From flower festivals to street fairs to dog-friendly events to visiting one of NJ’s beautiful waterfalls, here’s some weekend inspiration for you and your crew!
WEEKEND
West Orange Restaurant WeekÂ
West Orange
Thursday – Sunday
Support local chefs by trying a new place or by returning to an old fave. Each restaurant on the list will offer special menus and promos.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal Park
Thursday – Sunday
This musical tells the journey of how Carol Klein of Brooklyn, NY, became Carole King, the world-famous pop icon and hitmaker.
Spring Dance Festival
Hearst Dance Theater, Lewis Arts complex, Princeton University campus, Princeton
Friday – Saturday
Threshold is this year’s annual dance concert presented by seniors in Princeton’s Program in Dance. They will perform five works, including a group piece.
SolMar Seafood Festival
SolMar Restaurant, Newark
Friday – Sunday
Aside from trying Portuguese favorites, you can celebrate the brave fishermen (Bravos do Mar) who catch the seafood for your dinner.
Ocean City CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Show + Super Hero 1 Mile Run and Kids Run
Ocean City
Saturday – Sunday
Ocean City’s annual OC CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Show includes a one-mile Super Hero Run, which encourages costumed characters of all ages to show off their speed; plus a separate Super Hero running event for kids age 12 and under.
Stomp
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Saturday – Sunday
Don’t look for drums and bongos during this concert – instead, performers use matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans and hubcaps to make music.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Various Locations in NJ and NY
Saturday – Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders get free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
Daffodil Days
Historic Allentown
Saturday – Sunday
More than 10,000 daffodils were planted by volunteers all across town. There are blooms in Sensi Park as well as along the streets. Sign up for a walking tour, learn about the Underground Railroad and attend a concert during the festivities.
Spring Model Train Show
Garden State Model Railway Club, North Haledon
Saturday – Sunday
The club will run model trains of all kinds on a 1,200-square-foot HO scale layout, including Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. The second railroad room has a children’s railroad where kids can try their hand at running trains. This weekend will feature the Golden Age of Steam.
FRIDAY
Princess Party
The Funplex, Mount Laurel
Meet princesses, decorate cupcakes, have a tea party with Shirley Temples and decorate a crown. You can add on access to the complex, which includes rides, attractions, bowling and the arcade.
Kids Night Out: Peep and Egg Painting Party
Color Me Mine, Princeton
Paint eggs and peeps in time for spring. Pizza will be served. If you come in your PJs after 5 pm, studio fees are discounted.
SATURDAY
Easter Egg Search
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
After you take a hayride and visit with farm animals, you’ll go on an egg hunt. You can also learn about planting seeds, and you’ll get to take home your own seedling.
Hoboken Mac & Cheese Festival
Throughout Hoboken
This is a pub crawl, without the beer. Instead, you’ll visit different restaurants on your map for samples of all the mac & cheese your heart (well, your stomach) desires.
Breakfast With the Bunny
Yankee Doodle Tap Room, Princeton
The Palmer Square Spring Bunny is hopping over to the restaurant to meet with your family during the buffet breakfast.
Deep Dish Pizza Making Class
Pizzeria Uno, Clifton
Today is National Deep Dish Pizza Day, and you can get your fill during an in-store cooking class. Families will go into the kitchen to make their own deep dish pizza using the brand’s recipe of more than 80 years, and also learn how to make the founder’s secret salad dressing.
Ocean Grove Easter Pet Parade
Fireman’s Park, Ocean Grove
Rescue Ridge Animal Rescue welcomes 2- and 4-legged cuties to join the parade. There will be vendors, raffles, live music, and prizes for best “float” (decorated stroller or wagon) and bonnet.
Spring Craft Market
Steinert High School, Hamilton Twp.
The school’s AfterProm Parent Association will have 100 vendors set up inside and outside to benefit this year’s graduating class.
Burlington County Book Festival
Burlington County Library, Westampton
Spend the day meeting authors, listening to them talk about their books, and getting the books signed.
Lambing Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
See the barn where the sheep spend their winter, and hopefully you’ll get to see newly born lambs.
