From an air show high above a military base to a lantern festival in a North Jersey park to a fantasy faire in South Jersey, this weekend is packed with family-friendly fun!
WEEKEND
Kiwanis Karnival
East Northfield Road, Livingston
Thursday – Saturday
This five-day carnival features rides for all ages, festival food and treats, and carnival games with prizes.
Cape May Spring Festival
Cape May
Thursday – Sunday
Birders from around the country come to Cape May to see which birds flew back for the spring. There will be guest speakers, presentations, photo exhibits and other workshops.
The Spring NJ Gem Show
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Thursday – Sunday
There will be a showcase of rare gemstones, precious minerals, prehistoric fossils, crystals, meteorites and more from paleontologists, miners, gemologists and artisans. There will be a Kids Zone, a benefit for Asheville artists impacted by Hurricane Helene, fossils from the Green River Formation, and a rubber ducky scavenger hunt.
The A.J. Meerwald
South Riverwalk Park, Trenton
Thursday – Sunday
The oyster schooner-turned-educational vessel will be docked behind the Trenton Thunder Ballpark for a few days, and you can schedule a 2-hour sail to learn about boating and conservation.
Seussical the Musical: Neuro-Inclusive Production
ART/NY The Mezzanine Theatre, New York, NY
Thursday – Sunday
To make the shows more accessible to individuals with disabilities, there will be ADA seating, assisted listening devices, access devices, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Stampede Rodeo
East Baker Avenue, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
During each evening show, there will be girls’ barrel racing, trick riding, break-a-way, spectator bull hockey, and bull riding. Dave “Showtime” Meyer and Jacob the Amishman will perform comedy.
Denville Arts Council Fairy Trail Walk
Muriel Hepner Park, Denville
Friday – Saturday
Visit Queen Faerie Ella and two fairies while you look for the fairy houses along the trail.
Beetlejuice Jr.
Levoy Theatre, Millville
Friday – Sunday
Music Theatre International will stage a play based on the hit movies for a younger audience.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
Cape May
Friday – Sunday
Check out the schedule of three days of music across four stages in Cape May.
Rose Squared Art Show
Verona Park, Verona
Saturday – Sunday
The park will be filled with more than 90 artisans selling their creations in apothecary, artisanal foods, ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, painting, 2D/3D mixed media and photography.
Power in the Pines Airshow
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Pointville
Saturday – Sunday
Look high into the sky for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and their F-16 Fighting Falcons. You’ll see a low-level aerial refueling flight for the C-17 and KC-46 planes. There will be other aerial demonstrations by aircraft, and then a festival on the ground with food, displays and more activities.
World Food Festival
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Saturday – Sunday
Dozens of food vendors will sell authentic dishes from around the globe. On Saturday, listen to country vibes from Brian Dean Moore Band. On Sunday, sit ringside for the superstars of UWA Elite Pro Wrestling.
MayFest
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Saturday – Sunday
Historic Smithville hosts over 100 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations and more in addition to its 50 shoppes, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, eateries, and antique arcades located at the village year-round.
Roar on the River Fest
Veterans Park, Highlands
Saturday – Sunday
On Saturday, watch JSBR skiff racing while finding food, specialty vendors, live entertainment, and a wine and beer garden at Veterans Park. The OPA Race Series will take place on Sunday and can be viewed from the Highlands waterfront businesses.
FRIDAY
Make Play-Doh From Scratch Kids Workshop
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
After they’ve made their own Play-Doh, each child will fill a container and then capture their experience with a drawing on special storybook paper. Children with sensory sensitivities are welcome.
Baby Playdate
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
Bring a blanket so you and your little ones are comfortable as you sit on the grass experiencing nature through sensory activities, reading books and playing games.
Cruise Night
Hopewell Twp.
While checking out the cars lining the streets, stop by the library for its Philly Pretzel Company fundraiser.
Mamapalooza
Ridgewood
This celebration of moms includes vendors, a workout, kids’ activities, prizes and snacks.
Ladies Night Sip & Shop
MarketFair, Princeton
Up your summer style with shopping, wine glass painting, a flower bar, food from Seasons 52, and giveaways.
