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Get Hands-on with Science This Summer! at DNA Learning Center at Passaic County Biotechnology Innovation Center 45 Reinhardt Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
Entering grades 6–12 | Week-long day camps
Authentic lab experiences | Dynamic instructors Real-world applications | Knowledge and skills for the classroom and beyond!
Brooklyn, Long Island, & Westchester locations also available
We love the thought of summer! But are we ready to make it the best summer ever? Have you loaded up your summer months with fun activities, parties and family getaways? Or are you going to wing it and let the summer winds take you wherever? Both sound fine.
However, summer can be long if you have no plans, especially when kids start getting bored. Summer can be wasteful if they are just home all day, and you leave them to their own devices, spent in front of screens several hours a day. Although we think it’s great to let kids just be kids, it’s also a better idea to have some structure; perhaps build a backup list of solid ideas to fill up a few hours, a few days or even a few weeks, just in case your summer is not going the way you like. Inside, please find more camps, party ideas, attractions for the coming month.
Sign up for our enewsletters that push out weekly alerts of what to do with the kids! We’ll keep piling fresh ideas in front of you.
Plan to splatter a few summer activities into the schedule. Build a robot, learn to draw, immerse in another language, improve swim skills. Scan this little book of ideas for programs, and things to do. Summer is the best time to expose them to something new.
Visit our calendars online, and read through our themed articles of places to go. We promise to take you to places throughout our wonderful state and beyond. Check out our FREE things to do online - www.njkidsonline. com/free-stuff-guide. Please also share this little book of ideas with your friends and please tell our advertisers, we connected you!
The NJ Kids Team
fun performance features inside tips, listening cues, and facts about works by Mozart and Bach. Families are encouraged to bring sensory manipulatives to appreciate the music in the most natural way for you.
movie
ZHANG MUSIC DIRECTOR
NEW JERSEY FESTIVALS & FAIRS
The NJ Renaissance Faire
On Weekends May 17-18, 24-25, 31 & June 1, 7-8, 2025 comes the most interactive Faire in all the lands. A one of a kind experience with talented villagers dressed in period costumes. Sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, fire breathers, sword swallowers, shows, and more! $ Admission. Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus, NJ, njrenfaire.com
Ocean Fun Days
Sat, May 17, 2025, 11AM-3PM at Island Beach State Park (GSP Exit 82) and Sun, May 18, 2025, 11AM-3PM at NJ Sea Grant Consortium in Sandy Hook (GSP Exit 117). FREE Admission and FREE Parking. Also Free Eco-Tours. 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 2025 Sun, May 18, 2025, 11AM-6PM. FREE family fun. Over 300+ artists and crafters at this Hoboken Spring Arts festival. Kids activities, live music, local businesses, and food vendors. Brenda
K. Starr headline musical act. Washington St, Hoboken, NJ, hobokennj.gov
Mayfest Street Fair in Maplewood Sun, May 18, 2025, 11AM-5PM. Classic street fair featuring artists, crafters, live music, kids games, food, and fun! Springfield Ave & Rutgers St, Maplewood, NJ.
Fleet Week New York 2025
May 21-27, 2025. Celebrate the sea services with week long festivities. The annual NYC Fleet Week begins with the parade of ships. Meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, tour ships, watch music performances, demonstrations in Manhattan and Staten Island. Check schedule for locations. New York Harbor, New York City.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Fri-Mon, May 23-26, 2025. FREE to spectators. 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
BIRTHDAY PARTY IDEAS: WHERE?
Planning a birthday party for your child can feel like a big task! Here’s a roundup of a variety of exciting venues designed to make celebrations stress-free and unforgettable. Craft your ultimate party. Call these party venues for more details. More at www.njkidsonline.com
Seaton
Hackney Stables Pony Share
Perfect for horse lovers of all ages, pony party package offer 2-hour parties on location, or their ponies come to you. Whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, church fair, or any special occasion, their pony rentals aim to create everlasting memories. Other options: A small horse & attendant for the older children to ride, “Roller Coaster” Hayride around a 30-acre farm (twice throughout the party). www.ponyshare.com/birthday-parties/
Iron Peaks Sports & Events facility offers three all-inclusive party packages, including a fun BYOP (build your own party) option with sports, arcade and more. Every party includes a dedicated host for a smooth and enjoyable experience. www.ironpeakse.com/birthdays/
Moderne Academie’s Dance Party Experience for ages 3 and up, is a fun-filled party in the dance studio. Circle time, warm-up, themed dance routine, craft, followed by 30 minutes in the party room with tables and chairs provided. 908. 322.4249. www.moderneacademie.com
JCC of Bridgewater Party at the J packages feature a 1.5-Hour party: 45 minutes of themed activities and 45 minutes in the party room. Party options include Indoor or Outdoor Swim, Sip and Paint, Nerf War, Obstacle Course, Science Fun. Available on Saturdays between 10AM and 4PM. Contact Lisa Kopman 908.443.9009. www.ssbjcc.org/party/
Bounce U Private Parties
Host the ultimate private birthday party where your child gets non-stop fun and unlimited access to games, giant bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses in a 100% private, safe and clean space. We take care of everything from start to finish. www.bounceu.com
