Hello, April—with spring flowers blooming and Easter hunts happening, there’s a lot to do this weekend with the fam. Taste your way around Hoboken at the 3rd annual Mac and Cheese Festival, listen to live music at the Dalton Farms Tulip Festival in Swedesboro, hop on the Bunny Express with the Black River & Western Railroad in Flemington or learn all about sharks at the Jaw-Dropping World of Sharks at the State Museum of New Jersey in Trenton. And if that’s not enough for you, check out Spring Festival and Fairs and Free Things to do in April. (featured photo credit: @blackriverrailroad)
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
24th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run/ Walk
April 9 at 8 AM
Enjoy a scenic, flat route around the reservoir, with a chip-timed 5K run followed by a family-friendly walk to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Registration includes an event t-shirt for all runners and walkers who donate or raise at least $25. There will also be on-site entertainment and activities.
Cost: Donation-based
Clipper Pavilion, 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ,07052
Skyline Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 9 at 9 AM
Ten thousand eggs will be at the Skyline Annual Easter Egg Hunt with time slots for groups of 10-20 people max, so each child has the chance to hunt in a small group. Enjoy games, face painting, bunny pictures, and more. Get your tickets ahead of time.
Cost: Free Pulaski Park; pre-register ahead.
498 Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Easter EGGstravaganZOO at Cape May County Park Zoo
April 9 from 10 AM- 2 PM
The zoo is dressed in its Easter finery for this special event. Spy Easter eggs on a self-guided egg hunt, check out the educational displays, go on a scavenger hunt, make crafts, and sign up for live animal encounters.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park/Zoo – 707 Route US 9 North, NJ, Cape May 08210
(609) 465-5271
Plowing, Harrowing, and Wash Day
April 9 at 10 AM
Farmers will be using horses to plow and harrow the ground to prepare it for planting corn. You will be able to step into the furrow and try out the plow.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ 08530
(609) 737-3299
Allendale Holiday Observers Easter Egg Hunt
April 9 at 10 AM, Rain Date: April 10
Come out to this fun Easter egg hunt for kids 12 and under with special prizes for those who find the plastic eggs. There will also be music, a special appearance from Peter Cottontail himself, and a hunt just for moms.
Cost: Free
Crestwood Lake, Allendale, NJ 07401
Second Saturday Hike: Birds of New Jersey
April 9 at 10 AM
Just in time for early spring migration, learn about those feathered friends you’ve seen all winter and all the migrants showing up for the breeding season. Bring your binoculars if you have them; if not, some will be available to borrow. Registration is required.
Cost: $10
Fairview Farm Wildfire Preserve, 2121 larger Crossroad, Bedminster, NJ 07921
Broadway at the Garden State Plaza presents Tangled
April 9 at 11 AM and 1 PM
Garden State Plaza presents a 15-week series, Broadway@GSPlaza, and this week Tangled is the featured show. This event is performed in partnership with Bergen Performing Arts Center.
Cost: Free, a limited number of VIP tickets will be sold for each event for $10 and include an AMC kids movie theater ticket, a kids meal at Chick Fil A, a LEGO toy, and more.
Level 2, Macy’s Court Area, nearest Shake Shack, Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Kids Easter Egg Hunt in Independence Park
April 9 at 11 AM
Hop on over to Independence Park in Newark and hunt for eggs. There will be lucky winners who will win a special prize as they hunt for the most eggs. Your ticket includes a basket, candy, and a one-hour egg hunt. There will be a prize for collecting the most eggs in each category.
Cost: $12
Independence Park, 218 Van Buren Street, Newark, NJ 07105
The Greatest Chemistry Show on Earth
April 9 at 11 AM
Come one, come all to a spectacular science show from Dr. Fisher of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command.
Cost: Free
Wharton Public Library, 15 South Main Street, Wharton, NJ 07885
Essex County Family Day
April 9 at 11 AM
Visit the renovated concert grove where you can test out your hula hooping, work out in the paddle boats, construct a craft, get your face painted, or get a bite to eat from one of many food vendors. There will also be a BMX Bike Stunt Show from Dialed Action Sports.
