April is a great month to get outside with the kids, and free admission events make it even better. Here are our picks for the best free things to do in New Jersey this month. Highlights include Montclair’s Earth Day festival in North Jersey, the Battle of Bound Brook reenactment during Living History Weekend in Central Jersey, and Ocean City’s Doo Dah Parade in South Jersey, where plenty of adorable dachshunds steal the show.
NORTH JERSEY
Easter Egg Hunt
CareOne Livingston, Livingston
April 3
Search for colorful eggs hidden all around. There will also be crafts, snacks, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Main Street Pops Artisan Markets
Pier A Walkway, Hoboken
April 12
The popular monthly market showcases a curated selection of unique, handmade treasures from local artisans.
Northeast Earth Coalition Earth Day Celebration
Montclair
April 18-26
Activities during the week include volunteer cleanup opportunities, movie night, a demo garden and an Earth Day festival (April 26).
Montclair Flea
Montclair Flea, Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
April 25
There will be curated vendors selling everything from art to vintage finds indoors. Food trucks will be located outside.
Chester’s 25th Annual Classic Car Show
Main Street, Chester
April 25
Classic cars and trucks will line the historic downtown: classics, customs, muscle, special interest, antiques, pro street cars and more. Trophies will be awarded at 4 pm: best engine, best truck, best paint, best in show, Top 5 winner. Musical entertainment by S.C.3. Entertainment.
Spring Festival
Powder Works Factory, Closter
April 25
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, painting with the kids, yoga flows, and food.
LEGO Star Wars Smart Play
Target, Jersey City
April 26
The LEGO Star Wars SMART Play Adventures pop-up is a life-sized, hands-on experience where you become the hero of your own journey as you choose your path to save the day. In-store, you can experience and shop the new SMART Brick technology firsthand, with build stations and live demonstrations. This is the only tour stop in New Jersey.
Earth Day Celebration & Music Festival
Monroe Plaza Center, Hoboken
April 26
Activities include public chalk art, crafts, fitness demonstrations, shopping at the Green Marketplace, where they can purchase sustainable goods from local makers, textile recycling, a bike valet, pebble painting, LEGO projects, a bird drawing class, upcycled sewing projects, a BollyHIIT class, and a walking tour of Northwest ResilienCity Park.
Daffodil Festival & Earth Day Fair
Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
April 26
This year’s theme, “Sustainable Yards,” will highlight ways to create more environmentally-friendly outdoor spaces. In addition to educational displays, demos and a marketplace, the event will feature a recycling magician, the Daffy Dog Parade (beginning at 12:30 pm), a petting zoo, live music and a scavenger hunt.
Earth Day Celebration
Montclair
April 26
Activities during the week include volunteer cleanup opportunities, movie night, a demo garden – but the events culminate on April 26 with an Earth Day festival.
Stirling’s Community Street Fair & Food Truck Festival
Main Avenue, Stirling (Long Hill Twp.)
April 26
The giant block party will feature an arts & crafts section, live entertainment, dancing, a karate demo, kiddie rides and games, face painting, sand art, festival foods and food trucks, and local merchants and civic organizations passing out freebies.
Celebrate National Therapy Animal Day
Vail Mansion, Morristown
April 30
Creature Comfort Pet Therapy will set up a pet-friendly party on the lawn of the Vail Mansion. Meet certified therapy animals, learn about the benefits of pet therapy, and discover how you can help out.
CENTRAL JERSEY
SparkNight: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
April 2
The free monthly art party lets you wander around the museum, looking at exhibits dedicated to the month’s theme.
Henhouse Visits
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
April 4
The farm’s Barred Rock chickens are laying eggs inside the working henhouse – you can reach into the nest box and take an egg to bring home. You’ll learn about egg candling and grading, can help a farmer make their feed, and see the farm’s 50 new baby chicks in the brooder coop.
Spring Celebration
Pier Village, Long Branch
April 4
Kick off the season with live music, face painting, a bubble show, photos with the Easter Bunny and a village-wide egg hunt.
The Great Red Bank Egg Hunt
Red Bank
April 4
Meet The Bunny and go on a treasure hunt for prizes and surprises throughout Downtown Red Bank.
Battle of Bound Brook Living History Weekend
Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Bridgewater
April 10-12
The 249th commemorative battle coincides with the 250th anniversary of America. Activities include solder drills, a reenactment of the battle through the streets, historical lectures, and tours of The Abraham Staats House.
FrancoFest
Hinds Plaza and Princeton Public Library, Princeton
April 11
The second annual Princeton Francophonie Festival celebrates French culture through vendor booths and artisan products, a literature festival, language discovery, cultural events for kids, music, food and community.
Community Celebration: Paul Robeson’s 128th Birthday
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
April 11
This multi-media celebration will honor the legacy of Princeton’s “native son” and scholar, all-American athlete, artist, and activist.
Spring Plowing & Field Work
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
April 11
Watch as the farmers and workhorses prepare the fields for spring.
