convention with fun panels, voice actors, well known cosplayers, and performers. Dedicated to the celebration of anime, kpop, comics. manga and gaming! Embracing a strong emphasis on inclusivity, kindness, and the promotion of mental and physical well-being, we cordially invite you to indulge in your favorite fandom alongside like-minded enthusiasts.

 

Multi-Date, Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
Sunday, January 12 from 12-2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2025: from 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel
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.

Pine Barren Bonfires
Monday, January 13, Wednesday, February 12, 2025: from 6-8 p.m.
Turkey Swamp Park
200 Georgia Road
Freehold, NJ
Cost: $15 per family of four; cash or check only (all ages, under 18 with adult)
There's something about a bonfire that's so magical. The flames dancing in the night, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and the feeling of warmth and companionship around the fire. Enjoy a winter evening with us at Turkey Swamp's council ring. There will be games, s'mores, and a full moon!
Please dress appropriately for the weather.

 

January 2025 Central Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Cutting, Splitting and Hewing at Historic Longstreet Farm
Sundays, January 5, & February 2, 2025: from 12-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel 07733
Free event
Come out to Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, and get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad ax to hew beams.

The Garden State RV and Camping Show
January 17 – 19, 2025
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
(Raritan Center Expo Hall)
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ
This show will feature over 150,000 square feet of the latest in recreation vehicles, camping supplies & services, accessories, and information on campgrounds. The Garden State RV & Camping Show is the ideal place for camping families who are looking to purchase their first RV, upgrade their present RV or for the veteran camper to explore new camping adventures. Dozens of on-site exhibits will provide attendees with literature and information about premier family campgrounds throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Noodle Mountain
Activation dates are January 25, 2025, February 22, 2025, April 26, 2025, June 28, 2025, July 26, 2025, and August 30, 2025
Grounds for Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way
Hamilton, NJ
Noodle Mountain contemplates deeply personal memories, as well as the intergenerational histories of place, labor, and diaspora that food can conjure. Don't miss a special opportunity to see this complex sculpture be activated!

Wassailing the Apple Trees
Sunday, January 26th, 2025; 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Road
Princeton, NJ
Free Event - All ages
Enjoy dancing and singing and re-enactments of old English traditional rituals, as well as chanting and music making, toasts of hot cider and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches while chanting the lively words of praise for the New Year. Top the evening off by a bonfire, complete with marshmallows, and live music by the Spiced Punch Quartet playing traditional music using violins and flutes of many kinds Join the fun. Bring noise makers' drums, whistles, bells, clackers, or put a few pebbles in an empty coffee can with a lid. These will make a joyful and worthy noise to drive away any and all spirits.

February 2025 Central NJ Family Festivals and Events

Metuchen Lunar Celebration
Saturday, February 1, 2025: 12:30 to 2pm
Metuchen Town Plaza
Metuchen, NJ
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Downtown Metuchen.
In 2025, the Lunar New Year begins on 21 January 2025 and lasts until 20 February 2025. This year will be the year of the Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and introspection.
Learn about the culture and history of this special day with music and dancing, enjoy a special artist exhibit by Julia Win in Peterson Park and celebrate the day throughout local businesses.

Dr. David Martin "George Washington's Sense of Humor"
Sunday, February 9, 2025 @2pm
Visitors Center
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
16 Highway 33-Business
Manalapan, NJ
Admission: Free
A lecture by Dr. David Martin on "George Washington's Sense of Humor"

Pine Barren Bonfires
Wednesday, February 12, 2025: from 6-8 p.m.
Turkey Swamp Park
200 Georgia Road
Freehold, NJ
Cost: $15 per family of four; cash or check only (all ages, under 18 with adult)
There's something about a bonfire that's so magical. The flames dancing in the night, the smell of wood smoke in the air, and the feeling of warmth and companionship around the fire. Enjoy a winter evening with us at Turkey Swamp's council ring. There will be games, s'mores, and a full moon! Please dress appropriately for the weather.

New Jersey Boat Expo
February 13th - 16th, 2025
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837
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. Attendees will be able to board and shop all the top boat brands and models of all sizes. The show also has a Boater's Marketplace, FREE Seminars and Boating Safety Classes and the Kids Cove which includes "I Spy Scavenger Hunt," face painting, and the turtle tank.

Old-Fashioned Valentine's Day On The Farm
Saturday, February 15, 2025; 10:00 - 4:00 p.m
Howell Living Farms
Lambertville, NJ
The air may be chilly, but the farm's wintery landscape is the perfect setting for a heartwarming Valentine's Day ride. Couples can take a romantic spin in a two-seater sleigh or carriage pulled by a team of light workhorses. Families can ride in a bobsled or hay wagon pulled by a handsome team of drafts. No matter the hitch, the horses will be wearing their finest bells. At the farmhouse there will be soup on the stove, and a children's craft program from 11 to 3 p.m. for a small materials fee.

Clinton, NJ 16th annual Yuletide Bonfire, Fireworks
Saturday, February 22, 2025; @6pm
Hunts Mill Park
32 Haver Farm Road
Clinton, NJ
Free admission
This annual family event features Hay Rides,a Yule Tide Bonfire, Hot Chocolate & Cookies, Marshmallow Roasting, Live Music, and Fireworks.
Attendees are requested to bring a canned food item for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry.

