This weekend, heat things up at a food festival or cool down at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. There are lots of great events for kids and adults, whether you go to a festival or the theater.
WEEKEND
Kiwanis Karnival
Next to Livingston Tire, Livingston
Thursday – Saturday
There will be games, rides, food and fun for the whole family. Ride credits will be sold from self-service kiosks on site daily. Saturday is Hand Stamp Day: Pay one price and ride all day.
St. Mary of the Lake Carnival MusicFest
St. Mary of the Lake, Medford
Thursday – Saturday
Each night features different musical entertainment on the stage, ranging from Broadway to rock to dance. There will be rides, games, attractions and lots for the kids to do.
Cape May Spring Festival
Cape May
Thursday – Sunday
Take field trips or trolley trips, take part in indoor programs, go on a boat trip, and see lots of shorebirds and songbirds.
Springtime Shell-A-Bration
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Thursday – Sunday
Learn about ocean conservation and how you can help protect turtles in New Jersey and beyond. Kids (and adults) can take the Turtle Scout Pledge to help protect our turtle friends and the waters they call home. You can purchase a Top of Ocean Realm Tour Bundle for an exclusive behind-the-scenes, birds-eye view of sea turtles, sharks and rays. Or, book a paid sea turtle encounter for up to four guests for the chance to tong-feed Adventure Aquarium’s trio of sea turtles – Old Green, Bob and Stitches – from a dock on the top of the Ocean Realm exhibit.
Lions Club Carnival
Parsons Pond Park Commuter Lot, Franklin Lakes
Thursday – Sunday
There will be vendors, live music, a beer and wine garden, and lots of activities for the family.
NY/NJ Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Thursday – Sunday
Whether you are a budding geologist or you just like pretty things, you can check out all the fossils, meteorites, gemstones, artisan jewelry, amber, turquoise, emeralds, beads, findings, gold, silver, crystals, cabochons, science gifts, metaphysical, interior decor, petrified wood, craftsman jewelry boxes, tools and supplies that will be on display.
La Belle et la Bete
Burgdorff Cultural Center, Maplewood
Thursday-Sunday
The Maplewood Strollers will present a world-premiere original musical, “La Belle et la Bete,” which is based on the classic French fable “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Prom
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
Thursday-Sunday
Four down-on-their-luck Broadway stars shake up a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen who wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend. Recommended for teens 13 and older.
NJ Seafood Festival
Silver Lake Park, Belmar
Friday – Sunday
The Jersey Shore is known for fresh seafood, and there will be lots for seafood lovers and land lovers to try. There will be lots of Belmar restaurants represented, plus many from around NJ. There will be live music all weekend plus more than 40 vendors.
Viva La Fiesta
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Friday – Sunday
Move to the beat during this all-new event as this Mexican style party heats up the park with food, fun and entertainment. And starting May 19, Six Flags is open every day!
Riverview Beach Park Wine Festival
Riverview Beach Park, Pennsville
Saturday – Sunday
Adults 21+ can drink samples from NJ wineries, while anyone (including those under 21) can listen to live music and eat from the food trucks.
Vegan Food Festival
Bradley Park, Asbury Park
Saturday-Sunday
There are nearly 100 vendors lined up to sell vegan and mostly gluten-free products, including food, clothing, soaps, apparel and treats. If you get the Superstar Pass, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the New Jersey Vegan Food Festival in November, too.
Mayfest
Village Green, Historic Smithville
Saturday-Sunday
Expect more than 100 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids’ activities, non-profit organizations and more. This is in addition to over 40 shops, carousel ride, train ride, paddle boats, eateries, and antique arcades that are already located at the village year-round.
Power in the Pines Air Show
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Saturday – Sunday
This is a great way for the whole family to see the base up close during the open house. There will be a special air show performance by the USAF F-16 Viper Demonstration Team.
Food Truck Festival & Car Show
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
There will be several food trucks on the grounds of the winery. Bring the kids for activities, or grab your girls and sip some wine inside. This weekend, enjoy a special classic car show as well.
Lion King Jr. Musical
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Kids will love this family-friendly version of the beloved Disney movie featuring Mufasa, Simba, Rafiki and Scar.
Ocean Fun Days
Saturday: Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park
Sunday: NJ Sea Grant Consortium, Sandy Hook
There will be free eco-tours, crafts, crab races, exhibits, food and fun.