Kite Festival
Pier Village, Long Branch
April 11
Watch as kites fly high above the sand as you stroll through the village to shop, eat and play.
Opening Weekend of East Jersey Old Town Village
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
April 11-12
The village will be “occupied” by British, Hessian and Loyalist military and civilian historical interpreters. There will be historical weapons demonstrations, 18th-century music, children’s crafts, and more
Art Together
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
April 12
Families work together on art projects after being led through the galleries. The theme is “On Repeat.” The free, drop-in program is led by Mason Gross MFA students and teaching artists.
Lambing Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
April 18
This is the day everyone hopes a baby lamb will be born. While you wait, visit the barn to learn about what the flock of Romney-Suffolk sheep did during the winter. You’ll also see baby chickens, horses, bees, and the farmers working in the fields.
South Brunswick Bike Rodeo
South Brunswick Senior Center, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick
April 18
Kids will ride around the track during bike games and challenges. There will also be pedestrian safety education, helmet safety checks, helmet decorating and community providers.
Holi Festival
New Brunswick Free Public Library, New Brunswick
April 18
The Indian holiday that welcomes spring will include a musical dance drama, performances, henna, face painting, sampling of Indian foods and Holi color play.
New Brunswick Spring Festival & Bazaar
New Brunswick City Center, New Brunswick
April 18
The ’90s-themed celebration coincides with the 30th anniversary of Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe. It will be similar to Oktoberfest in the fall and Winter Wonderland in December. There will be local makers, artisans, live music/a deejay, food vendors, interactive games (like Giant Jenga and Connect Four), a ’90s-themed outfit contest, caricatures, henna, and an area exclusively for adults with a beer garden. Harvest Moon will honor 1990s beer pricing and other throwback deals. You can also catch the 1990s-themed live band Who Brought the Dog on stage.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
April 18
There will be Hungarian food, products and merch to buy while celebrating the culture.
Celebrate Earth Day
Pulda Farm, North Brunswick
April 18
Members of several environmentally-focused organizations – like the North Brunswick Gardening Club, NBTHS Environmental Committee, Rutgers Master Gardeners and Fresh Pond Farms – will be on site to talk about the earth. Hop on a free hayride around the preserved farm.
Earth Day Festival in Hunterdon County
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
April 18
Earth Day events include live animals with Rizzo’s Wildlife World, a high-energy musical experience with recycled instruments with Bash the Trash, activities with local 4-H clubs, recycled crafts, critter-searching in the stream, and fishing.
Earth Day Open House
Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown
April 18
Events include live animal shows, and guided nature and history walks.
Face(t)s of America Exhibition
Gallery Space, Rahway
April 18 – June 13
Six artists whose work explores what it means to live, belong and define oneself in America will present their artistic thoughts through portraiture, photography and painting.
Party Like It’s Your Earth Day
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
April 19
Sustainable Princeton and Morven reps worked together to create a day packed with yoga, capoeira dance, garden tours, musical and dance performances, a “trashion” show, food booths, craft tables, and a puzzle and book swap.
Potato Planting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
April 25
Bill and Jesse, the resident workhorses, will plant a field of potatoes that will yield over 2,000 pounds of food for local soup kitchens. You can follow the horses with baskets of seeds, and then come back in August for the harvest.
Princeton Porchfest
Princeton
April 25
Multiple porches around town – 18, to be exact – will turn into mini concert stages so musicians can play throughout the day.
Miniature Worlds: An Artistic Collaboration of Tiny Libraries
Cotsen Children’s Library, Princeton
April 25
Ten local artists were given the same unpainted library diorama set and created their own whimsical libraries. The results will be on display in the gallery.
Rutgers Day
Rutgers University, New Brunswick and Piscataway
April 25
Rutgers fans wait all year for the mega festival that takes over various parts of campus. Rutgers Fest is along College Ave in New Brunswick; Ag Field Day and the New Jersey Folk Festival are on the Cook/Douglass campuses in New Brunswick; and activities are set up on Busch Campus in Piscataway. There will be environmental displays, live music, food trucks, book and plant sales, kids’ activities and meet-and-greets with the Scarlet Knight mascot.
Shad Fest
Lambertville
April 25-26
The American Shad is the largest fish in the herring family. Every spring, shad migrate from salt water to fresh water to reproduce. Fishermen call this the “annual spring shad run.” There will be food (seafood and not), shad fishing, vendor shopping, arts and crafts, live music, a Kids’ Bazaar, carnival rides, a beer garden and a huge craft market – all along the Delaware River.
Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show
Red Bank
April 26
There will be arts and crafts, shopping, live music, kids’ games, food vendors and family-friendly fun.
Earth Day Festival & Greenway Walk
Bayonet Farm, Holmdel
April 26
Start the morning by taking a 2-mile walk around the loop, beginning at the Harding House. Visit the bake sale inside the Red Barn Deli. See exhibits, go inside the Nature on the Move Van, watch a show by Doodle Dude, take a tour of the Harding House, join a Mother Earth Drum Circle and grab a seat at the Eyes of the Wild Mammal Show.
