Friday is Cinco de Mayo, so find out where in NJ you can fiesta! Then on Saturday, while you watch the Kentucky Derby sip on a mint julep at one of these parties. For family fun with the kids, try an alpaca visit, Wild West City show or tour the engine room of the Battleship New Jersey.
WEEKEND
Alpaca Visit: Feeding & More
Morning Glori Farmette, Evesham Twp.
Friday – Saturday
Meet the alpacas, take a 30-minute informational tour and feed the cute and cuddly herd. Build a Bailey (stuffable alpacas) and other crafts will be available.
Spring Rummage Sale
Far Hills
Friday – Sunday
Atlantic Visiting Nurses hosts this sale twice a year. Thousands of bargain hunters are expected to shop for gently used clothing, jewelry, home goods, vintage vinyl records and more.
Teaneck Creek Conservancy Reopening Weekend
Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Teaneck
Friday – Sunday
The month-long reopening celebration is set to kick off Friday with a book talk on “Urban Diversity – The Natural History of the NJ Meadowlands.” On Saturday, take the “Yesterday and Today” Ecological History Walk where you will learn about the history of the park and major milestones achieved over the last two decades. Then, watch how storm-downed trees are reimagined into carefully crafted sculptures. On Sunday, use the iNaturalist app during the Investigating Nature workshop and conclude the weekend by admiring The Puffin Camera Club’s 20th Anniversary Show.
Mutts Gone Nuts!
Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, PA
Friday – Saturday
The stars of this canine cabaret comedy show include the highest jumping dog in the universe, two Guinness World Record Champions and a hilarious six-pound Pomeranian Pikachu mix. On Friday night there will be a special pet adoption event before the show.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
Stages throughout Cape May
Friday – Sunday
There are three days of live jazz music performed on different stages: Cape May Convention Hall, the Convention Hall Deck Stage, Rotary Park Stage, Carney’s Main Room and Carney’s Other Room.
Wild West City Opening Weekend
Wild West City, Stanhope
Saturday – Sunday
Witness the reawakening of the past through live action shows, unique storytelling and interactive learning adventures around the park. Explore the town’s museums, visit the new Native American Village and see real frontier animals at the barnyard. Watch live demos at the blacksmith shop, mountain man cabin, chuckwagon camp, the one-room schoolhouse and print shop. Try your luck panning for gold at Egan’s Gold Mine.
MaiFest
Readington Brewery, Neshanic Station
Saturday – Sunday
Pronounced “my-fest,” this is a German celebration of the arrival of spring. There will be food trucks, German beers on tap, traditional German music, a stein holding contest, a German attire contest, goat races and more music at night.
Gym & Sensory Play Open House
Inclusion Sports Performance Training, Hopewell
Saturday – Sunday
There is a new facility set up for toddlers and preschoolers. The structured inclusive sessions guided by highly trained staff keep every child moving and learning in a non-competitive and motivating environment. Bring the kids this weekend for free play during various open house sessions.
AUCC Festival & Eid Event
Oakdene Avenue, Teaneck
Saturday – Sunday
The two-day event will include carnival games, halal food, a petting zoo, a basketball tournament, a dunk tank, a car show, a mechanical bull and more.
Kite Day
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Bring your own kite from home, or you can make one during the celebration of spring. There will be lots to do, like pony rides, a sheep shearing demo, a duckie race, music by local bands and tons of food options.
Jeeps & Cinco de Mayo Food Truck Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from Mexican food trucks in honor of Cinco de Mayo, there will be lots of bacon options, making this event known as Cinco de Bacon and Bacon de Mayo complete with live bands, wagon tours of the vineyard, face painting, wine for the adults, plus a Jeep show.
Strawberry Month Kickoff Weekend
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Saturday – Sunday
The weekend will include strawberry-themed food, beverages, live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and shop specials. Peddler’s Village shops will be open late on Saturday. During the month of May, savor strawberry-themed food and drink specials served every day in the village restaurants and eateries.
Weekend Bike Package
Jim Thorpe, PA
Saturday – Monday
You’ll have a two-night overnight stay that includes plenty of biking around the area, shopping in the quaint village, exploring museums and two breakfasts.
