Hello, March—lucky for us, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do this weekend to welcome in the new month. Become Irish for the day with pipe bands, Irish bands, and step dancers at the Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Mount Holly, watch the mermaids swim through the waters at Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, or take a hike, learn how to tap trees, and enjoy vendors and hot chocolate at the Maple Sugaring Fest in Summit. Want more fun things to do while the weather is still cold? Check out our winter activities guide for seasonal family fun. (featured photo credit: Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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Atlantic City Boat Show
February 26-March 2
The Atlantic City Boat Show returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center. This show has a wide selection of boats, must-see attractions, and even fun things to do for everyone in the family.
Cost: $16 per person, children 12 and under are free
Atlantic City Convention Center, One Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Ramadan Moon Lighting
February 28 at 5 PM
Celebrate the first day of Ramadan, when the moon structure will be lit at sunset and remain lit for the month. Refreshments and children’s activities will be available for everyone.
Springfield Avenue Gazebo, 1688 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
February 28-March 2
The mermaids are back, and your little ones will be enchanted when they see them swim through the waters. Watch them dive beneath the waves and spend time among 15,000 animals, including the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
St. Gregory The Great Craft And Vendor Fair
March 1 at 9 AM
This vast craft and vendor fair (with over 150 vendors) is a great way to get your steps in, do some shopping, and stay warm all at the same time. There will be a 50/50, baked goods, food trucks, and more.
Cost: $5 per person; children under 10 and veterans are free
4680 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
Bell Works Fresh Farmers & Makers Market
March 1 at 12 PM
This indoor market in the atrium offers many treats. Also, don’t miss the non-food offerings from wellness practitioners, crafters, and artists.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Bernardsville Farmers Market
March 1 at 10 AM
At this annual outdoor Winter Market, vendors sell homemade bakery goods, soup, nuts, coffee, and produce. Many of these items are also sold at the popular summer one.
Route 202 and Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Blue Hole Walk
March 1 at 10 AM
Bundle up with the fam and take a walk along the sand roads of the Winslow Wildlife Management Area. The walk will take you through abandoned blueberry fields, wetlands, and the famous “Blue Hole.”
Cost: Free
Winslow Wildlife Management Area, Atsion Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Downtown Irish Festival
March 1 at 12 PM
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early at this lively festival. The street will be filled with vendors, handcrafters, and live entertainment. Parking is free for the event.
Cost: Free
Downtown Toms River, Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Maple Sugaring at Van Vleck Gardens
March 1
Bring the whole family to learn about the sugar maple tree, explore the process of transforming sap into syrup, and visit a tapped tree at the Van Vleck Gardens. This event will be indoors and outdoors, and some tasty treats will be served along the way.
Cost: $30 for family (members), $40 for family (non-members), $12 for individuals (members), and $15 for individuals (non-members). Online registration is required.
21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
Burlington County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 1 PM
Everyone’s a little Irish on this fun-filled day with pipe bands, Irish bands, step dancers, and lots of other examples of Irish traditions.
Cost: Free
Fairgrounds Plaza, 500 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Songs of the Irish Heart
March 1 at 2 PM
Listen to the beautiful music from Ireland presented by The Cook College Ramblers. There will be lots of songs, dances, and the chance for you to sing along. Make sure you wear your green.
Cost: Free
Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Montclair Farmers Market
March 1 at 9 AM
One of the first towns to host a farmers market in the Garden State, this market is year-round, but hours change in the winter. You’ll find treats like baked goods, micro-greens, meatless meals, herbs, spices, soups, and other locally-made specialty items.
Walnut Street Train Station, 86 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Stangl Factory Market
March 1 at 9 AM
Housed in the original Stangl pottery factory, this unique atmosphere makes it fun to browse through purveyors with locally sourced vegetables, grass-fed meats, bread, cheeses, pastured eggs, specialty prepared foods, and desserts. The market also has many beautiful artisan goods, including handmade baskets, turned wood, soaps and bath products, and handspun yarn.
Mine Street & Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve Maple Sugaring Demonstration Day
March 1-2
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 $7 per person
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, NJ 07945
Winter Market by Grow It Green Morristown
March 2 at 9:30 AM
This Sunday morning market is a partnership with Grow It Green Morristown. Each week, you’ll find a revolving list of local vendors who offer a great assortment of cheeses, produce prepared foods, and baked goods.
Convent Train Station, Convent Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960
Denville Farmers’ Market
March 2 at 10 AM
Join 25+ vendors with food and artisan products. There is a market in the summer too.
Bloomfield Ave. parking lot, Denville, NJ 07834
Maple Sugaring Fest 2025
March 2
Make it a sweet day with the family at the annual all-day Maple Sugar Fest at Reeves Reed Aboretum. The whole family will enjoy spending the day outdoors, hiking the trails, and partaking in a Maple Sugaring Challenge—tap it and see how much syrup you can get from the tree. Don’t miss the hot chocolate, maple vendors, and more.
Cost: Registration is required; $10 per person.
165 Hobart Ave., Summit, NJ 07901
Phillipsburg Farmers Market
March 2 at 10 AM
Listen to live music, shop for high-quality produce, and support local community non-profits, offering information about local programs, charities, and fund-raising activities. Except for extreme weather, the market is open in the rain, snow, or shine. Ample parking is available surrounding the park.
353 S Main Street, Philipsburg, NJ 08865
Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
March 2
Make a day of it at this popular nature center, where you can learn how to identify a maple tree, hear about the history of maple sugaring, and see how the technology has changed.
Cost: Children under 2 are free, members are $8, and non-members are $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2
Come enjoy the 52nd anniversary of this fun parade. Filled with thousands of marchers, live bands, and festive floats, this is a great way to gather the family for an early St. Patty’s Day event.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
Ramsey Farmers Market
March 2 at 10 AM
This outdoor market boasts a variety of specialty food purveyors—check out the Greek specialties, sea salt, kimchi, fermented veggies, and more on the alternating schedule. There are also many non-food vendors, including alpaca and llama wear, skincare, and knife sharpening services.
Main Street Train Station, Ramsey, NJ 07446
ONGOING EVENT
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown
Every Thursday at 10 AM
Play & Swim at Five Star Swim School Eatontown is back! Join us every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 AM for fun and socializing. Children and caregivers love our padded play area and heated pool. Homeschooler groups are welcome. The pool is open from 10 to 11 AM. A lifeguard is always on duty.
Cost: $15 per child and parents/caregivers are free
Five Star Swim School, 1 Corbett Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724
