Family Events at the Jersey Shore
Kid-friendly events, parades, and family entertainment
87
Events
5
Major Festivals
68
Free Events
12
Months Active
Destination Family Events
Major family events worth planning your trip around.
May 22-25, 2026
Fri noon-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, Mon indoor exhibition
North America's largest kite festival with world-class flyers, night fly, and indoor exhibition.
Highlights
July 25, 2026
Boat parade 6:30pm, fireworks 9pm
Ocean City's 71-year-old boat parade lights up the bay with decorated vessels and a fireworks finale.
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-7pm
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.
Watch ice sculptors create frozen masterpieces at scenic Pier Village.
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.
3-day youth entertainment festival with music, wrestling, and fashion at Showboat.
Memorial Day weekend launch of summer with fireworks, rides, and entertainment.
Over 350 crafters and food vendors along Asbury Avenue with live music.
Historic Smithville Mayfest
Smithville
Spring craft festival with 100+ vendors in historic colonial village setting.
Aerial demonstrations and beach celebration over Memorial Day weekend.
116th annual Baby Parade—one of the oldest in the country. Free to watch.
Free two-day beach airshow featuring military jets, vintage planes, and aerobatic performers.
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay
Margate City
Two-day bayfront festival along the Margate Promenade.
International kite festival with giant kites and magical night fly.
Holiday lights, themed aquarium exhibits, and Santa on the boardwalk.
Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show
Smithville
100+ Christmas trees on Lake Meone synced to holiday music. Free.
Family-friendly New Year's Eve with drone shows and midnight fireworks.
Holiday parade on Asbury Avenue with Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.
Three-day holiday celebration with tree lighting, market, and cookie stroll.
Local Family Events
Ventnor Avenue Block Party
Ventnor City • May 9, 2026
Le Tour de Downbeach
Ventnor City • June 6, 2026
Monmouth County Fair
Freehold • July 22-26, 2026
Downbeach Summer Fest
Ventnor City • July 12-14, 2026
Ocean County Fair
Berkeley Township • July 8-12, 2026
Galloway Township National Night Out
Galloway • August 4, 2026
Princesses and Pirate Night: Downtown Night Out
Toms River • August 8, 2026
Best Day Foundation Adventure Experiences for Kids with Special Needs
Mantoloking • August 8-9, 2026
Downtown Toms River Block Party
Toms River • August 29, 2026
Argos Farm Fall Festival
Forked River • September 12 - October 31, 2026
Boo at the Zoo
Cape May Court House • October 24, 2026
Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk
Toms River • October 9-23, 2026
Family Events by Month
Family Events by County
Monmouth County
11
events
Ocean County
20
events
Atlantic County
16
events
Cape May County
40
events
Frequently Asked Questions
What family events are there at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore hosts 87 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, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Are there free family events at the Jersey Shore?
Yes, 68 of the 87 family events at the Jersey Shore are free to attend.