Hidden Gems
Nancy Thompson Learning Commons, Kean University, Union
Through Monday
A geode may look like an “ugly rock” but once they are broken open, there are beautiful crystals inside. The freestanding sculptures in this exhibit are inspired by rock structures created with multiple parts of cast, assembled and carved resin.
FRIDAY
Midnight Market Foodie Fest
Coles Street, Jersey City
The food festival and dance party will be on Cinco de Mayo so there will definitely be tacos and tequila. This late night foodie party has multiple bars with happy hour specials, food vendors and food trucks serving $5-$8 small bites, free activities, and DJs spinning all night.
Spring Plant Sale
Van Vleck Gardens, Montclair
This is a great opportunity to get your kids into gardening by finding flowers, vegetables and herbs to add to your garden. After you’ve found your new favorite plants, go on a hunt through the Fairy Trail and take a self-guided scavenger hunt at the Education Center.
Full Moon Meditation & Ritual On The Beach
Island Beach Motor Lodge, South Seaside Park
This meditation is designed to combine the power of the full moon, the natural beauty of the beach and the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls. You’ll be guided through a series of mindfulness exercises and visualizations to help you relax, reenergize and transform your emotions. Bring a towel or blanket, and maybe a sweatshirt, so that you’re comfortable while lying on the sand.
Opening Weekend of Morey’s Piers
Wildwood
Come by and start the summer early by walking the boardwalk, going on rides and playing games.
First Friday at the Farm
Lone Wolf Farm Market, Pemberton
There will be food vendors, local spring produce, Mother’s Day flowers and gifts, sweet treats, handmade craft items, farm fresh eggs, honey, beverages – and a Cinco de Mayo party!
Jersey City Craft Brew Fest
Liberty State Park Ferry Terminal, Jersey City
A traditional German celebration of beer and countrymen will be held in the spirit of Oktoberfest.
Mother’s Day Pop Up Shop
MarketFair, Princeton
Eternal Permanent Jewelry will host a pop-up where you can get Mom fitted for a special bracelet. Then, go shopping in the mall or take her out for dinner.
Full Moon Walk: May’s Flower Moon
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Enjoy a peaceful spring evening at the preserve as you walk from Maggie’s Point to McCormack Lake.
Jazz Appreciation Month
Plainsboro Preserve, Plainsboro
Bring a blanket or lawn chair so you can relax while listening to a jazz-filled evening in the park with professional trumpet player Danny Tobias, featuring Silas Irvine (piano), Joe Plowman (bass) and Gusten Rudolph (drums).
Evening Engine Room Guided Tour
Battleship NJ, Camden
Inside the armored citadel of the ship, you can take a 90-minute, family-friendly, guided walking tour of the most powerful engineering plant ever installed on a battleship. Learn how steam powered engines moved the massive ship at record-breaking speeds and see the spaces crew members worked in. You will have to climb down seven stories into a fire room to see the huge boilers, an engine room to see the turbines and throttle wheels, and a one of the ship’s many steering positions.
Full Moon Hike
Hoffman Park, Hampton (Union Twp.)
Explore the park after dark and see the moonlight reflecting off the ponds. Under the light of a full moon, you will listen to early insects and learn about the adaptations of nocturnal animals. You will also learn about the phases of the moon. Kids 8 and older can join.
Junior Naturalists: Springtime Explorers
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Pre-teens who are 9 to 13 years old can join field investigations and science explorations. They will develop their naturalist skills while engaging in STEM activities.
SATURDAY
Makerspace Saturday
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts Education Annex, Madison
First Saturday of every month
The new Makerspace offers kid-friendly projects and creative activities to do after spending time at the museum. Drop by for hands-on activities geared toward kids ages 5-12 such as building with LEGOS, painting, making jewelry, experimenting with engineering and coding robots.
Chester Food Truck & Music Festival
Municipal Field, Chester
The food trucks are rolling into Chester Borough. The day will include 20 trucks, live music from three bands, beer/sangria/margarita garden, kids’ activities, vendors and more. This event is a benefit for the Chester First Aid Squad and The Chester/Mendham Food Pantry so bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the food pantry.
Down and Derby Wine Festival
Veterans Island, Cooper River Park, Haddon Twp.
In honor of the Kentucky Derby, come down for wine tastings from various South Jersey wineries, plus entertainment from local legend Aunt Mary Pat DiSabatino, live entertainment from Jersey Shore band Secret Service, Derby-dressing contests, expert betting instruction, plus tons of food truck dinner and dessert options and all sorts of Derby-themed fun.