Kids’ Art Bash
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts, Burlington
To celebrate the Week of the Young Child, the third annual bash includes hip-hop break dancing, interactive musical performances, a circus artist act, a puppet show, face painting, balloon animals, cookie decorating, dress-up, painting demos, mosaic arts, karaoke, a community graffiti mural and a scavenger hunt.
Mountsier Garden Open Day
Mountsier Garden, Nutley
This private garden is open for you to visit only a few times a year. Across 2 acres will be daffodils and other flowers, a stroll garden, seating areas, private nooks, small sculptures and artworks.
Historic Schoolhouse Tour
Throughout Monmouth County
Drive to different sites in Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell and Wall – at your own pace – to learn about how kids grew up in the 1800s and 1900s. You’ll see their school rooms, old books, uniforms, and listen to docents tell you about the past.
Makerspace
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison
Kids ages 5 to 12 can use a 3D printer, build with LEGOs, make jewelry, experiment with a marble run and learn about coding robots.
Fallen Hero Plunge
15th Avenue Beach, North Wildwood
Brave the chilly waters to support families of fallen police officers. Warm up at Keenan’s Irish Pub for the afterparty.
Opening Day at Storybook Land
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor
The children’s theme park whose attractions are based on beloved fairytales opens its coasters, racers, carousel, work zone and railroad for the season.
Spring Fling: Cornhole Tournament
Holy Savior Academy, South Plainfield
Aside from a family-friendly cornhole tournament open to everyone, there will be a car show and a blessing of cars and motorcycles.
Charlotte’s Web
Wilkins Theatre, Union
Kids will see one of their favorite children’s books come to live, with Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider.
Down the Bunny Trail
Camp Sacajewa, Farmingdale
Whether or not you’re a Girl Scout you can come to this event organized by The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. Roast PEEPS s’mores, create an egg-cellent craft, enjoy a fun scavenger hunt around Bunny Village, and hop over to the bunny hutch for a family photo with the Bunny herself. A special after-hour egg hunt will be available exclusively for high schoolers.
Holi Festival
Veterans Park, North Brunswick
Wear white so you can get covered in bright powders. The festival includes food, activities and performances.
Breakfast With the Easter Bunny
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, North Brunswick
The fun includes breakfast, crafts, games, and a prize if you find the Golden Egg. You can also take pictures with the Easter Bunny and his friends (rumor has it The Greene Turtle himself may make an appearance).
Earth Day Celebration
Pulda Farm, North Brunswick
Learn about the environment, gardening opportunities and township organizations. You can jump on a free hayride.
SUNDAY
Cinnamon Bun Run
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater
Choose from a flat, fast 5.2K or a 10K, topped off with a free warm cinnamon bun waiting for you at the finish line. Leashed dogs are welcome. Proceeds benefit the St. Andreas Foundation for families affected by neonatal encephalopathy.
Latin Food Fiesta
Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Latin dishes come from Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean islands, Brazil, Chile and Peru. There will be live Latin music and dance performances, and a Kids Zone with family activities.
Diggery Digger’s Rock N’ Roar Dino Show
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
The show has props including large interactive animated characters, dinosaur bones, a giant dinosaur egg and puppets to tell the story of Paleontologist Diggery discovering a top secret box and having to return the baby dino back to its mother.
Skylands Manor Tour
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Volunteer docents will lead you on a tour of the architecture and history of Skylands Manor.
Princeton University Concerts Dance Jam – Practice Session
Princeton Ballet School, Princeton
Music and dance lovers of any age or skill level can sign up for a free workshop on Sunday with Rachel Stanislawczyk to learn some steps, andthen join the main dance event on Thursday when saxophonist Jess Gillam performs the music live following her concert.
Art in Bloom
Main, East Main and Lower Center streets, Clinton
Over 100 local artists and artisans will showcase their handcrafted jewelry, vintage-inspired handbags, pottery, textiles and more. Plus, enjoy live music, a kids zone, and wine & beer gardens.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Kids will get messy with art supplies and create a masterpiece to take home.
Chocolate in the 18th Century
Rockingham State Historic Site, Kingston
Cacao beans will be processed inside the Dutch Barn using period methods and turned into “cakes” and hot chocolate. You will help with the process and then taste what’s made.
