April is finally here (cue the applause), and we’re all for it with lots of spring-themed things to do with the family this weekend. Bring the kids to see the baby farm animals, take a wagon ride and more at the Springtime Festival at Alstede Farms, enjoy lots of everyone’s favorite dish, macaroni, and cheese, at the 5th Annual Hoboken Mac & Cheese Festival, or celebrate the festival of colors at the Holi Color-Fest in Fair Lawn. And with spring here, make sure you don’t miss all the fun festivals happening this season. (featured photo: istock/dennisvdw)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
SPONSORED
Spring Break at Big Kahuna’s
Grab your ticket to more fun and enjoy exclusive pricing when you shop through their online ticket portal. During Spring Break, one-day tickets are only $35.99 per person which is a savings of up to $14. Grab yours today.
Big Kahuna’s Waterpark, 535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Laser Tribute
April 5 at 7 PM
This 45-minute laser show in the planetarium dome pays tribute to some of the greatest musical artists whose music touched so many, including John Lennon, James Brown, and Elvis Presley with music and lights.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Robert J. Novins Planetarium, College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Springtime and Easter Festival at Alstede Farms
April 5-7
Bring the kids to see the featured guest, the Easter Bunny, while seeing baby farm animals, taking wagon rides, and climbing the giant hay pyramid.
Cost: Tickets are $19.99-$34.99
Alstede Farms,1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Easter EGGstravaganZOO at Cape May County Park Zoo
April 5-7
Missed the Easter festivities? You can still hop on the fun at the zoo while it’s still dressed in its Easter finery. You can play Easter Bunny I Spy, participate in an Easter Scavenger Hunt, try the HOPstacle Course, and see the Easter Bunny.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park/Zoo, 707 Route US 9 North, NJ, Cape May 08210
Storytime with Tinker Bell
April 6 at 10 AM
Join Tinker Bell for a fun and interactive storytime all about her springtime adventures in Pixie Hollow. Little ones will get the chance to interact with Tinker Bell one-on-one, play games, have a dance party, and take photos together.
Cost: $10 per child
Stage Craft Studio, 1735 E. 2nd Street, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Wheaton Springs 2024
April 6 at 10 AM
Celebrate the start of WheatonArts’ creative season with this family-friendly kick-off event highlighting their daily offerings and hands-on programming. Explore exhibits and join in on projects for the whole family, including pine-needle basket making, coffee filter butterflies, and glass-fused magnets. There will also be food vendors and live jazz music.
Cost: Free
1510 Glasstown Road, Millville, NJ 08332
5th Annual Hoboken Mac & Cheese Festival
April 6 at 1 PM
Bring your family and appetite to the 4th Annual Hoboken Mac and Cheese Festival. Take a tour around Hoboken and sample all kinds of Mac & Cheese creations from some of the city’s best spots. This event will be held rain or shine.
Cost: $12-$35
Locations throughout Hoboken, NJ 07030
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Challenge Bike Race
April 6 at 7 AM
Race through Branch Brook Park in the Cherry Blossom Challenge, a competitive New Jersey tradition for the whole family. Or join other eventgoers and cheer on the cyclists during the race. Keep the fun going at The Cherry Blossom 10K, taking place the next day, on April 7, at 10 AM at Concert Grove, Southern Division.
Cost: Free to enter the park and watch.
Branch Brook Park, Lake St & Park Ave, Newark, NJ 07104
Celebration of the Lambs
April 6 at 10 AM
Come to the farm to celebrate the new lambs with pony rides, face painting, food trucks, and vendors that the whole family will enjoy.
Cost: Free
Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, 100 Dennisville Petersburg Road, Petersburg, NJ 08270
Paint with Bluey
April 6 at 11 AM
Have a little one who loves Bluey? Head to this event, where kids can paint a keepsake mug with their handprint or footprint, take photos with Bluey, and enjoy a snack with a juice box.
