New Jersey’s got a little bit of everything going on this week—art, history, music, food, and plenty of ways to get outside. Whether you’re a museum person, a jazz fan, or just need a change of scenery, there’s something to pull you out of the summer rut.
You’ll find airshows, sculpture gardens, historic battleships, and all kinds of food festivals popping up across the state. Maybe you want to wander a gallery, hike a forest trail, catch a show, or just listen to some live music by the shore. There’s really no shortage of options, and the mix of indoor and outdoor spots means you can dodge the heat or soak up the sun—your call.
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1) Attend the Atlantic City Airshow at Bader Field
The Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival already happened on July 15-16, 2025, so if you missed it, you’re not alone.
This year’s show brought out military aircraft like the MiG-17 and B-25 bomber, with performances from noon to 2:30 PM both days (practice runs on July 15). You could catch all the action for free from the beach or Boardwalk around Missouri Avenue, with the ocean as a backdrop for those wild stunts.
After a 2024 hiatus, the airshow made a comeback with Visit Atlantic City and Herb Gillen Airshows teaming up for a new festival format. The event usually draws a massive crowd, and local businesses really feel the boost.
If you want to see it next year, put it on your calendar now. The Atlantic City airshow’s been a big deal for years, and it’s one of the largest free aviation events on the East Coast.
2) Explore the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton
You’ll find Grounds For Sculpture at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton—a 42-acre park loaded with over 270 contemporary sculptures from artists both famous and up-and-coming.
The park’s open Wednesday through Monday, 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesdays). Adult tickets run $25, with discounts for seniors, students, military, and healthcare folks.
It’s easy to lose a few hours wandering the twisting paths and snapping photos—some sculptures tower over you, others are tucked into the gardens. Six indoor galleries rotate their exhibitions, so there’s usually something new if you’ve been before. Ponds and manicured gardens give the place a peaceful vibe.
Kids tend to like the interactive pieces, but you’ll want to keep an eye on little ones near some installations. If you want to avoid crowds, get there early, especially on weekends.
3) Visit Liberty State Park and enjoy views of Manhattan
Liberty State Park sprawls over 1,200 acres along the Hudson in Jersey City. You can drive or hop the Liberty Landing Ferry from Manhattan ($10 per adult).
The real draw? The views—Manhattan’s skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island are all right there from the waterfront walkways. The eastern edge is where you’ll get the best photos.
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the park’s most pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon. Ferries to the Statue and Ellis Island leave right from the park, and Liberty Science Center is nearby if you want to duck inside.
Parking fills up fast on weekends—try to arrive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. There are picnic spots, restrooms, and plenty of paved paths for walking or biking.
4) Catch a performance at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn
The Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn is New Jersey’s go-to for regional theater. They often stage shows before they hit Broadway, so you might catch the next big thing before it gets famous.
You’ll find both big musicals (like Beauty and the Beast) and family shows (Junie B. Jones, Henry & Mudge). Tickets are available by phone (973.376.4343, noon–6 PM Mon–Sat), online, or through Ticketmaster.
The theater’s right in downtown Millburn, so you can grab dinner or shop before the show. Parking’s available, but weekend performances get busy.
Single show tickets go on sale August 4, 2025, and season passes are out now. Productions are top-notch, with pros on stage and full orchestras for the big musicals.
Try to get there about 30 minutes early for weekend shows—parking and crowds can slow you down.
5) Tour the Battleship New Jersey in Camden
The Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial opens daily at 10AM (last entry 4PM) at 62 Battleship Place, Camden. This massive Iowa-class ship sits right on the waterfront.
You can take a guided or self-guided tour, weaving through command centers, gun turrets, and engine rooms. It’s a hands-on experience—you’re walking the same decks and quarters the crew did, not just peering at stuff behind glass.
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TripAdvisor ranks it #1 in Camden, and the ship’s earned its title as America’s most decorated battleship. For a little extra, you can fire the 40mm or 5-inch guns (yeah, they’re loud). Evening tours run monthly if you want a different vibe.
