Spring is here (cue the applause), and we can’t wait to get out and take advantage of all the spring things to do in NJ. From seeing the giraffes at Turtleback Zoo to riding the newest thrill coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure before the summer crowds., to walking among fields of tulips at Holland Ridge to catching opening baseball day for the Blue Claws—there are so many fun things to do in NJ to fill your bucket list in the next few months ahead. Scroll down to discover one of the newest spring things to do in NJ or revisit an old favorite. (featured photo credit: @sfgradventure)

29 Fun Things to Do in NJ To Fill Your Bucket List This Season

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British Swim School

British Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3 months through adults. The program is available year-round in warm, indoor pools. Find a nearby location and start swimming today by calling 201-645-1300 or visiting the website for more information.
Various locations in New Jersey

Hang with the animals at the best zoos in NJ

Heading to a zoo in the fresh air is an excellent way to usher in the new season and spend time outdoors. See giraffes and elephants from the Safari Off Road Adventure, which lets you take an off-road vehicle to see the animals at Six Flags Great Adventure starting March 30, 2024, or check out what the giraffes, flamingos, lions, bears, and the like are doing at Turtle Back Zoo or Cape May County Zoo. Been there, done that? You can find smaller zoos in the state and a few in NY and Philly too.

Take a peek at blooming trees

Fun fact: New Jersey is home to the most extensive cherry blossom collection in the United States. Yup, you don’t have to travel to Washington DC to see the soft pink blooms—Branch Brook Park in Newark has over 4000 cherry trees and hosts an annual cherry blossom festival from April 6-14, 2024. Nothing says spring like rows and rows of gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom, and there are plenty of spots to see these beauties at their best. But go quick—the peak lasts about a week and usually happens at the beginning of April.

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Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm – Season Opening and Strawberry Fest

We have some berry exciting news to share — Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm in Jobstown, NJ, is swinging open its gates for the 2024 season starting May 17. With our strawberry crop ripening, our patch will be boasting red berries beginning mid-May through mid-June. To kick off the Spring season in style, Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm will be hosting not one but TWO Strawberry Festival weekends on June 1st and 2nd and June 8th and 9th, celebrating the strawberry harvest. Imagine the sun on your back, the sweet smell of strawberries in the air, and the joy of hand-picking your own fresh berries straight from the patch – that’s what awaits you at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm. Make sure to book your strawberry-picking adventure online for a spot Friday through Sunday. Our farm’s bounty doesn’t stop at strawberries. Throughout the Summer and Fall, you’ll find peaches, blackberries, sunflowers, field flowers, cherry tomatoes, apples, pumpkins, and more. Create lasting memories at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm this season, just minutes from 206, 295 Exit 52A, Exit 7 on the NJ Turnpike. We can’t wait to welcome you back and see all the familiar faces as well as new ones.
2691 Monmouth Rd. Jobstown, NJ 08041

Ride the thrills and spills before the summer

We know your kids have been patiently waiting for their favorite rides to open, and spring is the best time to get out and see them. The crowds are gone, giving you a chance to try out those new rides and attractions before everyone else. Six Flags Great Adventure opens on March 16, or head to the boardwalks before the summer when Morey’s Piers opens in early May. Check out our amusement parks guide for more ideas on where to go and the scoop on season passes. And whether it’s rain or shine, kids can always try the rides at Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Amusement Park at American Dream.

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LPGA Stars Return to New Jersey for the Mizuho Americas Open at Prestigious Liberty National Golf Club (Jersey City) May 16-19

Defending champion Rose Zhang and the best golfers in the world tee off at the Mizuho Americas Open (May 16-19), hosted by LPGA icon Michelle Wie West, at Liberty National Golf Club (Jersey City), against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. And 2024 marks the second straight year the Mizuho Americas Open will be played at Liberty National Golf Club, a venue that has hosted several world-class events, including the Presidents Cup and multiple PGA TOUR playoff stops. Further elevating the event, the Mizuho Americas Open will concurrently host an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Invitational, which will provide the opportunity for 24 female junior golfers on the AJGA Tour to compete alongside the 120-player LPGA Tour field for their own individual title. This groundbreaking format creates an unprecedented week of education, mentorship, and access to inspire the next generation of LPGA Tour players. Local junior golfers Megan Meng (Pennington) and Aphrodite Deng (Short Hills) will be competing in the field. All juniors 17 and under receive FREE general admission with a ticketed adult. Individual and week-long ticket packages, along with an assortment of hospitality options, are available.

Discover a new-to-you attraction

Of all the fun things to do in NJ, your kids will probably be itching to try something new. Did you know that New Jersey has the oldest roadside attraction in the world, a battleship you can walk onto, and roaring life-size dinos? Take them on a day trip to see larger-than-life art at Grounds For Sculpture, control a real dump truck at Diggerland, and watch nursery rhymes come to life at Storybook Land. Scope out a new one with our NJMOM guide to the best things to do in NJ. And if you are feeling even more adventurous, plan to visit these strange NJ attractions (like a Martian landing site—for real).

