From St. Patrick’s Day parades and events to Pi Day celebrations and the first signs of spring at the Jersey Shore, there’s plenty happening across New Jersey this weekend. Catch Disney on Ice at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, see The Cat in the Hat at bergenPAC, or celebrate Pi Day with hands-on activities at Liberty Science Center. You and your crew can also head to the shore for Jenkinson’s Boardwalk’s opening weekend, meet adoptable cats at the Catsbury Park Cat Convention at Bell Works in Holmdel, or dedicate Saturday to your self-care and wellness at the Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness Symposium at NJPAC in Newark (we are a proud media supporter of this amazing day!)
WEEKEND
Slime and Dance Party
All Children’s Art Center, Boonton
Thursday
Kids will mix, stretch and create their own slime before dancing to the beat.
Math Madness / Pi Day Celebration
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
Over the weekend, kids can test their skills in probability and geometry, solve intricate puzzles, do guided math yoga, build their own robot, and use animals to do math. On Saturday and Sunday, Costumed Characters Elmo and Count Von Count from Sesame Street will be available for photos.
Disney on Ice: Frozen and Encanto
CURE Insurance Arena, Trenton
Thursday – Sunday
Kids can sing along with Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen” and Mirabel and the Madrigal family from “Encanto” while watching epic ice skating moves, aerial acrobatics and more.
Circus Quixote
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Thursday – Sunday
Circus Quixote uses circus arts and storytelling to bring the book Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes to the stage.
Hunterdon County Irish Festival
Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton
Friday – Sunday
Activities ahead of St. Patrick’s Day include a children’s party on Saturday, the village-wide parade on Sunday, and music concerts every night.
Mermaids Underwater Experience
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Friday – Sunday
You’ll see “real-life” mermaids swimming in the shark tank, and waiting on dry land in their clamshell thrones to take pictures with the kids. There will be collectible cards, in addition to special mermaid-themed snacks.
Amusement Park Opening Weekend
Jenkinson’s Amusement Park, Pt. Pleasant
Saturday – Sunday
As long as the weather holds out, the boardwalk and some kiddie rides will be open.
Seasonal Scavenger Hunt
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Saturday – Sunday
Families with kids ages 4 and up will get a printed set of clues to solve nature riddles along the trails.
St. Patrick’s Day in the Winery
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Listen to the music of Shamrock Shenanigans on Saturday, while Irish Tunes with Bill O’Neal and his wife, Mary, play on Sunday. Adults can try tasting flights or mulled wine while kids run around on the playgrounds and near the farm animals. Stop inside the farm store for fresh homemade Irish soda bread.
Clue: The Musical
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
Saturday – Sunday
This interactive whodunit features all of your favorite characters – Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum, and more – as they try to solve a murder with countless possible outcomes.
Baby Goat Snuggle Time
Gorgeous Goat Creamery, Stockton
Saturday – Sunday
Snuggle with any of the 40 2-week-old baby goats, and schedule a time to bottle feed them, too.
FRIDAY
Girl Scout Night
iPlay America, Freehold
In honor of National Girl Scout Day, Girl Scouts get half-off ride bands, so they can play all night on the Carousel, Dizzy Dragons, Crazy Cabs, Happy Swing, Kite Flyer, Reverse Time and Go-Karts.
Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti
The Frank Sinatra-like singer, who appeared on America’s Got Talent, will be backed by a live jazz band. The show is co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning host and comedian Paul Costabile.
SATURDAY
Let’s Talk Women Health & Wellness Symposium
NJPAC, Newark
New Jersey’s leading health & wellness day for every woman, Let’s Talk connects women with more than 65+ leading experts, physicians, and wellness professionals in plenary sessions, breakouts, fireside chats, and panel discussions.
Take some time to breathe, relax, and focus in the Wellness Lounge; shop in the Marketplace of curated women-owned businesses; and open up to candid conversations about cancer, fertility, motherhood, menopause, sexual health, mental wellness, financial health and more. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit Let’s Talk’s site and use promo code NJFAMILY30 for a 30 percent discount.
