April is the perfect time to get outside, head to a flower festival, fly kites on the beach and so much more! Here are our favorite things to do in NJ this month that have free admission:
April 1-27
PEEPS in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The Visitors Center will have dozens of sculptures made out of the popular Easter marshmallow candy. Vote for your favorites.
April 2
National Walking Day
Deer Path Park, Flemington
The American Heart Association established National Walking Day on the first Wednesday of April to encourage a more active lifestyle. Join the group as they take a leisurely walk around the park.
April 5-6
Daffodil Days
Historic Allentown
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 head to a concert during the festivities.
April 5
Earth Day Festival
Deer Path Park, Flemington
Learn about our planet, environmental challenges, and what you can do to help. Take part in arts and crafts projects, storytelling and more.
Lambing Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
See the barn where the sheep spend their winter, and you may even 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.
Ocean Grove Easter Pet Parade
Fireman’s Park, Ocean Grove
Rescue Ridge Animal Rescue welcomes 2- and 4-legged fur babies to join the parade. There will be shopping, raffles, live music, and prizes for best “float” (decorated stroller or wagon) and bonnet.
Burlington County Book Festival
Burlington County Library, Westampton
Spend the day meeting authors, talking about books and more at this literary fest.
Holi Festival
Veterans Park, North Brunswick
Wear white and be ready to be immersed in brightly colored powders. The festival includes food, activities and performances.
April 5-6
Ocean City CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Show
Ocean City
OC CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Show will feature collectibles, memorabilia and meet-and-greets.
Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Various Locations in NJ and NY
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.
April 5-6, 12-13
Cherry Blossom Festival
Branch Brook Park, Newark
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. Note: registration fees apply for the bike race and runs, but the festivals are free.
April 5-6, 12-13, 19
Strolling Spring Bunny
Palmer Square, Nassau Street, Princeton
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.
April 6
Kids Craft Drop-In Days
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
Kids are encouraged to get messy with art supplies and create a masterpiece to take home.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
Monroe Plaza, Hoboken
There will be dozens of artisan goodies to buy, live music and food.
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.
April 7
Family Recess
Deer Path Park, Flemington
The structured playtime is where family time meets outdoor fun. The playdate in the park will include schoolyard classic games you can teach your kids, showing them the importance of physical activity.
April 11
Baby Walk
Hunterdon County Arboretum, Lebanon
Get outside with your baby and explore your local trails. There will be some nature education geared toward the adults, and then the group will walk together with their kids.
A Night of Disney Songs Through the Ages
Middletown Arts Center, Middletown
Alums of the community theater group – The MAC Players – will perform numbers from beloved movies spanning from Shrek to Into the Woods.
April 12
April Sip & Shop Vendor Market
Garden State Distillery, Toms River
This free local craft market brings together unique, one-of-a-kind items you can browse while sipping on craft drinks.
Potato Planting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Join workhorses Bill and Jesse as they plant a field of potatoes; you’ll follow behind and put seeds in the furrows.
Sparta Special Olympics Spring Vendor Craft Fair
Sparta High School, Sparta
Shop from 60+ vendors of all types to benefit Sparta Special Olympics and Special Olympics NJ Morris-Sussex. You can meet the Athletes of Determination and wish them luck for the 2025 spring season.
Easter Jam
Converge Church, Moorestown
Kids up to fifth grade can take part in the Easter Egg hunt, and then the whole family can play games, make crafts, eat lots of candy and a light breakfast, and walk through an interactive Easter story presentation.
Pollinator Day
Bountiful Gardens, Ewing
Take a guided tour of the nursery, learn how to rethink your lawn, see monarch butterflies, and build a bee abode. There will be more activities for kids.
Easter Egg Hunt
Tulpehaking Nature Center at The Abbott Marshlands, on the playground of Gateway Head Start, Hamilton Twp.
During the free egg hunt for kids ages 5-10, kids will also learn about spring flowers, and meet “Cube,” a boxed turtle. After the hunt, families will be invited inside for a presentation, crafts, snacks and a free gift.
Artisan Market
Bergen Town Center, Paramus
Take a stroll through this market in the mall, featuring 25+ artisans and vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, home decor, pet products, sweet treats, handmade gifts and more.
Healthy Kids Day
Ocean County YMCA, Toms River
The Y holds this event every year to connect families. There will be info on summer camps and swim lesson options, but also free activities like kickball, cornhole, facepainting, and decorating a sign for the Y garden. Swim in the pool or play on the basketball court. There will be lots of health and safety resources. WJRZ Radio will be on site.
Sonny the Bunny’s Colossal Carrot Adventure
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Hop along the bunny trail to collect treat-filled eggs, then take holiday-themed photos with Selfie Snapshots. If you dine at The Bistro next door, you can take free photos with Sonny the Bunny.
