Hey, spring—are you here yet? Get into a new season groove with lots of spring-themed family-friendly things to do this weekend. Hop aboard with the Easter Bunny at Didonato’s Rolling Railway Easter Express in Hammonton, wear your green to wave on the St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Bayonne, Highland, Newton, and Wayne, or celebrate the start of a new season with a rousing, all ages Color Run in Plainsboro. And if you’re lucky enough to be off from school these next few days, be sure to check out our guide to all things to do in NJ over spring break. (feature photo credit: DiDonato Family Fun Center)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Scavenger Hunt March: It’s a Small World
March 18 at 8 AM
Search for signs of Spring at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. This family-friendly scavenger hunt will give you the chance to snap pics of the beautiful scenery around you.
Cost: $10 per family or group of 6
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 E Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Lucky Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk
March 18 at 8 AM
Get lucky during this first annual 5K Run/Walk that begins and ends at Old Town Pub. The race will start at 9:30 AM, and the walk begins at 9:35 AM; the first 250 racers receive a t-shirt. Awards will take place at 11:15 AM, and all participants are invited to celebrate at the Old Town Pub St. Patrick’s Day party after.
Cost: Free. Pre-registration cut-off day is March 15 at 8:00 PM, or you can register for the morning off from 7:30–8:45 AM.
135 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Outdoor Adventures Family Program: Sugar Maple Trees
March 18 at 10 AM
Explore the outdoor world through crafts, scavenger hunts, activity sheets, and displays. Kids will enjoy the interactive learning experience focused on sugar maple trees. Registration is required and includes everything you’ll need to participate in the program.
Cost: $15
Van Vleck House and Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 11 AM
Join the St. Patrick’s Day fun and watch as first responders, marching bands, dance troupes, and decorated floats go by. This parade takes off promptly at 11 AM.
Cost: Free
Spring Street Newton, NJ 07860
History Kids Club- Industrial Chemistry at the Howell Iron Works
March 18 at 11 AM
Get ready to travel back in time. Learn all about what it meant to live and work in an industrial village like the Howell Iron Works in the 1830s. You will participate in hands-on activities that range from basket weaving and butter making to historical nature walks.
Cost: $11.44
4263 Atlantic Avenue Farmingdale, NJ 07727
2023 Shamrock Shuffle
March 18
Grab your running shoes, wear your green, and join in spirit for fresh air and exercise after a long winter. There is an option to choose from a 5K race, 2-mile walk, or kids’ fun run, and after, there will be lots of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Cost: Fees vary per event
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish – 111 Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924
shamrockshuffle.bernardsville@gmail.com
St. Paddy’s Day Plunge and 5K in Cape May
March 18 at 12:30 AM
This St. Patrick’s Day in New Jersey, take the Plunge, 5K Run, or 1 Mile Walk. There will be refreshments and an after-party at Carneys.
Cost: For all 18 and under registrants, the price will be adjusted to $15 for the 5K Polar Plunge and $30 for the Combination 5K/Polar Plunge
411 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204
Photos with the Easter Bunny
March 18 at 1 PM
Take your own photos with the Easter Bunny at Bags of Bones Bakery. The Bunny and backdrop will be provided for you. Pre-registration is required.
Cost: $10 minimum cash donation to Code3 on event day is suggested but not required
364 NJ-33, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 18 at 2 PM
Help paint the town green at Highland’s 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Your family will enjoy nearly 100 marching units, including bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and decorated floats. This parade will take off at Waterwitch Avenue and extend along Bay Avenue.
Cost: Free
Parade will run along Bay Avenue
Knights of Colombus Council St. Patrick’s Celebration
March 18 at 6 PM
Get your St. Patrick’s celebration on with food and music. Your ticket includes an entry meal and entertainment. Enjoy Irish dancers, pipers, and a DJ. Tricky Tray & 50/50 tickets will be sold at the event.