Breakfast With the Easter Bunny
Applebee’s, Piscataway
Breakfast includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and juice. The event also includes photos with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, face painting and raffles. Proceeds benefit the PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital.
ONGOING
Nature Game Nights
Last Friday of every month
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Inside the nature center, choose from nature-inspired puzzles and games, or bring your own from home.
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
First Sunday of every month
Each session features a new theme or project, from painting and paper crafts to seasonal decorations, for kids of all ages.
Daffodil Days
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
April 1-15
Walk the grounds at your own pace, taking in all of the 50,000 flowers in bloom. On April 13, come back for the Daffodil Day Festival, which will include food, live music, The Green Goats, stories, games, a history trail, an art exhibit and market vendors.
The Longest Yarn
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
April 14 to September 1
The Longest Yarn is a 3D wool exhibit, knitted and crocheted by hundreds of volunteers worldwide. It measures 80 meters (265 feet) and honors the 80 years since D-Day and the 80 days of battle it took for the Allies to liberate Paris. It’s coming from the UK to New Jersey for a few months.
Godspell
Brookdale Performing Arts Center, Lincroft
Fridays – Sundays, April 4-19
Godspell brings the teachings of Jesus to life on stage through music, dance and storytelling.
Jersey Shore Wave Women’s Tackle Football
Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson
April 5 and 12, May 3
The Wave is the newest franchise in the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), a professional women’s tackle football league, and has games scheduled at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium, home of the New Jersey Jackals baseball team and site of the Negro League in the 1930s and ’40s.
Breakfast With the Easter Bunny
Garlic Rose Bistro, Cranford
April 5 and 13
Meet Peter Cottontail for breakfast, photos and goodie bags.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Branch Brook Park, Newark
April 5-6, 12-13
You can come any day during the week to see the beautiful blossoming cherry trees. Special events include a bike race on April 5, a 10K run on April 6, a 1-Mile Fun Run and Walk on April 12, Essex County Family Day also on April 12, and Bloomfest! on April 13.
Fur Mosa: Breakfast With the Bunny
Doggie Sweets, Pier Village, Long Branch
April 5-6, 13, 18
The tail-wagging Easter breakfast includes mimosas, pictures with DS Bunny, treats for your pup, and discounted meals at Turning Point.
Strolling Spring Bunny
Palmer Square, Nassau Street, Princeton
April 5-6, 12-13, 19
As you explore the charming boutique shops or enjoy a family lunch, keep an eye out for the Strolling Spring Bunny hopping around from Lindt Chocolate to Thomas Sweet, all the way up to Nassau Street and Palmer Square East.
Easter Eggstravaganza
G&G Stables, Howell
April 5-6, 12-13, 19
Admission includes an Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, hayride, barrel ride and games. Pony rides, animal feed, face painting and snacks will be available for purchase. Family Bunny Pictures are available on all dates for an additional fee.
Easter Egg Search and Plant-a-Seed
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
April 5-6, 12-13, 15, 17, 19
The third annual Easter Egg Search includes a hayride and visits with farm animals. You can also learn about planting seeds, and you’ll get to take home your own seedling.
Easter Bunny Express
Black River and Western Railroad, Flemington
April 5-6, 12-13, 18-19
Take a round-trip train ride from Flemington to Ringoes and back. Meet Peter Cottontail aboard the train for a brief photo op. There will be an egg hunt when you stop off in Ringoes.
Eggstravaganza
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
April 5-6, 12-13, 18-19
Visit with Hopper the Bunny, search for Easter eggs during the scavenger hunt, hop on a hayride, visit Hippity Hop Village, see the farm animals, ride on pedal cars and touring cars, play with the giant sling shot, climb on the giant straw pyramid and test your aim at the baseball speed throw. Add on the paintball range, carnival rides, food and Easter flowers. The Easter Bonnet Contest is on April 12.
Rolling Railway Easter EGGspress
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
April 5-6, 12-13, 18-19
Hop aboard the train that takes you through the Spring Village. Meet the Easter Bunny, go on an egg hunt, and find your way through the Spring Hedge maze. Kids will get a free snack, plus an Easter prize. There will also be a giant slide and an inflatable 40-foot obstacle course. You can add on a game of bowling or eat at the Alley Bar & Grille or the Pin Deck. Toy Market will be on-site at their pop-up snack and toy cottage.