FRIDAY
Sensory-Friendly LEGO Night
Bierman Autism Center, Eatontown
You can unleash your inner master builder and create magnificent structures, vehicles and worlds of your own design.
Planetarium Sky Viewing Event
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
After the sky talk inside the planetarium you’ll form a convoy to drive up to the observatory at Washington Crossing for star observations with members of the Amateur Astronomy Association of Princeton. If the weather is bad the talk with follow up with a free full-length planetarium show instead.
Fairy Faire
Burlington County Fairgrounds, Columbus
Lunar Faire is a pop-up night market that celebrates the strange and unusual, the moon, and all the weird things people make and do. Attractions typically include curiosities, fire dancing, a potions lab, fortunes, crystal charging, group spellmaking, medium readings, a witch coven, music, matchmaking, wizardry, stilts and aerials, fairy hair and face painting, ukeleles, magical book exchange, drum circle and more.
SATURDAY
National Kids to Park Day
Plainsboro Preserve, Plainsboro
Hundreds of thousands of children nationwide will take part in a grassroots movement to discover America’s parks through play to commemorate National Park Trust’s Annual Kids to Parks Day. At the Plainsboro Preserve there will be a fun-filled morning learning about animals, watching pollinators, sampling honey, planting seeds, hiking and more.
Community Day: Global Asia
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month with a fun-filled day of traditional and contemporary music, dance and artmaking activities from Korea to India and The Philippines. A lineup of performers and activities will be announced. Planetarium shows include “Seasonal Stargazing – Spring,” a journey through the current evening sky, star hopping between some of the most prominent and easy-to-find stars and star patterns.
Bridgewater Beerfest
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater
Taste sample from more than 40 beers. The event will also include bourbon and tequila tastings. The band Dread Pilot Roberts will perform.
Armed Forces Day Ceremony
Veterans Park, Yardville Hamilton Square Road entrance, Hamilton Twp.
The Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee will hold a special ceremony honoring our military near the M60A3 Main Battle Tank.
Military Informational Walk-Through
Bordentown Armory, Bordentown
In observance of Military Appreciation Month, more than 30 vendors will provide information about the military and related services. Service members and retirees of all military branches are welcome.
AAPI Jazz Fest
Express Newark, Newark
This year’s festival will have two main stages featuring 10 Asian American and Pacific Islander jazz bands from around the country. For the first time, panel discussions will be held throughout the day highlighting AAPI related topics. Artists include headliner and trumpeter Takuya Kuroda, guitarist Rez Abbasi and saxophonist Jordan VanHemert.
Holi Hai
Pier A Park and Exchange Place, Hoboken
Starting in the morning, join the color walk in Pier A Park. Get ready to be covered in colored powder to celebrate the spring. In the afternoon head to Montgomery Street where you can join in the festivities of music, performances, dancing, lots of food and children’s activities.
Memorial Day Parade
Enterprise Avenue North to Buchmuller Park, Secaucus
This year’s new parade route travels from Enterprise Avenue North, past the 5th Street gate proceeding north on 5th Street to Flanagan Way, left onto Plaza Center and then into Buchmuller Park. There will be food and entertainment in the park immediately following the parade.
Fairy and Pirate Festival
Turkey Brook Park, Mt. Olive
If you are part of the wee fae folk or the swashbuckling buccaneers, you’ll love walking into the kingdom of knights and princesses for a day filled with inflatables, face painting, crafts, games, pony rides, vendors, performances and more. You are encouraged to come in costume!
Mai Fest and International Day
Grand Avenue and Valentine Street, Hackettstown
Spend the afternoon browsing an array of local artists’ works, tasting an assortment of cuisine, listening to live bands and entertainment and sampling an assortment of craft beers. Watch the Maypole dancers from North Jersey School of Dance at Czig Meister.
Lake Hopatcong Block Party
Hopatcong State Park, Landing
Spend the day enjoying a Main Street-style experience in a beautiful lakeside setting. Mingle with businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, crafters and food vendors for a community day featuring activities, entertainment, raffles, a children’s scavenger hunt and more.
Walk to Cure Arthritis Jersey Shore
Great Pavilion, Long Branch
Join the walk, either as an individual or a team, and walk along the beachfront as you raise money to fund arthritis research.
