Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth
40 Things To Do in New Jersey Before School Starts
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
Cascade down the lazy river at Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
41 Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer: Summer Fun Guide
An area of Hooks Creek Lake is sectioned off for swimming. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Best Swimming Lakes in New Jersey You Need To Discover
Visit Crystal Springs Family Water Resort and spend the day swimming and splashing. Photo courtesy of the resort
Best Swimming Pools with Day Passes in New Jersey
The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.
The Funplex Amusement Park and Water Park Guide: Family Fun in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel
Ocean Oasis water park is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Jersey for Family Fun
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette
105 Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids
The Wildwoods boasts 5 miles of beautiful, free beaches. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods
Best Free Beaches on the Jersey Shore for Families
GUIDE
Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide
All aboard for family fun at A Day Out With Thomas. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Railroad Excursions
21 Best Things To Do in New Jersey August 2023 with Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Floating through the water at Morey's Piers is a great way to beat the heat this summer. Photo by David Howarth
Heat Wave Hot List: 27 Cool Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 5,000 square feet of wet-and-wild fun in Ocean City.
Inflatable Water Parks in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins
70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide
Hop on a ride at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Great Amusement Parks in New Jersey for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
40 Indoor Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
The Steel Pier Amusement Park is a family-friendly destination in Atlantic City.
Visiting the Steel Pier with Kids: Guide to this Jersey Shore Amusement Park
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park is a dream come true for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 16 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Free Fun Things to Do with NJ Kids
At Tenafly Nature Center Camp, kids experience the natural world. Photo courtesy of the nature center
Most Affordable Summer Camps in New Jersey for Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Allow yourself to get drawn into the mesmerizing art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
Indoor Activities for Kids: 40 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in NJ
Guests experience the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

37 Spring Festivals in New Jersey for Families

Enjoy plenty of fun on the farm during Alstede's Easter and Springtime Family Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Enjoy plenty of fun on the farm during Alstede's Easter and Springtime Family Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
3/21/23 - By Laurie Rein

It's time to kiss winter goodbye in New Jersey and spring into the outdoor festival and fair season. Spring festivals are blossoming in 2023 and promise tons of family-friendly fun and things to do. From the Skylands Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival to Red Bank's Street Fair to Daffodil Day at Reeves-Reed, these gatherings are a great way to spend time outdoors and experience all spring has to offer. 

For more spring action, check out our Guide to Spring Fun in New Jersey for Kids.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses, times, and recommended ages. And keep in mind: Cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy the sunshine and the flowers at the Reeves Reed Arboretum's Daffodil Day. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
Enjoy the sunshine and the flowers at the Reeves Reed Arboretum's Daffodil Day. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

Spring Festivals in New Jersey in April 2023

Allentown NJ Daffodil Days Festival

Allentown–FREE
Select dates from Saturday, March 25-Sunday, April 2, 2023
Celebrate the arrival of spring at the historic village of Allentown, which is set to host its inaugural Daffodil Days Festival. The festival is full of family-friendly events set amongst thousands of daffodils. READ MORE

Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival

Newark–FREE
Daily from Saturday, April 1-Sunday, April 16, 2023
Enjoy thousands of flowering cherry trees, plus tons of family fun, as Essex County presents this two-weekend festival in Branch Brook Park. The fun includes Bloomfest, Essex County Family Day, 10K and 1-mile family fun runs, bike races, and a community fair.  READ MORE

Easter and Springtime Family Festival

Chester
Daily from Saturday, April 1-Sunday, April 16, 2023
Alstede Farms springs back to life for a new season. Take a scenic hayride around the farm, visit the barnyard animals, meet-and-greet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, journey through mazes, and lots more. READ MORE

Bunny Trail Spring Festival

Princeton
Saturday, April 8-Sunday, April 9, 2023
Spring has sprung at Terhune Orchards. The farm animals are enjoying spring in the pasture and the bulbs are blooming. Come for a fun event for all young ones and their families. Follow the treasure hunt clues around the farm to discover signs of spring. READ MORE

Red Bank Street Fair

Red Bank–FREE
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Celebrate the season in downtown Red Bank, with vendors, food, rides, crafts, and plenty of springtime fun. READ MORE