Easter Bunny Express
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, New Hope, PA
April 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
This epic train ride is just over the NJ border. Venture through Bucks County on a 45-minute excursion that starts and ends at New Hope Train Station. The Bunny will stop to greet every passenger, take pictures, and hand out treats like bags of candy, jelly bean-filled Easter eggs, and seasonal trinkets.
Easter Bunny @ The Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
April 5-19
Kick off the season with The Bunny Hop Launch Party on April 5, which includes music, face painting, balloon art, stilt walkers and more. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be available every day, plus you can bring your pets or meet Disney Princesses on certain nights. The Hop ‘n’ Hunt Experience is an augmented reality scavenger hunt to find Easter eggs hidden throughout the mall.
Springtime & Easter Festival
Alstede Farms, Chester
Select Dates, April 5-21
Welcome the warmer weather with hay wagon rides, visits with baby farm animals, an Easter egg hunt and Bunny Trail Maze, Easter Bunny photo ops, admission to the farm museum, entrance to the evergreen maze, and the giant hay pyramid climb. The special Children’s Activities Plus Ticket includes pony rides, wagon train and bounce house. You can also book a resy for breakfast or brunch with The Bunny on select dates.
Dinosaur and Tulip Festival
Arrowhead Farmstead, Manalapan
April 5-27
Among the beautifully blooming fields of tulips and other flowers will be 30+ animatronic dinosaurs with lots of facts about dino history.
Tri State Tulip Festival
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
April 5-27
Aside from 1 million tulips, there will be thousands of daffodils blooming during festival, which includes u-pick flowers on weekdays and a festival every weekend – featuring kids’ activities, a new playground, live music, paddle boats, and a beer garden.
World War II Exhibit
The Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, April 5 – June 1
Celebrate the lives and memories of our veterans and fallen heroes through weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.
Spring Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Weekends, April 5 – June 29
Bring the entire family for some fresh air on the farm. Stop into the farm store, take a stroll around the property, listen to live music, and try some of Terhune’s own wine.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
April 6, May 4, June 22, September 7, October 19, November 2 at Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
Summer Market Pop-ups: July 13 and August 10 at Pier A Walkway, Hoboken
Holiday Markets: December 7, 14 and 21 at Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan vendors, live music and food vendors.
Egg Hunt Hayrides
Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford
Through April 19
Hop a hayride to the egg hunt grounds, decorate cookies, snap photos with Peter Rabbit and visit the farm market.
Elmo’s Eggstravaganza
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Weekends, through April 21
Full schedule from April 12-21
Highlights include photo ops at the Easter Bunny Picture Patch, Easter Dine with Elmo & Friends, the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, Furry Friends Bunny Hop Dance Party, and Donut Decorating with Cookie Monster. From April 18 to 20, you can mark Passover with storytime, a holiday presentation, meetings with Baby Bear and a sing-along with a local cantor.
Back Deck Concert Series
Morris Museum, Morristown
Select dates, through April 21
Sit outside at sunset for performances in classical, jazz and other music styles.
PEEPS in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through April 27
The Visitors Center will have dozens of sculptures made out of the popular Easter marshmallow candy. Vote for your favorites.
The Cereal Cocktail Bar
North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through April 27
The world’s first cereal-themed cocktail bar will have brunch every Saturday with Saturday morning cartoons and Y2K music.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 4
There are a series of immersive zones that let kids go on George’s adventures in the city, on the farm and in outer space. The exhibit includes the operation of wheels and pulleys, three holes of mini golf, a space rocket, a sidewalk produce stand, a vacation in the country, a farm visit, a city park playset, a busy wall, and a museum that has an original manuscript.
Star Light Star Bright
Pier A Park, Hoboken
Through May
The neon-lit structure has over 9,000 feet of fluorescent paracord. During the day, walk through the star-shaped archway. At night, watch as the illuminated space frames the waterfront and NYC skyline.
Slow Motion
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
Through September 1
Five artists from Monument Lab in Philadelphia created gigantic, creative, introspective monuments that will be on display for their beauty, but also to address political, cultural and social issues.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates, through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University and professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. The exhibit features items from Rutgers University, Middlesex College, several high schools, and individuals. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
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