Walk among the spring flowers

Tulips, roses, and orchids will all be in bloom, and luckily, NJ has plenty of spots to view them. Whether you walk through rows of tulips at Holland Farms or take close-up photos of the roses at Deep Cut Gardens, beauty is popping up in the month ahead. Want to know where to go? Check out our extensive guide to seeing spring flowers in NJ.

Hop to it with the Easter Bunny at an egg hunt

Spring means Easter with egg hunts and bunny visits, from the usual (candy-filled egg hunts) to the unique (take a hayride with the bunny). With Easter bunny train rides, scavenger hunts, and visits with the bunny in his garden lair for photo ops, you’re sure to have a hoppy holiday this year.

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Big Kahuna’s

Take a tropical staycation to Big Kahuna’s Water Park, the popular year-round day trip destination in West Berlin with a lush island theme. No matter the season, you can bring the whole family for a vacation day full of water rides and slides, including a family raft ride, body slides, a water obstacle course, a water adventure playland, and more. Test your boogie boarding skills on the Flowrider, race friends on the Raging Rivers Mat Racers, and then float on the Tiki Tides Adventure River. Once you work up an appetite, enjoy the updated menus in The Island Time Café and The Chill Zone or an adult beverage from the Sandbar. What’s more, Big Kahuna’s has free parking, a state-of-the-art arcade, cabana rentals, and private party rooms where you can party like The Big Kahuna. Take advantage NOW of their Spring Break Deal on the One-Day Tickets with a savings of $14 per ticket. Tickets will be $35.99 from March 22 through April 7. Want to take a vacation all year long? The Season Pass is also on sale for $64.99 – price increases on April 7. Buy now to enjoy Spring Break and enjoy unlimited visits until 12/31/24. 
535 NJ-73, West Berlin, NJ 08091

Explore a family-friendly downtown destination

With plenty of kid-friendly things to do on the streets of New Jersey’s unique and vibrant downtowns, exploring one with the whole family is a must. There are charming towns that offer culture, history, unique shops, and fun restaurants for littles, bigs, and adults. From the Hudson River views in Hoboken to the university town of Princeton to “Haddy,” the Hadrosaurus in Haddonfield, check them out in our guide to downtowns for families. And if you’re looking to take your exploration to the next level, make a stop at one of NJ’s hidden gems.

Cozy up with an alpaca

This spring, visit one of the alpaca farms in NJ to meet a gentle-hearted, soft animal from the camelid family. Your littles will love cozying up to the gentle creatures and learning how their fur is used to make lots of products yearly (all 100% safe and animal-friendly).

Step into history IRL

One of the best things about living in The Garden State is showing your kids a real piece of our country’s history. And we’re lucky to have historical landmarks of some of the oldest sites in the country—from Washington’s Headquarters during the Revolutionary War to Thomas Edison’s laboratory to a 160-year-old lighthouse in Absecon. If you are looking for places to make learning fun, make sure you have these historical sites on your bucket list.

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Diggerland USA

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure this spring break at Diggerland USA construction theme park located in West Berlin, NJ. Perfect for families with little ones, Diggerland is set to open its gates on weekends on March 16 and every day during spring break from March 29 to April 7 and April 20 to April 28. In an exclusive partnership with NJ Mom, they are thrilled to offer a special discount of $4 off each ticket, and season passes are just $109.99—slashing the regular price from $159.99 for the 2024 season. Diggerland boasts an impressive lineup of real construction machines that kids and adults can drive, ride, and operate—all in a secure and exhilarating environment. The park also features a full-service arcade, a thrilling zip line offering panoramic views from 130 feet in the air, and a variety of delightful cafes for a tasty refuel. With ride restrictions thoughtfully based on height, most attractions are accessible to children 36 inches and taller when accompanied by a responsible adult. This year introduces an exciting update: Children under 36 inches tall can now join in the fun at the Elevation Station, Crazy Cranes, and Excavator Express, provided they can sit and stand unaided. This spring, make lasting family memories at Diggerland, where fun meets creativity and adventure.
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091

Go under the sea

Here’s a way to make a splash with your kids even if the weather is rainy—dive into an aquarium where the whole family can learn about sea life and conservation. Many aquariums offer special exhibits, so you can waddle with the penguins, watch a shark swim, observe huge hippos, and more. Our NJMOM guide to aquariums has everything you need to know about ocean life this spring.

Have a garden tea party with your besties

Warmer temps mean you’ll spend more time outside, and drinking tea among the flowers is a spring must. Dress up and sit in the sunshine sipping that Matcha with your bestie, or bring your little one along to enjoy finger sandwiches and jam. You can head to a special garden offering royal service or host a garden tea party at home.

Pose in pastels for a spring photoshoot

Who says the holidays are the only time for a family photo? Consider how pretty spring is and the chance to get dressed up in coordinating pastels to get that shot along with a beautiful backdrop of floral fields or greenery. Not sure where to go? We’ve got you covered with 12 Insta-worthy locations in NJ.

