Banish “I’m Bored!” With These
50 Free Things To Do In NJ With Kids In July!
Looking for things to do in New Jersey with kids that won’t bust your budget? Look no further – we’ve come up with FIFTY free things to do in New Jersey with kids in July that your kids – and you – will LOVE!
Do you know of other fun and free things to do with kids in New Jersey this month? Comment below and let us know about it!
50 Free Things To Do In New Jersey With Kids In July
1. Enjoy A Night of Music Under The Stars!
Enjoy a free family-friendly outdoor concerts at one of the many free summer concert events happening around New Jersey in July! Check out our listing here.
2. Family Fun Nights on the Beach
Sunday nights through July | 6:30pm – dusk
Come on out to the beach in Seaside Heights for a fun night of tug-of-war, long jump, hula hoops, hurdles, Frisbee golf, and a huge inflatable obstacle course!
3. Go Bowling!
It’s summertime and that means another year of fun, family-friendly fun at New Jersey bowling alleys courtesy of Kids Bowl Free! Sign up here.
4. Out To Lunch at the Cohanzick Zoo
Mondays in July | 1:00pm
Enjoy a free children’s entertainment program at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton featuring great performances that include everything from puppet shows and magicians, to zoo presentations and everything in between.
5. Seine the Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays through July | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Find out what kinds of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures live and swim in Sandy Hook Bay as you help pull a long seine net along the edge of the bay. Meet on the beach near the park entrance. Closed toe shoes are required.
6. See A Free Movie!
There are free summer movies happening all over New Jersey this month! Check out our listing of free summer movies in the park and on the beach to find a free movie in your NJ community.
7. Tidal Tuesdays at Fisherman’s Cove
Every Tuesday in July | 11:00am
Stop by the Activity Center at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan and join a Park System Naturalist to discover exciting things about nature and our coastal habitats. Each week, take part in a different activity such as meeting creatures living in the water that we find in our seine net or creating crafts from natural materials found along the shore.
8. Go Roller Skating!
Sign up for free weekly roller skating passes at Kids Skate Free and enjoy family friendly fun at New Jersey skating rinks!
9. Mad Science “Summer Camp”
Wednesdays and Saturdays through July | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Mad Science “Summer Camp” will take place at the Garden State Plaza every Wednesday and Saturday this month and will feature high energy demonstrations of fun, educational, and spectacular science experiments! Free admission but registration is requested.
10. Hit the Beach!
Family time at the Jersey shore doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Free Beaches in New Jersey here!
11. Visit a museum!
New Jersey is home to dozens of free museums! Find a listing of them HERE, or find out how you can score free admission to NJ museums, nature centers, state parks, and more with your library card HERE!
12. Thrilling Thursdays In Margate
Thursdays throughout the summer
Enjoy Thrilling Thursdays in Margate! Thrilling Thursdays include free beach access, a local farmers market, sidewalk sales, and a family movie under the stars.
13. Nature Walks at Cape May Point State Park
Saturdays in July | 9:00am & 2:00pm
Enjoy a guided nature walk in beautiful Cape May Point State Park!
14. Science On the Fly at Jakes Branch County Park
Saturdays in July | 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Drop by Jakes Branch County Park in Beachwood for a free (and fun!) “come and go” science-based program. A make and take craft will follow a brief lesson.
15. Nature Crafts at Bellplain State Forest
Saturdays & Sundays in July| 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Head on out to the picnic area at Belleplain’s Lake Nummy for some free nature crafts!
16. Summer Fest in Glassboro
July 6, 13 & 20 2017 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Come on out to the Town Square in Downtown Glassboro for the first Summer Fest! Enjoy live entertainment from a variety of bands and interactive art activities for all ages as well as food trucks and local craft beer for the adults.
17. Fireworks on the Beach at Jenkinsons
Every Thursday in July at Dusk
Summertime means weekly fireworks on the beach at Jenkinsons in Point Pleasant Beach!
18. Anglesea Blues Festival & NJ State BBQ Championship
July 7-9 2017
This family-friendly festival takes place in North Wildwood and features the top Blues acts from across the nation and fantastic barbecue prepared by competitors in the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship. Free admission!
