March is here and you know what that means—it’s just about spring (we hope). But until the weather gets warmer, there are lots of things to do with the fam this weekend. Test your fish casting skills and pedal a mini paddleboat at the Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show in Atlantic City, chow down on everyone’s favorite for Mac and Cheese Mayhem in Morristown or kick off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Belmar. And if that’s not enough, you can always visit a museum or zoo this weekend too.
Featured Photo Credit: John Dimaio at the Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show
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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Progressive Atlantic City Boat Show
March 2-6
Bring the whole family out to gear up for boating season where kids can join on the fun, while you look at the latest in boating and water play. Catch fishing workshops, try out a step-and-go paddleboard, brush up on boating education, and learn to cast like a pro. And the kids will have plenty to do—they can build a boat, admire amazing sandcastles, or splash around on paddle boats in a mini “lake”.
Cost: BOGO Link, children 12 and under are free
Atlantic City Convention Center, One Convention Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 449-2000
24th Annual Cranbury Craft Show
March 5 at 10 AM and March 6 at 11 AM
Stop by this family-friendly craft show which features a wide range of handmade items like jewelry, art, photography, pottery, candles, pet apparel, clothing, toys, gourmet foods, candy, desserts, and more. Proceeds benefit the Cranbury Education Foundation.
Cost: $5,13 and under are free
The Cranbury School, 23 N Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512
cranburynjscraftshow@gmail.com
Mac and Cheese Mayhem
Morristown March 5 at 11 AM
“Mac” your cheesy dreams come true at this festival devoted to the golden elbows. Experience gourmet, chef-inspired twists like lobster mac and cheese all while listening to live music, drinking sangria, and voting on your favorites. Plus, they’ll be loads of kids activities too.
Cost: $7 if pre-purchased, $10 at the door, 3 and under are free
Morristown Armory – 430 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Shamrock Celebration at Laurita Winery
March 5-6 and 12-13 at 11:30 AM
Bring the whole family out to celebrate the Irish with authentic Irish tunes, food, and fun all at Laurita Winery. There will be live music, Irish dancers, and a few Irish vendors too. No reservations are needed.
Cost: Free admission
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
(609) 752-0200
The New Weis Center Maple Sugaring
March 5 at 3:30 PM
Come out to watch the process, history, and ecology of maple sap and syrup. Start with a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, tree biology, and some of the many things sap is used for. Then learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. Finish off the day with a syrup taste test.
Cost: $10 per person
150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
(973) 835-2160
Workhorse Rides at Howell Living History Farm
March 5 at various times
Spend the day learning the differences between draft, saddle and carriage horses when you climb aboard a fully harnessed workhorse for a ride after helping farmers with barn chores like bedding stalls, filling water troughs, and making feed.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Warren’s Annual Winter Festival, Bonfire, and Fireworks
March 5 at 4 PM
Say goodbye to winter with fireworks, a bonfire, horse and carriage rides, an ice carver, carnival rides, a petting zoo, marshmallow roasting, and more. Grab a bite from food trucks like Let’s Have a Ball, Latin Bites, Big John’s Gourmet Burgers, and Dilly Dilly Donuts, which will be on-site at the festival.
Cost: Free
Municipal Grounds located at 46 Mountain Blvd, Warren, NJ 07059
(908) 753-8000
Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge Maple Sugaring
March 5, 6, 12 and 13, times vary
Take part in a 60-minute outdoor program at the Sugar Shack, a half-mile hike from the Environmental Center. See how trees are tapped, view sap-collecting methods from the past and today, and see the boiling process used to make maple syrup.
Cost: $6 per student/senior or $7 per adult
190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(908) 722-1200 x5002
Belmar St. Patricks Day Parade
March 6 at 11 AM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the state’s largest and most attended St. Patrick’s Day parades. Come to hear the bagpipes, watch the fire trucks go by, and don’t forget to wear your green to celebrate.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
Maple Sugaring At The Tenafly Nature Center
March 6, 13, and 20 with a variety of session times
Identify a maple tree, learn about the history of maple sugaring and see how the technology has changed at this program for all ages.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, member $8, member family $30, non-member $10
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
(201) 568-6093
His Excellency and His Majesty: George Washington and George III
March 6-20 at 2:30 PM
Compare the lives of George Washington and King George. Discover these two men’s lives, legacy, and leadership during this tour of George Washington’s winter headquarters.
Cost: Admission is free
Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites – 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 725-1015
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center Maple Sugaring
Every weekend until March 12
Learn all about identifying and tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and making real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. You can even bring home the freshly made syrup for pancakes. Make sure to bundle up since you’ll be outside the whole time.
Cost: $5 per person—this program is for ages 5 and up, and pre-registration is required.
Great Swamp Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township, NJ 07928
(973) 635-6629
Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Every Thursday-Sunday from February 24 – March 13
Catch the opening weekend of seeing the magical mermaids and a world of underwater adventure. Real-life mermaids go deep under the sea and swim among 15,000 animals in a spectacular show that’s not to be missed.
Cost: $18.99-$44.99
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
(844) 474-3474
Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market – Grow It Green
Now-March 27 (except December 26) at 9:30 AM
The Morris County Winter Farmers’ Market features more than 20 farmers and local food vendors to develop a local food system that patrons can eat locally and seasonally. There will be freshly grown produce, farm-raised beef, pork and poultry and fresh seafood, baked goods, farm eggs, and so much more.
Cost: Free
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960
Edelman Planetarium Family Show
Sundays until March 27 at 2 PM
Families with younger kids can enjoy the planetarium for shorter family shows with themes that change monthly. March kicks off “The Little Star That Could” a laser show that combines solar system facts in an easy-to-follow and entertaining story.
Cost: $2 per person
Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000
