It’s almost May, and with it, lots of fun, spring-themed things for the whole family to do this weekend. Get moving at the Annual Lobster Run in Asbury Park, see the Mighty T-Rex at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, and don’t miss the last chance to pick tulips at Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge. And if you are looking for more to do, check out these alpaca farms in NJ. (feature photo take at Holland Ridge Farms)
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Middlesex Fire Department Carnival
April 25-29 at 6 PM, April 30 at 1 PM
Finally, carnivals have returned, so grab your family to enjoy all the funnel cakes, rides, and entertainment you can handle.
Cost: $35 online before April 24
Mountainside Park, Boundbrook Rd. & JFK Drive, Middlesex, NJ 08846
Annual Lobster Run in Asbury Park
April 30 at 9 AM
Bring the whole family out to cheer on or participate in the Littoral Society’s 7th Annual Lobster Run. This 5K walk/run features a time trial start and a buffet brunch from the Langosta Lounge. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: $30 and up
1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 915-9139
Collingswood Green Day Event
April 30 at 9 AM
It’s an annual event all about green resources. Whether you are an eco-friendly expert or just getting started on your own green initiatives, the Collingswood Green Day provides opportunities and resources to support you on your journey to sustainable living.
Cost: Free
Zane School Parking Lot, Haddon and Irvin Avenues near lot, Collingswood, NJ 08108
(856) 854-0720
Allaire Spring Craft Show
April 30 at 10 AM
Over 80 crafters, Allaire artisans, floral exhibits, and historic demonstrations will be available at the Allaire Spring Craft Show. There will be paintings, pottery, and textiles, and don’t miss the craft demonstrations at the Carpenter, Blacksmith, and Tinsmith shops. The General Store, Bakery, Food Truck – Pilsen Gourmet will be open throughout the day. The rain date is May 1.
Cost: $5 per person 6 years old and up
The Historic Village at Allaire, Allaire State Park, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
(732) 938-2371
2022 Bayfest
April 30 at 10 AM
It’s the largest outdoor festival in Somers Point and features numerous live music stages, a hundred of crafters, a wide assortment of food vendors, antique boats, and children’s activities.
Cost: Free
Bay Avenue, Somers Point, NJ 08244
Go Green with Hope
April 30 at 10 AM
The 9th Annual festival with an environment theme has something for every age, including free seedlings, crafts, vendors, free raffles, meet and greet with the Antler Ridge Mascot, over 40 tables of vendors, activities, and giveaways.
Cost: Free
Hope Township School – 320 Johnsonburg Road, Hope, NJ 07844
(908) 459-5011 x1
Boonton Vendor Show
April 30 at 10 AM
Find a diverse selection of crafters and vendors. Shop local for unique gifts and food and have fun at the historic train station.
Cost: Free
Boonton Station 1904 Restaurant and Bar – 202 Myrtle Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005
(973) 917-4500
New Jersey Folk Festival
April 30 at 10 AM
Come out to celebrate NJ Folk musicians and artists at this huge festival hosted at Rutgers University. There will be vendors, food, and of course, live music at this multicultural event.
Cost: Free
Eagleton Institute of Politics, Douglass Campus (the Great Lawn) – 191 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
njfolkfest@gmail.com
Rutgers Day
April 30 at 10 AM
This event is open to the public, and everyone can enjoy exhibits, interactive activities, demonstrations, and performances offered by faculty, staff, and students. There are kids’ activities available too.
Cost: Free
Busch Campus in Piscataway and the Cook/Douglass Campuses in New Brunswick
Central NJ Empanada Festival
April 30 at 11 AM
The whole family will love the food vendors, bounce houses, Grand Prix for remote-controlled cars, and live music. And don’t forget to vote for the best empanada in Central NJ while you are there.