19. 5th Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
July 8 2017 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
See amazing sand art or try your hand creating your own sand masterpiece at the 5th Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival. The festival also features live music and beach games.
20. Maplewoodstock Music & Art Festival
July 8 & 9 2017
Enjoy a weekend-long celebration of the arts at Maplewoodstock! This family-friendly festival features more than 2 dozen musical artists and bands (including headliners Los Lobos), artisan vendors and art activities, great food and local beer in the beer garden, and children’s activities like bouncy rides, face painting, and arts and crafts in the Kids Zone.
21. Friendly Fair in Manasquan
July 8 2017 | 8:30am – 2:30pm
With antiques, a flea market, home baked goodies, crafts, live entertainment, games for kids, and delicious food options, the Manasquan Quaker’s Friendly Fair is a fun summer event for the entire family!
22. Be A Pirate!
July 8 2017 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
So you want to be a pirate?! Join Tempest Productions in Hoboken’s Elysian Park on a swashbuckling adventure! Band together with fellow pirates searching for treasure, “walk the plank”, and sing sea shanties! Shiver me timbers, ye scurvy dog!
23. Sing Along With Mr. Ray!
July 8 2017 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Come on out to Palmer Square in Princeton for a free performance by New Jersey’s favorite children’s performer! Mr. Ray will be performing two sets of a cool mix of kids n’ family songs with a few very talented young singers.
24. Free Kayaking on Lake Narraticon
July 8 2017 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Enjoy free kayaking on Swedesboro’s Lake Narraticon. The staff from Splash and Paddle will be on hand to offer help and instruction. Life vests and a variety kayaks and canoes will be available for participants to explore this awesome recreation activity. All ages and experience levels are welcome to come and enjoy!
25. Discovery Hike at Kittatinny Valley State Park
July 8 2017 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy a two-mile, naturalist-guided hike to explore the trails and observe the plants and animals of Kittatinny Valley State Park. Meet at the Kittatinny Valley State Park Visitor Center. Pre-registration required – (973-786-6445).
26. Go “Bunkers” at Battery Lewis
July 9 2017 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Head on out to Hartshorne Woods Park to explore Battery Lewis, the largest gun battery ever built in New Jersey and one of only several built along the east coast to defend against enemy warships during WWII, with Gateway National Recreation Area staff. Bring flashlights, insect repellent, and drinking water; wear comfortable walking shoes. For information on meeting place call the Sandy Hook Visitor Center at 732-872-5970.
27. Country Day at Kirby’s Mill
July 9 2017 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Step back in time at Country Day at Kirby’s Mill in Medford. Black powder rifle demonstrations and presentation of Civil War camp life by members of the 12th NJ Volunteer Infantry will be ongoing. Visitors will be able to tour the historic Kirby’s Mill housing the society’s museum collection. The Blacksmith Shop will be open for demonstrations. An animal treadmill will be operating. An antique hand printing press in the print shop exhibit will be demonstrated, while members of the South Jersey Guild of Spinners and Weavers will apply their craft on an antique loom. Other exhibits include a working demonstration of the big wheel lathe in the Cabinet-maker’s shop and crafters at work including a broommaker, a basketmaker, a decoy carver, and others.
28. Enjoy a Bonfire on the Beach in Seaside Heights
July 10, 17, 24 & 31 2017
Bring your beach blankets to North Beach in Seaside Heights on Monday nights for the family-friendly Bonfire on the Beach summer series. While the bonfire burns, sit back and enjoy the acoustical sounds of local singers and songwriters. Bonfire begins at dusk and ends at approximately 11:00pm.
29. New Jersey Sandcastle Contest
July 12 2017 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
See amazing sandcastle creations and build your own at the 31st Annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest held on Belmar’s 18th Avenue Beach.
30. Pajama Party in the Park
July 12 2017 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Come on out to Bayview Park in Brant Beach for stories, songs, and a craft. In case of rain, events will be held at the LBI Branch library.
