SCAN NJ KIDS EBOOKS
12 camp weeks - June 15th to September 4th
www.paoutdooradventure.com
Mozart’s The Magic Flute
Presented with Undead Arts
May 2–3
The Harborside Atrium in Jersey City
All children a end The Magic Flute performances free of charge, ensuring that cost or circumstance never stands in the way of creativity and joy.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert
May 29–31
Red Bank | Newark | New Brunswick
Ben Folds with New Jersey Symphony
June 13–14
Newark | New Brunswick
Emmy-nominated singer-songwritercomposer Ben Folds joins New Jersey Symphony
Winter: January / February
Spring: March / April
Summer: May / June
Summer Fun: July (Digital only)
Back To School: August / September
Fall: October / November
Holiday: December (Digital only)
NJ Kids On The Go! is published by NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. PO Box 542, Roseland, NJ 07068. We assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions, nor do we recommend programs, nor do we warrant the accuracy or reliatbility of any of the information contained in this book. Nothing herein contained may be reproduced in any manner without written permission of NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. Copyright 2026
Are you ready?
Summer is right around the corner! Are you ready to experience the fresh air, outdoor festivals and the start of summer? We are! NJ Kids is packed with fresh ideas, must-try programs, exciting activities, and of course enrichment programs and summer camps.
From local area businesses, schools, camps, theaters, museums, trusted professionals to exciting things to do, it’s our privilege to showcase the venues that help bring entertainment, learning, and fun. Also on pages 24-30, you’ll find a full list of Jersey’s best attractions, festivals and things to do for Memorial Day Weekend.
On the cover, we feature our neighboring state of Pennsylvania which offers a plethora of world class attractions to explore. PA Outdoor Adventure just launched their Adventure Pass! Learn more on page 7.
We also spotlight more Summer Camps. If you haven’t decided on a camp yet, now is the time to create an unforgettable summer experience for your child. Camp is one of the greatest investments you can make. It’s where friendships form, confidence builds, independence flourishes, and memories are made.
Thank you for picking up this LITTLE guide! We’re proud to continue our 22nd year tradition of connecting families with BIG local resources. We’re so grateful to be part of your community.
The NJ Kids Team
Put Down the Phones. Choose Adventure. Own The Year. $69 PA Outdoor Adventure PASS launched for your 4th and 5th Grader. Available to NJ Families.
National data shows children ages 8–12 now average more than five hours of entertainment screen time per day, with some studies reporting totals exceeding seven hours. Younger children are also increasingly connected, with kids ages 5–8 spending more than three hours daily on screens. At the same time, research shows that outdoor activities improve children’s mental health, focus, sleep, and academic performance, while increasing physical activity and overall well-being.
Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA) is launching their outdoor adventure pass, which serves as a gateway to the outdoors. “Our outdoor adventure pass is the perfect opportunity for children in to spend time outdoors exploring Pennsylvania’s incredible recreation opportunities,” says Lutricia Eberly, executive director of PORA. This pass helps families replace screen time with real-world experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and connection.” It is available to all 4th and 5th grade students which is the critical developmental window when interests form and lifelong habits begin. The adventure pass lowers barriers to access, introduces families to local outdoor recreation experiences, and supports early exposure to activities that
benefit personal health, family connection, and long-term wellness. When kids navigate a ropes course, paddle a kayak, or try skiing for the first time, they’re building problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and risk assessment in ways that don’t happen in a classroom or on a screen.
What is the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass?
• Open to all 4th and 5th graders
• $69/child for a FULL year
• Participating merchants/providers are located across Pennsylvania
• curated family-friendly adventures — just pick and go!
• Activities are being added all the time, including skiing, caves, climbing, water sports, farms, nature centers, adventure parks, mini-golf, and more.
With one adventure pass, your child— and the entire family—can unlock a screen-free summer filled with experiences such as Indian Echo Caverns, Adventure Sports in Hershey, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Tree Trails Adventures, Erie Zoo, Camelback Resort, SurfSUP Adventures, and many more.
For more information, visit www.paoutdooradventure.com or email adventurepass@paoutdoors.org
Ballet Explorer Camp Ages 4 - 6
Junior Summer Training Program Ages 7 - 12
Summer Training Program Ages 12+
Full-Day Summer Camp at Ramapo College
What if summer camp meant real adventures, new best friends, and the discovery of cool outdoor skills? Welcome to the fun!
