Things to Do in Toms River
Ocean County's Arts & Culture Hub. Discover beaches, attractions, dining, and local experiences.
1+
Beaches
101
Restaurants
9
Must-See Spots
5/5
Family Rating
Don't Miss in Toms River
Cattus Island County Park
Must Seepark
500+ acres of pristine bayfront trails, salt marshes, and the Cooper Environmental Center. One of the best birding spots in New Jersey with views of Barnegat Bay.
River Lady Paddle Wheeler
Must Seeattraction
Scenic lunch and dinner cruises aboard an authentic paddle wheel riverboat. Sails the Toms River to Barnegat Bay with live entertainment.
Insectropolis
Must Seemuseum
The Bugseum of New Jersey - an interactive insect museum featuring live insects, hands-on exhibits, and educational programs. A favorite for families with kids.
Downtown Toms River
Must Seeshop
Historic downtown with antique shops, boutiques, outdoor bistros, and waterfront dining. Home to year-round events including Farmers Market and Cruisin' Downtown.
Explore by Category
All Attractions
🌳Parks
Cattus Island County Park
500+ acres of pristine bayfront trails, salt marshes, and the Cooper Environmental Center. One of the best birding spots in New Jersey with views of Barnegat Bay.
🎢Attractions
River Lady Paddle Wheeler
Scenic lunch and dinner cruises aboard an authentic paddle wheel riverboat. Sails the Toms River to Barnegat Bay with live entertainment.
Grunin Center for the Arts
464-seat theatre plus 90-seat Black Box theatre on the Ocean County College campus. Hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, and cultural events year-round.
Cattus Island Kayaking
Launch kayaks into the calm bay waters from Cattus Island County Park. Paddle through salt marshes, spot herons and egrets, and enjoy panoramic bay views.
Barnegat Bay Crabbing
Prime crabbing spots around Cattus Island and the Toms River inlet. Bring traps or handlines for blue crabs. Best during summer months at dawn and dusk.
Bay Fishing Charters
Local marinas offer bay fishing trips targeting flounder, weakfish, and bluefish in Barnegat Bay. Half-day and full-day charters available.
🏛️Museums
Insectropolis
The Bugseum of New Jersey - an interactive insect museum featuring live insects, hands-on exhibits, and educational programs. A favorite for families with kids.
Robert J. Novins Planetarium
Located at Ocean County College, features star shows, laser light shows, and Harry Potter-themed astronomy programs popular with all ages.
🛍️Shopping
Downtown Toms River
Historic downtown with antique shops, boutiques, outdoor bistros, and waterfront dining. Home to year-round events including Farmers Market and Cruisin' Downtown.
Toms River Vibe
Primary Vibe
Arts & Culture
Family Friendly
5/5 Stars
Nightlife
3/5 Stars
Quietness
3/5 Stars
Toms River is Best For
Events & Festivals
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays, May through OctoberWeekly outdoor market in downtown Toms River featuring local produce, artisan goods, baked goods, and live music. Popular gathering spot for residents and visitors with 30+ vendors.
Cruisin' Downtown Car Show
Thursday evenings, June through AugustClassic car cruise-in along Washington Street in downtown Toms River. Features vintage cars, hot rods, and muscle cars with 100+ vehicles displayed weekly. Free to attend with food vendors.
Toms River Independence Day Fireworks
July 4thLarge-scale fireworks display over the Toms River at Huddy Park. Thousands gather for this free waterfront celebration with live music, food vendors, and patriotic festivities starting at dusk.
Shakespeare in the Park
July through AugustFree outdoor theater performances of Shakespearean classics in various Toms River parks. Professional actors bring the Bard to life under the stars in family-friendly productions.
Summer Concert Series
Various dates, June through AugustFree outdoor concerts at Huddy Park featuring tribute bands, classic rock, and family entertainment. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for waterfront music under the stars.
Festival of Trees
Early DecemberDowntown holiday celebration with decorated Christmas trees lining Washington Street, tree lighting ceremony, carolers, visits with Santa, and holiday shopping. Kicks off the holiday season in Ocean County.
Holiday Parade
Mid-DecemberAnnual parade through downtown Toms River featuring marching bands, floats, local organizations, and Santa Claus. Draws thousands of spectators to Washington Street for the festive procession.