31. Carpenter Frog Pinelands Hike
July 15 2017 | 10:30am
Explore the New Jersey Pinelands on a free guided hike beginning at the Atsion Office of Wharton State Forest. Bring water & lunch.
32. City of Water Day
July 15 2017
Get out on the waterfront – and on the water – with the Waterfront Alliance’s annual City of Water Day! Now in its tenth year, this free, family-oriented celebration of the world-class potential of the New York and New Jersey waterfront has grown into the region’s biggest harbor festival. The festival features tons of free activities in New Jersey waterfront locations such as Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus, Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City, Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken, and Riverfront Park in Newark. Highlights of the day include free boat tours on all kinds of vessels including tall ships and tugboats, eco-tours through the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area, the Waterfront Activity Fair, Disney Children’s Activities, and free rowing, kayaking, paddle-boarding.
33. Summer in the Street
July 15 2017 | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Downtown Toms River’s Summer in the Street features live music, children’s activities (free kids games with TEAM, inflatable rides, face painting, sand art & more), great food, quality handcrafters and merchandise sales, and more.
34. Small Explorers at the NJ State Museum
July 15 2017 | 10:00am
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are invited to explore the Jersey Shore at the New Jersey State Museum! The Small Explorers program features stories, crafts, and play. Free but space is limited and advance registration is encouraged.
35. Celebrate James Allaire’s Birthday!
July 15 2017 | 11:00pm – 4:00pm
Come out to celebrate the birthday of Allaire Village’s founder, James P. Allaire. Mr. Allaire founded the Howell Iron Works in 1822 as an iron factor town. Now as a living history museum, we like to take a day and celebrate our almost 200 year history. Enjoy a craft demonstrations, speeches, and fanfare. Activities will include demonstrations in the Blacksmith Shop, guided tours of the Manager’s House, shopping in the General Store, Carpentry Shop demonstrations, “training” with the Militia, open fire cooking demonstrations, Townball (an 1830s version of baseball), 19th century children’s games, and more! Free admission to the village, but $5 parking fee charged for entrance to state park ($7 for non NJ residents).
36. Sea Glass Hunt at Palisades Interstate Park
July 16 2017 | 10:00am
The historic Kearney House in the Palisades Interstate Park invite children and their caregivers to join them on a Sea Glass Hunt! Sea glass are shards of glass that have been in the river long enough – in some cases, a century or more – that their sharp edges have been rounded smooth. Each piece of sea glass tells a story of days past, of steamboats and sloops and the river’s rich maritime history. The program will start with a half-mile hike along the Palisades Shore Trail to a sandy cove where the tides deposit a lot of sea glass. The trail is relatively easy but crosses stone stairways (strollers cannot be used on this trail, so very young children may need to be carried). The group will spend about half an hour exploring the beach, then return to the start point by around 11:30. Participants may wish to bring a sturdy container for their “treasure.” Meet at the entrance to the park’s Alpine Picnic Area & Boat Basin. This program is free, however there is a $5 (cash only) parking fee charged at the Alpine area.
37. Captain Kidd Treasure Hunt
July 16 2017 | 1:00pm
Children ages 3 -10 are invited to meet Captain Kidd at Cape May Convention Hall to receive your pirate hat and then follow him to dig for buried treasure at his treasure site. No metal shovels allowed.
38. Family Woodland Hike at Ringwood State Park
July 16 2017| 1:00pm
Enjoy an easy, child-friendly hike in the NJ State Botanical Garden’s woodlands, where you’ll learn a bit about the plants and animals around you in a hike designed to fit the group. Smaller children may need to be carried. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather conditions, and bring bug spray and sun block. Meet at the Carriage House. Rain cancels.
39. Explore Science with Doktor Kaboom!
July 18 2017 | 12:00pm
Doktor Kaboom is coming to the Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River! Kids will love Dr. Kaboom’s spectacular – and often successful – demonstrations of the physical sciences, with a focus on the scientific method. Includes an homage to Mister Wizard, a tabletop catapult, illusions of the mind, and chemical reactions. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom’s supercharged (and super safe!) science experiments will have you erupting with laughter and bubbling with curiosity. Free, but reservations needed.
