Family Events at the Jersey Shore
Kid-friendly events, parades, and family entertainment
111
Events
5
Major Festivals
86
Free Events
12
Months Active
Destination Family Events
Major family events worth planning your trip around.
October 9-12, 2026
Various events throughout
Cape May's signature Victorian celebration with house tours, dinners, and themed events.
Highlights
Major Family Events
International kite festival with giant kites and magical night fly.
Congress Hall’s holiday village on the lawn, Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve.
Thanksgiving-weekend holiday village in Excursion Park with Friday’s tree lighting.
Holiday parade on Asbury Avenue with Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.
Family-friendly New Year's Eve with drone shows and midnight fireworks.
Three-day holiday celebration with tree lighting, market, and cookie stroll.
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.
Local Family Events
Argos Farm Fall Festival
Forked River • September 12 - November 1, 2026 Running now
Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson • September 18 - November 1, 2026 Running now
Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk
Toms River • October 9-23, 2026
Stafford Fall Harvest & Wine Festival
Manahawkin • October 10-11, 2026
Boo at the Zoo
Cape May Court House • October 24, 2026
Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting
Toms River • December 4, 2026
Red Bank Halloween Parade
Red Bank • October 2026
Ocean County Historical Society Holiday Open House
Toms River • November 2026
Already happened this year — 68 events
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay
Margate City • September 26-27, 2026 Already happened this year
Ocean City Airport Festival & Aerobatic Show
Ocean City • September 19-20, 2026 Already happened this year
Downtown Toms River Block Party
Toms River • August 29, 2026 Already happened this year
Bradley Beach Pirate Day & Reggae Festival
Bradley Beach • August 22, 2026 Already happened this year
Wildwoods PigDog Regatta & Beach Party
Wildwood • August 21, 2026 Already happened this year
Miss Crustacean Pageant & Hermit Crab Races
Ocean City • August 19, 2026 Already happened this year
Princesses and Pirate Night: Downtown Night Out
Toms River • August 8, 2026 Already happened this year
Best Day Foundation Adventure Experiences for Kids with Special Needs
Mantoloking • August 8-9, 2026 Already happened this year
Barnegat Light Sand Sculpting Contest
Barnegat Light • August 6, 2026 Already happened this year
Galloway Township National Night Out
Galloway • August 4, 2026 Already happened this year
National Night Out - North Wildwood
North Wildwood • August 4, 2026 Already happened this year
National Night Out - Wildwood Crest
Wildwood Crest • August 4, 2026 Already happened this year
The Wildwoods Love Waddler's Baby Waddle Contest
Wildwood • July 28, 2026 Already happened this year
Monmouth County Fair
Freehold • July 22-26, 2026 Already happened this year
Downbeach Summer Fest
Ventnor City • July 12-14, 2026 Already happened this year
Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
Wildwood Crest • July 10-12, 2026 Already happened this year
Ocean County Fair
Berkeley Township • July 8-12, 2026 Already happened this year
Cinderella (Children's Theatre) — Surflight
Beach Haven • June 24-28, 2026 Already happened this year
Le Tour de Downbeach
Ventnor City • June 6, 2026 Already happened this year
Historic Smithville Mayfest
Smithville • May 16-17, 2026 Already happened this year
Ventnor Avenue Block Party
Ventnor City • May 9, 2026 Already happened this year
Somers Point Bayfest
Somers Point • April 25, 2026 Already happened this year
Ocean City Music Pier Spring Concert Series
Ocean City • April 10 - June 9, 2026 Already happened this year
Wild Con - Comics & Collectibles Festival
Wildwood • January 17, 2026 Already happened this year
Ice Carving Competition at Pier Village
Long Branch • January 17, 2026 Already happened this year
Family Events by Month
Family Events by County
Monmouth County
17
events
Ocean County
28
events
Atlantic County
18
events
Cape May County
48
events
Frequently Asked Questions
What family events are there at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore hosts 111 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, 86 of the 111 family events at the Jersey Shore are free to attend.