Daffodil Day
Main Street, Moorestown
Spring arrives with horse-drawn carriages, live entertainment by local musicians, arts & crafts demonstrations, sidewalk sales, merchant specials — and lots of daffodils.
Ostara Fair
Penns Grove Masonic Lodge, Carneys Point
The fair celebrates the coming of spring and the spring equinox. There will be unique, local vendors full of mystical goods and services: tarot, crystals, metaphysical items, and more.
Hungarian Artisan Market
American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick
There will be Hungarian food and dessert vendors, Magyar apparel, and new product vendors each month.
Holi Festival
New Brunswick Free Public Library, New Brunswick
The Holi Festival includes a musical dance drama called Story of Holi, other musical and dance performances, henna, face painting, Indian food, and color play.
April 12-13
Renaissance Faire
Historic Smithville, Galloway
The players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire take you back to merry Olde England in the “Shire of Smithville.” This event includes comedy, sword fighting, dancing, singing, knights and jesters from the days of yore.
April 13
Daffodil Day
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
You’ll get to see more than 50,000 beautiful daffodil bulbs in bloom in the Daffodil Bowl, an area that was shaped by ancient glaciers. There will be spring-themed games and crafts, a story trail, food trucks, market vendors and their famous goats.
Playoff Pregame with Optimum & MSG Networks
Optimum store, Newark
At the New Jersey Devils pregame party, you can meet MSG Networks talent, have some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, get your face painted, and compete for prizes.
Earth Day Celebration
Herrontown Woods, Princeton
Take the kids to explore and learnabout nature. Activities include a bike through the woods, the May’s Cafe pop-up, a geology walk, a children’s walk, kids’ storytime, display tables in the Botanical Art Garden, a community collage workshop, bike tune-ups, and foraging for weeds.
Art Together
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Art Together is a free, drop-in art workshop led by the Zimmerli’s experienced teaching artists. Families can get creative with the theme of shifting perspectives on Indigenous identities.
Eggstravaganza
Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin
The carnival includes an Easter egg hunt for kids up to 5, a bunny hunt where old kids search for stuffed bunnies and clues, flower planting, a prayer labyrinth, craft stations, and the famous “Big Al” the tortoise.
April 14-17
Easter Egg Hunt
Hollowbrook Branch Library, Ewing
The Easter Bunny visited the Hollowbrook Branch and hid some of his eggs inside the library. It’s your job to find all his eggs and keep the prizes inside.
April 17
Downtown Princeton Gallery Crawl
Multiple locations, Downtown Princeton
The Princeton University Art Museum’s downtown gallery Art@Bainbridge, the Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton Public Library, and Small World Coffee’s Witherspoon Street location will each hold open houses with live music, food and drink, art making, and gallery activities.
April 18-25
Easter EggstravaganZoo
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House
The “wild” Easter celebration features an Easter Bunny I Spy Hunt, Easter Scavenger Hunt, HOPstacle Course and Easter Bunny photo ops (Saturday only).
April 19
Characters of the Dream Easter Parade
American Dream, East Rutherford
Dress your kids in an Easter bonnet or wacky hat and have them march in the parade along with costumed characters from Nickelodeon Universe and DreamWorks Water Park.
Henhouse Visits
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
The farm’s Barred Rock chickens are busy laying eggs. Help a farmer make their feed, and then reach inside the box for eggs you can take home.
Elks Easter Egg Hunt
20th Avenue Beach, North Wildwood
Kids 11 and younger can search for colorful eggs hidden in the sand while waiting for a photo with the Easter Bunny.
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt
Lincoln Avenue Beach, Wildwood
Kids 12 and younger will search for eggs that hide the grand prize: a golden egg! They’ll get to meet the Easter Bunny, too.
Great Egg Hunt
Trenton
First, the Bunny will drive around each ward of the city aboard a firetruck. When he gets to Cadwalader Park, he’ll join an Easter egg hunt with the kids.
Celebrate Earth Day
D&R Canal State Park, Bulls Island Recreation Area, Stockton
Free activities include planting wildflowers in pots to take home, a scavenger hunt, tree identification, guided nature walks, dissecting owl pellets and learning about bones, and seeing wildlife displays.
Free Visit to National Parks
Throughout NJ/U.S.
April 19 kicks off National Park Week, and you can visit any park throughout the U.S. (including N.J.) for free.
Family Day: Spring Fest
Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Kids ages 3–10 and their families can pop into the Resnick Education Wing for an afternoon-long free open house. The playful day has a slate of activities that celebrate the earth, nature, and all things spring. Highlights include instrument building, group singing, sound meditation; hands-on opportunities to color and craft, and mainstage performances.
