Whether your kids are still on Spring Break or have returned to school, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained. Take pictures in a tulip field, check out the last weekend of sand sculptures at the aquarium or celebrate the Lenape Native American New Year.
WEEKEND
U-Pick Tulips
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Daily, through April 30
The tulips here have become one of New Jersey’s most photographed spots in the spring and the farm opened its u-pick tulips season this week. Beyond the whopping 8 million colorful tulips to take in, there are plenty of other things to keep you and your crew entertained during a visit including 20+ photo props, as many as 30 food trucks, farm animals, a feeding zoo, pony rides, a tractor-pulled hayride, Dutch souvenirs, a bakery and a tulip planting museum.
Dance on Exhibit: Carolyn Dorfman Dance
Bickford Theatre at Morris Museum, Morristown
Thursday and Saturday
Celebrate 40 years of dance with an evening of performances of some of Dorfman’s most iconic works on stage. If you stop by, you’ll experience “dance in the round” as you stroll by dancers performing atop platforms as kinetic statues.
Super-Sized Sand Sculptures
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Thursday – Sunday
You and the kids can view a collection of aquatically-inspired sand sculptures featuring some of the aquarium’s most beloved animals. The sand sculpture exhibits are free with admission to the aquarium, so pop by all the other tanks and exhibits for lots of underwater fun. Don’t miss the final weekend of the exhibit!
Children’s Consignment Pop Up Sale
Morris Hills Shopping Center, Parsippany-Troy Hills
Thursday – Saturday
Clothes, books, toys and baby gear will be on sale for 50% off, so see which hand-me-downs are best for your child.
Sports Card & Collectibles Show
Moorestown Mall, Moorestown
Friday – Sunday
While you shop at the mall, stop by this showcase to explore a wide variety of collectibles, novelties, autographed memorabilia, sports card releases and apparel.
Model Train Show
Garden State Model Railroad Club, North Haledon
Saturday – Sunday
There will be fun for the whole family, including Thomas the Tank Engine, a kiddie layout and refreshments.
Bunny Bruch & Springtime Festival
Alstede Farms, Chester
Saturday – Sunday
Your admission ticket includes scenic hay wagon rides around the farm, feeding the baby farm animals, participating in an Easter egg hunt, and photo opportunities during your visit with the Easter Bunny. Go through the museum and the evergreen adventure maze. Start the day with a farm-to-table brunch with the Easter Bunny.
FRIDAY
Spring Break Activities
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
While the kids are off from school, occupy them with a storytime and craft based on the book “Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature.” Or drop in to the Imagination Studio to make your own paper mosaic to take home. There are planetarium shows three times a day as well.
Fairy Tale Friday
Pop Shop, Collingswood
If you book a dinner reservation, you’ll be able to meet “Mario” from Super Mario Bros. in honor of his new movie debut.
Taste of Spring
Rahway Recreation Center, Rahway
More than 40 eateries and bakeries, plus an additional 40 stations of national distributors of fine wine, boutique beers and aperitifs, will offer samples of their best dishes. There will also be live music to entertain your crew.
80’s Revolution
Citizens Bank Theater, Succasunna
Put on your Cavariccis and break out the hairspray for this awesome ’80s dance party. There will be a trio of rockin’ lead singers playing the music of Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Journey, ABBA, Loverboy, Cindi Lauper, Madonna and more.
Art People Party
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
In 1981, a “Cosmic Closet” was an apartment filled with everything from electronics to toys to furniture painted in neon colors. If you come to this party, you’ll step into Princeton’s cosmic closet and find yourself transported to the East Village art scene while enjoying cocktails, Nomad Pizza and the tunes of the era spun by DJ Darius the 1st.
Schitt’s Creek Trivia Night
Red, White and Brew, Audubon
Play trivia based on the cult classic TV show. There will be plenty of beer to drink and prizes to win.
SATURDAY
The M.O.M.S. Tour
Stanley Village Community Center, Atlantic City
The M.O.M.S. Tour (Maternal Outcomes Matter Showers) is a community baby shower tour for new and expectant mothers in communities with high maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates. The tour brings education and resources to connect expectant women onsite to prenatal services, Medicare, postpartum depression, etc. Onsite activities include a Dad’s Den, Mom’s Lounge, Kid’s Korner, healthy lunch, baby supplies and resources.
Montclair Improv Comedy’s Kid Show
Cinema505, Montclair
Geared for kids 3-10 years old, this high-energy performance, featuring professional improvisers, will be 100% family-friendly (G-rating) so bring the kids to an improv show and laugh together.