May The 4th Be With You
The Comic Stop, Brick
The first free comic book day will celebrate May 4, familiar to fans of “Star Wars” because of the play on “May the force be with you.” You can celebrate from May 4-7, but Free Comic Book Day is May 6.
Health & Wellness Festival
Kings Highway, Haddonfield
The heart of the downtown business district will be filled with preventative and integrative practitioners offering resources and services provided by various health-based organizations, as well as local wellness/fitness studios and businesses. There will be health screenings, fitness workouts and more.
Paws & Feet 5K and Doggie Fun Day
Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees
Animal Welfare Association’s signature annual event celebrates the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets. It’s a day full of fun activities for the whole family, including your furry best friends. There will be live entertainment, local small business vendors, children’s activities, food and drink, and more.
Home & Garden Tour
Collingswood
Take a guided tour of the beautiful homes and gardens located throughout the borough.
Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
There will be more than 20 food trucks specializing in BBQ and sweet treats; plus 100 craft beers from across the region. There will be live music, entertainment and activities for all ages. This year’s entertainment includes axe throwing and music by the Brian St. John Band and Bill Ruddy. There will also be bounce houses and kid-friendly games.
Central NJ Empanada Fest
Brunswick Square Mall, East Brunswick
The festival will highlight local gourmet food vendors and their unique twists on empanadas as well as many other food trucks serving BBQ, American, Asian and more. You can expect live music, a bungee trampoline, bounce house, air soft shooting gallery, face painting, henna tattoos and sand art. As a special attraction, your ticket will include a 90-minute professional wrestling show from UWA Elite Wrestling.
Secaucus Green Festival
The XChange at Secaucus Junction, Secaucus
Celebrate our planet with environmentally-conscious vendors, exhibits, educational presentations, food vendors and fun activities for all. Food and eco-friendly products will be available for purchase.
Spring Blossom Festival
Riamede Farm, Chester
There will be a scenic hayride through the blooming orchard to learn about and experience this beautiful time of year on the farm. Learn about the importance of pollinators from the Morris and Somerset County Beekeepers Association, who will be giving talks and exhibiting an observation hive that lets you see inside a real hive. Enjoy live acoustic music and blacksmithing demonstrations, in addition to shopping with 30 local artisan vendors, food trucks and ice cream. Riamede’s farm store will be open, selling their famous apple cider donuts.
Madagascar The Musical
State Theatre, New Brunswick
If your kids like to “Move It, Move It!” they will want to join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they escape from the zoo during this live musical based on the animated movie.
Paws & Feet 5K and Doggie Fun Day
Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees
Animal Welfare Association has planned a full day of fun activities for the whole family, including your furry best friends. There will be live entertainment, local small business vendors, children’s activities, food and drink from local favorites, and more.
Jeep Jam
New Egypt Flea Market Village, New Egypt
Whether or not you own this awesome car, come on by and shop from more than 40 shoppes and vendors, listen to music, eat some food and win some prizes. The event is family- and pet-friendly.
Kelsey Grammer Meet-and-Greet
A’Dam Good Sports Bar, Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City
Kelsey Grammer of “Cheers” and “Frasier” fame will be guest bartending for the night.
Native Plant Sales
Lorrimer Nature Center, Franklin Lakes
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Nature Center of Cape May, Cape May
This is a great opportunity to support New Jersey wildlife, especially pollinators like butterflies and birds, by planting native plants. Even birds passing through, like warblers, benefit from native plants. Native plants help to reduce the spread of invasive species and can reduce the need for pesticides. While picking up your plants spend some time in the nature stores for garden supplies, bird seed, optics (store dependent) and more. Hosted by New Jersey Audubon.
TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park Opening Weekend
TreEscape, Vernon Twp.
If you’re looking for a fun, outdoor family outing, this must be dded to your spring to-do list. Set among the wooded forest of Great Gorge, the park offers fun challenges to guests of all ages and skill levels. Get ready to climb, zip and soar through the trees, all while spending time outside in nature with your gang.