April 20
Earth Day Celebration
Crane Park, Montclair
The Northeast Earth Coalition will hold its 2025 Earth Day Celebration from April 15-22 for a week of events on the theme of restoring our planet. On April 20 the main party will feature live music by local performers, environmental displays, and volunteer opportunities. Some of the events include stream cleanup at Toney’s Brook, planting at the Pine Street Community Garden, the Green Way Trail cleanup.
Easter Family Woodland Hike
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Take a self-guided family-friendly hike in the woodlands. Weather permitting, you can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook and return, or choose an alternate hike without a climb.
Easter Parade
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Put on your Easter best and head to the Smithville Inn, where the parade will begin with a special guest, The Easter Bunny.
April 21
The Seas Are Rising: An Earth Day Music Experience
Bergen Community College, Paramus
BCC music professor and songwriter/performer Dan Sheehan presents his project, The Seas Are Rising: Stories of a Climate in Crisis, to emphasize the immediate urgency of the climate crisis through songs rooted in rock, folk, soul, funk and hip-hop.
April 23
Sweet Megg in Concert
Knights of Columbus, Ridgefield Park
Nashville’s Sweet Megg will bring her unique blend of jazz, blues, and vintage sounds to kick off the summer concert series.
April 24
New York Jets Draft Party
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
The event will feature fan activities including player autographs, locker room tours, partner activations, the opportunity to watch the NFL Draft, and more.
April 25
Baby Playdate
Deer Path Park, Flemington
Bring a blanket so you and the young ones are comfortable on the grass while you experience nature through sensory activities, book reading and games.
Autism Acceptance Day
American Dream, East Rutherford
The day will feature interactive activities, character meet-and-greets, live art exhibits, and activities that spotlight autism and employment. Stephen Wiltshire, a world-renowned autistic artist, will draw a panoramic artwork of American Dream and the New York City skyline live at the event.
Earth Day Green Market
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Go Green Galloway will celebrate Earth Day with eco-conscious shopping and celebrations throughout the village.
April 25-27
Earth Day Cleanup and Green Fair
Downtown Somerville
Join the town swap all weekend, or join a volunteer cleanup event and the Earth Day Green Fair on Saturday.
April 26
Rutgers Day
Rutgers University campuses, New Brunswick and Piscataway
Along College Avenue, on the Busch campus and in the Cook/Douglass area of New Brunswick there’s everything from activities and food to agricultural displays, plant sales, a book sale, a farmers market, games for kids and info from hundreds of local organizations. This takes place at the same time as the New Jersey Folk Festival and Ag Field Day.
Earth Day Celebration
Riverfront Park, Point Pleasant
With the theme of “Act Locally, Think Globally,” the celebration will focus on how local environmentalism can lead to positive global effects. This will be held by OceanGro.
Healthy Kids Day
Freehold, Old Bridge, Red Bank, Wall Twp.
The free, family festivals at Y locations around the country are a way to learn about summer programs, while also riding in the bike rodeo, taking a fitness class, doing arts and crafts, swimming in the pool and playing on the basketball court. The Camp Zehnder location in Wall will also have a fishing derby.
Art Goes to Town Juried Arts and Craft Fair
Tauton Forge Shopping Center, Medford
Artists and makers will have their works on display throughout the village shops and restaurants. See fine art demos and a variety of live performances as you stroll along.
Earth Day & Ecosystems Family Event
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Based off the new exhibition “Ecosystems at Risk: Threatened and Endangered in New Jersey,” there will be free activities, talks, birdwatching, sun printing, a sandbox, a bird activity station, a gardening station and pollinator activities. You can see a show in the planetarium for an additional cost.
Art Walk
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Throughout the village, 75 local artists will display their work.
Spring Beekeeping & Gardening
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Peek inside the hive, meet the honeybees and find out how they benefit the farm.
Princeton PorchFest 2025
Around Princeton
Neighbors offer up their front porches as DIY concert venues so musicians can perform 45-minute sets throughout the day.
Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair
Downtown Washington Borough
This will be a full day of live music, artisan vendors, street performers, costumes and general steampunk shenanigans.
Art & Craft Fair
East Hanover Knights of Columbus, East Hanover
Shop for items such as handmade items, art, jewelry, crafts and more. There will be food, a 50/50 raffle and other raffles.
Allentown Spring Stroll
Main Street, Allentown
This annual spring event highlights local businesses as well as local crafters and artisans along Main Street.
Jersey Makes: Spring Arts & Craft Fair
Central Park of Morris County, Parsippany-Troy Hills
Browse dozens of handmade items from the makers and artists who will be showcasing their goods at the Cross Country Field (former Greystone site). Items include pottery, jewelry, decor, personal care, fashion, gifts, food and more.
