April may be halfway over, and if you haven’t had a chance to take advantage of all the springtime fun with the fam, we’ve got you covered with lots of outdoor and seasonal activities. Watch incredible kites take flight at the 6th Annual Pier Village Kites Festival in Long Branch, check out mind-blowing Lego creations at Brick Fest in Edison, or spend the day on the river at Shadfest in Lambertville. (feature photo credit: Istock/Omegaforest)
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
Earth Day Work Day
April 22, 9 AM-1 PM
Families can get free admission to the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge to paint, work on trail maintenance, and other projects. Volunteers must be 13 and up.
Cost: Free
Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 4 Sawmill Road, Medford, NJ 08055
(856) 983-3329
Historic Smithville Earth Day Event
April 22 at 4 PM
Spend the afternoon outdoors and enjoy this special Earth Day Green Market. The market will feature native plants, baked goods, crafters, and more.
Cost: Free
615 East Moss Hill Road Smithville, NJ 08205
(609) 748-8999
Earth Day Dune Planting at Bayshore Waterfront Park
April 22 at 4 PM
Come ready to plant native grasses to help with the dune restoration project at Bayshore Waterfront Park. Plants are in limited supply, so the event is first-come, first-serve.
Cost: Free
719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
(732) 787-3033
Sunset, Shells, and Sand Dollars Earth Day Beach Walk
April 22 at 7 PM
Join Save Coastal Wildlife Nonprofit members to celebrate Earth Day by exploring the ocean beach during sunset and low tide. We will scan the beach sand to look for sand dollars, shells, and skate and whelk egg cases. If you are lucky, you might spot a whale or dolphin.
Cost: Free
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, 221 North Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Grayrock N Roll Spring Festival
April 23 at 9 AM
Head to this lively festival featuring 60 vendors, food trucks, face painting, a DJ, and an a capella group too. Rescue groups will be there with dogs, cats, and kittens up for adoption. There will also be sanctuary horses, goats, pigs, and chickens.
Cost: Admission is Free ($5 parking fee to help us care for and feed the animals)
85 Grayrock Road, Clinton, NJ 08809
Annual Pier Village Kites Festival
April 23 at 9 AM – 4 PM
The Kite Festival is back and will feature kite flyers from all over the eastern seaboard flying their most incredible creations. Enter the Running of the Bols contest on an 8 ft parachute, and enjoy inflatable rides, bounce houses, carousel rides, and games all day.
Cost: Free
Chelsea Ave. Beach, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Cooper Sprouts Garden Monarch Butterfly Garden Planting Event
April 23 at 10 AM
Join the Adventure Aquarium and Camden Urban Agriculture Collaborative (CUAC) and help plant a monarch butterfly garden at Cooper Sprouts Garden. Volunteers will assist in planting the monarch butterfly host plant, milkweed, and a variety of flowering plants that the monarch butterfly and other native insects use as food.
Cost: Free
616 Newton Avenue, Camden, NJ 08103
Earth Day Celebration in Cape May
April 23 at 10 AM
Cape May County Park & Zoo will co-host its Earth Day Celebration with the Cape May County MUA. Over 50 environmentally friendly exhibitors will fill the tents on the main field with assorted conservation and eco-worthy goods and displays. There will be a nature scavenger hunt, Story Time with the Cape May County Library, Superhero Training, Trivia and Games, and music by Master DJ & Sound all day. The Drum Circle will end the day with earthy rhythms and vibes.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park and Zoo, 700 U.S. 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
DEP 50th Anniversary and Earth Day Celebration
April 23 at 10 AM
Join the Department of Environmental Protection as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organization and Earth Day. There will be food trucks, lawn games, education programs, face painting, and more.
Cost: Free
1 Audrey Zap Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Earth Day at the Lake
April 23 at 10 AM
Work on a variety of conservation projects around the lake. Help with a pollinator garden, rain garden, native species area, cleaning up litter, and laying wood chips. Historical tours will also be available that day. The rain date is April 24.
Cost: Free
Spring Garden Lake, 70 E. Madison Ave., Florham Park, NJ 07932
2nd Annual Autism Awareness Walk
April 23 at 10 AM
Bring your family and show support for the autism community. You get a t-shirt, food, music, and activities when you register.
Cost: Free
Lincoln Park, West Side Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07304
Bound Brook Food Truck and Musical Festival
April 23 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family to this festival with 15+ gourmet food trucks, live music from 3 bands, pony rides, a petting zoo, knocker ball, hatchet throwing, vendors, and more.
Cost: bring non-perishable canned or boxed items to help support the food pantry and $5; kids under 5 are free
Billian Park – East Main St, Bound Brook, NJ 08805
Community Day: Celebrating Earth!
April 23 at 12 PM
Celebrate the amazing planet in a day of fun for the whole family. Enjoy musical performances by Bash the Trash, get up close with live animals, and jump into our many other offerings. There’ll be artmaking activities, interactive tours, storytelling, and special planetarium shows.
Cost: Free
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07102
Princeton Porchfest
April 23 at 12 PM
Porchfest is a walkable music festival where neighbors offer their front porches as DIY concert venues. Talented performers will play rotating sets throughout the neighborhood during this day-long celebration of music, art, and the incredible Princeton community. Stroll from porch to porch to enjoy live, local talent.
Cost: Free
Princeton, NJ 08540
Wool Days/ Sheep Shearing
April 23 at 12 PM
Visit the farm this weekend and learn how the farmers use traditional blade shearing practices to remove the fleece from our sheep.