Parking’s on site, and you get a solid view of the Philly skyline from the deck. Give yourself at least two or three hours to really see it all.
6) Experience the Montclair Art Museum exhibits
The Montclair Art Museum rotates exhibits focused on American and Native American art. You’ll see more than 14,000 pieces—paintings, ceramics, beadwork, and more.
Operating since 1914, the museum leans into education, with interactive displays that help you get what’s going on in the art. July workshops include ceramics, digital painting, and printmaking, so you can try your hand at something new.
The permanent collection changes up often, so even regulars spot new things. You’ll find both contemporary Native American artists and older works. Figure on 2–3 hours for a full visit; wall text and audio guides add some depth if you want it.
Parking’s easy, and the museum’s close to downtown Montclair’s restaurants and shops—makes for a nice afternoon out. Admission isn’t free, but students and seniors catch a break. Check their site for current exhibits and events.
7) Hike the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Just 75 miles west of NYC, the Delaware Water Gap covers 70,000 acres along the Delaware River, straddling New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Trails come in all levels—28 miles of the Appalachian Trail run through here if you’re feeling ambitious. The scenery’s worth the drive: forested mountains, river valleys, waterfalls, cliffs, and a good chance of spotting wildlife.
Get there early on summer weekends; parking fills up fast. Bring water and snacks—some trails are pretty remote and don’t have facilities.
Trails range from easy to tough, so check the latest conditions, especially after rain. Most folks mix in a swim or picnic along with hiking. The area’s open year-round, but not every trail is accessible all seasons.
8) Enjoy the Cape May Jazz Festival
Cape May’s Jazz Festival brings top-tier musicians to this old-school beach town. Shows pop up at venues all over the Victorian district.
The festival usually stretches over several days, with evening headliners and afternoon sets for up-and-coming acts. Tickets go fast for the big names, so book ahead if you’re picky about who you want to see.
The festival’s known for its intimate venues, live music, and cocktails. Many spots serve food and drinks during shows—makes for a relaxed night out.
Most venues are walkable in downtown, and the Victorian architecture adds some charm to the scene. Weather sometimes messes with outdoor sets, but there are indoor options as backup.
You’ll find serious jazz fans and casual listeners mixing together. The lineup covers everything: traditional, fusion, modern. If you want to catch late-night sets, think about staying over—Cape May’s loaded with B&Bs and hotels near the venues.
9) Visit the Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Step into the world of America’s most prolific inventor at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange. You’ll get to explore the actual labs where Edison and his crew cranked out over 1,000 inventions.
There are two main areas—the lab complex and Edison’s home. The labs are full of original gear, workbenches, and prototypes, so you see firsthand how the team worked. Early phonographs, movie cameras, storage batteries—they’re all here.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and you’ll want at least two hours to do both sections justice. Lab tours run on a timed schedule, so show up early if it’s busy.
Parking’s free and easy, and you’re just a half-hour from NYC. You’ll spot inventions beyond the light bulb—think typewriters, coffee makers, blueprint machines.
Want to add a bike ride? The park connects to the Washington Rock & Roll biking tour.
10) Participate in the Jersey City Food and Music Festival
Jersey City’s food and music scene comes together this weekend at Lincoln Park for a festival that draws a real mix of locals and out-of-towners. It runs Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 PM.
Local restaurants and food trucks serve up everything from Puerto Rican pasteles to Korean BBQ and handmade ice cream. Three stages keep live music rolling both days—expect jazz, indie rock, and folk from all corners of the city.
Entry’s $5 for adults (kids under 12 get in free). Food and drinks are extra, most dishes run $8–15.
Parking fills up after 1 PM, so come early or take the PATH train to Newport Station—it’s about a 10-minute walk from there. Cash speeds things up at food vendors, though many take cards.
The festival’s a big support for local businesses and community groups. Jersey City’s cultural festivals really show off the city’s diversity through food and music.
Tips for Planning Your Week in New Jersey
July in New Jersey gets hot and humid, so dress for the weather and plan ahead for crowds—especially if you’re relying on public transportation or aiming for popular spots.