SATURDAY
Steel Mill Street Fair
Roebling Museum, Roebling
This year’s new location is the grounds of the museum, which is the site of the John A. Roebling Steel Mill. There will be food choices, new attractions, plus more time for families to enjoy shopping, dining and free entertainment.
Visions of the Near East
First Congregational Church of Montclair
Mosaic Dance Theater Company will present dances from Upper Egypt, Nubia, Lebanon, the Persian Gulf, Morocco, Oman, and the Moorish kingdom of Spain.
Spring Marketplace
Memorial Square Park, Ridgewood
After a successful Fall Marketplace, many of the vendors are returning for a spring shopping spree.
Neptune Food Truck & Music FEASTival
Lofredo Field, Neptune
There will be 15 gourmet food trucks, an adult beverage garden, a vendor shopping village, kids’ activities and live bands.
Lantern Festival for Justice and Unity
Edgemont Memorial Park, Montclair
The park will be illuminated with a thousand lanterns representing all the people who have helped light the way forward. Aside from sharing stories and engaging in social justice work, there will be food trucks, children’s activities and live music.
Woodbridge Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Woodbridge
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Lake Hopatcong Block Party
Hopatcong State Park, Lake Hopatcong
The Main Street-style experience takes place along the lake. There will be businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, crafters and food vendors set up for a community day featuring activities, entertainment, raffles, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more.
Priscilla’s Spring Swing Pickleball Classic
Wildwood Crest Courts, Wildwood Crest
The Priscilla E. Frederick Foundation will rent out eight courts for pickleball play. There will be a full brunch, a live DJ, a celebrity referee, vendors and more.
Corn Planting & Gardening
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
See farmers in action using workhorses and a circa-1900 planter. Head back to the barnyard to help shell and grind corn for the pigs and chickens, then make your way to the farmhouse to learn how corn is processed for baking and sample fresh-baked cornbread.
Armed Services Day
Kenny Armwood Stadium at Piscataway High School, Piscataway
Everyone is welcome to see the free car show and movie at sundown, but there will also be helpful info geared toward current service members, veterans and their families.
Astronomy Day
William Miller Sperry Observatory, Union College of Union County, Cranford
In the afternoon, there will be children’s activities, a scavenger hunt, make-your-own sundial, Raider Robotics, science demos, solar observing, a solar system walk and presentations. At night, you can use two of the largest public telescopes in the Northeast to view the sky, and listen to a presentation on the sun.
Wardlaw + Hartridge Food Truck & Vendor Festival
Wardlaw + Hartridge School, Edison
There will be over 30 vendors, food and dessert trucks, an axe-throwing truck, a video game truck, DJ music and karaoke.
ArtBender
Vincent Monella Community Center, South Orange
Paint, plant and build together with other members of the community as you create art on public spaces.
NJ Sharing Network 5K Celebration of Life
Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove
Race along the boardwalk to honor those whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Spring Into Bordentown City
Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown City
The street fair will have the vibes of a European market, with vendors selling artisanal food and pastries, farm-fresh produce, wine, artwork and locally made products. There will be live music as well.
Manalapan Kids Fest 2025 – Superhero Edition
Manalapan Rec Center, Field M, Manalapan
Kids Fest will feature a musical performance, children’s characters, family-friendly activities and displays by local businesses.
Pennington Day
South Main Street and East Curlis Avenue, Pennington Borough
This lively street fair featuring local businesses, artisans, activities, music, food and non-profits has become one of the most anticipated events in Hopewell Valley. Activities include a Kids Zone, quilt show, live entertainment and a YMCA 5K Race.
Sea Turtle Sunrise
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
Snack on a donut as you walk around the zoo two hours prior to opening in this fundraiser for Sea Turtle Recovery. You can extend your stay and hang out at the zoo all day.
Pied Piper of Hamelin
Roxey Ballet, Villa Victoria Theater, Ewing
This is a stage play of the German folk tale where a rat-catcher is dressed in multicolored clothing and has to scare away a plague of rats with his magical pipe.