Maple Sugaring Living History Open House
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
Watch as an American frontiersman taps his trees, visit a sugar “farmer” at his evaporator, and enjoy a Native American story about the discovery of maple sap.
Dining in Motion: A Journey with a Meal
Woodstown Central Railroad, Railroad
As you travel along the original Woodstown & Swedesboro Railroad, built in 1883, you’ll go across Memorial Lake, through historic Woodstown, and over the Oldmans Creek Trestle. Trainmen will share what it was like to travel by rail in New Jersey nearly a century ago. You’ll get a meal provided by The Quaker Baker.
Pi Day
Forest Resource Education Center, Jackson Twp.
Learn about the connection between nature and mathematics during an easy 1.5-mile woodland walk. The main topic is fractal geometry of winter tree branching. You’ll take tree measurements and make an age estimate of the historic white oak.
Mario the Maker Magician
Berrie Center for the Arts, Mahwah
Mario takes you on an hour-long journey of robots, magic and slapstick.
The Philly Pops: Blockbusters in the ‘Burbs
Pfleeger Concert Hall, Glassboro
You will hear epic works from movies from Alan Menken, Steven Schwartz, Henry Mancini, John Williams, and more.
Garden State Book Swap
United Reformed Church of Sayreville, Sayreville
There will be more than 500 donated books on the tables before anyone brings their own books to swap – including children’s picture books, cookbooks, travel books, biographies, sheet music and more.
Museum Visit – Einstein’s Birthday
Updike Farmstead, Princeton
Celebrate Einstein’s 147th birthday with a visit to the Historical Society of Princeton. Learn about the world-famous physicist with an up-close view of his furniture and other personal belongings, including special collections not typically on display to the public. Plus, Einstein himself will be in the museum to answer questions and take pictures. Additional activities provided by the Einstein Museum of Science will include magnetism games, a mini black hole exhibit, and a free compass or Pi Day tattoo for kids.
Milk & Cookies: Suzi Shelton
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Milk & Cookies is an interactive storytelling and music series that introduces kids ages 3-8 to live theater. This time, Suzi Shelton and NYC guitarist Jeff Litman will hold a jam session to promote diversity, inclusion and kindness through family-friendly music. There are two shows, one of which is sensory-friendly. Every kid gets a cookie and a carton of milk after the show.
Pi Day Party
Mathnasium, Kendall Park
Mark Albert Einstein’s birthday (March 14), which is also Pi Day (3.14), with game booths, Play-Dough “pi” making, wheel prizes, raffles and pizza.
Alice in Wonderland
SOPAC, South Orange
The timeless story of Alice and the White Rabbit comes to life on stage.
Catsbury Park
Bell Works, Holmdel
This adopt & shop event takes over the Main Atrium with everything you need for your cat-loving needs: the option to adopt a new kitty while getting food, clothes and accessories for your current cats.
Jewelry Making and Dance Party
All Children’s Art Center, Denville
Kids and families can design and make their own jewelry pieces, then dance the rest of the party.
Agriculture Day: Fun on the Farm
Red Bank Battlefield, National Park
Hands-on fun includes wagon rides, antique farm equipment displays, farm animals, “day on the farm” activities, crafts and games, and live hearth cooking demonstrations.
Pi Day Event and Bake Sale
Evesham Twp. Building, Evesham Twp.
There will be a pie eating contest, Pi recitation competition, a photo booth, hands-on projects and games.
Irish Festival
Washington Street, Toms River
The street will be filled with vendors, handcrafters, live entertainment, booths by local businesses, and tables set up by restaurants.
The Magic of Rob Lake
Carteret Performing Arts Center, Carteret
Rob Lake is a world-renowned illusionist who brings his magic to the stage.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration
North Wildwood
A Catholic Mass takes place at St. Ann Church of Notre Dame La Mer Parish before a ceremony on the front steps of North Wildwood City Hall. Anglesea Irish Society leads the parade for the VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Pipe Brigade, Emerald Society, Miss North Wildwood, Queen Oceania, local school bands, and more.
cOsmO
Berlind Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
In this show for kids ages 3 to 7, two cosmic clowns use yarn, light, music, puppetry and circus acts to create their world, without saying a word.