Escape on a family getaway without getting on a plane

A quick getaway sounds good any time of year, but planning one for a weekend within the tri-state area is a spring bucket list must. And with so many places nearby, it’s easy to find an escape that appeals to everyone in the fam. Try one with an indoor pool that feels like a tropical escape at Camelback Resort, hit the majestic hiking trails in the Catskills at Mohonk Mountain House, or get close to the ocean at Congress Hall—you’ll find one that appeals to your kids in our guide to local kid-friendly resorts. Or, if you are looking for an adult-friendly retreat, check out our list of luxury resorts and hotels in the area.

Learn and experience a local museum

If you haven’t been to an NJ museum in a while, make sure it’s on your spring bucket list this year. Rediscover Liberty Science Center, where new exhibits like The Science Behind Pixar will inspire your kids; join in painting and creating workshops at the Newark Museum of Art; get googly-eyed over optical illusions at The TiLT Museum, or visit Stella the Dinosaur made from auto parts at the Monmouth Museum. Kids will appreciate the interactive exhibits, and you can also sneak in some hands-on learning.

Hit a family home run at a baseball game

Opening day is coming, and you know what that means—heading to see the NJ baseball teams in action. It’s a home run for family fun—you’ll watch rising major players show off great gameplay, hit up fun activities for the kids, take photo ops and watch fireworks light up the night sky. See the Jersey Shore Blue Claws open their season on April 5, 2024, or watch the first pitch when the Sussex Miners play their first home game on May 10, 2024. Batter up! 

Get some fresh air at the top of an NJ waterfall

Want to feel like you’ve landed in paradise without going out of state? Head to one of 19 waterfalls in NJ. New Jersey is known for many things like beaches and state parks, but if there’s one more thing we should be known for—it’s gorgeous waterfalls. Some are easily seen from a roadside lookout, while others require a hike (check out what’s doable for your family before you go). Try an outdoor excursion at Paterson Great Falls, one of the most iconic in the state.

Bike (or hike) the day away

From riding through picturesque towns to trails part of Revolutionary War history to paths following the shoreline, you can discover a new bike path with our NJMOM guide to NJ’s most scenic bike paths. Need some wheels? Find a smooth ride at the best bike shops around. Or, if you would rather stay on your two feet, these are the hiking trails you’ll want to know about.

Plan to park it for the day

During spring, heading to a state park is a must—pack a picnic and go out and explore the wooded areas, open spaces, and picturesque coastlines. From the promenade at Liberty State Park to seeing history up close at Princeton Battlefield to spending time in the sand at a historic lighthouse at Cape May Point, there’s an NJ state park that will wow your family. Or stick to a local one, where you can find unique vistas and wide-open places to enjoy a hike, fishing, or a picnic.

Spending the day outdoors in the garden should be at the top of your fun things to do in NJ list. Photo Credit: New Jersey State Botanical Garden

Spend time in nature

Spending time in a garden, arboretum, or nature center can give your family all the spring feels. Plus, you’ll learn about plants and nature to jumpstart your own garden. Head north to Van Vleck House or south to Deep Cut Gardens and read The Best Garden and Nature Centers in New Jersey for more places to go.

Spread your wings at an NJ butterfly garden

Seeing butterflies is a sure sign that spring is here. And the best way to see one up close is to visit a butterfly garden where you can see these colorful insects fly by. Check out one of the butterfly gardens where littles can marvel at all the different colors and species of plants and butterflies, and you’ll be able to sneak in a few Insta-worthy photos. Here are 7 butterfly gardens you can put on your list of spring fun things to do in NJ.

Climb to the top of a lighthouse

The lighthouses in New Jersey give a peek into our state’s maritime history and incredible views. With Sandy Hook to the north, Absecon Lighthouse to the south, and Finn’s Point out west, there are so many options to see a lighthouse or lightship in the state. Not sure where to start? Our guide to NJ lighthouses will show you the way.

Hang out at an NJ playground

Spending time at a playground is a top spring activity for littles, so why not make it one with water views? Pack a picnic and head down to the shore, lakes, or beach to swing and slide over the sand. If you want to head to the ocean, there are plenty of cute beach playgrounds where your littles can take in the sea air. And if you can’t get to the shore, the Regatta Playground in the South Mountain Recreation Complex overlooking a pond will give you waterfront vibes while your kids climb on a giant ship.

Shop local and outdoors

Shopping indoors and outdoors is fun all year round, but it’s a little sweeter when things warm up. As winter markets end, more farmers’ markets will open in late spring, right before summer. Find the perfect jam or jelly, local meats, and produce, and even discover a new treat you can eat or wear (we see you alpaca socks)—shopping local has never been more fun.

Be a speed demon

Feel the thrill of the racetrack when you take your family out go-karting this spring. Your kids will be revved up when they put the pedal to the metal as they zoom through a day of family fun. Experience a European-style racetrack at RPM or speed around the largest indoor karting track in the world at Supercharged Entertainment.

Pick strawberries off the vine

As spring winds down, be the first to go strawberry picking and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Take the family to Alstede farm, where the fun doesn’t stop at the strawberries—enjoy shopping, hayrides, and games for the kids. After picking as many berries as you can carry at Sussex County Strawberry Farm, get their list of recipes to make at home. Or visit Johnson’s Farm in Jobstown where you can pick from their strawberry fields beginning in May. 

What fun things to do in NJ on your bucket list? 

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