Milk and Cookies Featuring Bilingual Birdies
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Bilingual Birdies is an early childhood bilingual education program for kids and adults. Two musicians will combine music, movement and puppetry to entertain the audience and help to increase their vocabulary and celebrate diversity. Milk & Cookies is a lively, interactive storytelling and music series for families. Kids ages 3-9 will get a cookie and a carton of milk after the show. There is a second sensory-friendly performance show on the schedule.
Beer BBQ Bacon Showdown
Mennen Arena Field, Morris Plains
You will only get New Jersey-made beer here, coupled with restaurants, gourmet food trucks and chefs offering an array of mouthwatering BBQ and bacon creations. There will be a competition to showcase their culinary skills, with a panel of celebrity judges choosing the best of the best, along with People’s Choice awards for Best Dish & Best Beer. Thirty New Jersey breweries will bring three styles of beer, and one must be either a rare beer or one created specifically for this event. There will also be music under the tents.
The Final Seance of Harry Houdini
The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway
Join Bruce Tango (from TV’s “Ghost Hunters”) and friends as they re-create the Final Seance to reach the world’s greatest magician: Harry Houdini. Hear the actual voices and see the real happenings on that fateful Halloween Night back in 1936.
World Bee Day Craft
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Celebrate pollinators by buzzing by the new outdoor exhibit, The Bee Project, and take a photo in the new Bee Photo Booth on the lawn. Inside of the museum you can learn how beekeeping was done in the 1800s, and how it actually harmed bees. Go to the library inside the museum between to create replicas of bees from recycled materials to populate the exhibit. You can also create bee masks.
Corks & Kegs
Riverside Drive, Toms River
Come by land or come by sea! There will be music, food trucks, rides and craft vendors for the whole family. Adults 21+ can sample unlimited tastings of wine, beer and spirtis, or try boozy ice cream. Help raise money to benefit local law enforcement programs.
Food Truck Festival For Hope
Blekicki Field Lot, Morristown
Live music, food trucks, face painting, touch-a-truck, family-friendly activities and more are part of this event that supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
National Armed Forces Day
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
All active and retired military personnel can download an Unlimited iRide Band for free access to rides such as Go-Karts, Freedom Rider Spinning Coasters and more.
Franklin Food Truck and Music Fest
Franklin Township High School, Somerset
By attending this fest, you’ll be supporting Franklin High School’s Project Graduation. Bring your lawn chair or your blanket because there will be inflatable rides, face painters and Henna tattoos, local craft vendors, and live music from Naughty Humphry and The Big Fuss.
Volunteer Day
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Bring yourself, your kids, your club, your group, your scouts – anyone who can help with some much-needed cleanup of the gardens and grounds.
Hurricane Harbor Season Opening
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
The theme park’s associated water park opens for the season with lots of new attractions for 2023, including new slides, a Splash Park and new areas for kids.
Corn Planting
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell
The workhorses will be in action using a circa-1900 planter. Head to the barnyard to help shell and grind corn for the pigs and chickens, then make your way to the farmhouse to learn how corn is processed for baking. When you’re done, sample some fresh-baked cornbread.
Lavendar Moon
Hidden Spring Lavendar and Alpacas, Skillman
Experience a 5-course farm-to-table gathering by The Rooted Affair at this evening celebrating the spring harvest. There will be a complimentary cocktail hour with a tour of the farm.
ABBA Mania
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
The Canadian cast of ABBA Mania will take you back in time to when ABBA was on stage in concert and sing 22 of their hits.
Arts in the Park
Veterans Community Park, Randolph
There will be fine art, performance artists, authors and live entertainment on the artistic side. Additionally, there will be food trucks, a beer garden, crafters and activities for the kids.
Boro Color Run
Freehold High School Football Field, Freehold Borough
Run around the high school track while getting doused with safe, non-toxic colored powder. You can walk or run the 5K. Stay afterwards for deejay music, food and vendors.
Glen Ridge Arts & Eco Fair
Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge
The day showcases the artistry of students and crafters, local businesses, and features live performances and eco-demonstrations, green products, food and more.