March 2025 Central NJ Family Festivals and Events

Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo
March 7, 8, 9, 2025
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ
Cost: Free on Friday - $10 on Saturday -$10 on Sunday -$15 Weekend Pass - Children under 13 are FREE
Experience a transformative 2.5-day wellness community event, bringing together top Holistic Experts, Practitioners, and Businesses from across the Northeast. This inspiring gathering features over 200 unique metaphysical practitioners, empowering thought leaders, and wellness-focused organizations, offering a weekend of Healing, Growth, and Transformation. Explore a wide array of experiences, including Crystals, Reiki, Aura Photography, Meditation, Organic Skin Care, and more. Dive into enlightening offerings such as Psychic Readings, Sound Healing, and Visionary Artwork, ensuring something uplifting and empowering for everyone.

Greenberg's Toy & Train Show
Saturday, Sunday, March 29, 30, 2025; 10am until 4pm
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ
The largest and longest-running train and toy show in the northeast, Greenberg's has been running train shows since 1976. The shows feature thousands of trains and collectible toys for sale, hundreds of merchandising tables, huge operating layouts, free modeling seminars and more.

May 2025 Central NJ Family Festivals and Events

EarthVibes Festival
May 23, 24, 25, 2025
Camp Sacajawea GSJSZ
127 Yellowbrook Road
Farmingdale, NJ
Event Cost: $5-$60
Experience the enchantment of the EarthVibes Festival and immerse yourself in a day or weekend filled with music, workshops, and wellness activities. Let the festival's energy rejuvenate your soul and leave you feeling inspired.
The event includes live music, drum and dance, artisan vendors, a food court, mind-body-spirit and sustainability workshops, Yoga, sound-healing, nature & more.

June 2025 Central NJ Family Festivals and Events

Asbury Park Jersey Pride Festival
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Fifth Avenue at Kingsley
Asbury Park, NJ
Admission $10
This family friendly event features the largest LGBTQ Pride Celebration in the garden state, with attendance 20,000. It includes the The parade beginning at Asbury Park City Hall and ends at the Rally / Festival Grounds. The Rally held Against a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, and New Jersey's famous boardwalk, national headliners and local artists share the rally stage for a six hour outdoor concert, and the festival
This family (and pet) friendly event also features NJ's largest outdoor display of the Names Project's AIDS Memorial Quilt, rides in the Family Zone, and an array of eating options at our food court

Multi-Date 2025 Southern Jersey Family Festivals and Events

The 22nd Annual Antique Toy Train Show
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 29th, 2024 thru February 2nd, 2025
Museum of American History
138 Andaloro Way
Deptford, NJ
Cost: $4 Adult, $3 children.
Features O and O-27 gauge toy trains from the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's. Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines, with adjoining cars, will race on two diverse platforms. Vintage Plasticville buildings from the 950's will further augment the display. ? Vegetation and auxiliary structures will give the platforms a traditional holiday appearance.

January 2025 South Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Wildwood Comic Con
Saturday, January 18, 2025; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Wildwood Convention Hall
Wildwood, NJ
The event will feature numerous cosplay/costume groups, artists, writers, creators, vendors, crafts, and video games. Artists, writers, creators, and vendors will have art, books, comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, non-sport trading cards, Pokemon, gaming items, toys, Funko's, Lego, sci-fi, pop culture, comic themed crafts, collectibles, and much more!!! Our Cosplay/Costume groups will provide entertainment, interactive activities, and photo ops for youngsters and attendees. There will be a Cosplay Contest as well, so be sure to come out and wear your favorite Superhero, Anime, or Comic Book Character costume!

Fire & Ice Festival
Saturday, January 25th, 2025: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
downtown Mount Holly
This free family friendly fun tradition features about a dozen professional ice carvers from up and down the east coast, an equal number of professional chili chefs plus a wide variety of interesting entertainment for young, old and everyone in between. The ice carvers transform 300 pound blocks of ice into beautiful crystalline works of art, right before your eyes, throughout town.

February 2025 South Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Winter Fire and Ice Festival
February 3, 4, 2025
New Egypt Flea Market
933 Monmouth County Road
Cream Ridge, NJ
Admission: $5 per person, kids 10 and under free!
This event features stunning Ice Sculptures, warm up Fire Pits, Sip and savor with Wine Tastings, handmade crafts, Food Trucks, entertainment by DJ Lenny Lounge, and more.

Cumberland County Winter Eagle Festival
February 4, 2025 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mauricetown Firehall
9544 Noble Street
Mauricetown, NJ
Cost: $10 Adults; $5 children (12 and under)

The festival celebrates raptors of south Jersey, including Bald Eagles, falcons, harriers, hawks, and owls featuring raptor-viewing sites, guided walks, and other activities. Cumberland County, NJ, has the largest number of nesting Bald Eagles in the state.

