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Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in New Jersey: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park
Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park
5/23/25 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, ushering in the unofficial start of summer. Feel the summer vibes at the Jersey Shore's brilliant Wildwoods International Kite Festival. And spend Memorial Day Monday at commemorative events in Holmdel and Freehold, among others. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:​

Be sure to click through to each listing for all the details, including recommended ages and times.

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Best Things To Do in New Jersey This Memorial Day Weekend With Kids

Woodbridge Center Carnival

Woodbridge
Wednesday, May 21-Monday, May 26
Have six days of festive fun at the Woodbridge Center Carnival. Enjoy rides, like Dragon Wagon and Gravitron, games and carnival food.  READ MORE

Paramus L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival

Paramus
Daily from Thursday, May 22-Sunday, June 8
Westfield Garden State Plaza hosts this multi-day carnival, which benefits the Paramus L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program. The fun includes rides, games, food, and entertainment.  READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood – FREE
Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26
The annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest such festival in North America, features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible and colorful creations. READ MORE

Collingswood Annual May Fair

Collingswood – FREE
Saturday, May 24
This mile-long festival is loaded with fun like carnival rides, 200 vendors, a car show, food, live music, and more. The KidZone features games and rides.  READ MORE

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival

Oceanport
Saturday, May 24- Monday, May 26
Food trucks and fun are rolling into Monmouth Park on Memorial Day weekend. Indulge in eats from 30 food trucks, plus live music and children's activities that include face painting, clowns, bounce houses and pony rides. READ MORE

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival

Bradley Beach – FREE
Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25
Bradley Beach celebrates Memorial Day all weekend long, with food vendors, rides, bounce houses, crafters, a parade, and much more. There is a DJ on both days and live performances. READ MORE

Runaway Rapids Season Opening

Keansburg
Saturday, May 24-Monday, May 26
Cool off Memorial Day weekend when Runaway Rapids opens for the season. Relax on the Lazy River, take a plunge on the Mega Bunga Falls, or enjoy one of the many other wet attractions.  READ MORE

Memorial Day Special Open Swim at Five Star Swim School

Various locations
Sunday, May 25
Make a splash This Memorial Day! Five Star Swim School is honored to invite all veterans, active service members, and their families to a free open swim in its heated saltwater pools.  READ MORE

NJ Jerk Fest 2025 in New Brunswick

New Brunswick
Sunday, May 25
Bring your appetite to Boyd Park for a day filled with delicious Caribbean cuisine, live music, and good vibes. Indulge in spicy jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk fish, jerk goat, jerk oxtail and jerk ice cream. A Kid's Zone rounds out the fun. READ MORE

Freehold Memorial Day Parade

Freehold–FREE
Monday, May 26
Spend Memorial Day at the oldest and largest such Memorial Day parade in Western Monmouth County. More than 70 groups–including veterans, bands, fire departments, civilian, and youth organizations–participate each year. READ MORE

Glassboro Memorial Day Parade

Glassboro–FREE
Monday, May 26
A tradition of over 100 years, this parade features floats, veterans and military groups, bands, antique vehicles, youth sports organizations, fire trucks, and more. READ MORE

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation Memorial Day Ceremony

Holmdel–FREE
Monday, May 26
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation hosts the annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those that lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. READ MORE

Fort Lee VFW Memorial Day Parade

Fort Lee–FREE
Monday, May 26
Fort Lee's annual parade commences at the Jack Alter Community Center, then heads down Center Avenue, Main Street and Anderson Avenue. Stop by the Community Center after the parade for a special ceremony and refreshments.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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