Cost: Free
Branch Brook Park & Park Avenue, Lake St, Newark, NJ 07104
3rd annual Hoboken Mac and Cheese Festival
April 9 at 1 PM
Get ready to eat your way through Hoboken to sample all the different spots in NJ. Your ticket includes a sample of mac and cheese from every location, and a portion of the ticket will benefit Party with purpose, a Hoboken non-profit supporting children’s initiatives.
Cost: $12-$35
The City of Hoboken, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Boardwalk Easter Egg Hunt
April 9 at 1 PM
Try out a trick or treat style Easter egg hunt at participating boardwalk stores from 6th to 14th streets in Ocean City.
Cost: Free
Playland’s Castaway Cove, 1020 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 399-4751
Bunny Bonanza Somerset
April 9 at 11 AM
Take a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, grab and go goody bags while supplies last and there will also be kids’ crafts, music, and more for the whole family. The rain date will be April 10.
Cost: Free; please bring a non-perishable food item
Township Gazebo, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873
Millville Recreation Department Easter Egg Hunt
April 9 at 11 AM
You will find crafts, music, games, and more at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt. The first 100 kids will get a free polaroid picture with the Easter Bunny. Perfect for ages 12 and under, bring a basket or bag and be ready to hunt for eggs.
Cost: Free
Union Lake Park, Millville, NJ 08332
Second Saturday Geology Rocks!
April 9 at 11:00 AM
Explore geology and what makes the Earth “rock” with activities like an earthquake simulation table, rocky candy, and learning how fossils are formed. Join Stockton University’s Assistant Professor of Geology, Matthew Severs, and the Stockton Geology Club for this event.
Cost: Free
Stockton University Atlantic City – Academic Center / Room 313, 3711 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Red Bank Battlefield Spring Festival
April 9 at 12 PM
Step into a day of history and family fun at the annual Red Bank Battlefield Spring Festival, with games and crafts for children, a petting zoo, and colonial demonstrations of food and unique vendors.
Cost: Free
100 Hessian Ave., in National Park, NJ 08063
(856) 853-3200
Bradley Beach Easter Egg Hunt
April 9 at 12 PM
Leave the sand toys at home and bring your baskets for this fun egg hunt on the beach. Kids of all ages love searching through the sand for Easter eggs.
Cost: Free
Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Wayne’s 175th Kickoff Picnic
April 9 at 12 PM
Celebrate the town of Wayne’s 175th birthday and enjoy a picnic at the Dey Mansion. There will be food, music, and games for the whole family.
Cost: Free
199 Totowa Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 706-6640
Battleview Orchards Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 9 at 1 PM with a rain date of April 10
This annual event around the orchard is back. Admission is a non-perishable item that will be donated to a local food bank, or you can make a cash donation. This hunt is open to toddlers through age 10 and under, with door prizes given immediately after the hunt.
Cost: Donation
Battleview Orchards, 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 462-0756
The Great Egg Hunt in Ocean City
April 9 at 1 PM, Rain date: April 10
Head down to Ocean City and hunt for all the eggs around the town. From 6th to 14th street along the boardwalk, stop by participating stores until supplies last, and enjoy the fun. After, take a walk on the boards.
Cost: Free
Downtown Ocean City – 6th to 14th Street along the boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Jaw Dropping World of Sharks at the New Jersey State Museum
April 9 at 2 PM
Dr. Dana Ehret and “Life and Times of Megalodon” will present a free shark lecture series. There is also a shark exhibition that dispels some of the myths and misunderstandings about sharks and their relatives by exploring their biology, fossil record, conservation, and cultural significance.
Cost: Admission is $2 and up
205 West State Street in Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 292-6464
Adventure Aquarium FISH Night
April 9 at 5:30 PM
As part of an ongoing effort to create an inclusive experience for those with sensory challenges, Adventure Aquarium will host a sensory-friendly FISH Night (Family Inclusive Sensory Hours) in partnership with Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. They will brighten the lights during FISH Night, lower the music, and reduce the crowds to create the most enjoyable experience for guests and families with autism and other sensory needs.
