25 Kid-Friendly Things To Do This Weekend March 8-10

March is just getting started, and all those spring-y things are heating up this weekend, giving you a perfect excuse to get outside with the fam. Get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at one of the many St. Patrick’s Day parades happening across the state, have 3.14 times the fun with pie activities and Einstein facts at Pi Day in Princeton, or take part in an egg hunt, bounce house, crafts, and face painting at the Easter Egg Hunt in Keyport. (featured photo: iStock/rocks3)

(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)

Brigantine Shake the Shamrock and St. Paddy’s Day Parade
March 8 through 16 
The island will host St. Patrick events, including a Pot Of Gold contest, a Leprechaun Chase on March 10, and special green-themed activities all week. Then, on March 16, everyone is welcome to march in the Brigantine parade. Line up is at 11:30 AM, and the parade starts at 1 PM. 
Cost: Free
331 8th Ave., Brigantine, NJ 08203

Community Day at The Newark Museum of Art: Ladies First 
March 9 at 12 PM 
Celebrate the contributions of women in Newark’s jazz history with performances including soulful vocal tributes and dance. There will also be a scavenger hunt, wood canvas, instrument-making and a DIY bow brooch. Registration is required. 
Cost: Free 
The Newark Museum of Art, Englehard Court, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 1 PM 
Get your green ready for the 36th annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day parade. There will be string and piper bands, Irish dancers, and floats. 
Cost: Free
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08201

Visit from the Horse Doctor and Shoer at Howell Living History Farm
March 9 from 10 AM
It’s time for spring on the farm, where you can listen to a horse’s heart through a stethoscope, watch an equine dentist at work, and learn about veterinary instruments and techniques.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530

Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s Day Children’s Party
March 9 at 12 PM
Enjoy delicious treats and groove to some lively Irish music at the Red Mill Museum Village, where The Rotary Club of North Hunterdon and Clinton Sunrise Rotary are hosting a fun-filled party for kids of all ages. Bring your little ones and let them enjoy a day packed with exciting Irish crafts, activities, games, and entertainment by Dr. D Entertainment. 
Cost: Free
56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809

Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 12 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the largest and most celebrated in Morris County. Watch bagpipers, bands, officers, and Irish dancing, marching up South Street to Morristown Green and ending at Atno Avenue. This parade is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Morristown Town Hall – 200 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960

Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 12 PM
Start the lineup early for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. At the end of the parade, see the Massed 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

The Original St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Hamilton
March 9
Bring your Irish pride to this festive day of celebration in Hamilton. The rain date will be March 23.
Cost: Free
200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690

Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9 at 1 PM
Wear green and catch the lineup, starting on Morris Avenue and Jeanette Avenue. There will be food trucks and live entertainment.
Cost: Free
Scheduled to step off from Morris and Jeanette Avenues, Union, NJ 07083

Pi Day Princeton
March 9
Celebrate Pi Day in the town where Einstein lived. This event includes a pie eating contest and movie screening, a pie flight contest, a physics show, and a pie sampling experience.
Cost: Most events are free
Downtown Princeton or Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton, NJ 08542

Storytime at Bergen Town Center
March 9 at 11 AM
Head to this musical story time that will be filled with nursery rhymes with interactive participation including dance, sing-along songs, instrument play, scarf movement, and a fun craft.
Cost: Free
Bergen Town Center, Paramus, NJ 07652

Easter Crafts With Ms. Mouse
March 9 at 11 AM
Hop on over for some Easter fun with Ms. Mouse. There will be a meet and greet, pictures, and a fun Easter craft.
Cost: $10 per person
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Avenue, Unit A05, Toms River, NJ 08753

Maple Sugaring at Happy Day Farm
March 9 and 10
Did you know it takes about 80 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup? Take a tractor ride on the 130-acre farm with over 700 maple trees, where you’ll see the sugar bush and learn about the equipment needed to collect sap. Also, you’ll get to ID maple trees and even help in the tapping process.
Cost: $18 per person; children under 1 are free. Cash only
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726

Maple Sugaring at Tenafly Nature Center
March 10
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 $8, member family (up to 6) $60, non-members $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670

Easter Egg Hunt
March 10 at 12 PM
It’s never too early to get ready for the Easter Bunny. Head to this fun event where kids can enjoy an egg hunt, bounce house, crafts, and face painting. The rain date is March 30.
Cost: Free
Keyport Waterfront, American Legion Drive, Keyport, NJ 07735