Praise in the Park
Village Park, Cranbury
Bring your lawn chair and picnic basket so you can relax while listening to Christian recording artists AlterLife (featuring Dez Childs), Anchored, Fitz, Lee Goldberg and more playing original music and top contemporary hits. Local artisans, churches and charities will be there, along with food trucks and games set up on the lawn. Guest speakers and a comedian will share inspiring words of hope, comfort and praise.
Down & Derby Wine Festival
Cooper River Park, Pennsauken
Sample wine from various South Jersey wineries, listen to music from local legend Aunt Mary Pat DiSabatino and the Jersey band Secret Service, enter the Derby-dressing contest, learn expert betting instruction, and order dinner and desserts from the food trucks.
Medford Arts Art & Craft Festival
Gazebo Park and North Main Street, Medford
Shop for pottery, glass art, wood, painting and photographs while you walk along Main Street and through the park.
Spring Fling
Ocean Grove
This annual celebration includes vendors, artisans, music, and more. The Jo Wymer band takes the stage at 11am followed by Chuck Lambert Blues. Check out the new pier as well.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
Menlo Park Mall, Edison
The truck will be parked by Macy’s with supercute treats and merchandise based on Hello Kitty.
PorchFest
Bordentown City
Musicians will play outside at different venues around town, so you can walk from house to house to listen to great music.
Vet Fest
Dave Walks Memorial Park, Wayne
This food truck and music festival will raise money to help homeless veterans. There will be a dozen food vendors, live bands playing all day and outdoor activities.
Founders Day
Municipal Grounds, Plainsboro
Whether or not you live in Plainsboro, celebrate its history with jugglers, sports, amusement rides, super inflatables, children’s activities, crafts, Wicoff House Museum tours and more. Festivities begin with a parade from Edgemere Avenue to the municipal grounds.
Sheep Shearing & Herding
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
“Shear Fun” is in store with sheep shearing, wool spinning and weaving demonstrations throughout the day. You’ll get to watch award-winning border collies herding sheep in the pasture. You’ll also learn about sheep care, fleece cleaning, and wool use—plus working dog whistle commands, puppy training and more.
Fiesta de Mayo
Huddy Park, Highlands
This cantina crawl includes a margarita contest, mariachi music and authentic Mexican food in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Princeton Art Bazaar
Downtown Princeton
Shop the outdoor market that has more than 75 vendors working in ceramics, textiles, printmaking, wood, glass, leather, jewelry, self-care, vintage and more. Stop by the open studios for hands-on art making. Learn Capoeira, screenprint your own T-shirt, make a watercolor painting, and bring the kids to Art for Littles. The Triumph Brewing Co. Beer Garden will be open for shoppers 21+.
Print Day in May
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
Kids and adults can attend any of the six printmaking workshops; plus, there will be live demonstrations by professional artists.
Spring Stream Stomp
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Drop off your teens and ‘tweens so they can take a short exploration hike, passing waterfalls along Blue Mine Brook. Once there, they will use nets and magnifiers to discover the life that flourishes in the freshwater ecosystem, such as salamanders, dragonflies, crayfish and frogs.
Family & Friends Stream Stroll
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
This short exploration hike is for the whole family. You will use nets and magnifiers to discover salamanders, dragonflies, crayfish and frogs. Open to anyone 5 and older.
Mom’s Garden Project
Flagtown Park, Hillsborough
About 200 volunteers from the international WeLoveU Foundation and Amazon will lead a tree-planting activity. Volunteers will also be cleaning up litter, painting a playground, installing benches and mulching the ground.
Spring Block Party
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
There will be more than 350 crafters, food, music and more along Asbury Avenue, next to Arnie’s Gourmet Butcher Shop.
Brunch & Jazz
Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub, New Brunswick
Listen to Sam Wilson on keyboard, Tristan Voitcuz on the sax and Colin Duncan on drums as you enjoy an early meal.
Montclair Literary Festival
Montclair Public Library, Montclair
Presented by Succeed2gether, this literacy event will feature book readings, book signings, craft activities and a workshop all for children. Authors attending include Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Tracey Baptiste, Mike Allegra, Alliah L. Agostini and Mary Amato, plus storyteller Sabina Wasonga-Gitau.
Buena Spring Festival
Buena Historical Society, Landisville
The Buena Historical Society’s first-ever Fine Crafts & Artisan Spring Festival will include entertainment and games for kids, food, displays and exhibits and local history and artifacts.
Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Bring your whole crew to the field. Adults can sample from more than 100 craft beers, while kids can play carnival games, jump in the bounce houses and throw axes. Plus, there will be more than 20 food trucks on site.
ECO Fair
WheatonArts, Millville
ECO Fair features local gardening clubs, including Rutgers Master Gardeners with various plants and herbs for sale, handmade works of New Jersey artists, environmental organizations, Nature Trail tours, eco-friendly activities for families, and more. Stay for a presentation concerning horseshoe crabs and red knots.
Spring Block Party
Ocean City
From 5th Street up to 14th Street on Asbury Avenue, there will be more than 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more.
And The Tony Goes To …
Camp Jefferson Amphitheater, Lake Hopatcong
Dance Innovations Performance Foundation’s Spring Cabaret features students of all ages and abilities performing scenes, songs and dances that celebrate many Tony Award-winning musicals.
Down and Derby Fundraiser
Frenchtown Riding Club, Frenchtown
Don your Derby best for a Kentucky Derby viewing party that will raise funds for Riding With Heart. The event features live music by the Dave Blair Band and a special Derby-themed buffet courtesy of The Milford House, plus wine tasting by the Federal Twist Vineyard, craft beer by Descendants Brewing Company, and mint juleps.
Moms The Word
Fourchette, Red Bank
Red Bank RiverCenter’s newest event provides a map of local participating businesses that will offer specials and deals as you shop for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Sayreville Recreation Fishing Derby
Kennedy Park, Sayreville
Officer Fischer will be on hand to teach kids how to fish. Sayreville PBA Local 98 members will give kids poles and equipment to use. Prizes will be awarded to the overall winner, and those you catch the largest fish in each age group. Open to Sayreville residents ages 3-15.
SUNDAY
Waldwick Chamber of Commerce 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk
Waldwick High School Track & Field, Waldwick
This year’s race theme this year will coincide with National Lemonade Day. The Waldwick Chamber of Commerce will partner with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to help cure childhood cancer.
Spring Carnival
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Rides, inflatables and carnival games are free fun for the whole family, plus food trucks and music. Glitter tattoos, face painting, petting zoo, and the arts and craft tent have an additional fee.
Walnut Street Fair
Walnut Street, Montclair
Spread throughout the heart of Walnut Street in Montclair, this fair features local Walnut Street businesses, live music and performances, 150+ vendors and displays, food trucks, a beer garden, Touch-A-Truck, a family fun zone, 50/50 raffle, and much more.
Hoboken Art & Music Festival
Washington Street, Hoboken
Downtown will be teeming with food, artists, crafters and lots of live entertainment during this annual celebration.
Spring Fling
Downtown Westfield
Central Avenue will be transformed into a marketplace of vendors, crafters and retail establishments. The day will be filled with tons of food, entertainment and a Kids Zone with rides and inflatables.
Walk4Friends Event
Marlboro Recreation Center, Marlboro
The Friendship Circle works with children, teens and young adults with special needs. The Walk4Friends fundraising event is a one-mile walk that will include entertainment including balloon twisting, face painting, a photo booth and more.
Spring Food and Music Festival
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Order lunch from more than a dozen food vendors. There will be live music, games and activities for all ages, plus an airsoft shooting range, hatchet tossing, bounce house, bungee trampoline, face painters, henna by Dana, and more. Those 21+ can order local craft beer as well as wine, sangria and hard seltzers. Live music will be by Naughty Humphrey and Guy Smiley.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
This is opening weekend! The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
Spring Family Fun Walk & Run
Clipper Pavilion, South Mountain Reservation Reservoir, West Orange
Help the Foundation for Diabetes Research continue to fund research with the goal of curing type 1 diabetes.
Springtime Festival
Bell Works, Holmdel
The Monmouth Moms will hold their second annual fest that includes lots of food options, more than 75 vendors, character appearances, Mother’s Day gifts, a Kids Zone, mini photo sessions, storytime, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, face painting, touch-a-truck, Mommy & Me activities, plus a mimosa bar for the grownups.
MS Walk North Brunswick
Community Park, North Brunswick
Hundreds of residents come out every year to take the walk past the dog park, soccer fields and baseball diamond to raise money for the fight against multiple sclerosis.
Walk MS Asbury Park
5th Avenue at North Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
Follow their motto “Together We Are Stronger” and join fellow walkers in the effort to find a cure for MS.
