Goodbye February and hello March, and we’re closing out the month with lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Enjoy a day of boats, family fun, and attractions at the Atlantic City Boat Show, watch mermaids dive beneath the waves and spend time among 15,000 animals, including the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast at Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, or celebrate the Year of the Horse with performances, kids actitivies and festive food at the Lunar Fest in Ringwood. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: Atlantic City Boat Show)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
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Atlantic City Boat Show
February 25-March 1
The Atlantic City Boat Show returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center. A longtime Atlantic City tradition, the boat show welcomes tens of thousands of attendees eager to explore boating, one of the nation’s most popular outdoor recreational activities. From first-time boaters to seasoned enthusiasts, showgoers can shop hundreds of new boats, connect with industry experts, and discover the latest gear and accessories, including exclusive show-only specials. Beyond the boats, the boat show offers interactive experiences like the Indoor Paddle Pool, fishing demonstrations, and kids’ activities designed to inspire the next generation of boaters. Receive 20% off your ticket when you buy through this link!
Cost: $16 per person, children 12 and under are free
Atlantic City Convention Center, One Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Bernardsville Farmers Market
February 28 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
Mac & Cheese Mayhem
February 28 at 11 AM
Love all things macaroni and cheese? This event is a fun-filled day of delicious macaroni and cheese, vendors, and kids’ activities, hatchet throwing, face painting, a petting zoo, and more.
Cost: $7 per person when purchased in advance, or $10 at the door on the day of the event. Kids 3 and under are free.
Morristown Armory, 430 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights
February 28 at 9 AM
Get freezin‘ for a reason—the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside challenges thousands of brave jumpers from around the state to come out in the cold and support the Special Olympics of New Jersey. It’s a great way for everyone—individuals, teams, organizations, and businesses—to help raise money for programming and events for more than 26,000 athletes statewide. Even if you don’t plan on jumping in, consider coming to watch and donate to your favorite team. Participants must register in advance.
Seaside Heights, NJ
Montclair Farmers Market
February 28 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, microgreens, meatless meals, herbs, spices, soups, and other locally made specialty items.
Walnut Street Train Station, 86 Walnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Maple Festival at Happy Day Farm
February 28-March 1
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 the process to collect sap (you may be asked to help out Farmer Tim). There will be an educational tour, animal feedings, and a wooden train too.
Cost: $18 per person
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
February 28-March 1
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
Opening Weekend of Lambert Castle
February 28-March 1 at 10 AM
It’s an exciting time – Lambert Castle is reopening to the public after an extensive, multi-year restoration. On this special opening weekend, there will be free open house days so you can step inside and celebrate the return of this beloved historic site.
3 Valley Road, Paterson, NJ 07503
Ramsey Farmers Market
March 1 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
Maple Sugaring Fest at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
March 1 at 1 PM
Learn the steps in turning tree sap into delicious maple syrup at the annual all-day Maple Sugar Fest. 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; prices vary per event
165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
Irish Festival in Toms River
March 1 at 12 PM
Head to this Irish-themed festival where local businesses, vendors, and handcrafters will be out to celebrate with a day of food, fun, and music. Washington Street will be closed between Main Street and Robbins Street.
Cost: Free
Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Sap to Syrup at Tenafly Nature Center
March 1
Make a day of it at this popular nature center during their annual Sap to Syrup seasonal event, where you can learn how to identify a maple tree, hear about the history of maple sugaring, and get to try it yourself with real tapping tools.
Cost: Children under 2 are free; members are $8; non-members are $12. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Lunar Fest NJ
March 1 at 12 PM
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with performances representing different cultures, children’s activities, unique items to purchase, and delicious food. This event is a great way to usher in spring and spend time with the family.
Cost: Starting at $21.05
150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Maple Sugaring at The New Weis Center
March 1
Head to this event, where you will learn about the process of making maple sap into syrup and about maple tree history and ecology. Take a short hike to see how to tap, collect, and evaporate the sap. Finish off the day with a syrup taste test.
Cost: Starting at $21.05
150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 1 PM
Bring your Irish pride to Rutherford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosted by the Rutherford Irish American Association, this parade is one of the year’s most popular events.
Cost: Free
Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Denville Farmers’ Market
March 1 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
Belmar/Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 12:30 PM
Everyone is a little bit Irish at this parade, one of the state’s largest and most attended St. Patrick’s Day parades. Come to hear the bagpipes, watch the fire trucks go by, and don’t forget to wear your green to celebrate.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
Gloucester Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1 at 1 PM
This impressive procession will feature string bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, Irish music bands, community groups, and more. Be sure to check out the festivities before and after the parade.
Cost: Free
Johnson Boulevard and Francis Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Winter Market by Grow It Green Morristown
March 1 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
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