Art Walk
Historic Smithville, Smithville
More than 75 artists will set up their booths on the Village Greene side of the Smithville Village selling a wide variety of art.
U-Pick Flowers
Owlet Farms, Pilesgrove
Walk around the two high tunnels and pick flowers such as white and blush ranunculus; white, yellow or purple freesia; white, purple, red or pink anemone; or pink sweet peas.
Cuentos del Arbol
WheatonArts, Millville
As a bilingual musical drawn from Spanish and Latin American folklore, this free public play is appropriate for preschool children through fifth grade, especially if they, their parents or their grandparents speak English as a second language. The centerpiece of all the tales is a tree (un Árbol) that has sheltered, shielded and nurtured countless characters who have passed her way over the years. The tree’s caretaker, Arbolita, shares four of these stories with Tomas, a storyteller looking for tales for his collection.
Author Expo
Sea Isle City
Local and children’s authors will be signing books, selling books and speaking to readers.
Art, Tea & Live Music
The Tea Lady, Rockaway Townsquare Mall, Rockaway
Join Nai the Tea Lady for tea samples, live acoustic guitar music and an art exhibit of prints and paintings from local artists.
Nature Tots: Say Hello to Spring
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
This one-day program will focus on introducing little ones to the wonders of spring. Kids 4+, with their favorite adults, will step outside the nature center and into the outdoors to check out what goes on when nature begins to wake up from its long winter’s nap.
Read and Explore: Composting
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
This program for young kids is about composting. They will learn how to turn “garbage” back into soil. They will read stories and look at compost materials. Then, each child will make their own compost container to take home.
Walk to Remember
Boardwalk/Beach, Belmar
The third annual 5K is a fundraiser for the Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial – now located at Allaire Community Farm in Wall – that was created in memory of all those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spend a nice day outdoors with your friends and family members while walking along the beachfront.
Blessing of the Bikes
Elks Lodge, Bayonne
Located in front of the lodge, this event will include the blessing, food and beverages, a Ride-In Bike Show, live music and vendors.
Essex County Family Day
Branch Brook Park, Newark
Visit the renovated concert grove to enjoy an afternoon outdoors with your family. Work out in the paddle boats, construct a craft, get your face painted, jump in a bouncy house, climb a rock wall or grab food from a food vendor and enjoy the cherry blossom trees.
Practice Reading to a Pooch
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Kids can choose their favorite book (or bring their own) and practice reading to a new four-legged friend in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment.
Plowing, Harrowing & Wash Day
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
Farmers in the field will be using horses to plow and harrow the ground to prepare it for planting corn. You’ll have a chance to try out the plow – something that could come in handy for those attending the farm’s fall plowing match, when visitors of all ages and abilities can win ribbons and prizes for turning good furrows.
Milk & Cookies
State Theatre NJ, New Brunswick
Alex of Alex & The Kaleidoscope leads an interactive show that teaches kids through songs, fun facts and adventures. They will “travel” to interesting places around the world. It is geared toward kids ages 3-9, and includes a cookie and a carton of milk for every child after the show. The 12 pm show is a sensory-friendly performance.
Comedian Aakash Gupta
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
Gupta, winner of Amazon Prime Comicstaan Season 2, has popular stand-up videos on YouTube with fan favorite lines such as “Excuse Me! Brother!” and “Shampoooo.”
Retro Night
April 15 at 6 pm
Red Bank Elks Lodge, Red Bank
The ‘80s dance party will feature records spun by Rob Blindvision and DJ Jones in the genres of dance classics, freestyle, house, new wave, synthpop and rock. This is a benefit for New Jersey Blind Citizens Association.
ShopRite Kidz Cook
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Young cooks can practice their kitchen skills and whip up a delicious, fun meal.
Loteria
Art on Hulfish, Princeton
Loteria is a Mexican game of chance. The game will be called in Spanish and English. Try your hand and see if you can win one of the prizes.
Early Spring Wildflower Walk
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Check out the early bloomers in the woodlands as you walk through the Wildflower Garden.
SUNDAY
Daffodil Day
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
More than 50,000 daffodil bulbs will beautify the grounds of the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit. There will be spring-themed games and crafts, a story trail, music, food, market vendors, an art exhibit and The Green Goats.
Bloomfest!
Branch Book Park, Newark
Celebrate the cherry blossom season during a family fun day filled with Japanese cultural demos, kids’ activities, live music, a crafters marketplace and food.