Barnyard Buddies Sensory-Friendly Petting Zoo & Grand Opening
Bierman Autism Centers, West Orange
Mark the grand opening of the new location with a sensory-friendly petting zoo designed specifically for children with autism, ages 2-9. Meet goats, bunnies, pigs and more. There will be hands-on, farm-themed activities.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
ACME, Saddle Brook
Taste Mexican food (and bring home some recipes), listen to live Mariachi bands and DJ’d music, and have the kids’ faces painted.
April 26-27
Earth Day Celebration
Willow Creek Winery, Cape May
A holistic open air market will be displayed among the vines, with artisans, healers and creators sharing their passion for nature. There will also be a drum circle and yoga in the vines.
Treasures of the Swamp Scavenger Hunt
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Chatham
Visit as many Great Swamp partner sites as you can, answer questions to complete your scavenger hunt booklet and receive tickets that will enroll you into a raffle. The culminating event will be Sunday at the Great Swamp OEC, where prizes will be announced around a campfire with s’mores.
Union Muster
East Old Town Village, Piscataway
The event honors the legacy of the 80,000 New Jersey soldiers who served in the Civil War. Learn about history through reenactments, musket and artillery demos, 19th century music, children’s crafts and food trucks.
Shad Fest
Lambertville
The American Shad migrates back to the Delaware River, and the river towns celebrate. During Shad Fest, there will be shopping, shad fishing and demos, arts and crafts, music, a beer garden and a poster auction.
April 27
ACUA’s Earth Day Festival
ACUA Environmental Park, Egg Harbor Twp.
There will be more than 150 booths, crafters, food and exhibitors on site, plus free workshops, interactive activities and exhibits, music and entertainment.
Kids’ Hike For Fun
Sourland Mountain Preserve, Ringoes
The spring hikes combine fun, fitness and exploration. Kids will look for wildlife and learn about the changing seasons.
Earth Day Celebration
New Weis Center, Ringwood
There will be volunteering opportunities, partner tables, crafts, and free programs every half hour including a Medicinal Invasive Plant Walk and a Bird Walk.
Autism & Special Needs Resource Day
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
Join members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and other law enforcement agencies for an all-inclusive event for families, caregivers, service providers and community partners.
Earth Day Festival & Greenway Walk
Bayonet Farm, Holmdel
Come early to explore the farm via a 2-mile loop that begins at the Harding House and returns just as the festival begins. There will be exhibits from environmental organizations, a beekeeping seminar, wallaby tales, tours of the Harding House, performances inside the Red Barn, a drum circle and a bake sale.
Earth Day Festival & Summer Market Grand Opening
Shappell Park, Phillipsburg
The season opening of the Phillipsburg Farmers Market includes Earth Day festivities.
Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show
Downtown Red Bank
There will be arts and crafts, vendor shopping, live music, kids’ rides and food vendors.
Earth Day Celebration and Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
There will be live music from local bands, food trucks, live animal encounters, upcycled arts & crafts, fitness demos and eco-friendly vendors showcasing their products.
Earth Fair
Historic Smithville Park, Eastampton
Learn to care for nature, plants, the land and yourself. Musicians, storytellers, presenters and artists will show off their talents. Bring healthy plants for the plant swap. Take a Recycling Center virtual tour. Learn how you can power a blender by riding a bike. Talk to Master Gardeners about pollinators. There will be kids’ activities, a sustainable living tent, food trucks and a beer garden.
Daffodil Festival & Earth Day Fair
Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
The event includes a petting zoo, green educational displays, music, and the costumed Daffy Dog Parade. There will be information about conservation, water quality and how to minimize flooding.
Party Like It’s Your Earth Day Celebration
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Join Sustainable Princeton and Morven Museum for a day of sustainable, Earth-friendly fun.
United for Impact Food Truck Festival
West Main Street, Downtown Freehold
There will be food, beer, live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, raffles, vendor shopping and games to benefit the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
Breads & Threads Music Launch Event
Hole in the Wall Bagels, New Brunswick
Four bands will perform during the inaugural Breads & Threads concert, which is a combo effort between RU Vintage and Hole In The Wall Bagels. Plus, the Bagel Boys, who are Hole In The Wall Bagels employees, Jwill perform “The Specialities” song live for the very first time. There will be free activities, shop local promotions and a Shirt & Sandwich deal.
April 30
Bengali New Year
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
Celebrate Pohela Boishakh with dance and musical performances, traditional Bengali food, festival masks, and traditional craft activities.
Through April
Charm Harbour
Maxwell Place Park, Hoboken
The seven installations are meant to look like whimsical charms or magic tokens that’ll inspire physical and mental play as you touch, climb on and take photos of the sculptures that line the waterfront.
Through May
Star Light Star Bright
Pier A Park, Hoboken
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.
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