Summer Events in South Jersey: Fun for the Whole Family

Summer 2026 is heating up in South Jersey and the surrounding Burlington County communities are packed with free festivals, outdoor concerts and fun activities perfect for the whole family. Whether your kids are rocking braces or just finishing their last check-up before school's out, here's your guide to making the most of the season — smiles and all.

South Jersey's Summer Kickoff Is Here

June marks the official start of something good. Families in Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Marlton and Voorhees have a full calendar of events to look forward to. And most of them are free, outdoors and built for all ages.

Here are some of the best ways to kick off summer right here in our backyard:

Burlington County Community Watch Party — July 1, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is happening right now, and Burlington County is celebrating in a big way. The largest local watch party takes place Wednesday, July 1 at 3 PM at Rowan College at Burlington County (1500 College Circle, Mount Laurel) on the outdoor quad. Expect a giant LED screen, food trucks, a beer garden and inflatable amusements for the kids. It's the kind of event that turns a weekday afternoon into a memory.

Summer Fun For Everyone — Burlington County Library

The Burlington County Library System kicked off its annual Summer Reading Program with the Summer Fun For Everyone festival at the Main Branch Library in Westampton — a free, inclusive event packed with entertainment and community resources for families of all abilities. The library's summer programming continues through August, making it a great (and free!) way to keep kids engaged between pool days and vacations.

Mount Laurel Fireworks – First Responders Night – July 2, 2026

Laurel Acres Park, Mount Laurel. Starts at 5:30 PM — a great patriotic evening honoring first responders with fireworks

Camden County Summer Parks Concert Series  

Free outdoor concerts all summer long, featuring headliners like Brian McKnight, Kid 'N Play, the Commodores, and Max Weinberg. Includes a Sunset Jazz Series at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront (Mondays at 8 PM) and the Haddon Lake Park Sundown Music Series (Wednesdays at 7:30 PM)

Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival – July 11–12

A beloved South Jersey tradition featuring artisan vendors and fine art in Haddonfield - just a short drive from Mt. Laurel.

B.F.A.W. Annual Back 2 School Event – August 13

A wonderful community-focused end-of-summer celebration right in Mt. Laurel at Laurel Acres Park

Laurel Acres Park — All Summer Long

Right here in Mount Laurel, Laurel Acres Park at 1045 S. Church Street is the neighborhood gathering spot that never gets old. Summer concerts, movies at dusk, and open green space make it a go-to for families who want a low-key, high-quality evening out. As we highlighted in our Spring Family Photos at Laurel Acres Park blog, this park is one of Burlington County's most underrated gems — especially if you have a kid who's about to show off a newly straightened smile.

Keeping Your Smile Safe This Summer

Summer means more outdoor activities, and for kids and teens in braces, that means a few extra things to keep in mind. Here's a quick checklist before you hit the field:

• Wear a mouthguard for every sport — not just contact sports. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends mouthguards for all athletes, including those in orthodontic treatment. A custom guard fits over brackets and wires for the best protection.
• Pack an orthodontic travel kit — include orthodontic wax, a compact toothbrush, floss picks, and a vented mouthguard case for games, camps, and day trips.
• Avoid the usual summer snack traps — corn on the cob, hard pretzels, and sticky candies can damage brackets. Our How to Care for Your Orthodontic Appliances guide walks you through the full list of what to avoid and how to keep your appliances in great shape all season.
• Stay on top of your adjustment appointments — summer schedules get busy fast. Don't skip or push back your regular visits; those 4–6 week check-ins keep treatment on track.

For more on summer oral health for active kids, the AAO's Oral Health Tips for Athletes is a great resource to bookmark.

Starting Orthodontic Treatment This Summer? Here's Why It's Smart Timing

The AAO recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 — even if their teeth look fine. Early screening allows Dr. Tish to spot developing issues with bite, crowding, or jaw alignment before they become more complex and costly to address.

Summer is one of the most popular times to start treatment because:

• Kids have flexible daytime schedules for appointments
• Initial soreness from new braces is easier to manage without school
• Treatment is well underway by fall sports and back-to-school photos

We offer Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, traditional braces, and clear aligners— including clear aligner options at the same price point as braces. Learn more about your options at amazingbraceortho.com, and read our Spring Cleaning for Your Smile blog for more on how professional cleanings and orthodontic care work together.

We proudly serve families in Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Voorhees, and throughout South Jersey.

A Word From Your OrthodonTish

Summer is one of my favorite times of year at Amazing Brace Orthodontics. The energy in my practice shifts: kids come in excited about their summer plans, parents are a little more relaxed and I get to hear about all the fun things families have coming up.

But summer also brings something I talk to families about every single year: sports and outdoor activities with braces or aligners. Whether your child is heading to soccer camp, playing in a recreational league, or just spending long days at the pool, I always remind parents that protecting your orthodontic investment matters more in summer than any other time of year.

My biggest ask? Make sure your child has a proper mouthguard before summer sports begin. A well-fitted orthodontic mouthguard is designed to go over brackets and wires and dramatically reduces the risk of broken hardware, cut lips, and dental injuries. A broken bracket mid-treatment can set your child back weeks — and that's the last thing anyone wants heading into back-to-school season.

Summer is also a popular time for families to start orthodontic treatment. Kids have more flexibility in their schedules, adjustments are easier to schedule, and there's plenty of time to get comfortable before school starts. If you've been thinking about braces or Invisalign for your child (or even for yourself) I'd love to meet your family. We offer free consultations and in-house, interest-free financing to make it simple. Request an appointment here, or give us a call at 856-242-2126.

— Dr. Tish Henderson, Board-Certified Orthodontist, Amazing Brace Orthodontics, Mount Laurel, NJ

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Can my child play sports this summer if they have braces?

Absolutely. Braces should never stop a child from being active. The key is making sure they wear a proper orthodontic mouthguard for every practice and game — not just contact sports. Talk to Dr. Tish at your next visit and she can recommend the right type of guard for your child's current treatment stage.

Is summer a good time to start orthodontic treatment?

Yes, it's actually one of the best times. Kids have more scheduling flexibility, and starting in summer means they're settled into treatment before school and fall sports begin. Amazing Brace Orthodontics offers free consultations, so there's no reason to wait.

What foods should my child avoid at summer cookouts if they have braces?

Corn on the cob (cut it off the cob), hard pretzels, popcorn, sticky candy, and raw carrots are the main ones to skip. Watermelon, soft fruits, yogurt, pasta salads, and grilled fish are all brace-friendly cookout picks. See our full guide: How to Care for Your Orthodontic Appliances.

Does Amazing Brace Orthodontics offer flexible payment options?

Yes. We offer in-house, interest-free financing. We also accept most PPO insurance plans and will submit claims on your behalf as a courtesy. Learn more about patient resources here.

What age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The AAO recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Tish can assess tooth development, jaw alignment, and catch any early concerns — even if treatment isn't needed right away. Schedule your child's free consultation at amazingbraceortho.com or call 856-242-2126.

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Amazing Brace Orthodontics | 4200 Dearborn Circle, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 | 856-242-2126 | amazingbraceortho.com

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Serving Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Voorhees, and South Jersey

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