Cost: Children 4-13 $4 and adults are $6
1034 Millstone River Road, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
Chester Food Truck and Music Fest
April 30 at 11 AM
Bring your friends, family, lawn chairs, and blankets. There will be food trucks, kids’ activities, ax throwing, and inflatables.
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free; please bring an item for the food pantry too
134 Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930
Bordentown Porchfest
April 30 at 12 PM
Bordentown PorchFest 2022 is a family-friendly event featuring musicians of all genres and styles playing free shows on porches throughout the City. Stroll from porch to porch and relax on front lawns and sidewalks, enjoying live, local talent. A PorchFest guide listing host porches and performance schedules will be available before the event.
Cost: Free
Bordentown, NJ 08505
The Mighty T-Rex at Westfield Garden State Plaza
April 30 at 2 PM and 4 PM
Join Field Station: Dinosaurs at the Westfield Garden State Plaza for two special performances that include meet and greets with these awe-inspiring, life-like creatures where you can snap a photo with The Mighty T-Rex for the ‘gram. Everyone in attendance will receive a coupon for $2 off-day passes for the 2022 season at Field Station: Dinosaurs, located in Overpeck Park in Leonia.
Cost: Free, but reservations are a must. The meet and greets are limited to the first 50 guests.
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Level 1, In front of Shopper’s Find and Aroma Espresso Bar, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
The Wild and Scenic Earth Day Film Festival and Outdoor Earth Day Celebration
April 30 at 3 PM
Enjoy this all-day in-person, outdoor community event with a free screening of the movie Inspiring Adventure. They will also feature live music and nature-themed art classes that you won’t want to miss.
Cost: Some activities have a fee and require registration
70 Jackson Plaza, Hoboken, NJ 07030
B- The Underwater Bubble show
April 30 at 3 PM and 7 PM
Feel like a kid again in the underwater world of Bubblelandia. Inspired by childhood favorites like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan, B-The Underwater Bubble Show is a modern fairy tale with one major twist.
Cost: $19-$49
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 539-8008
Hawthorne Art in the Park
April 30-May 1
Visit nearly 50 vendors selling their artwork and handcrafted goods. There will also be food vendors, desserts, drink vendors, local musicians, live demonstrations, kids’ activities, and much more.
Cost: Free
Passaic County Arts Center-Goffle Brook Park – 675 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ 07506
(973) 706- 6640
Kite Day at Terhune Orchards
April 30-May 1 at 10 AM
You know spring is here when the kite fest is soaring high. Decorate a kite, choose from an assortment of pre-made kits, or bring your own. There will also be music, pony rides, old-fashioned games, and tasty foods.
Cost: $12 online/$15 at the gate
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-2310
Bloom Market Festival at Renault
April 30-May 1 and May 7-8 at 11 AM
Shop from a curated collection with over 20 local makers. This seasonal celebration will highlight the beauty of spring.
Cost: Free
Renault Winery, 72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Island Acres Farm Mall
April 30 and May 7 at 8 AM
Come out to see 80-100 vendors all in one spot. There will be everything from handmade crafts to antiques, artwork, and bath and body products.
Cost: Free
Indian Acres Tree Farn, 111 Tuckerton Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
(609) 953-0087
Highland Park Spring Street Fair, Earth Day, 5K, and Kids Races
May 1 starting at 9 AM
Start the day with a 5K and kids races in Highland Park. Then the Spring Street Fair and Earth Day celebration will take place at 11 AM at Raritan Ave.
Cost: Prices vary
Raritan Ave., Highland Park, NJ 08904
Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips Last Day
May 1 at 9 am
It’s the last day to pick tulips, taste Dutch delights, and pose for colorful floral photos at Holland Ridge Farms. There will be specialty food trucks, like Cousins Maine Lobster and NYC Mac Truck.
Cost: $13
Holland Ridge Farms, 86 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Handmade Hopewell
May 1 at 10 AM
It’s a Makers Street Fair for the whole family. Check out the variety of artists with everything from glass products to quilts to unique items.