Fire Me Up Pottery Painting Parties
Celebrate with creativity for all ages! 1.5 Hours of hands-on fun with exclusive use of the party area and a dedicated staff member. www.firemeupstudio.com
Goldfish Swim School Pool Parties
Indoor pool rental options can include up to 24 guests, 2-hour private pool access, certified lifeguards, decorations, and party room. www.goldfishswimschool.com
Big Snow Play Parties delivers an unforgettable birthday party at their American Dream location. All-inclusive party packages: Snow Day Party package for skiing and snowboarding fun or the Snow Play Party pkg for tubing and snow play, with 3-hr room rentals, dedicated hosts, and a visit from Big the Yeti. contact groups@bigsnowad.com. www.bigsnowamericandream.com
Monster Mini Golf Glow-In-The-Dark Parties features golf adventure and a private 90-minute party room. The party package includes 18 holes of mini golf, arcade play with prizes, pizzas, soft drinks, and full-service setup, entertainment, and cleanup. Perfect for all ages, this party promises fun and friendly competition in a spooky, monster-themed setting! www.monsterminigolf.com
Kids Funtime NJ, the ultimate party and play destination specializing in private parties. Offering Messy Paint Room, Sand Art Corner, So Chic Hair Salon, Dance Floor & Karaoke, and more. Featuring 2 hours of fun: 1 hour of activities such as art room fun, glow-in-the-dark games, dancing, and structured activities, followed by 40 minutes in party room with a dedicated host,
ending with 15 minutes of free open play. July and August birthdays receive a FREE mascot character appearance & goody bags. www.kidsfuntimenj.com
Parteaz Princess Tea Parties make your child’s birthday magical. Choose from newest themes: Wicked, Taylor Swift, Starbucks or Bubble Tea!!! and classics: Spa, Princess, Frozen or customize your own!!! Many packages include princess or superhero visits, glitter tattoos, manicures, pedicures. www.parteaz.com/party-themes
Kings Cooking Studio Cooking Parties
Designed for kids ages 8 and up; 2 ½ hours of birthday celebration fun and food. Hands-on cooking experience where guests get to create delicious treats. www.cookingstudio.kingsfoodmarkets.com
Team Makers Parties are fun, exciting, active, and educational. You provide the kids, and they bring engaging games and instruction for children ages 4-16. Interactive birthday party where all participants will engage, have fun, learn about one another and leave with a Loot Locker or Puzzle Pal game. We bring the party to you. www.teammakersnj.com
My Gym Birthday Parties is a custom celebration designed just for you. Energetic party pros lead fun-filled action packed activities, games, rides, and circle time, while incorporating your child’s favorite songs, games, and themes. www.mygym.com/birthday-parties
Fleet Week New York 2025
May 21-27, 2025. Celebrate the sea services with week long festivities. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence”. Begins with the parade of ships sailing up the Hudson River. Meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, tour ships, watch music performances, demonstrations! FREE. NYC
Fleet Week at the Intrepid Museum Fri-Mon, May 23-26, 2025 (various FREE Events). Annual FREE movie night May 23rd @7PM on the flight deck, featuring “Top Gun” - first come first serve, bring your own lawn chairs. At the museum, explore special displays, activities and demonstrations. Pier 86 @ W 46th St, NYC
Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center Sat-Mon, May 24-26, 2025, all day. Honor America’s fallen military heroes with special educational programs. Explore museum exhibits, including First Amendment gallery and Freedom Rising. Participate in family-friendly activities, including flag ceremonies, games, and poppy pin crafts. Philadelphia, PA.
Field Station Dinosaurs 2025 Opening Day Sat, May 24, 2025. Featuring over 30 life-sized, moving, realistic dinosaurs, walking trails, games, shows and activities.Overpeck Park.
The NJ Renaissance Faire Memorial Weekend, May 24-25, 2025. One of a kind Renaissance Faire experience with talented villagers dressed in period costumes. Sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, fire breathers, sword swallowers, shows, and more! Burlington County Fairgrounds, njrenfaire.com
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival
Sat-Sun, May 24-25, 2025. Food vendors, crafters, kids activities, rides, live music and more! Memorial Day Parade featuring marching bands Sat May 24, 9AM. Memorial Day Ceremony Mon, May 26. Bradley Beach, NJ
Memorial Beach Challenge in Ocean City
Sat, May 24, 2025. 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. Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City, NJ, memorialbeachchallenge.com
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park
Sat-Mon, May 24-26, 2025. 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 $6, FREE for kids 12 & under. Parking is FREE. monmouthpark.com
Resorts Casino Memorial Day Beach Ball Drop
Fri-Mon, May 23-26, 2025. FREE Ball Drop will take place on Friday May 23rd at 5PM with over 5,000 beach balls dropped over the boardwalk. Music, contests, games, music, entertainers, giveaways and more. Atlantic City, NJ, resortsac.com
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Fri-Mon, May 23-26, 2025. FREE to spectators. 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. Saturday and Sunday kite flying on the beach. World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. wildwoodsnj.com
Visit NJ State Parks
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2025, 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 Voorhees State Park. Take the kids and head outdoors! nj.gov/dep/parksandforests
