We’ve got some happy news—spring is (almost) here, and there are plenty of free things to do in March to make the most of it, at home or out. Be wowed by magician Steve Woyce during The Magic Of Sharks online show, take a Splendor of Spring guided walk in Monmouth County, or see lambs and sheep during Lambing Day at the Howell Living History Farm. Ready to make a plan? Scroll down to find things to do that will make March and spring sprout.
featured image via Howell Living History Farm
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Here are free things to do in NJ in March
Virtual Things To Do
Virtual Barking Book Buddies
March 1st from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Take a turn reading to a therapy dog. This event is through the Cherry Hill Public Library, and it’s in partnership with the Tri-State K-9 Crisis Response Team. Registration required.
Duke Farms Virtual Webinar: Vegetable Seed Starting
March 1st from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn all about starting seeds of your own to prepare your own garden with Duke Farms.
Virtual Story Time at the Cherry Hill Public Library
March 2nd and 15th from 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
One of the Cherry Hill librarians will share a story during this storytime. For ages 0-5.
Dr. Suess Trivia on Zoom
March 2nd from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Join the Johnson Public Library in Hackensack for a special Kahoot trivia game based on all things Dr. Suess. For grades, K-6 and registration is required.
The Future of Human Spaceflight
March 4th at 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Join the Liberty Science Center live from your laptop to see a review of the Artemis “bring humans back to the Moon” mission, an update on NASA’s Space Launch System, updates on SpaceX, and Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, which is scheduled to carry crew this summer.
The Magic of Sharks with Steve Woyce
March 5th from 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Be amazed during this 45-minute shark-themed magic show through the Millburn Public Library. Learn all about sharks during this lively comedy and magic show, which will keep everyone in the family entertained. Registration is required.
Musical Story Time with Miss Michelle
March 6th from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Join Miss Michelle on Facebook Live for some storytime fun with the West Caldwell Public Library.
Sea Creatures with Amazing Features
March 13th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Discover the wet world of water animals with this presentation by the Wetlands Institute and the Avalon Free Public Library.
Morris County Park Commission Wild Animal Experts Online: Slithering Snakes
March 20th and 21st from 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Do your kids want to see a live snake up close? Learn fun facts all about the snakes of New Jersey. Registration is required for this virtual event; please call 973-635-6629.
Greg Pizzoli Virtual Author Visit
March 24th from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Meet author Greg Pizzoli during a virtual author visit in coordination with the Cape May Public Library. This event is for ages 5-10, and registration is required.
Barnes and Noble Virtual Saturday Story Time
March 1st – 31st
Click on the link every Saturday to hear a featured picture book read aloud.
Free March events in NJ in-person
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it best to check ahead for in-person events)
Splendid Spring Stroll
March 1st at Huber Woods Park from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM and March 15th at Big Brook Park from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Say “farewell” to winter and “hello” to spring as a park naturalist guides you through some Monmouth County trails.
Huber Woods – 25 Brown’s Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Twp.)
Big Brook Park – 521 Route 520, Marlboro
Columbus Farmers Market Complex
Days and hours vary for each market.
There’s more than produce at this huge market—it’s filled with retail shops, like antique stores, a garden center, an Amish market, and a flea market. Head to the produce row area to find local offerings, including fish, fruit, and eggs.
2919 Route 206
Columbus
Read Across America Children’s Book and Journal Pick Up Event
March 3rd from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
All families in Atlantic County can participate in this event. In celebration of Read Across America, a child can pick up a free book and journal. Registration is required.
Inland Family Success Center
3050 Spruce Ave
Egg Harbor Twp
Trenton Farmers Market
Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
This permanent market has been the center of local shopping since 1948. You’ll find 40 different businesses highlighting local fresh produce, Amish baked goods, fresh meat and seafood, candy, snacks, and much more. Be sure to check back with them at the end of April, as the hour’s change for summer in May.
960 Spruce Street
Lawrence Township
Princeton Farmers Market
March 4th and 18th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Shop the Farmer’s Market in Princeton on select Thursdays in February; check the website for updates.
46-80 Franklin Avenue, parking lot
Princeton
Stockton Market
Fridays 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sundays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This isn’t your typical farmers market: Besides buying the usual local produce, you can have a meal here (there are a cafe and eat-in food stands) and enjoy the river views. Pop-up vendors are available, offering the best from area makers.
19 Bridge Street
Stockton
Montclair Farmers Market
Every Saturday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
At this year-round market, you’ll find treats like gluten-free baked goods, micro-greens, fresh-cut bouquets and herbs, spices, soups, and many other locally-made specialty items.
