With a family, it’s sometimes difficult to stick with a budget and still keep everyone happy and entertained, especially during the summer months when school’s out and the warm weather is just beckoning you to the beach. Luckily for you, there’s plenty to do at the Jersey Shore’s very own classic American boardwalk. Seaside Heights is home to boardwalk treats – both sweet and free!

All summer long, Seaside Heights is packing your calendar with activities made for family fun, whether it’s the aptly named Family Fun Nights every Sunday from July through August or the Jersey Shore Festival packed with live bands – there’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to spend… if anything!

Free Things to Do In Seaside Heights This Summer

Jersey Shore Festival, May 19th – May 21st
Now in it’s 10th year, the Jersey Shore Festival has earned its reputation for being the premier emerging artist festival on the east coast. From punk to rock to country, we’re guaranteeing there’s an artist that will have you checking out your Spotify. With 11 stages (Hooks, Jimbo’s, EJ’s Tap Room, Jax Garage, The Sawmill, Riggers, The Barn, Hershey Motel, The Aztec, Carteret Avenue, and Grant Avenue) and over 50 bands in just the first day (over 300 total throughout the weekend) from places as far as Nashville, TN and as local as Seaside Park, it’s bound to be a weekend that will completely and literally rock.

With the Jersey Shore Festival, it’s not just about the music, it’s about the vendors too. Celebrating local artists from every genre (music to crafts to food), the festival is home to a JSF Vendor Village from 12:00pm – 7:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Just to up the ante on the event and make sure it’s one that no one would ever miss, they’re bringing in the cars. With a Ford car show, Hell on Wheels BMX stunt shows, MiniMoto GP Shows, and even a Motorcross stunt show, it’s a weekend that’s packed to the brim with entertainment.

In addition to these activities, you can even get physical with NFL Play 60 Clinics on Saturday from 2:00 – 3:00pm, a Pro’s vs. Heroes Charity Flag Football game on Saturday, a Hogs for Humanity Poker Run on Sunday, and even surf and yoga lessons. Did we mention that it’s all free? Cancel your other plans because the Jersey Shore Festival is one that you don’t want to miss!

Arts and Crafts by the Sea, June 10th
Mark your calendars for the second Saturday in June as Seaside Heights plays host to its Annual Arts and Crafts by the Sea. From 11:00am – 7:00pm over 50 artists and crafters will set up on the boardwalk between Dupont and Grant Avenues, selling their wares. You’ll find everything from hand-made jewelry to homemade soy candles and one-of-a-kind art works. Whether you buy anything or not, it’s just another opportunity to stroll the boardwalk and take in all that Seaside Heights has to offer. (We’re pretty sure there’s nothing that goes better than a trinket and an ice cream cone… don’t judge!)

Family Fun Nights, Every Sunday in July and August
It may be the end of the weekend, but that doesn’t mean the fun is stopping anytime soon. Every Sunday beginning in July from 6:30pm to dusk, Seaside Heights will be hosting free Family Fun Nights on North Beach. It’s your chance to prove just how good you would have been on Double Dare. Tug-of-war, long jump, hula hoop, hurdles, Frisbee golf, and countless other activities including a large, inflatable obstacle course – is this a dream come true for the kids or their parents?

Free Movies, Bonfires, and Fireworks on the Beach
This summer, there’s always something going on at the beach in Seaside Heights. Pack the car, set up your chairs and a towel, and watch movies under the stars… no admission required! From Jaws to The Secret Life of Pets, and even Moana, there’s bound to be a movie that everyone in your family will want to watch. Throughout the summer, be sure to be on the look out for bonfires and firework displays. At Seaside Heights, it’s about spending summer together, not counting pennies!