South Jersey Arts Fest
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, Elmer
The day will include live music by local band Mesquite Honey; craft vendors; a variety of food trucks; and beer, wine and spirits by local producers Lost Elephant Brewing, Pine Tavern Distillery and Salem Oak Vineyards. Appel Farm teaching artists will lead artmaking workshops for all ages, and local young artists will display their artwork in a pop-up outdoor art gallery.
Summer in the Sun Food Truck and Music Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Bring your family. Bring your dog. Bring blankets and chairs. Dogs will be up for adoption by Save the Satos and Safe & Sound Rescue. Adult beverages will be available for purchase by the adults.
Discovery Center at Point Breeze
Point Breeze, Bordentown
After two years of renovations, the former home of Joseph Bonaparte, exiled King of Spain and older brother of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France, is finally open to the public. During the grand opening celebration you can tour the property, view never-before-seen exhibits and listen to a blessing from Chief Red Feather; the Lenape occupied the property originally.
Birding
Musconetcong Gorge Preserve, Bloomsbury (Holland Twp.)
At the height of spring migration, bird through the preserve and look for hooded warblers, worm-eating warblers and Swainson’s thrushes. Expect to walk at least 1 ½ miles on a rocky trail with an uphill slope on the return. This is for birders of any ability, age 8 and older.
13: The Musical
Dennis Flyer Theater, Blackwood
Evan Goldman is moved from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and brought to a sleepy Indiana town following his parents’ divorce. He needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order at his school. This is a story of a young man who is finding his way through life.
Verona Food Truck & Music Festival
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Verona
The parish is celebrating 100 years, so kick off the church’s celebration by coming by for food, beer, music and fun. Kids can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, knockerball, sand art, spin art and more.
Made in Ocean County
New Egypt Flea Market Village, New Egypt
Shop Ocean County’s best of the best. All of the goods sold during this market will be made from people living or working in the county. Expect art, home decor, baked goods, jewelry, candies, soaps, produce and more. There will be food trucks on site.
The Snooki Shop VIP Event
The Snooki Shop, Madison
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, from MTV’s Jersey Shore, will appear at her store for a drinking and shopping event. She’ll mingle, take photos and offer shopping advice for the VIPs.
Earth Day Celebration
Ridgefield Park Public Works, Ridgefield Park
Take an ec0-cruise along the Hackensack River, listen to music by Mark Rust, get your face painted, visit the Green Fair, learn about the Neighborhood Compost program, go fishing along the Hackensack, practice archery, watch a mad science show, learn about reptiles during a live animal show, see raptors and get up close and personal with bats.
AAPI 5K Run & Walk
Carnegie Center, Princeton
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, this 5K run and walk for the family will be followed with exhibitions, performances, traditional music and folk dancing.
Colors & Words
Firestone Library, Princeton
Celebrate the children’s books written by Toni and Slade Morrison by personalizing an umbrella, listening to a modern fable, building stories, crafting a rainbow and watching a cloud appear before your very eyes.
Colors of Indian Music
West Windsor Arts, Princeton Jct.
The performers of Roohaniyat will present a small bouquet from the valley of flowers that is the music of India. It will be a combination of Hindustani, Carnatic, Folk, Quawaali and Sufi styles of music and in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and Punjabi, accompanied by traditional Indian music instruments like tabla and harmonium.
Bloom & Blossom Flower & Market Festival
The Historic Village of Allaire, Wall Twp.
There will be lots of flowers, planting and gardening. Learn about gardening in the 1830s, bring a seedling or plant that you would like to swap, shop from plant vendors, learn how to arrange flowers and get info on planting a native and pollinator-friendly garden.
Girls Empowerment Conference
SYLS, Livingston
Girls aged 8 and older will learn from successful female business leaders who work in various fields.
Masquerade Ball
Community Arts Center, East Brunswick
Adults 18+ can take part in an evening of fantasy and artistry while celebrating art and culture during this fundraiser for the East Brunswick Community Art Center’s redevelopment and expansion.
Bubble Festival
Locke Avenue Park, Woolwich Twp.
Grandpop Bubbles will bring his bubble wands, poles, basins, buckets and gallons of special bubble juice so everyone can play along.
SUNDAY
Kenilworth Street Fair
The Boulevard, Kenilworth
Whether on stage or under the music tents, you will enjoy the sounds of cover bands, soloists, dancers, demonstrations from the local karate and dance studios and more. The children will enjoy their own section filled with kiddie bounce rides, slides and interactive blowups, face painters, sand art kandids games, temporary tattoos, and face painting. This year’s giant block party will feature a car show in front of Harding School.