Cost: $40 per child
Color Me Mine, 1877 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
2024 Youth Fishing Derby
April 6 at 9 AM
Get ready to cast your lines and see how many fish you can catch. The PBA Local 10 will be stocking and hosting this event, perfect for kids aged 0-15, who will compete for the biggest catch. New to fishing? The staff will be on hand to provide guidance and tips.
Cost: Free
Lake Takanessee, Long Branch, New Jersey, 07740
Holi Festival
April 6 at 11 AM
Come celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colors with Indian street food, Bollywood dance performances, and a DJ. Dress in white to experience the color powders (all organic) at this family-friendly outdoor event.
Cost: $15 for adults, kids 12 and under free
1696 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820
Ocean City Con 2024
April 6-7 at 10 AM
Join comic book and memorabilia enthusiasts in Ocean City. Special guests, artists, vendors, comics, games, and more will be present. There will even be a Super Hero Run and Dash and Super Hero Obstacle Dash.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford
April 6-7
Watch the 19th-century historic Gristmill in action. Each free demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes.
62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
EGGstravaganza at Heaven Hill Farm
April 6-7
See Hooper the Bunny, participate in the Easter Egg scavenger hunt, jump on a hayride, visit the Hippity Hop Village, and see farm animals. Carnival rides, a bakery, and spring blooms are available for an additional fee. Look out for their Easter Bonnet Contest, too.
Cost: Prices vary
451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
Essex County Park Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park
April 6-14, various times for events
With over 5,300 cherry blossom trees that burst into full bloom in April, this park is the nation’s first county park, and it’s noted to have the largest collection of Japanese cherry blossom trees in the United States, rivaling the famous Washington DC blooms. During the peak blooms, you can visit the annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park from April 6-14, which features a Bike Race, Cherry Blossom 10K, Essex County Family Day, Essex County 1 Mile Fun Run, and culminates on April 14 with Bloomfest! featuring live music, children’s activities, a crafter’s marketplace, food, and more.
Cost: Free
Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark, NJ 07104
65th Annual Model Railroad Show
April 6-7
If you have a little one who loves trains, then you have to check out this fun event. There will be Thomas the Tank Engine, a layout just for kids, refreshments, and more.
Cost: $10 per adult; kids 10 and under are free
575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
Holi Color-Fest
April 7 at 2 PM
Embrace this cherished tradition at this fun event with the fam. There will be music, dance, and color play. Make sure you dress in white or clothes you don’t mind getting colorful. The rain date is April 14.
Cost: Free, color packs available for purchase at the event
Memorial Park, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
2nd Annual Mommy and Me Tea Party
April 7 at 3 PM
Get dressed up with your little one and enjoy a beautiful date together. There will be tea, finger sandwiches, fruit, and pastries. Make sure your little one brings their favorite doll to the tea as well.
Cost: $40 for mom and child
Dragonfly Farms, 966 Kuser Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08501
Easter Egg Hunt and Farm Festival
April 7 at 10 AM
Celebrate spring on the farm with a fun Easter egg hunt, games, crafts, hayrides, and carriage rides. Kids will also have a chance to ride a pony, pet the horses, and help to groom them,
Cost: $25 per child
Ravenwood Farms, 125 Basset Road, Salem, NJ 08079
ONGOING EVENTS
SatARTdays: Free Kids’ Art Classes
March 16-April 20 at 12 PM
Bring the kids to get free art lessons. This series of six free children’s art classes will occur every Saturday in the spring with a professional artist at the Noyes Arts Garage. These classes will begin on March 16 and run until April 20.
NJ 08401
Fiddler On The Roof
Now-April 21
This beloved story is one that the whole family can enjoy together. Part of the Broadway Series, follow this journey of love, loss, faith, and family as you take in this unforgettable show.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Bubble Bash at Adventure Aquarium
Now-April 28
This bubbly bonanza is the perfect way to spend the day with the kids. There will be endless floating bubbles, demonstrations, and Insta-worthy photo ops.
Cost: General admission
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
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