Armed Forces Day Ceremony
Veterans Park, Klockner Road entrance, Hamilton Twp.
Members of the Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee will salute and pay tribute to all those who have proudly served our country on Armed Forces Day.
Makers of Revolutionary Philadelphia Living History Day 2025
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Explore hands-on crafts and activities, see demos of 18th-century skills and trades, and meet the people who made the Revolution in 1770s Philadelphia.
Wicked Gluten Free Expo
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA
There will be 100+ exhibitors sampling and selling vegan and allergen-free options; plus food vendors and food trucks. There will also be a kids’ play area.
SUNDAY
Whippany Railway Museum 60th Anniversary Train Ride
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
After taking the 10-mile, 45-minute train ride aboard a historic train, stop into the museum to see the exhibits, including a Lionel O gauge model railroad.
Sip With Spirit: Wine Tasting & Spirit Messages
The Sapphire Grand, Deptford
Colby Rebel will use her methods as a medium to deliver messages from your deceased loved ones. The evening includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and readings.
Antique, Glass & Bottle Show
Batsto Village, Hammonton
Search for Pine Barrens treasures, something to add to your antique collection, or take a stroll through the historic iron town.
Maplewood Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Maplewood
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
FBAC PorchFest
Freehold Borough
Musicians will play in different locations downtown, either on a porch, lawn or at a business, so people can walk around and hear different artists.
Serenity on the Sea
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
The night to honor veterans and active duty personnel will include sunset yoga, a wreath ceremony and a fun salute.
OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon
Ocean City
The friendly competition event includes a 1/4-mile pool swim (timed separately), 2-mile run, 16-mile bike and another 2-mile run. The event includes a duathlon and kid’s course options.
Educational Theatre
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
After touring the theater and museum to learn about music and improv, kids will design their very own play based on the theme “Positively Polar.”
MayFest: The Springfield Ave Street Fair
Springfield Avenue, Maplewood
The street fair is a family festival with vendors, live music, kids’ activities, a karate demo, inspirational dance performances, singers, a trumpeter and a DJ.
Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
An easy, child-friendly hike in the garden’s woodlands teaches walkers about the plants and animals living in the area.
Pinkster: A Jersey Dutch Celebration of Spring
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
Dance around the maypole, watch 18th-century dances, listen to the fiddle and hammered dulcimer play, learn about needlework and see the craft of lacemaking.
Forest Bathing Sensory Walk & Foraged Tea
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
The walk goes at an easy pace so you can connect on nature through mindfulness. You’ll use each of your senses while out in the woods. At the end, you’ll sample a tea made from pine and spruce needles that came from the trees at Weis.
Step Up for a Cure: Walk to Cure Arthritis
Great Lawn Pavilion, Long Branch
The scenic walk along the oceanfront will be followed up with family-friendly activities, music, guest speakers, team awards, and more.
Princess Breakfast Buffet
Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Galloway
Bring your little one dressed as a princess, and the whole family can sit down for omelets, pancakes, French toast sticks, waffles and mini muffins.
Hoboken Arts & Music Festival
Washington Street, Hoboken
Brenda K. Starr will headline the event, which features concerts from Broadway, emo punk, indie folk, pop, rock and Latin artists. There will be more than 300 artists, crafters and food vendors.
Uncovering the Enslaved Tour
Liberty Hall at Kean University, Union
Listen to stories of slaves who lived and worked at Liberty Hall. You’ll see archived documents, letters and gravesites that honor their lives.
Paramus Great Strides Walk & Family Fun Event
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
After the 3-mile walk that raises funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis, there will be a visit from the princesses, Johie the Clown with balloon art, lunch, a DJ and games.
Chestnut Hill Home + Garden Festival
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
The event highlights home and garden decor, outdoor craft demos, live music, children’s activities, and over 200 restaurants and businesses within the Chestnut Hill Business District. Note: This event was postponed from May 4 to May 18.
Sesame Place 5K Classic
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
The 25th annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic will feature a 5K, one-mile fun run, and a kids’ sprint. The event raises money for the Dick Dougherty Honorarium Awards, which benefits Bucks County high school students. Anyone who signs up gets a free one-day pass to Sesame Place.