Jewish American Heritage Festival
Hinds Plaza, Princeton
Celebrate your Jewish heritage, or come by for cultural fun, and listen to a Jewish a capella band and eat from kosher food trucks.
Pinkster: Jersey Dutch Celebration of Spring
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
The Tricorne Dance Ensemble will be dancing around the maypole, plus they will perform a collection of 18th Century dances throughout the day. Kids will be invited to dance with them as well. Be sure to check out The Lost Art Lacers demonstrating their craft of lacemaking in the Steuben House. Stop by the Westervelt-Thomas Barn to see a broom making demonstration and visit with the blacksmith on site to see what he is making. In the out-kitchen visitors can see BCHS interpreters naturally dying eggs using vegetables commonly grown in a Colonial garden and cooking seasonal 18th Century recipes on the open hearth.
Disney-Themed Brunch
The Mosa Social at Piazza di Roma, Aberdeen
This is an adult brunch, though you are encouraged to channel your inner prince or princess. Tickets include unlimited brunch buffet, one mimosa, dancing to DJ music, photo ops, drink specials and giveaways.
Lantern Festival for Justice and Remembrance
Edgemont Memorial Park, Montclair
Join AAPI Montclair to illuminate the park with thousands of paper lanterns. There will be a short program featuring speakers, performances, live music, food trucks, community partner tables, activities for children, and the opportunity to dedicate luminaries with your own special message.
Excursion Train Rides
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
During the 45-minute ride, the train travels the route of the historic Whippanong Trail through Whippany, East Hanover, Livingston and Roseland in Morris and Essex counties. You’ll pass through the remnants of pre-historic Glacial Lake Passaic, a natural swamp which supports abundant wildlife, such as deer, turtles, wild turkeys, hawks and rabbits.
PorchFest
Freehold Borough
Musicians will perform in front of homes and businesses throughout Freehold Borough. Walk around town and listen to different performers show off their talents.
Family Game Night
Heroes Academy, Monroe Twp.
Games including Prime Climb, Super Math Genius, Ticket to Ride, Multiplication Jenga, Blurt!, Quiddler, Word-A-Round, Juxtabo and more will be available for families to play together.
Princess Aurora’s Wedding
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
New Jersey Ballet will perform a family-friendly performance of an abridged version of the company’s full-length “The Sleeping Beauty.”
Roseland Historical Tea Party
Williams-Harrison House, Roseland
Learn about tea etiquette while you eat assorted teas, finger sandwiches and desserts. Come dressed in your finest tea party attire for a chance to win a prize.
Don Bosco Community Food Truck & Music Festival
Don Bosco Preparatory High School, Ramsey
Don Bosco’s Upper Lot and practice field will be turned into a culinary wonderland, featuring 17 gourmet food trucks, beer, margarita and sangria bar. For the under 21 crowd, there will be live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, knockerball, a bounce house, face painting, sand art, vendors and more family fun.
H2OW Far Can You Walk
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Embrace Relief’s second annual 5K Walk-a-Thon aims to increase awareness about the clean water crisis in Africa. This is a family-friendly walking event will have music, free water, bananas and protein bars. All proceeds go toward water well reconstruction and Embrace Relief’s ongoing Turkey and Syria earthquake relief campaign.
Music in the Woods Concert Series
Schiff Nature Preserve, Mendham
The Joe Cirotti Quintet will play American roots music for families in the outdoor amphitheater.
Rookwood Art Pottery
Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills
An extensive collection of classic 1920s Arts and Crafts-style Rookwood tiles are the subject of this presentation. The company’s Brand Ambassador, George Hibben, will provide details about the history of this century-old company and the significance of the pieces that grace structures throughout the garden. Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to view Rookwood pieces not ordinarily seen by the public, as well as time to stroll through the garden to view these tiles in situ.
Antique, Glass & Bottle Show
Batsto Village, Hammonton
The Batsto Citizens Committee is NJ’s oldest state park/historic site friends group. They will present their spring show, where 70 vendors will sell antiques and bottles of all kinds. There will be food vendors, as well as wagon rides providing a tour of the historic village.