Cost: Free
Seminary Ave., Hopewell Borough, NJ 08525
Somerset County 4-H Spring Carnival 2022
May 1 at 10 AM
Make crafts, win prizes, and play games at this Bridgewater event. There will also be magic, animals, and face painting.
Cost: Free
Ted Blum 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807
(908) 526-6644
Spring Fling Westfield
May 1 at 10 AM
Food, photography, jewelry, and something for everyone at this family-friendly event. There will also be a Kid Zone with rides and activities.
Cost: Free
Downtown Westfield between North Ave and Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090
Cranford Street Fair & Craft Show
May 1 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family out to this street fair featuring artists, crafters, vendors, food, rides, and live music. There will be children’s rides too.
Cost: Free
Cranford downtown, Cranford, NJ 07016
Springfield Food Truck Festival
May 1 at 11 AM
This weekend, head to Springfield for food trucks, arts, and music to fill your spring cup. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs for this family-friendly event.
Cost: $5 at the door; under 5 are free.
Springfield Community Pool, 44 Morrison Rd., Springfield, NJ 07081
Bridgewater Spring Carnival
May 1 at 11 AM
It’s a family fun day with carnival games, rides, inflatables, music, face painting, and food trucks. You can also purchase a wristband for the All-Inclusive Experience, including Pony Rides and Arts & Crafts Tent. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free to $10
Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 218-0001
May Day Festival: Celebrate Spring in the Outdoors
May 1 at 1 PM
It’s the 2nd annual May Day Festival—earn your outdoor arts badge through traditional May Day activities such as making traditional flower crowns, dancing around the Maypole, and creating works of art with Blank Canvas Splattered.
Cost: $33
Camp Sacy “Sacajawea,” 3064 Victoria Ave, Newfield, NJ 08344
(856) 795-1560
Ongoing Events
Outdoor Sculpture Month in Haddonfield
The month of April
It’s the 4th annual “April is Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Month” with fun for all ages. Tour nearly two dozen figurative and abstract sculptures, meet sculptors, watch a live casting of a famous bust of Camden poet Walt Whitman, take tours, craft a DIY sculpture in a box from the library, and more. And all month long, kids can pick up a “Haddy Snack” of pennies to feed the Haddy the Dinosaur while supplies last at Melange Children’s Boutique, 45 Kings Highway East.
Cost: Free
Various locations in Haddonfield, NJ 08033
SatARTdays art classes
Now-May 7 at 12 PM
Take a free children’s art class with a professional artist at the Noyes Arts Garage for children ages 5 to 12. Please register t12 PMure a spot since seats are limited.
Cost: Free
Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 626-3805
Easter and Springtime Family Fun at Alstede Farms
Now-May 15 from 9 AM-4 PM
The whole family will love taking a scenic hayride around the farm, visiting and feeding baby animals. Littles will also enjoy an Easter Bunny Brunch too.
Cost: Tickets are $19.99 and up
Alstede Farms – 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, N] 07930
(908) 879-7189
Broadway at the Garden State Plaza
Now-June 25 at 11 AM and 1 PM
See the best of Broadway for kids every Saturday, featuring songs and scenes from hit Broadway shows. This event is free for everyone and will highlight memorable scenes from your favorite Broadway shows like Aladdin, Wicked and Lion King, performed in a 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, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
XC Summer Series
April 27-August 31 on Wednesdays at 6 PM
Learn how to run cross country with a weekly series of 5K events on Wednesday nights from April 27 until August 31, 2022. There are a total of 15 races in the series. The course is open to all ages and abilities, and walkers are welcome.
Cost: $8-$10 per race or $50-$85 per series
Central Ave and North Cottage Road, Parsippany, NJ US 07954
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
April 26 at 4:30 PM
Hands-on cooking for ages 8-12; parent/guardian must register. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, knife skills, and more.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Emily Ho, RDN, emily.ho@rwjbh.org or (973) 926-7371
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