Children’s Day: Kodomo no Hi
Japan Society, New York, NY
Share the joy of childhood as you celebrate Japan’s national holiday packed. Every child can pose with life-sized samurai armor displays and take to the stage in a popular sword-fighting workshop. Watch the beauty of traditional Japanese dance. Enjoy a variety of Children’s Day-themed crafts, or ask for a take-home craft kit.
Verona NEDA Walk
Verona Park, Verona
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is organizing its Verona NEDA Walk to spread awareness about the realities of eating disorders and build supportive, local communities of hope, strength and recovery. You can join in person or virtually. This year’s theme is Strength through Experience and Knowledge.
Mom’s Garden Project
Flagtown Park, Hillsborough
About 200 volunteers from the international WeLoveU Foundation and Amazon will lead a tree-planting activity. Volunteers will be cleaning up litter, painting a playground, installing benches and mulching the ground.
May Tea Fundraiser
Old Barracks Museum, Trenton
Dress your best and wear your hat for a semi-formal tea service. You’ll be treated to a variety of teas, finger sandwiches and pastries, as well as a teacup that can be taken home with you.
Mother’s Day Pop-Up Shop
The Black Door Boutique, Metuchen
Bring your bestie, your sister and your mom – or just get them something nice – as you sip and shop during the afternoon.
Cinco de May Fiesta
Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus
956 Events and Tails Up Paws Down Rescue will hold a fiesta with food trucks, margaritas, piña coladas, beer, music from DJ Infamous and a live Mariachi band.
Springfield Food Truck Festival
Springfield Community Pool Parking Lot, Springfield
The Rotary Club of Springfield brings this fest to the community, which will have plenty of food trucks, a beer and wine garden, live entertainment and a 50/50 raffle.
NYRR Newport 5K
Newport Green Park, Jersey City
Head across the Hudson River for the Rising New York Road Runners, where kids ages 2-11 of all abilities who are new to running and are physical activity can take part in non-competitive short dashes. Every finisher will receive a souvenir, subject to availability.
Springfest Fair
Veterans Park, Westwood
There will be vendors selling arts, crafts, gifts and antiques in the park.
Small Wonder Marketplace
Maplewood Village, Maplewood
Walk the streets to browse and shop local makers as well as local merchants. Take a break from the shopping and sit down for lunch at one of the eateries in the village or grab a snack at one of the food vendors. There will be live music all day.
ONGOING
Mansion in May
Three Fields, Mendham
Every day from May 1-31
Tour this exquisite French manor-style home and its grounds. It will feel like you are in the French countryside.
The Prom
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
Select dates, May 5-21
Four down-on-their-luck Broadway stars shake up a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen who wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend. Recommended for teens 13 and older.
Guided Artist Tour
Hoboken
May 6 and 13
Join local artists Chesleigh Meade and Fabio Esteban as they lead uptown and downtown guided tours of “Through the Windows,” part of Hoboken’s City Art Walk, and share their insights on some of the featured artists of #AHobokenArtWalk.
Viva La Fiesta
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
May 6-21
Move to the beat during this all-new event as this Mexican style party heats up the park with food, fun and entertainment.
Cognizant Founders Cup
Upper Montclair Country Club, Clifton
May 8-14
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the PGA of America (PGA) announced that 2023 will be the Year of Women’s Golf in New Jersey. This event celebrates and honors the 13 founders of the LPGA Tour created in 1950.
Aesop & His Fabled Friends
Sussex County Community College, Newton
Thursdays and Saturdays, through May 11
All the forest creatures are getting ready for the big race and after-party celebration – find out what happens along the way! Presented by the Alpha Arts Players, the college students adapted several fables, wrote the script, and are performing and producing the show. It is geared toward families, especially since you can meet the forest friends after the show.
Trail Riding Program
Mercer Meadows Equestrian Center, Pennington
Saturdays, through mid-May
Kids (and adults) 12 and up can go on a leisurely 45-minute horseback trail ride around the Mercer Stables property. No riding experience is necessary. You must book in advance.