The Awakening: Public Art Installation
St. Michaels Preserve, Hopewell
Join the community for an art-filled celebration of J. Seward Johnson’s monumental 70-foot sculpture, The Awakening. The event will include dance, poetry, music and storytelling.
Spring Wildflower Walk
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Bring your favorite wildflower guidebook to check out the newly emerged blooms and join Dorothy Smullen of New Jersey Audubon for a stroll under the woodland canopy and open fields.
Local Medicine for Food, Medicine & Tools
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Explore the property with your kids who are 10 and up and get firsthand experience meeting and interacting with local plants. You will be studying, drawing, photographing and eating plants, as well as learning about medicinal qualities and utilitarian purposes – such as which plant fibers work best for rope making, or which trees have good bark for baskets. You will also identify some poisonous plants and talk about their hazards.
Franklin Lakes Day
Parsons Pond Park Commuter Lot, Franklin Lakes
This celebration takes place during the Lions Club Carnival, where there will be games, food, activities, and fireworks at sundown.
Yoga at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, Forked River
Spend an hour in the park doing yoga amidst the animal residents. You’ll have access to the park area afterward.
Self Care Sunday
Rahway River Park, Rahway
This is an IRL (in real life) festival for Mental Health Action Day. The mission is to inspire people to take action for your own mental health, talk about your lived experiences, destigmatize issues and drive significant cultural, political and policy changes.
Mercado Esperanza
War Memorial Park, New Brunswick
This family-friendly community festival will celebrate the food, arts and culture of New Brunswick and its diverse Latino community.
Morven Moves
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Seven different groups will perform choreographed numbers outside on the lawn.
Michael Landon Bench Dedication
Newton Lake Park, Collingswood
Michael Landon of “Little House on the Prairie” fame grew up in Collingswood, and now a group of his fans have purchased a bench that will be dedicated to him and memorialized at the park. The day will include a tour of the town and a special ceremony.
Bark in the Park
ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood
You and your pup can attend the 1 pm baseball game, but you can also attend the talent show, bubble popping contest, Doggie Adoption Showcase and the puppy Red Carpet.
Corvette Show
American Legion, Milltown
This classic car show supports The Ronald McDonald House, Milltown Lions Club and other charities. The Spirits of ’53 Corvette Club will award trophies.
Summer Raptor Festival
The Raptor Trust, Millington
To celebrate Community Day, there will be food, an auction, prizes, a tricky tray, a raffle, face painting, gifts and of course, access to all the raptors who live on site.
Artisan Market
1401 Adams St., Hoboken
Main Street Pops presents this festival of more than 80 artisan vendors, live music by Melanie Murray, an art project with Urban Cats and “cat-tivities” with C Alley Cat.
ONGOING
Mountain Creek Resort Bike Park
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
May 17 – October 29
The bike park at Mountain Creek has 52 downhill trails that challenge everyone from first-time bikers to downhill professional racers. Zip tours feature a series of ziplines ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length. On Wednesday, May 17, the bike park opens for the season at Mountain Creek, followed by the opening of the zipline tours on May 27.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees Twp.
May 19-29
Enjoy food, rides and entertainment. Hosted by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence.
Bonfires on the Beach
Asbury Park
May 19 – September 29
On Fridays in May and June, Wednesdays in July and August, and Fridays again in September, you can visit one of several beaches in Asbury for a family bonfire. Bring your chairs, blankets and s’more making items.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
50 West 34th Street, New York
May 19 – October 15
This immersive exhibit is dedicated to all things Harry Potter. The exhibition features the iconic moments, characters, settings and beasts seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and also includes the costumes, props and imagery from the Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can choose a Patronus, cast a spell, test their Quidditch skills, and brew potions while you’re there.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Southampton
May 20-21, May 27-28, June 10-11
The Shire of Crossford is open so that you may meet Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Aside from all the fantasy fun during the day, there will be three nighttime, after hours shows: on May 20, Jacques Ze Whipper brings his infamous Secret Show to the stage, the ladies of Chaste Treasures perform in concert May 27, and the Righteous Blackguards perform on June 10.
