May Fairs and Festivals for NJ Kids and Families

4/23/15 - By Kristen Haas

After a brutal winter, the warm weather is finally here! Let’s rejoice and spend as much time outside as possible. Fairs and festivals are popping up all over the Garden State in places like Cape May, Toms River and Hoboken. You really should get your NJ family to one of these fun-filled festivals in our wonderful state, because, after all, it's only fair. For more outdoor fun, check out our list of 30 Ways to Get Good & Messy outside.

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Cape May Spring Festival, Cape May
April 24 – May 3, 2015
Come to the country’s first seaside resort and celebrate spring. This nine-day festival includes events like the chocolate championship tour and tasting, ghosts of Cape May trolley tour, crafts, antique shows, lighthouse full moon climb, private home tours, wine tastings, a vintage dance weekend and much more.

Annual Spring Festival, Hackettstown
May 1 - 3, 2015
This annual spring event has that old-time festival flare, including carnival rides, food vendors, games, giveaways and more! The festival is held on the grounds behind Centenary College. Admission is free, but tickets or wristbands for rides must be purchased and there is a suggested donation for parking.

Spring Festival Crafts and Antiques at the Physick Estate, Cape May
April 25 and May 2, 2015 from 10am – 4pm
The 13th annual show will feature mixed crafts and antiques. The outdoor marketplace boasts arts and crafts vendors from throughout the Northeast. While in town, enjoy the Spring Festival (noted above), which ends on May 3. Admission and parking is free.

5th Annual Toms River Food Fest, Toms River
May 2, 2015 from 11am – 8pm
Nothing cures hunger like a festival devoted to food at the shore! Enjoy live bands, crafts, children’s rides and – you guessed it! – lots of yummy local food (including a wine and beer garden)! The event is free.

Hoboken Spring Arts and Music Festival, Hoboken
May 3, 2015 from 11am – 6pm
Celebrating their 21st anniversary, this annual celebration of spring features more than 300 artists, crafters, local businesses, restaurants, food vendors and much more. Three stages will present live music including Peter Wolf (of the J. Geils Band), Anthony D'Amato and more. Stages will be setup on Observer Highway, 3rd Street (which will be the children’s area) and 7th Street. Kids will enjoy rides, games, face painting, sand art, balloons, music and more. This event will be held rain or shine and admission is free.

20th Annual Spring Fling, Westfield
May 3, 2015 from 10am – 5pm
Come out to Westfield and celebrate spring. This festival features a juried arts and crafts show, rides from KidZone, games and activities for all ages, the Bovella's Pie Eating Contest, a fantastic food festival, non-stop entertainment and more. The event will take place rain or shine and admission is free.

Children’s Festival at Historic Smithville, Absecon
May 9, 2015 from 10am – 5pm
Enjoy a family fun day at this festival in Historic Smithville and Village Greene. Enjoy a bubble station, live animals from the Cape May Zoo and a touch tank courtesy of Atlantic City Aquarium. The kids will also love the train, paddleboats and carousel in Smithville! This event is free, but other Smithville activities (train, paddleboats, etc.) have fees.

Mayfest, Absecon
May 16 and 17, 2015
Boasting more than 100 crafters, Mayfest promises warm-weather fun in Historic Smithville and Village Greene. Don’t miss an international food court, music, activities for the kids and more. While you’re there, check out the 60 shops, carousel, paddleboats, restaurants and more that are located in Smithville.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival, Oceanport
May 23 – 25, 2015
Enjoy more than three dozen of the area’s best food trucks in Monmouth Park for three days of amazing food, family fun and horse racing!