Daffodil Day at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Summit
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Celebrate the arrival of spring with flower power. Expect green-themed games and crafts, music, food trucks, a story walk, and green goats.  READ MORE

Earth Day Outdoor Walks & Activities

Multiple Locations–FREE
Saturday, April 22, 2023
The parks of Monmouth County honor Earth Day with nature programs throughout the day. Most activities are first-come, first-serve with the exception of fishing. READ MORE

Annual Kites at the Pier Festival

Long Branch–FREE
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Kites of all shapes and sizes soar over the beach in Long Branch. A dazzling display of giant kites is visible for miles. The fun includes inflatable rides, shopping, dining, and a Running of the Bols competition. READ MORE

Shad Fest 2023

Lambertville–FREE
Saturday, April 22-Sunday, April 23, 2023
Shad Fest showcases the region’s finest artists and crafters, featuring jewelry, ceramics, furniture, apparel, accessories, home décor, and more. A children’s activity section includes games and face painting. There is also a home and garden section and farmers market. READ MORE

Cape May Earth Day Celebration

Cape May–FREE
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Head over to the Cape May County Park and Zoo for a day of Earth-friendly fun, featuring educational exhibits, children’s amusements, live entertainment, environmental eco-shops, and a scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Elmwood Park Street Fair

Elmwood Park–FREE
Saturday, April 22, 2023
The Elmwood Park Recreation Department sponsors this street fair on Market Street. Expect dozens of exciting vendors and family-focused activities. READ MORE

Stirling Street Fair & Craft Show

Stirling–FREE
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Swing by this annual event for festival food, live music, arts and crafts, kiddie rides, and local performers.  READ MORE

Millburn Annual Street Fair

Millburn–FREE
Sunday, April 23. 2023
Artisans and crafters take to the streets of Millburn for this annual spring festival. Enjoy live entertainment, activities for the kids, yummy street fair food, and more. READ MORE

Grayrock N Roll Spring Festival (POSTPONED)

Clinton
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Head over to Grayrock Farm Sanctuary for this day-long affair. More than 50 vendors sell their goodies. Children can enjoy meet-and-greets with the farm animals. Food trucks are available as well. READ MORE

Rutgers Day

New Brunswick–FREE
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Rutgers University’s show-and-tell event for all ages offers free performances by musicians and dancers, health and wellness tips, science demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities in the sciences, arts, and humanities.  READ MORE

Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair

Washington–FREE
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Steampunk is coming to Washington Borough. Victoriana meets the Industrial Revolution at a day filled with live music, artisan vendors, street performers, and general steampunk shenanigans. READ MORE

Brick Fest Live

Edison
Saturday, April 29-Sunday, April 30, 2023
Lego enthusiasts unite for this 2-day convention devoted to the beloved bricks. Highlights include exhibits, interactive stage shows, life-sized Lego buildings, a world-record-setting brick mosaic, and merchandise. READ MORE

Renaissance Faire

Galloway–FREE
Saturday, April 29-Sunday, April 30, 2023
Join the players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, and travel back to the days of yore and merry Olde England. The Historic Village of Smithville is transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English Renaissance.  READ MORE

Rock the Block Clark Street Fair

Clark–FREE
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Rock the Block debuts in Clark with a street fair and classic car show. Enjoy exhibitors, crafts, food trucks, a kid zone, classic cars, live music and more.  READ MORE
One of the world's premier kite festivals is held annually over Memorial Day weekend on Wildwood's expansive beach. Photo courtesy of the festival
One of the world's premier kite festivals is held annually over Memorial Day weekend on Wildwood's expansive beach. Photo courtesy of the festival

Spring Festivals in New Jersey in May 2023

Ocean Grove Spring Fling

Ocean Grove–FREE
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Get a jump-start on summer with an early trip to the Jersey Shore. Ocean Grove holds this annual celebration with vendors, artisans, music, and more.  READ MORE

