Kite Day
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
All weekend, 10 am – 5 pm
Make and decorate your own kites in butterfly or bird shapes (or bring your own from home) and then head to the orchard for some high-flying fun. Local bands will be playing from noon-4p both days and the kids can enjoy other barnyard faves. On Sunday at 2, there will be sheep shearing, and you can enjoy foods from Terhune’s spring menu or their wines. Tickets are $10 for ages 3 and up and must be purchased in advance.
Creative Arts and Music Festival
Thompson Park, Lincroft
May 1, 10 am – 4pm
Check out pottery, paintings and jewelry from local artists, while listening to live music. There are free activities for the kids and demos by some of the artiststs .
Family Nature ClubÂ
Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange
May 2, 8-10 am
This outdoor adventure club kicks off its year with a 2-3 mile hike through Eagle Rock Reservation while you search for hawks, eagles and more. Bring your binoculars. $10 per participant, advanced registration required.
Chester Food Truck & Music Festival
Municipal Field, Chester
May 1, 11 am – 7 pm
Been missing your favorite food truck fare? They’ve got 20 trucks, plus beer and music along with face painting, inflatables and more. Admission is $5.
Garden State Plaza Food Truck Festival
Garden State Plaza, Paramus
May 2, 11 am – 7 pm
There will be 14+ food trucks, hatchet tossing, boardwalk games and a beer and wine garden featuring Clifton’s Ghost Hawk beer. Tickets are required, $5 for adults $3 for children under 10.
Garfield Carnival
Columbus Park, Garfield
April 28 – May 2, times vary
Pre-purchased tickets ($2/person) are required for this day of family fun with music, rides and more.
Spring Family Fun DayÂ
Patterson Greenhouses, Freehold
May 2, 10 am – 3 pm
There will be vendors for shopping, an antique car show, face painting and homemade goods for sale.
Springtime Fun on the FarmÂ
Alstede Farms, Chester
All weekend, times vary
Reserve a timed ticket to spend a day on the farm, climb the giant hay pyramid, take a wagon ride or explore the farm with a scavenger hunt. The Tomasello Winery outdoor patio is open for tastings as well. Tickets start at $6.99.
Kearny VFW CarnivalÂ
Frank A Vincent Marina, Kearny
April 29, May 8, times vary
The two-week festival kicks off tonight and features rides, foods, games, prizes and more. Pay-one-price wristbands for unlimited rides are available in advance.
The Circus is Coming to Town Again!!
Imagine That!!!, Florham Park
May 1, Times Vary
Book a family “turf” to watch aerialists, jugglers, magic and music before your eyes. $125 per turf, which fits a family of 6.
Crafty Critter
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
May 1, 2 -3 pm
Get an up-close visit with a live animal and then draw and paint your own version of your new friend. $8 per participant and pre-registration is required.
Looking for some indoor fun?
TiLT Museum
American Dream, East Rutherford
All weekend, times vary
This newly opened museum is an interactive feast for the eyes. Inside American Dream, this brightly-colored space is filled with giant murals that you step into for some magical 3D effects. Make sure your phones are charged and ready for all the Instaworthy photos you are going to take.
Spring in Living ColorÂ
Garden State Plaza, Paramus
All weekend, times vary
If you’re worried about the weather, head to an indoor bloom fest with this vivid pop-up by The Floral Escape that just opened in the Garden State Plaza mall. This rainbow-colored display features pop-ups for you and the family to pose in front of.