Family Events at the Jersey Shore
Kid-friendly events, parades, and family entertainment
16
Events
4
Major Festivals
8
Free Events
9
Months Active
Destination Family Events
Major family events worth planning your trip around.
July 25, 2026
Boat parade 6:30pm, fireworks 9pm
One of world's largest boat parades through Ocean City's bays, followed by fireworks.
Highlights
July 4, 2026
All day; fireworks at dark
NJ's largest July 4th celebration with 250,000 visitors and massive fireworks display.
Highlights
September 19, 2026
10am-5pm
47th annual festival with 250+ craft vendors, seafood, and live entertainment.
Highlights
October 9-12, 2026
Various events throughout
Cape May's signature Victorian celebration with house tours, dinners, and themed events.
Highlights
Major Family Events
Comics, collectibles, and pop culture convention with celebrity guests.
Largest indoor boat show in region with hundreds of boats on display.
Quirky comedy parade with 300+ basset hounds and costumed participants.
Somers Point Bayfest
Somers Point
South Jersey's largest single-day festival with 30,000+ visitors.
Spring concert series at historic Music Pier with classic rock and doo-wop.
200,000 tulips in bloom with garden tours, wine tastings, and trolley tours.
Memorial Day weekend launch of summer with fireworks, rides, and entertainment.
One of nation's oldest baby parades on Ocean City boardwalk.
New beach airshow featuring military jets and Golden Knights parachute team.
International kite festival with giant kites and magical night fly.
Family-friendly New Year's Eve with drone shows and midnight fireworks.
Local Family Events
Monmouth County Fair
Freehold • July 22-26, 2026
Family Events by Month
Family Events by County
Monmouth County
2
events
Ocean County
2
events
Atlantic County
7
events
Cape May County
5
events
Frequently Asked Questions
What family events are there at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore hosts 16 family events throughout the year. Kid-friendly events, parades, and family entertainment
When is the best time for family events at the shore?
Family Events events happen throughout the year, with events in January, February, April, May, July, August, September, October, December.
Are there free family events at the Jersey Shore?
Yes, 8 of the 16 family events at the Jersey Shore are free to attend.