Fun Things to Do in New Jersey for Kids and Families on Memorial Day Weekend

Are you looking for something fun to do with your families in New Jersey for Memorial Day 2025? We’ve got you covered!   Here at Pinto Carpentry we pride ourselves on being family-owned and family-operated, and of course the value of family is strong in our off hours as well. We love spending quality time with our families exploring all the wonderful things New Jersye has to offer!  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the many fun things there are to do with your family in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend!  Let the Pinto Carpentry Memorial Day Fun Guide keep you occupied and entertaine all MDW long. 

Fun Events to Do with Family and Kids for Memorial Day Weekend in New Jersey

On Friday from 11AM to 3PM, come down to the Rutgers Botanical gardens in North Brunswick to shop the Rutgers Student Farm Market and check out the amazing local vendors and Spring Plant Sale. This venue is also dog friendly, but pets must be leashed and well-mannered.  Take a walk through the botanical garden grounds after shopping and explore the beautiful spring blossoms!

Looking to make some friends and learn a new hobby this Friday night? Head on over to Eclectic Chic Boutique in Montclair with your teens to enjoy Game Night: Dungeons and Dragons edition. No skill is necessary and everyone is welcomed to BYO models, or newcomers can take some lessons from the Dungeon Master on site!

Take a drive over to Downling Gardens in Woodland Park for the Memorial Day Summer Kickoff Concert in the Park. BYO Lawn Chair or picnic blanket and enjoy live music from The Kootz, as well as food trucks from Sip & Swirl and Taco is Life.

Friday through Monday at Rio Grande Beach in Wildwood, come on down for the Wildwoods International Kite Festival!  This one-of-a-kind event is sure to please all ages as you check out the incredible creative kites and impressive flying skills.  Join everyone for the seasonal “Unlocking of the Beach” ceremony to officially kick off the start of summer, and then enjoy the World Indoor Kite Competition and Performance at the convention center.  The Boardwalk Craft Show is also coming to the Wildwoods Boardwalk in Wildwood on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

From May 23rd-26th and May 31st, kids and adults alike will enjoy the FUNBOX event at the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold. Come on out and enjoy a 25,000 square foot inflatable obstacle course complete with basketball hoops and slides!

From Friday through Monday at Veterans Park in North Brunswick, come pay tribute to those who dedicated their lives to wartime efforts. A special assembly will take place on Friday morning to unveil the traveling Vietname Memorial Wall, and a closing ceremony will commence on Monday to close out the weekend.

On Saturday, the Edison Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 12PM and runs through 1PM along Palinfield Avenue and Division Street ending at the Lindenau Elementary School on Blossom Street.

The EarthVibes Festival is coming to the Monmouth County Girl Scout Camp in Farmingdale on Saturday, May 24th from 10AM to 5Pm. Bring the whole family down for a day featuring live performances, drum circles, dance workshops, artisan market with local vendors, visionary artist workshops, wellness lectures, and more. Kids 16 and under pay just $1.34 for admission!

The New Jersey Renaissance Faire is celebrating its summer season starting May 24th and 25th, May 31st, June 1st, and 7th-8th.  There will be live jousting events, stage shows, live music, firebreathing, stunt performances, knights, magic, acrobatics, demonstrations, and more!

It’s fleet week at The Intrepid Museum from Friday through Monday, kicking things off with a special free showing of “Top Gun” on Friday. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, visitors will have the chance to meet with military members, learn about aviation, have hands-on experience with special emergency gear, a morse-code bracelet craft, and listen to special lectures. Memorial Day special events include a special flyover ceremony with the U.S. NAVY Fighter Jets.

On Saturday at the Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, your family will have a riotous time at the “Hog Slapping and Weighing” event.  Guess the weight of the Howell Farm hogs, learn about pig farming, how to grind corn and mix feed, and care for the hogs on the farm. It’s a fun-filled day of country living and hands-on learning the whole family can enjoy.

The Memorial Day Festival is coming to Ocean Avenue in Bradley Beach this Saturday and Sunday. Vendors will be set up all weekend long to bring you handmade items, fine arts, jersey themed gifts, and more. Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 10AM on Saturday.

Saturday through Monday at Historic Smithville in Galloway, head on out to experience Riddlesbrood’s The Magic of Merlin event!  This free outdoor show brings the tale of Merlin and his legendary magic to life.  Your family will be able to use a smartphone to guide the hero along on a choose-your-own adventure style event.

The Land Of Make Believe in Hope is offering special opening weekend activities from Saturday through Monday, as well as welcoming families to the start of the summer rides season.

On Saturday at the New Jersey Botanical Gardens in Ringwood, come on out  and enjoy a guided tour of the plants and flowers at the Spring Wildflower Walk event.  The Audubon Nature Walk with Don Torino of the Bergen County Audubon Society will take place on Sunday.

On Sunday at Boyd Park in New Brunswick, enjoy a taste of Caribbean Culture as the New Jersey Jerk Fest celebrates the start to Summer!  This annual celebration features live Caribbean Music, delicious Caribbean Food TRucks, an educational center, community programming, a Kid’s Zone with activities and games, and a live performance from Mr. Easy.

The Highlands Seaport Craft Show will take place on Sunday at Huddy Park in Highlands. You’ll find various handmade goods, artisan crafted gifts, and more from 60+ crafters and artisans.  This Juried Show promises high-quality wares to shop including unique artworks, jewelry, and gifts. Plus, there will be live music in the afternoon, so don’t miss it!

Take a tour of Liberty Hall at Kean University in Union on Sunday, and learn about the women of Liberty Hall at the “Ladies of Liberty Hall Tour Event”.

Take a trip down to Trenton Thunder Ballpark for the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom event.  Bring the whole family down for a fun filled day or drive down on your motorcycle. Attendees will be taking a ride from the ballpark through PA and back in a pre-Memorial Day Ride honoring POWs/MIAs. Post-ride event will commence with food, live music, and plenty of fun vendors to shop!

The Tour of Somerville event is coming to Downtown Somerville on Monday. Pro cyclists will ride through the town in America’s Longest-running bike race in its 80th year and counting. After the race, stick around town and celebrate with outdoor dining options, a townwide Barbecue event, a kid’s zone with activities and games and rides, food trucks, a vendor market, and much more.

Monday from 10AM to 11AM head over to downtown Metuchen along Main Street for the official Memorial Day Parade and celebration. After the parade, you and your family can enjoy live performances and special events around town. This event is free!