Cost: Free
Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Long Street Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Trails Day
April 23 at 12 PM
With the Rails to Trails Conservancy on the Merchantville Bike Path, see a special presentation at Eclipse Brewing. Learn bike safety, sustainability tips and tricks, enjoy movement and exercise with Movement 4 Wellness, and there will even be activities for the kids.
Cost: Free
Merchantville Bike Path – Chestnut Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109
1-866-226-3362
Point Pleasant Environmental Commission Earth Day Celebration
April 23 at 12 PM
The Point Pleasant Environmental Commission will be hosting its (almost) Annual Earth Day Celebration at Riverfront Park to bring the community together to inspire an understanding and appreciation for our environment. The theme for this year’s celebration will be “Trees Make Point Pleasant,” focusing on the importance of trees in our local environment.
Cost: Free
Riverfront Park, 2303 River Rd, Point Pleasant, NJ 08743
Family Fun Day: Arbor(etum) Day!
April 23 at 1 PM
Liberty Hall has lots of trees–even before William Livingston moved to the property, he planted trees for enjoyment and study. Although so much has changed at the property over the last 250 years, their love of trees has not. There will be activities, games, and crafts at the arboretum. Reservations are required.
Cost: $4-$10
Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Earth Day Activities in Monmouth County
April 23, times vary
The whole family can head out to try events including Saltwater Fishing at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Discovering Freshwater Creatures at Huber Woods, or Beachcombing and Clean up at Seven President’s Park this Earth Day. There are even more activities available here.
Various locations in Monmouth County
(732) 842-4000
Brick Fest
April 23-24 at 9 AM
It’s a Lego lovers’ paradise—there will be Lego Exhibits on display, live interactive shows, life-sized builds, and shopping. Don’t miss the Guinness Book of World Records setting Brick Mosaic.
Cost: $24.99-$49.99
97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
BaconFest at Laurita Winery
April 23-24 at 11 AM
It’s an outdoor, fun-filled day of relaxing fun on the grounds of Laurita Winery. Pair wine with the many delicious food offerings available from onsite food trucks. There will also be live musical artists, free parking, a face painter for the kids (1 PM-4 PM), fire pits, and fireworks (Saturday evening).
Cost: $12 in advance, $14 at the gate, and under 21 is free
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
1-800-LAURITA
Shadfest
April 23-24 at 11 AM
Celebrate 39 years of family, fun, and the spring migration of the herring fish from saltwater to freshwater. Check out the region’s finest artists and crafters and sections of children’s activities, home & garden, and a farmer’s market. Local’s Lane will feature artists from the Lambertville/New Hope area. This event is rain or shine.
Cost: Free
Lambertville, NJ 08530
(609) 397-0055
5K Run and Walk 4 Family and Friends with Cancer
April 24 at 8 AM
Get outside and raise money for family and friends with cancer at this in-person event.
Cost: $40
Voorhees Middle School, 100 Holly Oak Drive, Voorhees, NJ 08043
Renault Winery 5 Miler and Food Truck Festival
April 24 at 9 AM
Enjoy the beauty of the vineyards as you run this flat 5-mile course at New Jersey’s oldest active winery. Refuel at the after-party featuring live music, food trucks, and lush surroundings for you to enjoy. Awards will be given to the top 3 overall finishers and the top 3 in each age group.
Cost: $50
Renault Winery – 72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Party for the Planet
April 24 at 10 AM
It’s party time for a good cause. Celebrate Earth Day with the animals, and there will be activities and prizes for all.
Cost: Free
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
G-Funk’s Super Hero Fun Run
April 24 at 10 AM
Tie up your laces and get ready to participate in a fun run for all ages. This inclusive event promotes family fun and fitness.
Cost: $13
Point Pleasant Borough High School, 830 Laura Herbert Drive, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
30th Annual Earth Day Celebration
April 24 at 10 AM
Rain or shine, there will be various free, fun, and educational activities for all ages. The celebration
has more than 150 vendors, crafters, food vendors, and exhibitors. Also, enjoy free workshops and music, and entertainment.
Cost: Free
Atlantic County Utilities Authority, 6700 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 272-6950
Holi Festival of Colors
April 24 at 11:30 AM
Get ready to celebrate a festival of colors for Holi in Secaucus. They will give out complimentary colors at this event too.
Cost: Free
Mill Creek Point Park, Mill Ridge Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Millburn Street and Craft Fair
April 24 at 11 AM
Enjoy live music, a DJ, dancing, delicious foods, performances, and more. There will be children’s rides, games, and more.
Cost: Free
Downtown Millburn, NJ 07041
(908) 654-1400
Paramus Food Truck Festival
April 24 at 11 AM
Come to Kick Off Food Truck Season with food, music, and fun. Over 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, music, pony rides, petting zoo, knocker ball, hatchet tossing, inflatables, face painting, sand art, vendors & a beer, sangria & margarita garden for the adults. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets.
Cost: Please bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the Paramus Food pantry; tickets are $5 for admission, and 5 and under are free
700 Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ 07652
United For Impact Food Truck
April 24 at 12 PM
Join United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, and Downtown Freehold for the United for Impact Food Truck Festival.
Cost: Free
West Main Street in Downtown Freehold, NJ 07728
Ongoing Events
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 available for an additional purchase. 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
The Northeast Coalition Earth Day Celebration Week
Now-April 23 starts at 10 AM
This event starts on April 16 and includes information about the importance of community gardens. There will also be a cleanup in Montclair Park.
Cost: Free
Please visit the website for a complete list of event locations.
(973) 233-1106
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
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
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
April 19, 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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