Cost: $35.99 adults and $25.99 children
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
1-844-474-3474
Cape May County Education Association Carpool Cinema Movie Night
April 9 at 7 PM, please arrive by 6:45 PM
“School of Rock” will be shown on a giant digital LED flat screen. The Terminal restrooms will be open. Standard vehicles only (cars, pickup trucks, vans); no campers or RVs are permitted.
Cost: Free; please note that each ticket is valid for one (1) standard vehicle (cars, pick-up trucks or vans, no campers or RVs permitted); you may bring as many passengers as can legally fit in that vehicle.
Cape May – Lewes Ferry, North Cape May, NJ 08204
Dalton Farms Tulip Festival
April 9-10
Tiptoe through the tulips to live music, food trucks, a wine and beer garden, and even yoga. The Easter Bunny will be roaming the fields for photo ops. And with stems at $1 each, you can bring home a beautiful bouquet to admire.
Cost: $12 per person ages 3+ (infants 2 and under are free)
660 Oak Grove Road, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
(856) 628-7313
245th Commemoration of the Battle of Bound Brook 2022
April 9-10, all-day event
This two-day event features 18th-century street battles, military drills, and camp life, portrayed by living history re-enactors as American and British troops, camp followers, sutlers (merchants selling goods), and others.
Cost: $5; 12 years and under: free, and the Grounds and Street Battles are free.
The Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880
Easter Farm Adventure
April 10 at 10 AM
Cuddle with bunnies and be a part of an annual Easter egg hunt on the farm. Go into the pasture, feed the alpacas, and say hello to the baby goats. Each ticket includes one bucket to collect filled Easter eggs, feed for the alpacas and goats, and cuddling time in the Easter-themed bunny corral.
Cost: $10, and additional guests are $10 per person
Hidden Pastures Luxury Fiber Farm, 35 Newton Ave, Branchville, NJ 07826
(973) 885-4698
Bloomfest
April 10 at 11 AM
It’s a family day in New Jersey’s pinkest park. Experience everything from Japanese cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, a crafter’s marketplace, and food. There will be a run on April 9 too.
Cost: Free
Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Mill Street Entrance, Belleville + Prudential Concert Grove, Clifton Avenue Entrance, Newark 07104
Red Bank Street Fair and Craft Show
April 10 at 11 AM
Head to Red Bank for a day filled with music, dancing, food, and more. Littles will have a ball on the children’s rides and playing games.
Cost: Free
Downtown Red Bank, NJ 07701
(908) 654-1400
Reeves-Reed Daffodil Day
April 10 at 11 AM with staggered entry times
See over 50,000 bulbs in bloom in the Arboretum’s glacially carved Daffodil Bowl. This year they will follow the Earth Day focus of “Invest in Our Planet” with spring-themed activities, including games and crafts, music, food trucks, an art exhibit, vendors, and the Green Goats will be here.
Cost: Reservations must be made in advance. Daffodil Day is Free for RRA Members and children under 3. The fee for Non-Members is $10 per person at 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
(908) 273-8787
6th Annual Helicopter Egg Drop
April 10 at 12:45 PM
It’s time for food, fun, and excitement for the whole family. Watch a helicopter swoop in and drop 5,000 candy-filled Easter Eggs in front of the kids. The rain date will be April 16 at 12:45 PM.
Cost: Free
2245 US 130, South Brunswick Township, NJ 08810
Easter Egg Hunt in Waretown
April 10 at 1 PM
Perfect for kids up to 12 years old, come out to the lake and enjoy this fun hunt. After your kids are done finding their eggs, take a walk around the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Cost: Free
Waretown Lake
Corliss Park – 182 Wells Mills Road, Waretown, NJ 08758
Jenkinson’s Easter Egg Hunt
April 10 at 1 PM
Have kids who love going to the beach? Then they will love this Easter Egg hunt on the sand open to little ones up to age 10. There will be different spots for each age group, so check their website for the information.
