Summer Bucket List Ideas for Your Family in NJ

Updated June 2024

Summer in New Jersey is fantastic time for creating lasting memories with your family! With long, sunny days and warm nights, there are endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply some quality time together, New Jersey has something for everyone. Here are 10 of my favorite summer bucket list ideas for families in NJ.

Catch a Minor League Baseball Game

As a baseball momma (my son has been playing baseball since he was old enough to hold a ball and bat!) and wife of a major baseball and Yankees’ fan, we spend a lot of time at the ballpark! Besides sitting on the sidelines watching my son play, my family always catches a few major and minor league games each summer. New Jersey has several professional teams that offer affordable family fun close to home. Here are a few of the ballparks I’ve enjoyed visiting with my family.

Somerset Patriots in Bridgewater, NJ

The Somerset Patriots offers opportunities to watch professional baseball with great entertainment throughout the game for the entire family! We love the fireworks show scheduled after some games. 

Trenton Thunder at Waterfront Park in Trenton, NJ

Enjoy an Outdoor Concert Under the Stars

Many New Jersey towns host free outdoor evening concerts. If you live in the Westfield area, don’t miss The Sweet Sounds of Downtown Music Festival. Sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), the festival takes place every Tuesday evening during July and August, from 7pm to 9pm.

For a list of other local outdoor concerts, you might enjoy Summer Music and Movies for Families in New Jersey.

Pick Your Own – Peaches, Berries and Sunflowers

Summer is the perfect time for pick-your-own strawberries (June), cherries (June), blueberries (July), and peaches (August). If you’ve read my favorite farms to pick apples, you already know I love u-pick farms. Maybe it’s because I’m obsessed with Jersey-grown produce (you’ll see me at the Scotch Plains Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning in Summer)!

In August, visit Holland Ridge Farm in Cream Ridge to cut your own sunflowers or wander through the Sussex County Sunflower Maze.

There are so many wonderful farms in New Jersey that offer pick-your own fields. I’ve made it a mission to visit as many of them as I can convince my husband and son to try. Many of them have other kid friendly activities onsite to add to the experience.

Terhune Orchards in Princeton has pick-your-own crops, various festivals, a barnyard of animals and more to enjoy. Having grown up in Princeton and spent a summer during high school working at the farm store, I have always loved this family friendly farm. They also have a winery featuring wine made with farm-fresh ingredients.

Hit the Beach

New Jersey boasts a stunning coastline with 130 miles of sandy beaches. Pack your beach essentials, build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and soak up the sunshine. With more than 70 NJ beaches to choose from, some family favorites include Point Pleasant, Ocean City, Asbury Park, Long Beach Island and Cape May. More favorite ways to enjoy the beach in NJ:

Pack a Picnic and Watch the Sunset at Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook is my favorite beaches for bike riding, seeing beautiful sunsets, and evening picnics with my family. While the beaches can be especially crowded during the day in summer, my family and I like to go in the early evening. Sometimes we’ll set up our blanket on the bay side, which is usually much quieter and also gives nice views of the setting sun.

Ride Bikes at Sandy Hook 

Sandy Hook is also a great place to enjoy an afternoon bike ride with your family and soak in the sun and sea breezes. An added benefit is no entry fee if you are just going to ride bikes.

Climb A Lighthouse

Besides New Jersey’s beautiful beaches, did you know the State boasts 11 lighthouses along the Atlantic Ocean? My family visits Cape May regularly and our trip is never complete until we’ve climbed the Cape May Lighthouse and taken in the scenic ocean view. 

Cape May Lighthouse iPhone photo

If you’re already at Sandy Hook for a bike ride, you can climb the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and on a clear day see the New York City skyline. Another favorite of mine that brings back fond childhood memories is Barnegat Lighthouse at LBI. But there are many others I’ve yet to explore; I may need to start adding some of them to future bucket lists! Here’s a list of New Jersey Lighthouses. If you visit one, take a photo and tag me on social media and tell me what you liked about it!

Explore a Seaside Boardwalk

New Jersey’s iconic boardwalks offer a classic summer experience. Stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy delicious boardwalk fare, play carnival games, and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean. Some favorite boardwalks include Jenkenson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ocean City Boardwalk, and Wildwood Boardwalk.

Visit A Zoo or Aquarium

New Jersey is home to several world-class zoos and aquariums. Learn about animals from around the world, see fascinating exhibits, and attend educational programs. Popular choices include the Cape May County Park & Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, and Adventure Aquarium.

Take A Hike

New Jersey has several state parks that offer hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Enjoy a day in nature, explore scenic overlooks, and learn about the state’s diverse ecosystems. Some popular options include Island Beach State Park, Stokes State Forest, and High Point State Park. throughout Union, Morris, and Somerset counties. South Mountain Fairy Trail in Millburn is a particular favorite among young children and adults alike with its charming miniature fairy homes sprinkled throughout the trails. For more suggestions on local hikes in northern New Jersey, be sure to read: Family Friendly Hiking and Walking Trails in NJ.

Explore A Water Way – Paddle Boats, Kayak and Canoe

Float your way to a fun family adventure! Some popular places for renting boats include the Cranford Canoe Club, Lewis Morris County Park in Morris Township, and the Waterfront in West Orange and Verona Park in Verona.

Of course there are so many more fun things to do during summer in New Jersey. I’d love to hear your summer bucket list plans! Be sure to comment below with your favorite things to do and places to visit this summer. I’m always looking for new ideas.

Bonus – Have A Family Photo Session

Summer is also a great time to take family photos! Unlike fall, summer tends to be a more relaxed time for many families. Kids are out of school, and may be involved in fewer activities, which makes scheduling a session easier. An added bonus of a summer photo session is you’ll be able to get your holiday cards done early!

I hope this list inspires you to create lasting summer memories with your family in New Jersey! With so many things to see and do, there’s something for everyone in the Garden State.

Want to learn more about outdoor lifestyle family sessions? You might enjoy Three Things to Love about Lifestyle Photography.

Are you ready to book your lifestyle family session? I’d love to connect! Get in touch with me here.