‘Tis the season for spring holidays! Ramadan, Passover and Easter coincide this week, so enjoy the time spent with family and friends. If you’re looking for ways to entertain visiting relatives, take them to one of these events that make New Jersey great!
WEEKEND
Easter Egg Hunt Tractor Rides
Renault Winery & Resort, Egg Harbor City
Thursday – Saturday
Hop on board and you’ll make your way to the egg hunt area that has eggs so well camouflaged you might think they’re part of the vineyard. Some eggs contain a Renault gift card that could lead you to your next glass of wine, cupcakes or a stay at the resort. Kids and adults can play!
Fuzzamadoo! Puppet Variety Show
Morley’s Magic Theater, Butler
Friday – Saturday
The Easter-themed puppet show will include a special Easter sing-along and photos with the Easter Bunny. Expect good, old-fashioned family fun: puppets, jokes, circus, magic, music and more.
Rolling Railway Easter EGGspress
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Friday – Saturday
Hop aboard the train through Spring Village where you can meet the Easter Bunny, go on an egg hunt, and giggle through the Spring Hedge maze. Kids will get a free snack, plus an Easter prize. There will also be a giant slide and the inflatable 40-foot obstacle course. You can add on a game of bowling or shop at the pop-up snack and toy cottage.
Bunny Chase
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
You and the kids can hop on over to Terhune Orchards in Princeton for this egg-citing pre-Easter event. Kids 2-10 can follow hand-drawn clues around the farm in a self-guided treasure hunt. There will be lots of bunny-themed craft activities as well as a meet-and-greet with Ginger, a real bunny rabbit.
Easter Bunny Express
Black River and Western Railroad: Flemington station
Saturday – Sunday
Hop aboard a round-trip train ride from Flemington to Ringoes, where your kids will go on an egg hunt. They’ll also meet Peter Cottontail aboard the train for a brief photo op.
Storybook Land Easter Fun Events
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Saturday and Monday
Come to play in the park, but stay to meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs. The activities are designed with small kids in mind.
FRIDAY
Annual Service Day
Church of the Holy Spirit, Lebanon
This is a new take on Good Friday, where you will go into the community to complete projects such as assisting seniors with spring yard cleanup or fix-it projects; making improvements or repairs at county halfway houses; preparing special desserts for Meals on Wheels; or sewing cheerful pillow cases for the Children’s Hospital. You’ll be served coffee and donuts, lunch and a soup supper.
Family Fun Day
Battleship NJ, Camden
There will be face painting, temporary tattoos and balloon creations for all kids in the Wardroom of the ship, part of the Fire Power Tour.
SATURDAY
Tulip Festival
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
Celebrate the beauty and joy of tulips, with activities such as pick-your-own flowers, painting sessions and tulip-themed contests. There will be food and entertainment throughout the day.
Ice Cream With the Easter Bunny
Kurly Kürtősh, Nutley
Take photos with the Easter Bunny after having some ice cream at Kurly Kürtősh. Each child will get a Kurly Kup: a scoop of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean ice cream topped with a freshly baked kürtősh ring, edible glitter and a drizzle of Italian-imported Nutella; an Easter basket filled with bunny ears, pre-filled eggs and crafts; and the meet-and-greet.
The Adventures of Peter Cottontail
Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Pitman
Peter Cottontail is chosen as the official Easter Bunny. Unfortunately, Old Irontail wants the job. Who will prevail? All kids in attendance will receive a free Easter coloring book and a pack of crayons!
South Jersey Geekfest
Gateway Regional High School, Woodbury Heights
Show your geeky side and browse through comics, tabletop games, video games, toys, cosplayers and more.
Dog Easter Egg Hunt
Doggie Sweets, Long Branch
Owners and their pets will dig in the sand for dog toys. Any dog who finds one of the special eggs will net a gift basket for their pet parent!
Springtime Magic Show
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Bring the kids for a free springtime magic show by Steve Woyce.
Easter Celebration
Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Twp.