SOUTH JERSEY
Easter EggstravaganZOO
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House
April 3-5
The zoo will become a bunny wonderland over the weekend, with an Easter Bunny Hide and Seek game, scavenger hunt, HOPstacle Course, and entertainment from Let’s Party Events. The Easter Bunny will be ready for photos on Saturday only.
Easter Egg Hunts in The Wildwoods
The Wildwoods
April 4
The Elks Annual Easter Egg Hunt is held at 20th Avenue in North Wildwood – kids 11 and younger can search for colorful eggs hidden around the beach, while seeing the Easter Bunny. The Greater Wildwood Jaycees Annual Easter Egg Hunt is held at the Lincoln Avenue beach, where kids 12 and younger can search for eggs hidden in the sand, including the golden egg. The Step Back Foundation Easter Egg Hunt at Allen Park in North Wildwood has three age groups: 1–3 years, 4–6 years, and 7–10 years.
SatARTdays Free Kids’ Art Classes
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
Saturdays, April 4-18
A professional artist will lead art classes for kids ages 5 to 12.
Easter Parade
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
April 5
Kids will be separated into different age groups for contests for the best float and bonnet after the parade.
Easter Parade
Historic Smithville, Galloway
April 5
Dress in your Easter best, because after the parade you can visit the shops and restaurants in the village area.
Historic Smithville’s Renaissance Faire
Historic Smithville, Galloway
April 11-12
Welcome to the Shire of Smithville, where there will be sword fighting, combat shows, music, dancing, singing, jesters, comedy acts, characters from the English Renaissance, drama, and storytelling.
Doo Dah Parade
Boardwalk, Ocean City
April 18
This funny parade features more than 300 basset hounds walking along the boardwalk.
Daffodil Day
Moorestown
April 18
Spring arrives with horse-drawn surrey rides, live music, artisan demos, family activities, and sales at local businesses.
From Dunes to Deep Blue
Cape May
April 18
Cape May County’s Earth Day celebration raises awareness of the entire coastal ecosystem through hands-on educational exhibits, children’s amusements, live entertainment, a variety of eco shops and a scavenger hunt.
Kids’ Art Bash
High Street, Burlington City
April 18
Different spots around town will have arts, history, storytelling, imaginative play and music geared toward kids. Fyütch, DJ Willy Wow!, circus artist Shelli Buttons, Nettie Nana and Friends puppeteers, magician Chad Juros and the Global Orchestra are among the performers. Hands-on art activities will include face painting, balloon artists, cookie decorating, crafts, a community mural project, karaoke, and dress up at the photo booth.
Spring Festival and Earth Day Celebration
Red Bank Battlefield, National Park
April 19
There will be Earth Day exhibits and presentations, Colonial craft demos, activities (like glass making, pottery, hearth cooking, spinning and weaving), farm animals, kids’ games, live music, craft vendors, food trucks, a magic show, and tours of the battlefield and Whitall House.
Family Fun Earth Day
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
April 19
Bring the family to the winery for pot painting and planting, sensory potting, a horticulture chat and nature face painting.
Earth Day Green Market
Historic Smithville, Galloway
April 24
Go Green Galloway is a preview of the summer market, but focusing on native plants. But more than a plant show, there will be crafts, artwork and food (like honey, fresh bread and pies). New this year is the Swap Stop, where you can bring items you no longer need or find treasures for free.
Art Goes to Town Juried Art Show & Craft Fair
The Village at Taunton Forge, Medford
April 25
This annual open-air gallery will be filled with original art, including a juried showcase of regional artists and makers, live art demonstrations, and performances. You can also meet the artists who created all the artwork and wares.
Feis at the Beach Irish Dance Competition
Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
April 25
The Irish dance competition is presented by Cummins and D’Arcy Schools of Irish Dance, but you can also check out Irish products being sold in the main lobby, an Irish art competition, and an Irish soda bread baking competition.
Camden County String Band Parade
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp.
April 25
The Philadelphia Mummers string bands will march along Haddon Avenue from Crystal Lake to Haddon Square. Everyone is invited to the after-party at Haddon Square with live music from The Exceptions, along with food, drinks, and activities for everyone in the family.
Art Walk
Historic Smithville, Galloway
April 25
More than 75 local artists will set up displays on the Greene. There will also be live music.
ACUA’s Earth Day Festival
ACUA Environmental Park, Egg Harbor Twp.
April 26
Join the Atlantic County Utilities Authority for South Jersey’s largest Earth Day Festival. There will be recycling center tours, wind/solar/wastewater facility tours, touch-a-truck, landfill hayrides, live animals, interactive shows, a recycled art display, a hay maze, a playground, crafts for kids, bounce houses, and 100+ local exhibitors.
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
April 4-5
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.
Pennsylvania
PEEPS in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
April 1-12
More than 100 dioramas made out of the 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. Note: The Visitor Center is closed on Easter (Sunday, April 5).
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