F.I.S.H. Night
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
During this sensory-friendly evening, the aquarium will lower the music, brighten the lights and reduce the crowds. It coincides with the final day of the aquarium’s Super-Sized Sand Sculptures festival.
35th Anniversary Party
Cream Ridge Winery, Cream Ridge
In honor of founder Tom Amabile, come by for a taste of Tom’s Perfect Blend wine. Make a reservation to sit inside, or bring a blanket to sit on the lawn and enjoy the afternoon.
Forest of Frogs Hike
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Take a short hike at an easy pace where you will visit vernal pools and hear and hopefully see frogs and other amphibians that are active in the spring, while learning about their life cycle, seasonal habits, mating and survival strategies.
Jersey Shore Spring Comic Book Show
Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River
Meet your favorite artists, writers and costume groups. Guests include artist Christian Espiritusanto, Warriors Amongst Realms, Mike Koneful and Jude Martys; plus the Star Wars 501st Legion.
Free Movie Event
Bernardsville Cinema, Bernardsville
Choose from either “Hidden Figures” or Disney’s “Finding Nemo” as part of the 125th anniversary celebration for St. Bernard’s Church.
Under the Shad Moon (Lenape New Year)
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
Join the Bergen County Historical Society as members celebrate Chwame Gischuch. Primitive Technologist Steve Adams will speak on The Material Culture of Prehistory and demonstrate the use of stone tools and flint knapping as well as the working of plant fibers. On display will be Native American artifacts from the society’s extensive collection. Check out Arthur Kirmss as he demonstrates the Native American and colonial craft of wampum bead making.
Spring Migration Bird Bioblitz
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Become a citizen scientists for the day. As you wander along private winding paths, visit different bird habitats and check in on the bird feeding stations. Everyone in the group will record all of the bird species you see using tally sheets. Afterwards, compile all the species findings and take part in a follow-up discussion. Senior Educator Erica Garfinkle will post the final species count on social media.
90-Second Newbery Film Festival
New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, Trenton
Through this annual video contest, kid filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery award-winning books in about 90 seconds. The screening is hosted by children’s authors James Kennedy (“The Order of Odd-Fish”) and Chris Grabenstein (“Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library,” “The Smartest Kid in the Universe”).
ONGOING
Lil’ Kickers Open House
Sofive Meadowlands, Carlstadt
April 15-21
During Open House Week, kids 18 months to 5 years will take part in a free sample soccer class. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.
The Diary of Anne Frank
Holmdel Theater Company, Holmdel
Fridays – Sundays, April 15-30
In this new adaptation, Anne Frank emerges from history as a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time. This is a drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic during the Holocaust.
Museum Littles
Wicoff House, Plainsboro
Sundays, April 16 – 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.
Do Portugal Circus
Woodbridge Center Mall, Woodbridge
Through April 23
Some of the all-human (no animal) acts include motorcyclists in the globe of death, swinging trapeze, aerialists, jugglers, hand balancers, and a funny clown.
PEEPS in the Village
Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
Every day, through April 23
The colorful display dedicated to everyone’s favorite marshmallow Easter candy includes over 90 creations of wall art, dioramas and sculpture, featuring the popular Pennsylvania-made bunnies and chicks, and carefully handmade and contributed by Philly-area residents and organizations.
The Orchid Show
New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx, NY
Select dates, through April 23
During the day, families can view the thousands of orchids on the grounds of the botanical gardens. On select nights, adults 21+ can attend for a special view-and-sip option.
Butterfly House
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through April 30
Meet hundreds of painted lady and monarch butterflies during a spring pop-up adventure. You can feed them or have them land on your finger. You’ll meet caterpillars, too. There will also be a Hedge Maze to navigate. Plus, wear goggles to see how butterflies see, look at butterflies under microscopes, and use crayons to do rubbings of the life cycle of a butterfly.
Sunday Morning Snuggle Sessions
Coombs Barnyard, Elmer
Sundays, through April 30
It’s been a long winter without human interaction, so brings the kids to hug a donkey, sheep, goats, pig, chickens, bunnies, cats and a goose.
Romeo and Juliet
Two River Theater, Red Bank
Through April 30
Play On Shakespeare, Two River Theater and the National Asian American Theatre Company will present this contemporary spin on the Shakespeare classic.
Golden Girls Murder Mystery
The Curtis, Philadelphia
Select dates through April 30
Resorts 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?
Hidden Gems
Nancy Thompson Learning Commons, Kean University, Union
Through May 8
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 a 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.
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