AWESOME FIELD TRIPS
Explore nature centers and community attractions beyond our camp sites.
CONFIDENCE THROUGH ADVENTURE
Build skills, conquer challenges, and push comfort zones in our safe environment.
CREATIVITY UNLEASHED
Create art with natural materials, experiment with science, and express imagination through nature activities.
LOCATION:
OUTDOOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
developing real-world independence.
NATURE CONNECTION
Hikescenic trails, discoverwildlife, and develop appreciation for our planet.
FRIENDSHIP BUILDING
Bond through team challenges, group projects, and shared outdoor experiences. Create camp traditions together through opening ceremonies, daily rallies, and camp sing-alongs that inspire every camper.
AGES: 5–12
Includes
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
Looking for Memorial Day Weekend escapes? Many of these wonderful family destinations are opening Memorial Day Weekend. Go online for dates and times, ticketing procedures and what to expect.
Bucks County River Country
Opening May 23, 2026. Offers canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals for trips on the Delaware River. Includes free shuttle service, free life jackets, free paddles for boats, rest-rooms and food truck. Point Pleasant, PA.
Treescape Aerial Adventure Park
High Ropes course with over 100 obstacles, including bridges, nets, ladders, and zip lines, set in trees of the Great Gorge. 10 unique ropes courses for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Located in the beautiful forested setting of the Great Gorge in Vernon, NJ.
Mountain Creek Waterpark
Opening Day June 6, 2026. Two dozen rides, including the Alpine Mountain Coaster, slides, pool fun, lazy river and splash zones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Vernon, NJ.
Island Aqua Park
Biggest floating inflatable water park featuring giant obstacles. Fun for all ages. Check website for opening day. Located at the Beach on the Bay in Margate, NJ.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Open on weekend-only schedule—until summer kicks into high gear, starting May 29th, opened daily. Featuring the return of THE FLASH, Vertical Velocity and the Wild Safari. Jackson, NJ.
The Land Of Make Believe
Opens May 23, coinciding with memorial day weekend, weekends only through mid-June, then open daily starting June 13 through Labor Day. Family rides, water park and a new “Pirate Fury”. Hope, NJ.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Beachside rides, arcades, and a new roller coaster, “Patriot’s Run”. Point Pleasant, NJ.
Fairy Tale Forest
Opening Day May 23, 2026 with weekend only hours thru June 21, after which it will open Thursday thru Sunday until Labor Day. A nostalgic theme park featuring walk-through scenes from classic fairy tales with animatronics and interactive elements. Offering a simple, magical experience with attractions like Storyland, Christmas Village and seasonal events. Oak Ridge, NJ
Storybook Land
A classic family park geared toward young children, themed around fairy tales and nursery rhymes over 20 acres. Enjoy a variety of rides, such as the J&J railroad train, bubbles the coaster, and the turtle twirl, all set amidst beautifully maintained grounds. Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Big Snow
Open year round for “winter” fun. Indoor real snow ski and snowboard resort makes every day is a snow day. Inside the American Dream Mall E. Rutherford, NJ.
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterpark
Opens May 1st. On the Wildwood boardwalk, this classic Jersey Shore boardwalk offers three piers of rides and water parks. Wildwood, NJ
Runaway Rapids Waterpark
Opens weekends starting Memorial Day weekend and opens daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Waterpark with over 18 water slides, Toddler’s Reef, lazy river, and two spa pools. Keansburg, NJ.
Clementon Park & Splashworld
Opens May 23, 2026. A historic amusement and water park featuring rides and a large wave pool. Clementon, NJ
Sesame Place
Select water attractions will open on Memorial Day through September. A friendly theme park and water park including rides, shows, and water features, all themed around the show’s characters. First theme park in the world to be designated as a certified autism center, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests.
WheatonArts
Open April–December! Explore the Museum of American Glass, Jersey Folklife Center, and the Artist Studios (glass, pottery, flamework). Or explore their scenic grounds and museum stores—the general store, paperweight shop, and gallery of fine craft.