The Cook College Ramblers: An Irish Celebration
Monmouth County Library, Eastern Branch Library Branch, Shrewsbury
Listen to Irish folk music, rebel anthems, ballads and pub sing-alongs.
Polar Bear Plunge
Seaside Heights
Dress up, bring props and join thousands of brave jumpers from around the state who are supporting Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Brigantine
Brigantine’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is part of the Shake the Shamrock Irish week.
Paddy O’Laddy and The Great Rainbow Treasure Quest
Grand Cascade Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
Paddy O’Laddy is a leprechaun doll who spreads kindness every St. Patrick’s Day season. The book comes to life through a St. Paddy’s Day event, including a treasure hunt, magical fairy and leprechaun clip-in hair accessories, face painting, a book reading, signings by NJ author Kimberly Feehan-Ponte, and more lucky surprises.
Visit From the Horse Doctor & Shoer
Howell Living History Farm, Howell
Join the veterinarian and dentist in the barn, where they will be at work all day ensuring that horses, sheep, chickens, and farm cat Bushy are fit for spring. Listen to a horse’s heart through a stethoscope, watch an equine dentist at work, and learn about old and new veterinary instruments and techniques. The farrier will be shoeing, and the blacksmith will be working in the forge.
St. Patrick’s Day Tea
Smithville Mansion, Eastampton
Inside this historic home, have a special holiday-themed afternoon tea.
Pysanky: Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshop
ArtSpace, Red Bank
Pysanky is the traditional Ukrainian craft of wax-resist egg decorating. Monmouth Arts members present a hands-on workshop where older teens and adults will learn cultural history, symbolism and step-by-step techniques led by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America.
SUNDAY
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat
BergenPAC, Englewood
The Cat in The Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 tell the classic Dr. Seuss story as a stage play.
Freehold Borough Arts Council’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Freehold
Bands, community groups, first responders and Irish lovers will march along Main Street. Choose your after-party: Mail Order Bride at the Freehold Elks Lodge, Jimmy & Gene’s McMahon Clan at the Knights of Columbus, or Eddie Testa Band/Pat Guadagno & Richard Blackwell at The American Hotel.
Slime and Dance Party
All Children’s Art Center, Denville
Kids will mix, stretch and create their own slime, then dance during the rest of the party.
Sap to Syrup (Maple Sugaring)
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Learn about how sap becomes syrup, and which local trees can be tapped for their own unique flavors. You’ll stay outside to identify trees, learn how sap flows, and practice using real tapping tools.
Dream Like Taylor
MPAC, Morristown
Cassie B is a Taylor Swift tribute artist, and will perform all of her top hits.
Candlelight Celtic
Enlow Recital Hall of Kean University, Union
You’ll listen to Irish tunes, songs and stories while surrounded by the glow of over 1,000 candles.
Art Together
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Families work together on art projects after being led through the galleries. This month’s theme is Neighborhood, inspired by the current exhibit, Allan Rohan Crite: Neighborhood.
Hoppers: Sensory-Friendly Film
The BellevueMontclair
During this inclusive screening of the new children’s movie, lights and volume will be kept low, everyone can move about as needed, and open captioning will be used when available.
The Continental Train Ride
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
You’ll travel by rail to Mannington on board a restored 1930s-era table car. Breakfast will include baked goods and fresh fruit from The Quaker Baker.
Charcuterie BYOB Train Ride
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
The Quaker Baker will provide assorted meats and cheeses with fruit and baked goods that you can snack on as you ride the rails from Woodstown to Mannington.
ONGOING
Shake the Shamrock Week
Brigantine
March 13 – 22
Local businesses will offer face painting, games, themed events, or live music, plus special promos throughout the week. Brigantine’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on March 14.
The Galway Girls: A Celtic Celebration
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
March 13-17
The Galway Girls—Meredith Beck, Janice Landry and Jo Brook—celebrate Irish heritage and traditions through folk songs, traditional tunes and modern hits (like from U2 and The Cranberries). This is a dinner theater production, so make a reservation at Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant before the show for a three-course dinner.