Springtime Shell-A-Bration
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through May 21
Learn about ocean conservation and how you can help protect turtles in New Jersey and beyond. Kids (and adults) can take the Turtle Scout Pledge to help protect our turtle friends and the waters they call home. You can purchase a Top of Ocean Realm Tour Bundle for an exclusive behind-the-scenes, birds-eye view of sea turtles, sharks and rays. Or, book a paid sea turtle encounter for up to four guests for the chance to tong-feed Adventure Aquarium’s trio of sea turtles – Old Green, Bob and Stitches – from a dock on the top of the Ocean Realm exhibit.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through May 27
Enjoy a quiet morning at the sanctuary walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. These walks are informal and informative; birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians are a few of nature’s wonders waiting for you to discover.
The FRIENDS Experience: The One Near Philadelphia
King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia
Through May 29
Sit on the big orange couch at Central Perk, hang out in Joey and Chandler’s apartment, sit at Rachel and Monica’s kitchen table and read the 18-page letter – front and back – at this awesome experience that brings the Friends set to you!
Beyonce Laser Show
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Select dates, through May 31
Your Bey Hive can sing along to Beyoncé tunes from speakers that can produce 30,000 watts of digital sound. Fans can also dance to the beat timed to lasers produced using 88 million pixels and 281 trillion colors. The show is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Growing in the Garden
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Second Saturday of the month, through June
This hands-on art program for children age 4 and older and their caregivers includes a story, a visit to MHHM’s gardens, and an art project.
Laser Taylor Swift
Edelman Planetarium, Glassboro
Saturdays, through June
This laser show is perfect for the biggest Swifties. Taylor’s biggest hits come to life in dazzling laser light. It’s the next best thing if you can’t score tickets to her concert.
Springtime Photography for Kids
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Sundays, through June 4
Kids will step into nature to improve their outdoor photography skills. The last class will be held in the computer lab so they can sharpen their photo editing skills. Then, they’ll have some of their best work displayed at the preserve throughout the rest of the season, with an opening reception for family and friends.
World War II Exhibit
Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through June 17
Kids and adults who are interested in history will learn about the lives and memories of veterans and fallen heroes from World War II through this exhibit. There will be military and civilian paraphernalia including weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.
Junior Historians Club
Wicoff House, Plainsboro
Saturdays, through June 17
Kids ages 6-8 will learn about historic preservation through fun and immersive activities. Each meeting will have a theme such as archaeology, architecture, conservation or genealogy. There will be weekly activities, crafts and museum scavenger hunts.
Museum Littles
Wicoff House, Plainsboro
Sundays, through June 18
Little ones ages 2-4 will be introduced to new topics through fun crafts and engaged learning. Activities include classical music, sensory activities and an active play area based on weekly themes such as Little Architect, Little Botanist, Little Astronomer, Little Linguist, Little Archeologist and more.
Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Resorts AC Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City
Select dates through August 19
Miami’s Fab Four are investigating a potential murder hit – when they become suspects in a completely different murder! Use your detective skills to figure out which character is responsible and what their motive it – could it possibly be one of our favorite friends who is guilty?
Disney 100: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 27
Disney fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at their favorite characters, movies and theme parks. Walk through 10 different galleries that will immerse you in sight, sound and touch.
Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 4
Kids can learn, play and solve problems while finding themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Younger kids can practice counting objects, comparing sizes and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running.
Statue at Sunset
Pier 16, New York, NY
Every day, through September 3
Bring your kids or date on board a small, intimate Circle Line vessel, where you’ll sail along the East River for an hour during sunset, passing by NYC landmarks such as the Statute of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be a photo stop at Lady Liberty.
Identity & Restraint: Art of the Dog Collar
AKC Museum of the Dog, New York
Through September 4
This unique exhibit presents an array of dog collars from the National Sporting Library & Museum. Fine art from the AKC Museum of the Dog and American Kennel Club Collections will help develop an understanding of the collar as both art and object and how its design changed in relation to different dog breeds and their uses.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Sundays, through November 12
The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
Food Truck Festival Season
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Select Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19
Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus have a glass or wine or two. There will be family activities, too.
Don’t forget to plan the perfect Mother’s Day. Buy the perfect present, make a brunch reservation and find where to celebrate all weekend.
Read More:
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Food Truck Festivals in NJ
The Best Outdoor Street Fairs in NJ
These Music Festivals Will Rock NJ This Summer
Springtime Flower Festivals in and Around NJ
The LPGA Is Coming to NJ for Family-Friendly Fun
