Outdoor fun for the whole family May 2023

Spring filled sunny days start in May and they are ideal for family friendly outdoor festivals. The New Jersey area offers plenty of things to do - ranging from Street Fairs to Spring Flings to Ocean Days. Go take the kids and enjoy! Check NJ Kids website for more ideas.

Spring Flower Fair at Rutgers Gardens

Friday-Sunday, May 5-7, 2023. For all the plant lovers out there. FREE ticket for each vehicle (you have to reserve in advance for entry).  Public Garden plant sale where you can purchase favorite varieties as well as difficult to find plants. Cook’s market vendors will be present. Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick NJ. rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu

12th Annual Secaucus Green Festival

Saturday, May 6, 2023, 11AM-3PM. FREE admission. Secaucus' Green Festival celebrates the planet. It provides environmental activities for children, music, arts & crafts, fun activities, and educational experiences. Food and green product vendors. Secaucus Xchange, 2000 Riverside Station Blvd in Secaucus NJ.

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 11AM-3PM outdoors at Bridgewater Commons, rain or shine. Admission is FREE to the Bridgewater Spring Carnival and includes all Carnival rides, games and inflatables. Presented by the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center (JCC) in partnership with Township of Bridgewater, Bridgewater Commons, and RWJ Barnabas Health. DJ, food, music, and fun! Extra: $10 fee for arts & crafts tent & petting zoo. $5 paint painting and glitter.

Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival 2023

Sunday, May 7, 2023, 11AM-6PM. FREE family fun. Over 250+ artists and crafters at this Hoboken Spring Arts festival. Kids activities, live music, local businesses, and food vendors. Washington St & Observer Highway and 7th St, Hoboken, NJ.

Westfield Spring Fling 2023

Sunday, May 7, 2023, 10AM-5PM. Visit the Westfield Spring Fling for a FREE fun family day on the streets of Downtown Westfield. Enjoy kids activities, rides, fun and more! Non-stop entertainment packed full of music, food, and shopping. Central Ave, East Broadway to North Ave in Westfield NJ. More details at gwaccnj.com

Ocean Fun Days

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11AM-3PM at Island Beach State Park (GSP Exit 82) and Sunday, May 21, 2023, 11AM-3PM at Sea Grant Consortium at Sandy Hook (GSP Exit 117). FREE Admission and FREE Parking. Also free Eco-Tours available. 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!

13th Annual NJ Renaissance Faire

May 20 & 21, 27 - 29, and June 10-11, the most interactive Faire in all the lands, the NJ Renaissance Faire has great entertainment for the whole family. 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 and more! $ Admission. Burlington County Fairgrounds.

Fleet Week New York 2023

May 24-30, 2023. Celebrate the sea services with week long festivities. The annual NYC Fleet Week begins with the parade of ships. Come meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, tour ships, watch musical performances, demonstrations, and more! In Manhattan, Pier 88, Pier 90, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Homeport Pier in Staten Island. Check schedule and locations. New York Harbor, New York City, NY.

LEAD Fest Carnival at Westfield Garden State Plaza

May 25 - June 11, 2023, Hours vary. Paramus L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival with kids rides, food, entertainment, music and more! Helping to create a better community. One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ.

International Kite Festival in Wildwood

Friday-Monday, May 26-29, 2023. FREE to spectators. North America Kite Festival 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 workshops, kite demos, and family games. World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Check NJ Kids Calendar for more events.