Weather Considerations for July
Temperatures usually hit 80-85°F during the day, and the humidity? It’s often over 70%. You’ll want lightweight, breathable clothes. Honestly, if you can, schedule indoor stuff when it’s hottest—11 AM to 3 PM can feel brutal.
Thunderstorms tend to pop up fast in July afternoons. I’d definitely check your weather app before heading out. It’s smart to have a backup plan for indoor spots—just in case.
Beach conditions can shift a lot from one day to the next thanks to wind and tides. The ocean’s around 72-75°F, so swimming feels pretty good—no wetsuit needed.
Sun protection is a must. The UV index often climbs to 8-10, so slap on SPF 30+ sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you’re at the beach or an outdoor festival.
Evening temperatures cool off to a comfortable 65-70°F. Bring a light jacket or hoodie if you’re heading out for a concert or just walking the boardwalk after dark.
Transportation and Parking Advice
Shore destinations like Asbury Park and Ocean City? Their parking lots fill up ridiculously fast—sometimes by 10 AM on weekends. If you can, get there early or just take public transit like NJ Transit buses. It’s easier than circling endlessly for a spot.
Major attractions—think Six Flags or Liberty State Park—charge $20-30 for parking. That adds up, so factor it into your budget. Sometimes you can find free street parking nearby, but honestly, it’s hit or miss.
Traffic patterns are roughest on Route 35, the Garden State Parkway, and Route 9, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM on summer weekends. GPS apps with live traffic updates help, but expect some backup.
Public transportation connects the big cities pretty well. NJ Transit day passes go for $8.25 and cover buses and light rail within certain zones.
Ride-sharing prices spike during peak times and bad weather. It’s worth having both Uber and Lyft handy—compare prices before you book, because they can vary a lot.
How to Make the Most of Local Events
It pays to plan ahead and hunt for deals if you want to enjoy New Jersey’s events without overspending. Stick to activities that suit your group size, and don’t forget about resident discounts—they’re scattered all over the state.
Choosing Family-Friendly Activities
Always check event websites for age restrictions before locking in plans. Tons of New Jersey festivals and fairs set up special kids’ zones, so the little ones aren’t bored while adults have their fun.
Look for events with variety. Food festivals are usually a safe bet—there’s something for everyone. Outdoor concerts? Kids can wander or dance around, which is a huge plus.
Best Family Event Features:
- Free parking or a shuttle (saves headaches)
- On-site restrooms and changing stations
- Kid-friendly food vendors
- Shaded spots or indoor areas to cool off
- Activities without long lines
Skip late-night events if you’ve got young kids. Most family things wrap up by 8 PM during the week and 9 PM on weekends.
Recent reviews from other families are gold. They’ll mention stuff like stroller access or how crowded it really gets—details you won’t always find on the official event page.
Maximizing Value with Local Discounts
If you live in New Jersey, you can snag discounts at a bunch of events just by checking with your town’s recreation department. Honestly, it’s worth a quick call to your local rec center—you might be surprised by the resident pricing they offer for nearby festivals.
Before you head out, try downloading the festival’s event app. Plenty of them toss in digital coupons for food or merch, and sometimes you’ll spot early-bird deals if you book activities through their mobile platforms. Not everyone thinks to look for those, but it’s a solid move.
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Money-Saving Strategies:
- Bring your own water bottle and refill it at stations (you’ll save a few bucks, at least)
- Pack snacks for the kids so you don’t get stuck paying those wild vendor prices
- Take public transportation if it’s an option—parking fees can be ridiculous
- Grab group tickets with friends and split the cost for that sweet bulk discount
Keep an eye on social media, too. Organizers sometimes drop flash discounts to fill up events during slow times. You might catch a last-minute deal if you’re lucky.
Oh, and don’t forget your student or senior ID—even if the website skips mentioning age-based discounts. Lots of vendors offer them, but they don’t always shout about it. It never hurts to ask!
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
