March has entered the chat, and with a bunch of fun family-friendly things to do this weekend. Wear green and get into a lucky spirit at the Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and other St. Patrick’s Day Parades around the state, get passionate about the Pine Barrens with kids activities, vendors and artisans at the Line On The Pines in Galloway or spend the day tasting delicious chocolate with gourmet vendors, celebrity guests, chocolate-themed presentations and demonstrations, and kids’ activities at The Chocolate Expo in Edison. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: @apstpatsparade)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake
March 6-8
Lace up those shoes and get to the lanes. This annual family-friendly event is about having fun to help kids and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern NJ. Make a team and raise funds with friends and family—your money supports their one-on-one mentoring programs. To celebrate 50 years, they’re turning back the clock to 1976 and bringing disco vibes to the fun event.
Cost: Varies per fundraising goal
Neptune City- Friday, March 6th @ Shore Lanes from 6-8 PM
Aberdeen– Saturday, March 7th @ AMF Strathmore Lanes from 1-3 PM
Toms River– Sunday, March 8th @ Playdrome from 1-3 PM
Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
The 46th Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off promptly at 1 PM, go north up Franklin Ave, and end on Chestnut Street with the Review Stand in front of John Walker Middle School.
Cost: Free
The parade starts at Harrison and Evergreen Street
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. At the end of the parade, see the Massed Pipe Band and a 40′ long American flag, and celebrate post-parade at a party at the Hershey Motel.
Cost: Free
The Boulevard, starting at J-Street, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
This St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey, the parade begins at 1 PM with music, Irish dancers, and pipe bands. Stick around for the after-party.
Cost: Free
High Street, Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 7 at 1 PM
Get your green gear ready for the 37th annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day parade. There will be string and pipe bands, Irish dancers, and floats.
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08201
Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 7 at 11 AM
Visit the outdoor kitchen to discover how recipes and cooking techniques have changed since the 1890s.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
SatARTdays: Free Kids’ Art Classes
March 7 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to get free art lessons. This series of children’s art classes will take place every Saturday in the spring at the Noyes Arts Garage, led by a professional artist. These classes will begin on March 7 and run until April 11.
NJ 08401
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve Maple Sugaring Demonstration Day
March 7-8
This educational presentation will explain the history of maple sugaring, the seasonal life cycle of the sugar maple tree, and how syrup is made, starting with identifying a maple tree by tapping the tree. Watch a wood-fired evaporator at work and then sample the sweet stuff. If you’re up for it, there’s also a two-mile field walk to the working maple grove.
Cost: Free for Schiff members, and the non-member fee is $10 per person
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, NJ 07945
The Chocolate Expo
March 7-8
Did someone say chocolate? Spend the day tasting milk, dark, and white with gourmet chocolate vendors, celebrity guests, chocolate-themed presentations and demonstrations, and kids’ activities in the Kidz Zone.
Cost: Ticket prices start at $10
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
Hackettstown St Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 3:30 pm with Irish dance groups, Irish bands, community groups, bagpipes and drums. THere will also be a pet Irish costume contest.
Cost: Free
The parade takes place on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 11 AM
Join the St. Patrick’s Day fun and watch as marching bands, animals, and firetrucks go by. This parade takes off promptly at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 1 PM
Feel the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Asbury Park, where you can enjoy local participation from veterans, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, dance schools, high school marching bands, and regional pipe and drum groups. The parade will start at 4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Cost: Free
4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Line on the Pines 2026
March 8 at 11 AM
This annual gathering features artists, authors, and other artisans passionate about the Pines. This event is perfect for bringing the fam and will have a kids’ zone with crafts, activities, and hands-on displays. The theme for this year is Safety in the NJ Pine Barrens.
Cost: Free
Stockton University Campus Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205
Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 1 PM
Join the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and if you want to enter their essay contest, poster contest (for kids), Irish Soda Bread contest, or the Lucky the Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt (for kids), check their website for deadlines.
Cost: Free
Step off at Allen Street and River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760
Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8 at 1:30 PM
For over 50 years, the Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Jersey has been honoring Irish culture and is one of the largest parades in the state. The parade begins at Woodbridge High School at 1:30 PM and ends at Town Hall on Main Street.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
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