Family Events at the Jersey Shore
Kid-friendly events, parades, and family entertainment
55
Events
5
Major Festivals
36
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-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.
Watch ice sculptors create frozen masterpieces at scenic Pier Village.
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.
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.
40th anniversary! North America's largest kite festival—free spectator admission.
One of nation's oldest baby parades on Ocean City boardwalk.
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.
International kite festival with giant kites and magical night fly.
LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival
Long Beach Township
12th annual kite festival on LBI with massive inflatables and flying demos.
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
Argos Farm Fall Festival
Forked River • September 12 - October 31, 2026
Family Events by Month
Family Events by County
Monmouth County
6
events
Ocean County
11
events
Atlantic County
23
events
Cape May County
15
events
Frequently Asked Questions
What family events are there at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore hosts 55 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, 36 of the 55 family events at the Jersey Shore are free to attend.