Dino Day
March 10 at 10 AM
Don’t miss this fun event where little ones have the chance to take a picture with a dino friend. There will also be activities, a fossil pit, and the chance to win a prize.
Cost: Free
Next Generation Exchange, 331 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 08225

West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 12:15 PM
The parade will step off at Main Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue in West Orange. There will be a mass at St. Joseph’s Church in West Orange before the parade beginning at 9:00 AM. Complimentary shuttle buses are provided for marchers and spectators to the starting location of the parade at Town Hall.
Cost: Free
North on Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052

Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 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, regional pipe and drum groups, national and international award-winning mummers, and many more. The parade route will take off at 4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Cost: Free
4th Avenue and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
March 10 at 1:30 PM
Come see this beloved story come to life on stage with the fam. The show is filled with bright colors, amazing creatures, and a story for all ages.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
BergenPAC, 30 N Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631

Line on the Pines 2024
March 10 at 11 AM
This annual gathering features artists, authors, and other artisans passionate about the Pines. Listen to live music, meet local authors, and shop while kids can participate in hands-on displays, crafts, and activities about the Pine Barrens in the kids’ area.
Cost: Free
Stockton University Campus Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205

Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade 
March 10 at 1 PM
Join the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and if you want to get dressed for the occasion, check out their online parade store. Enter their essay contest, poster contest (for kids), and Irish Soda Bread contest for prizes the week before. 
Cost: Free 
Step off at Allen Street and River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760

Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 1:30 PM
The parade will take place on Main Street. This year’s parade will be the 50th Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Jersey.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade
March 10 at 1:30 PM
Rated “The Biggest and Best St. Patrick’s Day Parade Across The US” by Forbes Magazine, this parade is one to remember. Wear green and line up along Main Street to watch floats, bands, and lots of Irish cheer go by. 
Cost: Free
Line up along Main Street, Somerville, NJ 08876

Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 2 PM
Bergen County’s 42nd annual parade celebrating Irish Heritage will march down Washington Avenue in Bergenfield with traditional bagpipers, dancers, and musicians. If you can’t make it, you can watch the parade online.
Cost: Free
Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621

Hackettstown Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10 at 3:30 PM
Over 14,000 people line the streets of Hackettstown for this event each year. The kickoff for the Hackettstown parade is at 3:30 PM. Dress up your dog for the best-dressed pooch and watch numerous floats that make their way through the town—your whole family will have a great time at this St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Cost: Free
Corner of Washington and Grand Avenues on Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

ONGOING EVENTS

Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
March 1-17
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

Photos & Visits with the Easter Bunny
March 1-17
Meet the Easter Bunny at his new Flower Garden in Center Court. For the easiest experience, pre-book your photo session.
Cost: Prices Vary
1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ 08096

Easter Bunny Photos at The Mall at Short Hills
March 1-30
Get your kids dressed in their Easter best, and stop by for a keepsake photo with the Bunny at The Mall at Short Hills. He’ll be holding court in a beautiful spring garden with an interactive selfie wall. All children will receive a complimentary sweet treat.
Cost: Prices Vary. Reservations are recommended.
1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ 07078

Easter Bunny Photos at Westfield Garden State Plaza
March 1-30 
Register your family and friends to take a photo with the Easter Bunny at Westfield Garden Plaza. Want Fido in the photo? Bring along your furry friend during Pet Party nights on March 11 and 14. Bunny Cares will also be available with a sensory-friendly, inclusive environment on March 17.
Cost: Prices Vary
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652

Easter Bunny Photos at Rockaway Townsquare
March 1-31
Start a new family tradition by snapping photos with the Easter Bunny at Rockaway Townsquare. Make sure to reserve your visit. You can also take pet photos, and there are special visit times with their Caring Bunny.
Cost: Prices Vary
301 Mt Hope Ave., Rockaway, NJ 07866-2130

Photos with the Bunny at Freehold Raceway Mall
March 1-30
The Bunny will be available for photos in the Lower Level, Zara Court. Bunny Cares will be available on March 17, and Pet Nights are on March 4, 11, and 18.
3710 US Route 9, Freehold, NJ 07728

Easter Bunny Photos at Quaker Bridge Mall
March 1-30 
Take photos with the Easter Bunny at Quaker Bridge Mall. Make sure to reserve your visit. You can also take pet photos with the Bunny or visit the Caring Bunny.
Cost: Prices Vary
150 Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Photos with the Bunny at Moorestown Mall
March 2-30
Snap photos with the Easter Bunny in HomeSense Court at Moorestown Mall. Digital photo packages are available with the option to purchase prints. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Cost: Prices Vary
400 Route 38, Moorestown, NJ 08057

Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.