There are so many places to take the kids for an adventure this month in NJ! We know how precious time with your little ones is so we’ve rounded up the best activities tailor-made for kids under 5. If you’re looking for more fun that’s budget friendly, check out these free things to do in May.
See Daniel Tiger Live on Stage
You grew up watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, but your kiddos are hooked on a different PBS program. The popular show is hitting the stage for this sweet musical show this month. In the live version, Daniel Tiger and his friends want your little ones to climb aboard the trolley and join them for a tiger-ific musical. As Daniel learns what it takes to be a king, he’ll teach your kids about compassion, charity and friendship through songs and surprise guests. Take the kids on May 2 at either 3 or 6 pm at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, or May 12 at either 1:30 or 5 pm at bergenPAC in Englewood.
Head to a Children’s Festival
’Tis the season for fairs and festivals, and what’s better than a day of excitement and adventure for your little ones? Make a pit stop at WheatonArts’ ECO Fair in Millville on May 4, where they can listen to live music, learn about environmental issues and dabble in some art. From May 4-5, soar to new heights at Terhune Orchards for Kite Day, plus hit special activities like tractor-drawn wagon rides and games before sampling chili, cider and apples. The Children’s Festival in Historic Smithville on May 11 is pulling out all the stops: popcorn, face painting, balloon animals, games and a show from the Cape May Zoo. On May 18, hit the Fairy & Pirate Festival at Turkey Brook Park in Mount Olive for face painting, pony rides, games, more than 40 vendors, fairy hair makeovers and bounce houses.
Take Part in National Public Gardens Day
Smell those May flowers at Macculloch Hall’s historical garden in Morristown on May 11 for National Public Gardens Day. Your family can get artsy, take part in garden-themed activities and explore the gorgeous grounds. If you’ve got fans of creepy-crawlers, they’ll love the visit from Insectropolis. Registration recommended. Check out the Sayen Botanical Gardens on May 12 in Hamilton, where the Azalea Festival is in full bloom. The kids can see Mother Nature at work—and you can snap some cute photos —since there’ll be more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas and more along paths, fountains, bridges, lakes and gazebos. There’ll also be craft and food vendors, along with kids’ activities. If you’re looking for more reasons to keep the kids outside, hit these NJ nature centers, gardens and arboretums.
Celebrate the Opening of Sesame Place
Join Elmo and pals from May 4-5 in Langhorne, PA, when the Sesame Place celebrates Elmo’s Springtacular Kickoff Weekend (aka its 50th birthday!). This amusement park is perfect for your toddlers, with not-too-scary rides that are sized just for them, sweet shows featuring faves like Abby Caddaby and Elmo. And this year, on Saturday, Mr. Snuffleupagus will make his debut appearance, in addition to the park’s reimagined neighborhood. On both days, there’ll be a parade featuring your kids’ favorite Sesame Street characters.
Take the Kids to a Touch-A-Truck Event
If you’ve got a bin filled with toy trucks at home, you know your kids will love a chance to get up-close-and-personal with the real thing. Kids can climb, pull and push all the buttons, levers and automobile parts they desire on May 4 at this Touch-A-Truck in Wyckoff. There’ll be a silent sensory friendly hour at the beginning of the event. On the same day in Stafford Twp., the 5th Annual Touch-A-Truck will bring police vehicles, fire trucks, dump trucks and kids activities like clowns, face painting, bounce houses and more to Manahawkin Lake Park. On May 5, the 15th Annual Junior League of Bergen County Touch-A-Truck will park at Garden State Plaza, where the kids can slip into the driver’s seat, beep horns and more. Go wild in the bounce house and get the kids’ faces painted. Head to the JCC of Central New Jersey in Scotch Plains on May 19 for a free Touch-A-Truck that features public service, emergency, utility and construction vehicles. For an hour, there’ll be no horns, music or sirens, so children with special needs can partake in the fun. There’ll also be food trucks, bouncing and games. That same day, the Deptford Skating Center in Westville is throwing their own Touch-A-Truck! event, complete with a tow truck, limo, ambulance and other automobiles, plus free skating admission. If you’re near South Amboy, South Amboy Middle High School will host Riley’s 3rd Touch-A-Truck on May 19 with pipes and drums, face painting, food and a DJ.