40. Cape May County 4-H Fair
July 20–22 2017
Come on out to the Cape May County Fair for tons of fun, family-friendly activities livestock and horse shows, a children’s pet show, live music, a mountain bike stunt show, a color fun run, a chicken barbecue, the Children’s Discovery Farm, and much more. Free Parking is available at the Cape May County Technical High School (Exit 11 Garden State Parkway) with a free air-conditioned shuttle to the fairgrounds.
41. Family-Friendly Campfire on the Beach
July 21 2017 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Sing silly songs on Sandy Hook’s beach with Gateway National Recreation Area park rangers and hear true stories from days of yore surrounding the history and mysteries of the Hook. Bring beach blankets or chairs, snacks, and bug spray.
42. South Jersey Caribbean Festival
July 22 2017 | 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean islands right here in New Jersey! The South Jersey Caribbean Festival features Caribbean culture, dance, food and music at its best. It is a multicultural enriching and educational experience that recognizes the diversity of the many islands in the Caribbean. Enjoy a day of music, dancing, and great food on the Camden waterfront!
43. St. Ann Italian Festival
July 22 – 26 2017
Hoboken’s St. Ann Italian Festival is five days of delicious Italian food, awesome live music, fun family activities, and shopping with great vendors.
44. Victorian Era Encampment at Fort Mott
July 22 & 23 2017 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Bring the family out to Fort Mott State Park and learn about the Boer War. At the same time that Fort Mott was being completed, the war between the British and Boer settlers in South Africa ushered in a new era of warfare. Come witness period camps, uniform and weapon displays, a tactical demonstration between British and Boer forces, Victorian civilian attire, and even a cricket match!
45. Sea Stars and Sea Urchins of the Jersey Shore
July 27 2017 | 7:00pm-8:00pm
Come on out to Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth and discover the hidden world of sea stars and sea urchins that live along the Jersey Shore. Learn how urchins get around, how they eat, and if they have eyes. We will also find out about threats to their survival and what we can do to make sure these remarkable creatures carry on.
46. Spend the Night Under The Stars
July 29 2017 | 8:00pm – 10:30pm
Enjoy a free astronomy presentation and star watch at Batsto Village courtesy of the Willingboro Astronomical Society.
47. Soulsational Festival
July 29 2017 |
The Soulsational Festival at Veterans Park in Bayville a a free family friendly festival featuring live music on two stages, free yoga, an art gallery, children’s activities, and more! Free admission.
48. 99th Annual Mercer County 4-H Fair
July 29 & 30 2017
Come on out to Howell Living History Farm in Lambertville for an authentic, old-time fair. Enjoy a day of animal shows and exhibits, tasting homemade ice cream, hay rides, pony rides, music, magic shows, and farm tours. Check out displays by the Rutgers Master Gardners of Mercer County, Mercer County Wildlife Center, Mid-State Beekeepers Association, and many more! Please bring a non-perishable food donation for Rutgers Against Hunger. Farm tours, milking demonstrations and old-timey crafts like spinning and felting make this fair authentic. Go for a hay ride, taste homemade ice cream and let the kids run wild with crafts and activities.
49. Geology Rocks at Palisades Interstate Park
July 29 2017 | 10:00am
Children ages 5 and up, along with their caregivers, are invited to participated in a geology-themed guided hike in Palisades Interstate Park. The hike will cover a round-trip distance of about 2 miles in around 2 hours on trails that are rated easy but rocky by the hike leader. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Meet at the Englewood Picnic Area & Boat Basin, accessible from the park’s Englewood Cliffs entrance at PIP Exit 1. Hike is free, however there is a $5 parking fee at the Englewood area.
50. Holly Forest Night Prowl
July 30 2017 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Explore the holly forest of Gateway National Recreation area on this family-friendly ranger-led night hike. Bring insect repellent, flashlights, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at Sandy Hook – Lot E Beach Center.
Still looking for things to do in New Jersey with kids in July? Be sure to check out our July Calendar of Events!
Featured Photo: © Can Stock Photo / yarruta
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