Doyle’s Farm
6th generation family farm focused on agricultural education and providing farm fresh products. Offers guided tours, school trips and private events, with hands-on activities like bottle feeding baby animals, milking goats, shearing sheep, visiting a chick incubator and learning about farming practices. Readington, NJ.
Grounds for Sculpture - Arboretum and Nature Gardens
Discover beautiful landscape and gardens on over 42 acres. Wildflowers, butterflies, ponds, flowers, and nature paths. Go on a self-guided tree tour and see 78 different types of trees. Also take the time to explore all the art and sculptures on the museum grounds. Family and kid friendly. Hamilton NJ.
NJ
State Parks
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2026, go hiking at New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas. There are many parks to visit, ranging from Liberty State Park, High Point State Park to Paterson Great Falls. Take the kids and head outdoors! nj.gov/dep/parksandforests
Rutgers Garden
Open year round, FREE admission. Explore 180 acres of gardens and natural habitats. Kids can make their own nature discoveries. Plenty of gardens to see including vegetable, flower, rain, tree collection, bamboo grove, woodland, frog pond, and pollinator garden. Brunswick, NJ. rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
FREE admission to grounds. Take a stroll through gardens, open fields, woodland, and groves of flowering trees. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a center for horticultural activities, educational programs, garden and flower shows. Various children’s activities are held throughout the year. Morris Township, NJ.
Laurelwood Arboretum
Open year round from 8am to dusk, Laurelwood Arboretum spans 30 acres and features woodland trails, Wetland Garden, The Pollinator Garden, Lilac Walk, Sculpture trail, ponds, streams, plants, trees and more! Wayne, NJ.
The Willowwood Arboretum
Open daily from 8am to dusk, FREE. Enjoy various gardens in the park: Bee Meadow, Conservatory, Cottage Garden, Cypress Lawn, Hacklebarney Field, Hillside Pasture. Chester Twnshp, NJ. More online at www.njkidsonline.com
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
JERSEY FESTIVALS JERSEY FESTIVALS
AND FAIRS AND FAIRS AND FAIRS
Secaucus Green Festival
Sat, May 2, 2026, 11AM-3PM. FREE Admission. Secaucus’ Green Festival supports the local community. Environmental friendly art activities for children, live entertainment, science fun, and educational experiences. Food and local product vendors. Secaucus Xchange, 2000 Riverside Station Blvd in Secaucus NJ, green.secaucusnj.gov
Elmwood Park Street Fair
Sat, May 2, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Join in the fun! Block party style street fair with kids zone, crafters, food trucks, live music, and more! 300 Market Street. jcpromotions.info
Westfield Spring Fling 2026
Sun, May 3, 2026, 10AM-5PM. Visit the Westfield Spring Fling for a FREE fun family day on the streets of Downtown Westfield. Enjoy Kids Zone filled with activities, games, rides, fun and more! Great entertainment packed full of music, food, and shopping. Central Ave in Westfield NJ. More details at gwaccnj.com
Livingston Kiwanis Karnival
Tues-Sat, May 12-16, 2026. FREE Admission. Bring the family to enjoy rides, games, and fun! Fee for rides. E. Northfield Rd in Livingston NJ. livingstonkiwanis.org
Woodbridge Street Fair
Sat, May 16, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Classic street fair with food, entertainment, and plenty of arts
& crafts. Downtown Woodbridge NJ, Main St. woodbridgechamber.com
Ocean Fun Days
Sat, May 16, 2026, 11AM-3PM at Island Beach State Park (GSP Exit 82) and Sun, May 17, 2026, 11AM-3PM at NJ Sea Grant Consortium in Sandy Hook (GSP Exit 117). FREE Admission and FREE Parking. Also Free Eco-Tours available. Explore the shore with the family on these 2 Ocean Fun days. Participate in children outdoor fun relating to the coastal environment - crabs races, coastal crafts, exhibits, food vendors and plenty of fun! oceanfundays.org
Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival
Sun, May 17, 2026, 11AM-6PM. FREE family fun. Plenty of artists and crafters at this Hoboken Spring Arts festival. Kids activities, live music, local businesses, and food vendors. Exciting musical acts. Washington St, Hoboken, NJ, hobokennj.gov
Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show
Sun, May 17, 2026, 10AM-4PM. Classic car show with custom, classic, street rod, and muscle cars. Street fair with food, kids activities, live entertainment & performers, karate demonstrations, arts & crafts vendors, and more! The Boulevard in downtown Kenilworth.