ONGOING
Self-Guided Tours of Sawmill & Packing House
Double Trouble State Park, Bayville
Wednesdays – Saturdays in May
The Sawmill & Packing House will be open for self-guided tours.
Storytime on the Green
Palmer Square, Princeton
Saturdays in May
Bring the family to sing, dance and explore the world of books with JaZams’ Jeff Trainor and special guest readers. Geared toward infants to 8-year-olds.
Sunday Fundays
Double Trouble State Park, Bayville
Sundays in May
The programs include Neat Nifty Nature on May 4, where you will meet Milo the therapy dog and then go for a short hike; Shell-ebrate Turtles on May 18; and a sunset hike from Veterans Rock on May 25.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus
May 17-18, 24-25, 31; June 1, 7-8
Come to the Shire of New Crossford (aka Columbus, NJ) for jousting events, stage shows, live music, firebreathing stunts, knights, bubble magicians and acrobatics.
FUNBOX
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
May 18, May 23-26, May 31
Kids and adults can run, jump and bounce across 25,000 square feet of inflatable objects including an obstacle course, basketball hoops and slides.
Bank of America Golf With Us
Throughout New Jersey
Through May 24
This new initiative for young golfers ages 6 to 18 lets you register for free (registration ends May 24) and then pay only $5 at 30 different golf courses around the state for an entire year after registration.
The Hobbit
Arden Children’s Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through May 25
J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved book comes to life on stage for families with kids ages 7 and up.
Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens
Wildfair, Chester Twp.
Through May 31
Wildfair is a nearly 9,500-square-foot fieldstone and tile-roofed neo-Colonial country estate house that’s over 220 years old. As a fundraiser for Morristown Medical Center, 36 interior designers have decorated the house and landscaping for you to see. Each ticket comes with a tour of the estate and meet-and-greets with the designers.
World War II Exhibit
The Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through 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.
Best of the Nest Birdhouse Competition & Display
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through June 8
Area residents created dozens of beautiful birdhouses that will be on display in the Visitors Center.
Philadelphia Marketplace
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, through June 28
Makers and crafters from the tri-state area will bring their handmade artwork, home goods, plants and more to the outdoor market every weekend. The pop-up shops will be set up alongside activations and events set up by the Center City District. You can also skate on the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
Spring Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Weekends, through 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.
Hoboken Tern Parade
Throughout Hoboken
Through June 30
Thirty businesses in Hoboken will display a decoy statue of the Common Tern, which is Hoboken’s official honorary bird. Activities throughout the next few months include library storytime, an Earth Day celebration, bird walks, scavenger hunts and a special RigaTERNi pizza.
Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags
The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 10
As America gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, take the kids to see a collection of 16 flags that flew during the Revolutionary War.
Picnic in the Park
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Twp.
Through the summer season
You can order a curated picnic lunch that you can eat with the family in the Acer Courtyard (where the peacocks hang out) or anywhere within the 42-acre sculpture garden.
The Longest Yarn
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through 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.
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.
Sesame Place Philadelphia 45th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Through September 7
The season-long birthday party features the daily Sesame Street Birthday Parade and meet-and-greets with characters dressed in their birthday outfits. The park will be decorated with bright balloons, colorful garland and birthday presents. From July 25 to August 2, a slate of birthday celebrations will be announced. July 30 is the “C…is For Celebrate!” fireworks show.
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through September 28
Come for the newly reopened Waterlily Court but stay for the Rose Garden, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, Idea Garden, Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Meadow Garden and indoor West Conservatory. You can visit on any day, but special events are planned for the Fireworks & Fountains Shows, as well as Fountain Fest Weekends.
Topiaries at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Through October
As part of a garden redesign inside the zoo, you can see five beautiful, giant, 3D shrubbery sculptures, in addition to planters that will change throughout the season. The topiaries include giraffes, fish, a butterfly, a peacock and a snail.
Free Guided Garden Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Sundays, through October 16
A docent will lead you on a tour of what’s blooming around the gardens.
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. 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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