Cost: Free
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk –300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Children’s Planting Seeds in the Garden
April 10 at 1:30 PM
Get ready for some hands-on learning. Learn the basics of creating a garden with Calgo Garden’s Nursery Manager Taylor. Participants will learn how to prep a garden, sow seeds, and make labels to identify what they have planted. The kids will also be introduced to Calgo’s chickens and learn about their role in keeping our garden pest-free.
Cost: There is no fee for this program; however, donations will go toward seed and chicken feed for the Children’s Garden. Pre-registration required
Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 919-7770
ONGOING EVENTS
Morristown’s Egg-Cellent Adventure
Now- April 11
A family fun adventure perfect for all ages. Take the family on a scavenger hunt through the town of Morristown, which includes historical sites, points of interest, and business locations. Submit your participation form by April 11 to be entered into a drawing for prizes.
Cost: Free
Scavenger Hunt around Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 455-1133
Egg Hunts on the Farm
Now-April 16 on weekends from 10 AM – 4 PM
Hunt around for eggs, snap photos, and visit with the farm ducks, chickens, cows, goats, and mini ponies. Tickets include fun zone admittance, photo ops, a box/basket, and an egg hunt.
Cost: Tickets are $12 per person, $5 for non-egg hunters
Oasis Family Farm – 3 Circle Drive, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
(609) 259-7300
Johnson’s Corner Farm Egg Hunt Hayrides
Now-April 16, Weekdays: 10 AM – 1 PM Weekends and Good Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
Stop by this farm for a festive hayride and hunt. After your hunt, visit Peter Rabbit and create some sweet treats by decorating rabbit and egg-shaped cookies. And make sure you visit the barnyard animals after—admission is half-price with egg hunt tickets.
Cost: $6-10
Johnson’s Corner Farm – 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055
(609) 654-8643
Egg Hunts on the Farm
Now-April 16 on weekends from 10 AM – 4 PM
Hunt around for eggs, snap photos, and visit with the farm ducks, chickens, cows, goats, and mini ponies. Tickets include fun zone admittance, photo ops, a box/basket, and an egg hunt.
Cost: $12 per person, $5 for non-egg hunters
Oasis Family Farm – 3 Circle Drive, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
(609) 259-7300
Easter EGGspress at DiDonato’s Family Fun Center
Now-April 16 from 12 PM – 5 PM
Hop to it—the first Easter events are happening at DiDonato’s Family Fun Center this weekend. Climb aboard the EGGspress train, meet with the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs in their Spring Hedge Maze, go down a giant inflatable slide, visit the toy market, and enjoy special Easter treats.
Cost: $12.95 per person; advance tickets are highly encouraged
1151 South White Horse Pike Hammonton, NJ 08037
(609) 561-3040
Duffield’s Easter Bunny Visit
Now-April 16, times vary
Take a spring hayride to see the Easter Bunny at the Bunny House, where you can spend some time snapping photos for the ‘gram. After, check out the market where treats will be for sale.
Cost: $12 per family up to 6
Duffield’s Farm & Market – 280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 589-7090
Black River & Western Railroad – Easter Bunny Express
Now- April 16, various time slots
Hop on over to the annual Easter Bunny Express, where the whole fam can take a train ride that stops in Ringoes, snap photos with Peter Cottontail, and go on an egg hunt (just don’t forget to bring a basket).
Cost: $16.99 and up
Flemington Station – 80 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
(908) 782-6622
Whippany Railway Museum’s Easter Bunny Express
Now- April 16, times vary
Hop on the Easter Bunny Express, where the Easter Bunny will be on board, and the ride is along the scenic Whippanong Trail. Make sure you snap some memorable shots with the Bunny.
Cost: Prices vary depending on seats
Whippany Railway Museum- 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ 07981
(973) 887-8177
Springtime and Easter Festival at Alstede Farms
Now- April 19 at 9 AM
Join the spring fun with Easter activities, including a hunt, hayride, evergreen maze, and giant hay pyramid. There will also be pony rides, wagon train rides, and a bounce house. The Tomasello Winery Outdoor Patio will be open for tasting and purchases.
Cost: $19.99 and up
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
(908) 879-7189
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, 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.