Walnut Street Train Station, 86 Walnut St
Montclair
Stangl Factory Market
Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Housed in the original Stangl pottery factory, this unique atmosphere makes it fun to browse through purveyors offering locally-sourced vegetables, grass-fed meats, artisan bread and cheeses, pastured eggs, specialty prepared foods, and desserts. The market also has plenty of beautiful artisan goods, including handmade baskets, turned wood, soaps and bath products, and handspun yarn.
Mine Street & Stangl Road
Flemington
Workhorse Rides at the Howell Living History Farm
March 6th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kids will learn about the differences between draft, saddle, and carriage horses at this event. Participants can also help the farmers with chores like making feed, filling water troughs, and bedding stalls. Registration is required.
70 Woodens Lane
Hopewell Twp.
Bernardsville Farmers Market
Saturdays through March 27th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The market has moved to the train station parking lot. You’ll find vendors featuring homemade bakery goods, cheeses, local meat purveyors, nuts, and produce at this market that’s an offshoot of the popular summer one.
Bernardsville Train Station Parking Lot
Bernardsville
First Saturday Wellness Walk D & R Canal State Park Towpath
March 6th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Take a historic walk on the D & R Canal Towpath and enjoy the early signs of spring. Meet at the Route 295 North Scenic Overlook. Registration is required.
295 Scenic Overpass
Route 295 North Scenic Overpass
Bordentown
West Windsor Community Farmers Market
March 6th and 20th from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Meander through this open-air market to find winter produce, pastured meats and poultry, fresh seafood, jams, chocolates, wine, and much more. Masks are required, and pre-ordering options are available with certain vendors.
MarketFair Parking Lot 3535 Rt 1 South (in front of AMC Theaters)
West Windsor
Ramsey Farmers Market
Sunday through April, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This outdoor market boasts various specialty food purveyors—check out the empanadas, sea salt, kimchi, fermented veggies, and more on the alternating schedule. There are also many non-food vendors as well, including knife-sharpening, jewelry, and other crafts.
Main Street Train Station
Ramsey
Walking Tour of the Battlefield
March 7th at 1:30 PM
Meet at the Visitor’s Center Auditorium to take a Monmouth Battlefield tour with the Friends of the Monmouth County Battlefield.
16 Highway 33-BR
Manalapan
Winter Farmers Market
Sundays through March 28th from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (High-risk shoppers 9:30 AM – 10:30 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.
6 Normandy Heights Road (Morris Museum Parking Deck)
Morristown
Hunterdon Land Trust’s Winter Farmers Market
Two Sundays per month, December through early May, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This popular market has picked up many great vendors, including Aquasprouts Farm, an aquaponics farm with lettuce and kale, and Will’s Amazing Vegan Burgers. There are also local coffee roasters, homemade dog biscuits, and goat’s milk products.
111 Mine Street
Flemington
Visit the Horse Doctor, Dentist, and Shoer
March 13th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Have you ever listened to a horse’s heartbeat through a stethoscope—well, this may be your chance. A veterinarian and dentist will be giving Howell Farm’s six workhorses their shots, dental exams, and hoof trimmings at this spring visit. The farrier will also be shoeing, and the blacksmith will be working in the forge.
70 Woodens Lane
Hopewell Twp
Backyard Chickens at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 13th from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Learn all about chickens. See what they eat, drink, where they live and even learn about egg production too.
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 13th from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Listen to various melodies played by an accordion at the Historic Longstreet Farm.
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel
The Casual Birder at Dorbrook Recreation Center
March 16th at 9:00 AM
Take a laid-back morning walk with a park naturalist to spot local birds in the area. Meet in the soccer field parking area.
353 Route 537
Colts Neck
19th Century Woodworking Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
March 20th from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
A carpenter will demonstrate how they used 19th-century woodworking and carving tools back in the day.
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel
Bergen County Zoo
March 1st – 31st from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The Bergen County Zoo is free during the off-season, weather permitting.
216 Forest Ave
Paramus
Lambing
March 27th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Will you see a lamb born on Lambing Day? At this event, you will see new lambs, meet expectant ewes, and learn about the flock of period Romney-Suffolk sheep at the Howell Living History Farm.
70 Woodens Lane
Hopewell Twp
Visit several sites claiming to be Molly Pitcher’s Well
March 28th at 1:30 PM
Meet the Friends of the Monmouth County Battlefield at the Visitor’s Center Auditorium. Then drive to the heart of the battlefield to explore several locations that claim to be the location of Molly Pitcher’s Well. The tour will end at the new Molly Pitcher Overlook on Perrine Hill.
16 Highway 33-BR
Manalapan
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