Mayfest Street Fair in Maplewood
Sun, May 17, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Classic street
fair featuring artists, crafters, live music, kids activities, food, and fun! Springfield Ave in Maplewood, NJ. springfieldavenue.com
The NJ Renaissance Faire
On Weekends May 23-24, 30-31, & June 6-7, 13-14, 2026 comes the most interactive Faire in all the lands. The NJ Renaissance Faire is a one of a kind attraction with talented villagers dressed in period costumes. Come see jugglers, acrobats, sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, fire breathers, shows, and more! Admission fee. Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ, njrenfaire.com
Wildwoods International Kite Festival Fri-Mon, May 22-25, 2026. FREE to spectators. North America Kite Festival featuring kite makers from around the world! Festivities follow with the opening of the kite sales tent and the Friday night 9 p.m. Illuminated Kite Fly. Kite flying on the beach Saturday and Sunday, as well as kite demos, team flying and family games. World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. wildwoodsnj.com
Free Entrance Day National Parks
Mon, May 25, 2026. FREE Admission to all National Parks run by the National Park Service on Memorial Day. nps.gov
Bridgewater Spring Carnival and Touch-ATruck Sun, May 31, 2026, 11AM-3PM, outdoors at Bridgewater Commons, rain or shine. FREE Admission. Rides, games, and inflatables. Climb into real trucks. Food, music, and fun! Fee for arts & crafts, ace painting and glitter tattoos. Presented by the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center (JCC) in partnership with Township of Bridgewater, Bridgewater Commons, and RWJBarnabas Health. ssbjcc.org
Go the Distance for Autism
Sun, May 31, 2026. Bike event & 5K fun run. Helping Children & Families with Autism. Ride, walk, or run Go the Distance for Autism. Held at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield NJ, gtd4autism. org
Bayonne Hometown Fair
Sat, June 6, 2026. The Bayonne Hometown Fair features food, games, rides, local vendors, and live musical entertainment! Broadway @ 21st-26th Streets in Bayonne, NJ, bayonneheritage.com
Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival
Sat-Sun, June 6-7, 2026. Come see hot air balloons, children’s activities, art vendors, food trucks, music entertainment and more! Participate in a chalk contest. Warren County Community College on Rte 57. balloonfestnj. com
Garwood Rocks
Sun, June 7, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Fun community event showcasing cars, music, entertainment, food, shopping, crafts, and a KidsZone. Downtown Garwood at Center Street. Read more at gwaccnj.com
Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair
Sun, June 7, 2026, 10AM-5PM. Fun for the whole family. Take part in a giant block party in Hasbrouck Heights. Live music, kids area, kiddie rides, crafters, performers, food booths, merchants, and more! Raymond St & Washington Place, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. hasbrouckheightschamberofcommerce.com
Fair Lawn Street Fair & Craft Show
Sun, June 7, 2026, 11AM-5PM. Check out downtown Fairlawn for a FREE traditional street fair filled with vendors, crafts, music, food, and family activities. Radburn Street in Fairlawn, NJ. fairlawnchamber.org
NJDEP Annual Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs Youth Fishing Challenge
Sat & Sun, June 6-7, 2026. FREE Fishing Days in New Jersey offers families the opportunity to freshwater fish without a license. All ages can fish free June 6th. Kids under 16 can fish free both days. For beginners, experts and everyone in between. Don’t miss this opportunity for kids to “get hooked” on a great sport! Check website for county locations. dep. nj.gov/njfw/fishing
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Free Entrance Day National Parks
Sun, June 14, 2026. FREE Admission to all National Parks run by the National Park Service on Flag Day. nps.gov
Montvale Street Fair
Sun, June 14, 2026, 10AM-5PM. Giant Montvale Street Fair with vendors, arts & crafts, KidsZone, live music, and food trucks. 1 Para gon Dr., Montvale, NJ, montvalechamber.com
Tri-County Fair
Thurs-Sun, June 18-21, 2026, FREE Admission. Morris County’s Tri-County Fair has exciting carnival attractions, rides, Ferris Wheel, carnival games, pony rides, live music with local talent, street fair food, and spectacular drone light show on Fri June 19th. Family entertainment featuring Arestov’s Acrobat Extravaganza. Fee for ride tickets. 140 Green Pond Rd, Rockaway, NJ, tricountyfair.org
Fanwood Fan Jam Street Fair
Sun, June 21, 2026, 11AM-7PM. Fun filled day with Kids Zone with rides and inflatables, crafters, food vendors, entertainment, and more! LaGrande Park in Fanwood, NJ. gwaccnj.com
Giralda Music & Arts Festival
Takes place June 2026. Concert featuring a performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Relax on the lush grounds of the Giralda Farms Corporate Park. Ticket admission. Free for kids under 4. Route 124 & Dodge Drive in Madison, NJ.