Little Falls Farmers Market
Little Falls
Sundays, May 21 – October 29
Soupeteer, Doughboy On The Rise, Jersey Pickles, High Mountain Foods, Pastabalities, Rosie’s Empanadas, Jersey Spirits, Seven Tribesmen and Cousins Main Lobster are just some of the returning vendors for the season. Live music will be from Your Mom’s Hot and new this year will be live jazz music from Hunter Hays – plus DJ Allstar Spotlight.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through May 27
Enjoy a quiet morning at the sanctuary walking the trails with an NJ Audubon staff or Associate Naturalist. These walks are informal and informative; birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians are a few of nature’s wonders waiting for you to discover.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival
Brunswick Square Mall, East Brunswick
Through May 29
Enjoy food, rides and entertainment. Hosted by L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence.
The FRIENDS Experience: The One Near Philadelphia
King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia
Through May 29
Sit on the big orange couch at Central Perk, hang out in Joey and Chandler’s apartment, sit at Rachel and Monica’s kitchen table and read the 18-page letter – front and back – at this awesome experience that brings the Friends set to you!
Beyonce Laser Show
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Select dates, through May 31
Your Bey Hive can sing along to Beyoncé tunes from speakers that can produce 30,000 watts of digital sound. Fans can also dance to the beat timed to lasers produced using 88 million pixels and 281 trillion colors. The show is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Mansion in May
Three Fields, Mendham
Every day, through May 31
Tour this exquisite French manor-style home and its grounds. It will feel like you are in the French countryside.
Growing in the Garden
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Second Saturday of the month, through June
This hands-on art program for children age 4 and older and their caregivers includes a story, a visit to MHHM’s gardens, and an art project.
Laser Taylor Swift
Edelman Planetarium, Glassboro
Saturdays, through June
This laser show is perfect for the biggest Swifties. Taylor’s biggest hits come to life in dazzling laser light. It’s the next best thing if you can’t score tickets to her concert.
Springtime Photography for Kids
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Sundays, through June 4
Kids will step into nature to improve their outdoor photography skills. The last class will be held in the computer lab so they can sharpen their photo editing skills. Then, they’ll have some of their best work displayed at the preserve throughout the rest of the season, with an opening reception for family and friends.
World War II Exhibit
Museum of American History at Deptford, Deptford
Thursdays – Sundays, through June 17
Kids and adults who are interested in history will learn about the lives and memories of veterans and fallen heroes from World War II through this exhibit. There will be military and civilian paraphernalia including weapons, equipment, uniforms, flags, and coinage of both the Allied and Axis powers in the Pacific as well as the European theatres.
Junior Historians Club
Wicoff House, Plainsboro
Saturdays, through June 17
Kids ages 6-8 will learn about historic preservation through fun and immersive activities. Each meeting will have a theme such as archaeology, architecture, conservation or genealogy. There will be weekly activities, crafts and museum scavenger hunts.
Museum Littles
Wicoff House, Plainsboro
Sundays, through June 18
Little ones ages 2-4 will be introduced to new topics through fun crafts and engaged learning. Activities include classical music, sensory activities and an active play area based on weekly themes such as Little Architect, Little Botanist, Little Astronomer, Little Linguist, Little Archeologist and more.
Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Resorts AC Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City
Select dates through August 19
Miami’s Fab Four are investigating a potential murder hit – when they become suspects in a completely different murder! Use your detective skills to figure out which character is responsible and what their motive it – could it possibly be one of our favorite friends who is guilty?
Disney 100: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through August 27
Disney fans will love this behind-the-scenes look at their favorite characters, movies and theme parks. Walk through 10 different galleries that will immerse you in sight, sound and touch.
Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through September 4
Kids can learn, play and solve problems while finding themselves in locations from the beloved TV series. Younger kids can practice counting objects, comparing sizes and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running.
Statue at Sunset
Pier 16, New York, NY
Every day, through September 3
Bring your kids or date on board a small, intimate Circle Line vessel, where you’ll sail along the East River for an hour during sunset, passing by NYC landmarks such as the Statute of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be a photo stop at Lady Liberty.
Identity & Restraint: Art of the Dog Collar
AKC Museum of the Dog, New York
Through September 4
This unique exhibit presents an array of dog collars from the National Sporting Library & Museum. Fine art from the AKC Museum of the Dog and American Kennel Club Collections will help develop an understanding of the collar as both art and object and how its design changed in relation to different dog breeds and their uses.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Sundays, through November 12
The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
Food Truck Festival Season
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Select Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19
Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus have a glass or wine or two. There will be family activities, too.
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