Easter Bunny
MarketFair, Princeton
March 13 to April 4
The Super Bunny Bash Welcome Party on March 14 includes a 47-foot Super Mario-themed obstacle course, color a plush bunny craft, music by DJ Mario, face painting, sweet treats and more. On select nights, the Sensory-Friendly Bunny Experience and pet photos are on the schedule.
Rolling Railway Easter EGGspress
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
March 14-15, 21-22, 28-29; April 3, 4
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, hang out in the arcade, or eat at the Alley Bar & Grille or the Pin Deck. Little Strikes Toy & Candy Shop & DiDonato’s “Bowl-tique” will be open.
SatARTdays Free Kids’ Art Classes
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
Saturdays, March 14 to April 18
A professional artist will lead art classes for kids ages 5 to 12.
Read & Explore: Getting Ready for Spring
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
March 17 and 21
Kids will plant peas and spinach, which is traditionally done on St. Patrick’s Day. They’ll hear stories about the spring growing season, too.
Art Attack
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater
Fridays, through March 20
Kids ages 2 to 5 will use clay, paint, papier-mache, pastels and watercolors to express themselves without words, using creativity and emotions.
Maple Syrup Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Weekends, through March 22
Help Farmer Tim tap the trees the old-fashioned way. You’ll take a tractor ride around the 130-acre property before arriving at Olivia’s Sugar Shack to help with the process. Feed the farm animals, play in the animal cart, and order maple pancakes.
Circus Vazquez
Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville
Through March 23
The international cast includes a clown from Mexico, acrobats from the Czech Republic, jugglers from Switzerland, highwire and aerial acts from Uzbekistan, a dance troupe from Ukraine, and the Circus Vazquez Band.
Cattus Island Nature Walks
Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River
Saturdays – Sundays, through March 29
These walks have been taking place for 40 years, and have you join a park naturalist to walk through the park. Themes include: Naturalist’s Choice on March 14 and 15; Osprey Nests on March 21 and 22; and Return of the Osprey on March 28 and 29.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, NYC
Through March 30
There’s still plenty of time to skate or chill in a rinkside chalet.
Northern New Jersey Restaurant Month
Multiple Locations
Through March 31
Thirty restaurants will offer discounts, prix-fixe menus and special offers throughout the month.
PEEPS in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through April 12 (closed April 5)
More than 100 dioramas made out of Easter candy will line the walls of the Visitor and Event Center. There are dozens of shops and restaurants in the village to visit after you cast your vote for your favorite marshmallow masterpiece.
SUE The T. Rex Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 25
The world’s most complete, most well-preserved T. rex skeleton is making a stop at LSC so you can see her bones, hear her growl and smell her breath (seriously!). There will be fossils on display, projection mapping of other prehistoric creatures, and a life-sized fleshed-out replica to show what the creature’s life was like in the Cretaceous era.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through September 7
There are animatronics, robots, ride designs, costumes and props that mimic The World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, giving you an insider’s look at the storytelling and building behind the rides and worlds at the Florida and California theme parks.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
Got questions about this weekend’s events?
We pulled together a quick FAQ to help.
Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
A: Some of the bigger attractions (musicals, outdoor light shows, Santa trains) do require tickets, and popular times can sell out. It’s important to check the event link in our guide for details, times, date, pricing, availability and weather before you head out.
Q: Does the list include both indoor and outdoor events?
A: You’ll find a mix of indoor shows, markets, and museums, along with outdoor winter light displays and festivals.
Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend (March 13-15, 2026)?
A: This weekend (March 13-15, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights include the Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness Symposium at NJPAC in Newark, the final weekend of mermaids at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, opening weekend of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Pt. Pleasant, and a Pi Day celebration at Liberty Science Center.
Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?
A: We include family events happening throughout North, Central, and South Jersey, plus more events in New York and Pennsylvania.
Q: Where can I find more events near me?
A: This weekend’s roundup is a comprehensive list, but you can also browse more upcoming events on our calendar.
Q: How can I stay updated on more things to do in New Jersey?
A: Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
The Best Things to Do Indoors in New Jersey (2026)
The Best Free Things to Do in NJ During March 2026
Best Fairs & Festivals in New Jersey in March