Founders Day

Plainsboro–FREE
Saturday, May 6, 2023
All are invited to join in the fun at this annual Founders Day event.  Enjoy a variety of activities, inflatables, amusement rides, live entertainment, music, dance, magic, arts and cultural programs, exhibits, local history, food and beverages for purchase, and more.   READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Augusta
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Bring the whole family to this all-day party that takes place right on the field. The spring festival features more than 20 food trucks, upwards of 100 craft beers, music, games, sports on the big screen, shopping, and more. READ MORE

Ocean City Spring Block Party

Ocean City–FREE
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Head to the Jersey Shore for this spring street fair with more than 350 crafters, vendors, fair food, live music, and some fresh, salty air.  READ MORE

Galloway Art Festival

Galloway–FREE
Sunday, May 7, 2023
The Galloway Arts Festival features music, dance and visual arts over the course of the day throughout the Smithville Village. Guests are able to follow a master schedule of performances, led by the Absegami Performing Arts, and enjoy some interactive activities as well.  READ MORE

Westfield Spring Fling

Westfield–FREE
Sunday, May 7, 2023
More than 300 vendors line the streets of downtown Westfield for this springtime festival, which is chock full of all-ages fun. There are yummy festival eats on offer, and children's entertainment abounds.  READ MORE

Creative Arts Festival

Lincroft–FREE
Saturday, May 13, 2023
The annual Creative Arts Festival features artists selling offerings such as mixed-media pieces, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. READ MORE

St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival

Medford
Monday, May 15-Saturday, May 20, 2023
Rides, games, food, and live entertainment are all part of the excitement at this 6-day carnival. Bring your appetite for a huge selection of food, and be sure to enter the raffles. A MegaPass is available and covers unlimited rides for the run of the festival. READ MORE

Cape May Spring Festival

Cape May
Thursday, May 18-Sunday, May 21, 2023
The beachside town of Cape May hosts four days of family-friendly activities, from trolley tours to boat rides to indoor activities.  READ MORE

36th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival

Belmar–FREE
Friday, May 19-Sunday, May 21, 2023
Head over to Belmar for one of the largest seafood festivals in the country. Sample yummy dishes from area restaurants, enjoy live music, and visit the children's activity area for special games and entertainment. READ MORE

Fairy and Pirate Festival

Budd Lake–FREE
Saturday, May 20, 2023
(New date due to weather) The wee folk and swashbuckling buccaneers are back at Turkey Brook Park, turning it into a magical wonderland of games, rides, entertainment, and activities. Costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Lake Hopatcong Block Party

Lake Hopatcong–FREE
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Celebrate New Jersey’s largest lake during this day-long festival. Connect with community groups, crafters, and food vendors while enjoying activities, raffles, giveaways, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more. READ MORE

New Jersey Renaissance Faire

Southampton
Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, May 20-Sunday, June 4, 2023
The Italian Renaissance takes over Burlington County Fairgrounds for 7 days, featuring cast members entertaining visitors as they walk through the castle gates. Look out for a jousting tournament, aerial acrobatics, magic shows, fire dancers, and craft demonstrations. READ MORE

Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair

Glen Ridge–FREE
Saturday, May 20, 2023
The Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair is a day of family-fun activities that promote a healthier environment and the arts. The all-day fair and art show features arts, crafts, and wellness vendors, and you will find a wide array of fair-trade, organic, and eco-smart products for sale. READ MORE

Ocean Fun Days

Berkeley–FREE
Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21, 2023
This 2-day festival celebrates the ocean with exhibits, classes, nature tours, and children’s activities focused on our coastal environment. READ MORE

Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show

Kenilworth–FREE
Sunday, May 21, 2023
The Boulevard becomes one big block party with vendors, live music, kiddie rides, festival food, and more. Activities for kids include bounce houses, face painting, sand art, and many others.  READ MORE

Woodland Park Street Fair

Woodland Park–FREE
Monday, May 29, 2023
Start your day with a traditional Memorial Day parade through town. Afterward, McBride Avenue is transformed into a big block party. A special kids section features rides, face painting, and more. Shop with local merchants, and enjoy live music. READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood–FREE
Friday, May 26-Monday, May 29, 2023
The annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest such festival in North America, features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible and colorful creations. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Monmouth County Parks
Grayrock Farm Sanctuary
Downtown Westfield
Saint Mary of the Lakes School
Beach Across from Wildwood Convention Center