Cost: $40. Advance Purchase Only
630 Valley Rd Wayne, NJ 07470
Family Movie Night
March 18 at 7 PM
Join Frenchtown Riding Club’s first family movie night from 7 PM – 9 PM in the horse barn. This family-friendly horse flick will be accompanied by complimentary popcorn and soft drinks. Pajamas and blankets are encouraged but not required.
Cost: Free for FRC members, $5 per person for nonmembers.
39 Warsaw Road Frenchtown, NJ 08825
Didonoato’s Rolling Railway Easter EGGspress
March 18 at 12 PM
Hop on an Easter-themed train ride through Spring Village and take in the sights. Kids will love the meet and greet photo op with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, a giant slide, an Inflatable 40’ obstacle course, a free snack, and much more.
Cost: $14.95 plus $2.00 in fees. 12 months and younger are free.
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, New Jersey 08037
Happy Day Farm Sugarworks Demonstrations
March 18 and 19
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 600 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. Tickets will be sold at the door only. Cash only
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
(732) 977-3607
St. Paddy 5 Mile Race
March 19 at 10:30 AM
Get ready for a new 5-mile course, all contained within Tighe Park. The annual race is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery in the park. Refreshments will include beer and hot dogs, and T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registrants.
Cost: Free
65 Georgia Rd, Freehold Township, NJ 07728
Photos with the Bunny at Cherry Hill Mall
March 19 at 11 AM
Capture special family memories with a visit to the Easter Bunny at Cherry Hill Mall. Digital photo packages are available with the option to purchase prints. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Cost: Prices Vary
2000 Route 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Photos with the Bunny at Moorestown Mall
March 19 at 11 AM
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
Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade
March 19 at 1 PM
This parade will step off from 5th and Broadway at 1 PM sharp. The procession will make its way north to 39th Street, turn west, and then proceed to the entrance of Stephen R. Gregg Park on Avenue C.
Cost: Free
Stepping off from 5th and Broadway
South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 19 at 2 PM
Celebrate Irish culture at South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Marchers will line up on South Pine Avenue starting at noon. The parade will end on Broadway at the reviewing stage.
Cost: Free
The parade starts on South Pine Avenue
Color Run & Outdoor Fun
March 19 at 2 PM
Kick off the new season with a Color Run and fun outdoor activities. For the 1-mile color run, wear clothes you don’t mind getting colored powder on. All ages are welcome to walk or run. Outdoor activities will include kite flying, a scavenger hunt, and spring crafts.
Cost: Free
Wicoff House Museum, 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Miller-Cory House Museum Maple Sugar Sunday Story Time and Craft
March 19 at 2 PM
Kids will love to learn how maple sugar rises and flows and how it is collected using wooden buckets and handmade spiles. After, they’ll have story time and a craft. There will also be open hearth cooking with period recipes and techniques.
Cost: $5 for adults and children 13 and older, $4 for children ages 3-12. Free for 3 and under*
614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 232-1776
Ongoing Events
Night Forms: Infinite Wave at Grounds For Sculpture
Now-April 2
The whole family will love to see the Grounds of Sculpture reimagined after hours, with a multi-sensory light and sound experience designed to engage with the art and horticulture collection. Spend the evening outdoors exploring the lighting, sound, and video projection mapping, and join the interactive exhibits, which will delight kids and adults.
Cost: $22 and up
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Hidden Gems Exhibit
Now – May 8
Journey into a fascinating world of rock structures that underscore the wonder of nature. Enjoy freestanding sculptures inspired by rock structures created with multiple parts of cast, assembled, and carved resin.
Cost: Free
Kean University, 1003 Morris Ave Building 2, Union, NJ 07083
Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails at Liberty Science Center
Now – September 4
Learn, play, and solve problems with Thomas the Tank Engine and his engine friends. Immerse yourself in locations from the TV series where kids can practice essential skills like counting objects, comparing sizes, and learning colors. Older kids can hone their math skills, understand basic engineering concepts, and see how technology works to keep engines running.
Cost: Tickets included with general admissions
Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305
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