10 Best NJ Events This Weekend: April 1

Experience a performance of free spirited puppets and magical adventures at The Big Friendly Giant, bring your camera and meet Peppa Pig at Learning Express Toys of Holmdel, collect some new cards or dress up in costume at the Jersey Shore Comic Book Show in Toms River, or observe fossilized fish and ancient rocks at the 27th Annual North Jersey Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show in Midland Park.

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Photo via Erin Nicastro Photography.

Photo via sopacnow.org

1. The Big Friendly Giant
April 2nd, 2016 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
He’s giant, he’s friendly, and he’s got a sense of humor that will have audiences of all ages laughing hysterically. Roald Dahl’s eccentric tale about a big friendly giant and his friends comes to life through magical adventures and free spirited puppets at South Orange Performing Arts Center’s performance of The Big Friendly Giant.
South Orange Performing Arts Center
1 SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ
Cost: $25-$30

2. Meet Peppa Pig!
April 2nd, 2016 | 12:00 AM
Peppa Pig is excited to meet all of her little fans at Learning Express Toys of Holmdel. This quirky character will be hosting a free meet and greet at the store, so make sure to bring your camera and put on your best outfit.
Learning Express Toys of Holmdel
2107 NJ-35, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: Free

Photo via littleblokes.com

3. Jersey Shore Comic Book Show
April 3rd, 2016 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Guest artists will showcase their creations, cosplayers will display their most fabulous character outfits, and super heroes of all kinds will appear at the Jersey Shore Comic Book Show. Comic book lovers are gaurenteed to have a blast as they encounter fan card trading, action figures, super hero movies, and the chance to win a prize for their costume.
Toms River Elks
600 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ
Cost: Children under 12 are free, older are $5

4. Rumpelstiltskin LIVE
April 3rd, 2016 | 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM
Rumplestiltskin makes Daisy, a girl trapped in a stable by the king and forced to spin gold, an offer that she cannot refuse. Daisy makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin that sets her on a path of drama and adventure.
Mayo Performing Arts Center
100 South St, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $12-$15

5. 27th Annual North Jersey Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show
April 2nd and April 3rd, 2016 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Spotlighting Earth’s hidden treasures, the 27th Annual North Jersey gem, mineral, and fossil show is a family-friendly event that holds some of Earth’s most unique collectibles. Sponsored by The North Jersey Mineralogical Society, there will be minerals, oddly shaped rocks, gemstones of all colors, fossils, crystals, and hand-made jewelry that will amaze geology enthusiasts of all ages.
Midland Park High School
250 Prospect Street, Midland Park, NJ
Cost: $5

6. STEM Festival
April 2nd, 2016 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
LEGO robotics, science exhibits, and an afternoon full of science, technology, and engineering activities will be happening at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge. Each showcase and exhibit in the festival is inspired by the importance of STEM in a child’s life—from huge LEGO displays to an electrifying electrical exhibit, kids are encouraged to engage in these interactive, jaw dropping events.
Women’s Club of Glen Ridge
219 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ
Cost: $5-$18

Photo via wildridgeplants.com

7. The Puddle Garden
April 2nd, 2016 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Visit the puddle gardens of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed after a delightful reading of The Puddle Garden and other spring-themed children’s books. The reading, by children’s literature author Jared Rosenbaum, will be followed by an educational session about spring plants and a trip to the Watershed’s spectacular puddle garden.
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed
31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington, NJ
Cost: Free

8. Wheaton Arts Dog Show
April 3rd, 2016 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center for their dog show parade and activities that engage dogs and families. Pet-themed hands-on activities for the kids, a judged dog show with awards such as prettiest pooch and pet-owner look alikes, a photobooth for the dogs, and many more interactive activities for both dogs and their owners will be taking place. Don’t miss out on this unique event.
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
1501 Glasstown Rd., Millville, NJ
Cost: Free

9. Astronomy and Flight Day
April 3rd, 2016 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Children’s Museum of Bridgewater is opening its doors to families, with a $3 suggested donation. If you’re looking for a free, educational, exciting event, you don’t want to skip out on this one. Peter Hansch, boomerang expert, will astound audiences with a spectacular demonstration while families are welcome to participate in other hands-on activities going on throughout the day.
The People Care Center
120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater, NJ
Cost: $3 suggested donation

Photo via kids-play-soccer.com

10. Soccer Day at Acres Park
April 2nd, 2016 | 10:00 AM
Children ranging from the ages 2 – 8 years of age are invited to Soccer Day in Eatontown— an event that gets kids outside for the day and gives them a good workout. With a day of free classes, a chance to meet some of the best coaches in New Jersey, and the opportunity to see what a Soccer Shots session is like, children will fall in-love with the game of soccer.
80 Acres Park, Eatontown, NJ