Winter Warrior Challenge
Saturday February 15, 2025
The Civic Center
Ocean City, NJ
This Presidents Day Weekend event features four components: an obstacle course race for children, a "Winter Warrior" obstacle course race for parents and individuals, team challenges such as a fire truck pull, and an indoor festival for participants and spectators.
Show your grit, effort, resilience, courage and resolve on a cold 2.5-mile course with 10 obstacles along the way. Look for things like sand mounds, tire run, floating steps and cargo net climb along the way. This race is reserved for participants ages 14 and older. All survivors receive an exclusive Winter Warrior Challenge finisher shirt.

Nerd Fest
Sunday February 23, 2025
Holiday Inn
1 Pureland Drive
Swedesboro, NJ
Admission $5 Kids 12 and under Free with paying Adult.
Join in for a day of geeky and nerdy fun! There will be special guests, artists, vendors, and cosplay/costume groups and loads of family fun for everyone! Vendors will offer up a variety of items Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Funko's, Toys, Non-Sport Trading Cards, Anime, Manga, Retro, Sci-Fi, Comic Themed Crafts, Lego, Collectibles, and much more !
Cosplay/Costume groups will offer interactive activities for the kids and great photo ops for everyone! There will be a Cosplay Contest as well so be sure to come out in your favorite Super Hero, Anime, or Comic Book Character costume and you could just be a winner!

Atlantic City Boat Show
February 26 - March 2, 2025
1 Convention Blvd
Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: (online: $20 for adults; children 12 and under get in FREE)
This annual event welcomes nautical novices, seasoned sailors and water lovers to discover why life is better with a boat. With more than 415,000 new boat owners taking to the water in the past 18 months, demand for boating remains at an all-time high. Attendees are invited to celebrate the homecoming of this annual boating tradition as they see and shop the most comprehensive selection of boats and gear in the area, learn new skills, and connect with fellow boating enthusiasts.

March 2025 South Jersey Family Festivals and Events

Irish Night Music Show
Saturday, March 1, 2025; Doors open @ 5:00pm, show begins @6:00pm
Albert Music Hall
131 Wells Mills Road (Rt. 532)
Waretown, NJ
Cost: $6 adults & $1 for children 11 and under
This annual Irish celebration features Irish dancers followed by 5 bands playing Irish music.

NJ Saltwater Fishing Expo
March 14-16, 2025
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave.
Edison, NJ
Cost: Adult: $15. Child (6-11): $5. Kids 5 and under get in free.
This annual event, one of the largest saltwater fishing tackle shows along the east coast, is well attended by salt water anglers who enjoy surf casting, inshore or offshore fishing. The expo features over 300 local, regional, national and international exhibitors, catering to every venue, from brackish tidal creeks to the offshore canyons, and all bites in between. Besides the latest in rods, reels, lines, lures, synthetic baits and terminal tackle, there are marine electronics, apparel, charter and guide services, fishing publications, and clubs and organizations, all geared to saltwater fishing enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions: About New Jersey Family Festivals

Question
What makes New Jersey family festivals fun-filled?

Answer

New Jersey family festivals are designed to entertain people of all ages. They feature:

• Live Performances: Bands, dance groups, and theater acts bring vibrant energy to the events.
• Interactive Activities: From face painting and bounce houses for kids to crafts and DIY workshops for adults.
• Food and Vendors: Gourmet food trucks, local cuisines, and unique vendors offering treats and keepsakes.

These elements create a lively, joyous atmosphere for families to enjoy together.

Question
Are there educational New Jersey family festivals?

Answer

Absolutely! Many festivals have an educational component, such as:

• Science and Nature Exhibits: Hands-on learning stations about wildlife, environmental conservation, or STEM topics.
• Cultural Experiences: Festivals often celebrate diverse cultures with music, dance, art, and history lessons.
• Workshops: Fun classes on cooking, art, or crafts encourage creativity and learning in a family-friendly way.

These activities help children and adults expand their knowledge while having fun.

Question
Are there adventurous New Jersey family festivals?

Answer

Festivals in New Jersey frequently include outdoor activities and thrilling attractions, such as:

• Carnival Rides: Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and other rides add an element of excitement.
• Outdoor Games: Obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, and sports competitions.
• Nature Trails and Activities: Some festivals take place in parks, allowing families to explore trails, boating, or fishing.

The mix of adventure ensures attendees have an unforgettable experience.

Question
What types of family festivals are available in New Jersey?

Answer

New Jersey offers a wide variety of festivals, such as:

• Seasonal Festivals: Fall harvest fairs, winter holiday markets, spring bloom celebrations, and summer beach festivals.
• Cultural Festivals: Events honoring different heritages, like Italian, Hispanic, or Asian communities.
• Themed Festivals: Comic conventions, renaissance fairs, and music festivals cater to niche interests.

With so many options, families can find something that matches their preferences.

Question
Are these festivals affordable for families?

Answer

Many festivals in New Jersey are budget-friendly or free to attend. Additional costs may include:

• Tickets for rides or performances.
• Food and drinks from vendors.
• Parking fees (though some festivals offer free parking or shuttles).

Look for online discounts or family packages to save even more.

Tickets to Popular NJ Entertainment Events

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