Enjoy the day in the park while you visit with live chicks, bunnies and animals. Check out the Spring flower stilt walker, go to the bonnet decorating class, play egg games on the green, listen to storytelling, compete in a village scavenger hunt, watch an historical Easter egg dying demo and more. Keep your eyes peeled for the Easter Bunny and join the Easter egg hunt that takes place at special stops throughout the village.
In the Light of Led Zeppelin
Levoy Theatre, Millville
The production is a musical interpretation of the talents of Robert Page and Jimmy Plant. You’ll feel like you’re listening to the music in a whole new way since it dives into classical and Middle Eastern influences of their songs.
Henhouse Visits
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
Step inside a working henhouse where the farm’s Barred Rock chickens are busy laying eggs and help a farmer make their feed: then reach into a nest box and take out an egg to bring home! You will learn egg candling and grading, and can also visit the farm’s 50 new baby chicks in the brooder coop.
Freestyle for Autism
April 8 at 9 pm
Headliner, Neptune
This night of charity for Autism New Jersey will include the music of Michael January, Alex of Latin Nation, Jase David, Krysthal, Serene, Solo Ramos, Surge and E’Dee. Hosted by MC Danny.
Wizard Fest
White Eagle Hall, Jersey City
This will be an interactive fantasy-themed party full of wizard-themed drinks, a cosplay costume contest, wizard trivia, wizard games and more. Must be 18 to attend.
The Great Red Bank Egg Hunt
Downtown Red Bank; starting at Teak Restaurant, 64 Monmouth St.
Get to the starting lineup early so you can get your map and off you go on a downtown scavenger hunt. Bring your eggs and prize tokens back to the finish line to get your ultimate prize. You’ll have time to snap pix with the Easter Bunny on your way.
Spring Fling Family Fun Day
Excursion Park, Sea Isle City
There will be lots of Easter- and spring-themed fun. Dress to impress for the Easter stroll and for pictures with the Easter Bunny. There wil lbe a jelly bean guessing contest, Easter crafts, games, face painting and music.
The Easter Bunny Express
Tuckahoe Train Station, Tuckahoe
Seashore Lines presents this special one-hour holiday train ride with the Easter Bunny.
Petting Zoo on the Midway
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Enjoy the spring opening weekends with some friendly animals. Bring the kids to feed the animals, take photos and have fun.
SUNDAY
Easter Parade
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
Dress your kids in their Easter bonnets and line the boardwalk for this cute holiday parade.
Easter Bunny Photos
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Come dressed in your Easter best and take free photos with the Easter Bunny inside the arcade.
Spring Egg Hunt
Wicoff House Museum, Plainsboro
After you fill up your basket with Easter eggs, check out the fire trucks on display. There will also be crafts and games for your whole family.
Isabella & Mirabel Sing-Along
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
After a performance by your favorite Disney’s “Encanto” characters you can stay for a meet-and-greet with photo ops.
Plant and Seed Swap
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Teach your kids about springtime planting by bringing your plants and seeds to swap with other garden lovers.
Skate With the Easter Bunny
Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center, Newark
Besides skate time and a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, kids will get a glow stick, face painting, free giveaways and take part in a dance off.
Easter Fashion Stroll
Music Pier, Ocean City
Come dressed in your Easter’s best, stroll along the boardwalk and meet the Easter Bunny. Judging begins at 1 p.m. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Children, Teen, Adults and Family.
ONGOING
Makerspace Saturdays
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.
Passover Celebration
Northlandz, Flemington
April 7-11
In addition to checking out all the cool mini train-themed exhibits, there will be Passover-specific activities, plus a special dining area and prayer area.
Do Portugal Circus
Woodbridge Center Mall, Woodbridge
April 7-23
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.
Romeo and Juliet
Two River Theater, Red Bank
April 8-30
Play On Shakespeare, Two River Theater and the National Asian American Theatre Company will present this contemporary spin on the Shakespeare classic.
Bunny Bruch & Springtime Festival
Alstede Farms, Chester
Saturdays and Sundays, through April 16
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.
Super-Sized Sand Sculptures
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through April 16
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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