What FREE in NJ?
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration @
Fri-Mon, May 22-25, 2026 (various FREE Events). Annual FREE movie night May 22nd on the flight deck at sunset, featuring “Top Gun” - doors open at 6pm, first come first serve, bring your own lawn chairs. At the museum, explore special displays, activities and demonstrations. Discover history, science, service and tributes at the Intrepid Museum. Pier 86 @ W 46th St, New York, NY. intrepidmuseum.org
Memorial Day Weekend @ National Constitution Center
Sat-Mon, May 23-25, 2026. Admission FREE on Sat, May 23rd. The National Constitution Center will honor America’s fallen military heroes with special educational programs. Explore museum exhibits, including The Origins of Memorial Day, The Six Signers Tour, and Reeling in a New Government. Visitors can participate in family-friendly activities, including flag ceremonies, games, and more! 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA. constitutioncenter.org
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Parade and Festival
Sat-Sun, May 23-24, 2026. This popular event includes food vendors, crafters, kids activities, rides, live music and more! Memorial Day Parade featuring marching bands. Ocean Ave, Bradley Beach, NJ, bradleybeachnj.gov
The NJ Renaissance Faire
On Weekends May 23-24, 30-31, & June 6-7, 13-14, 2026 comes the most interactive Faire in all the lands. The NJ Renaissance Faire is a one of a kind attraction with talented villagers dressed in period costumes. Come see jugglers, acrobats, sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, fire breathers, shows, and more! Admission fee. Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ, njrenfaire.com
Resorts Casino’s Memorial Day Beach Ball Fri-Mon, May 22-25, 2026. Join Resorts Casino as they kick off the summer with their annual Beach Ball Drop. This event also features contests, games, music, entertainers, giveaways and more. The FREE Ball Drop will take place on Friday May 22nd at 5PM with thousand of beach balls dropped over the boardwalk. Atlantic City, NJ, resortsac.com
Memorial Beach Challenge in Ocean City Sat, May 23, 2026. Join Ocean City NJ for their Annual Memorial Beach Challenge fundraiser. Great fun for all ages. The Kids Fun Run is designed to allow children to be a part of the day’s fun in celebration of The 31Heroes Project. The course features many safe obstacles that are appropriate for children. The adult obstacle challenge uses Navy SEAL inspired obstacles that is a test of strength and mental toughness. Register online. memorialbeachchallenge.com
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park Sat-Mon, May 23-25, 2026. Celebrate Memorial Day at the annual Food Truck Festival at the Monmouth Park Racetrack. This 3 day event features over 30 food trucks, live music, live horse racing and more! FREE Family Fun Days activities on Saturday and Sunday - featuring clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house. General admission $7, FREE for kids 12 & under. Parking is FREE. monmouthpark.com
Wildwoods International Kite Festival Fri-Mon, May 22-25, 2026. FREE to spectators. North America Kite Festival featuring kite makers from around the world! Festivities follow with the opening of the kite sales tent and the Friday night 9 p.m. Illuminated Kite Fly. Kite flying on the beach Saturday and Sunday, as well as kite demos, team flying and family games. World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. wildwoodsnj.com
Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert Sun, May 24, 2026, 7PM featuring music act “Big House”. This FREE Summer Music Series concert will take place at Centennial Park. Bring a beach chair or blanket and celebrate the beginning of summer with song. In general, the Wildwood Crest summer concert series lasts through September. wildwoodcrest.org
Visit njkidsonline.com for more things to do
