39 Best Things To Do in New Jersey Before School Starts

You know it's time for an end-of-summer list of things to do in New Jersey when August rolls around and Target is once again fully stocked with school supplies. If you haven’t been to the beach, picked your own fruit, or ridden a roller coaster, there's still time to squeeze it in before saying "so long" to summer.

Read on for dozens of awesome adventures to pack in with your kids before school starts, and get ready to go out with a bang!

Find even more bucket list-worthy ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide and on our Activity Calendar.

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An End-of-Summer Bucket List for NJ Kids

1. Pick Your Own Peaches

This sweet summer fruit is in peak season this month. Pick your own peaches at one of New Jersey’s family-friendly farms. Be sure to check availability before heading out.

2. Catch a Summer Concert

Head to Newport Avenue Beach (behind Ventnor Library in Atlantic City) on Saturday nights through the end of summer. Hang out on the sand and enjoy live music, food vendors, and crafters. For other music festivals and concert series, check this list of free summer events in NJ. 

3. Climb a Lighthouse

Visit one of NJ's beautiful and historic lighthouses.

RELATED: Heat Wave Hot List: 27 Cool Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Get your gaming action on at the New Jersey State Fair. Photo courtesy of the fair

4. Catch a Movie Under the Stars

Ditch that regularly scheduled bedtime, grab a blanket and snacks and make it a family movie night with a free outdoor flick. Peruse our 105 Free Things to do in NJ this Summer with Kids article to find free outdoor movies! 

5. See Some Fireworks

It's like the 4th of July all summer long with fireworks lighting up the sky on Thursday nights at Jenkinson’s Beach in Point Pleasant.

6. Take a Dip

These swimming pools let you and your fam splash and sun for the day. Or go for a dip in a calm, family-friendly lake.

7. Take the Bikes for a Spin

Pick one of these favorite spots for a family-friendly ride.

8. Cool off at an Inflatable Water Park

Elevate your last swim of the season with a visit to an action-packed inflatable water park.

9. Enjoy the Thrill

Nothing says summer like a trip to an amusement park. But coasters aren’t just for the big kids. Land of Make Believe, Storybook Land, and other amusement parks for preschoolers provide plenty of fun for little ones, too.

10. Book a Trip to Legoland

Calling all brick lovers! Legoland New York Resort has tons of awesome rides and attractions to keep your crew content. You can visit daily through Labor Day and on weekends in the fall.

11. Make a Splash

Visit your neighborhood sprayground or splash pad before the sprinklers are turned off for the year.

12. Gear up for an Outdoor Adventure

Climb through one of New Jersey's treetop obstacle courses, or buckle up for a soaring ride on a zipline.

RELATED: Guide to Family Day Trips in New Jersey

Relax with your little ones as you float down the lazy river at the Land of Make Believe. Photo by the author

13. Float Down the Lazy River

Or kick it up a notch and go for a tricked-out water slide at an awesome outdoor water park, like this one at Diggerland.

14. Spend a Rainy Day at the Mall

American Dream is no ordinary shopping center. This larger-than-life mega mall recently added two new kid-friendly destinations to its ever-expanding lineup: Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center. For South Jersey residents, check out the Deptford Mall Kids Mini Theatre Show, which is FREE!

15. Dine al Fresco

Pack a picnic lunch or dinner and pick the perfect place to throw down your basket and blanket and spread out. And don't miss the summer picnic party in Berkeley Township at the end of June. 

16. Camp Out

Pitch a tent at a family-friendly campground—or even in your own backyard. Nothing beats s'mores around the fire and sleeping in a tent under the stars. And for those who don't want to actually camp, you can get the feel of camping at the Summer Kick-Off Beach Campfire in Long Beach Island at the end of June. 

17. Tee Up

Find your way fore-ward to a mini-golf course sized just right for your minis.

18. Venture to a New Playground

If your kids have worn out the swings and slides at your neighborhood playground, find a new themed or drive-worthy playground for your kids to explore.

19. Go Flower Picking

Pick a bouquet of beautiful blooms at a gorgeous sunflower field or flower farm.

20. Sneak in One Last Trip to the Shore

From the beaches to the boardwalks, soak up the sun and fun along the state's gorgeous 130 miles of shoreline.

21. Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Rent a paddleboat, kayak, or rowboat to sail across a scenic lake and take in the breathtaking views.

22. Soak up Some Jersey Shore Charm

Check out one of these cute New Jersey beach towns for family-friendly summer fun.

23. Eat Ice Cream for Dinner

Enjoy an over-the-top ice cream treat at Coney Waffle, or pick up a scoop or two at our favorite ice cream shops.

24. Get Into the Groove

Boogie on down to the sweet sounds of jazz and blues at a summer music festival at the Downtown Westfield Jazz Festival through Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

25. Stop and Smell the Roses

The fabulous green spaces at the state's arboretums and gardens offer a great opportunity for children to see nature up close.

26. Hang Out With Dinos

Field Station: Dinosaurs reopened this summer and remains open to pint-sized dino-lovers weekends through Sunday, November 10, 2024.

RELATED: Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks for Family Fun

Hang on tight: Lakeview Marina offers motorboat-towed tubing adventures. Photo courtesy of the marina

27. Try Tubing

Slip on a life jacket and enjoy a wet and wild ride down one of Jersey's thrilling waterways.

28. Take a Day Trip

You still have a few summer Fridays left to enjoy a quick getaway without even leaving the state.

29. Save Money

From FREE festivals, comedy shows, and movies to fireworks, crafts, pony rides, and more, check out these totally FREE kid-friendly events.

30. Stay Cool and Beat Boredom

Keep the kids entertained with these fun water games, or bring the fun inside with a beat-the-heat craft.

31. Unique Day Trips in NJ

Take a day trip inside the Garden State! See this unique list, which has great ideas to consider, such as Lucy the Elephant in Margate, a pirate ship cruise, or the Grounds for Sculpture. 

32. Take a Ferry Ride

Spend a day out on the water, either enjoying a day cruise in Cape May or riding the RiverLink Ferry across the Delaware River. The ferry runs from the Camden Waterfront into Philadelphia, where you can explore Spruce Street Harbor Park. 

33. Enjoy the Camden Waterfront

Not only are there great views of Philadelphia, but you can also stop in and spend the day at the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey.

34. Explore a Nature Center

Spend an afternoon learning about animals and the great outdoors at one of these nature centers in NJ. 

35. Go On a Hike

Go outside and spend the morning bonding with your family and getting some exercise while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors on one of these family-friendly hikes. Or if you have a wee one, try one of these walks where you can bring a stroller. 

36. Sticking Around for Labor Day?

Take advantage of the long weekend to check something off our ultimate bucket list for New Jersey kids, or the 35 must-dos for kids under 5.

37. Head to the Zoo

Plan a family trip to see the animals at the zoo.

38. Make a Seashell Craft

Do something fun with your summer beach finds like make a bracelet or beach jar.

39. Eat Italian Ice

Try a shaved or Italian ice made by a local shop.

This post, originally published in 2018, is updated annually.