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

Activities To Get You Out of the House This Weekend in NJ

Climb high at Clayton Park, where Monmouth County Parks pulls out its portable 25-foot climbing wall for visitors to scale.
Climb high at Clayton Park, where Monmouth County Parks pulls out its portable 25-foot climbing wall for visitors to scale.
4/21/21 - By Laurie Rein

Happy Earth Day, New Jersey. This weekend features a slew of ways to celebrate Mother Nature. Enjoy an Earth Day walk in Monmouth County Parks, make furry friends at Grayrock Farm, and witness sheep shearing at Longstreet Farm.

For a less-structured outing, you can get outdoors for nature-focused fun at New Jersey's botanical gardens and arboretums or explore the Pine Barrens.

Of course, you should bookmark our always-updated Event Calendar, which includes a roster of upcoming spring festivals for New Jersey families. Last, don't forget to book those summer camps. You can learn more about local and virtual options with our upcoming Online Camp Fair, where you're invited to visit virtual booths and watch live camp demos.

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do. Please plan your outings in advance, as many venues require timed-entry tickets or reservations to limit crowd size.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get some face time with the friendly critters at the Liberty Science Center's Wild About Animals event. Photo courtesy of LSC
Get some face time with the friendly critters at the Liberty Science Center's Wild About Animals event. Photo courtesy of LSC

Best Things To Do in New Jersey This Week With Kids

Socially Distanced Stories at Jakes Branch Park

Beechwood–FREE
Thursday, April 22
Come to Jakes Branch Park for a unique storytime with a touch of technology. Participants hear a story and watch it come to life through animation on the big screen. A related craft is included. READ MORE

Earth Day Outdoor Walks & Activities

Monmouth County parks–FREE
Saturday, April 24
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

Allaire Music Jamboree

Farmingdale
Saturday, April 24
Catch local bands from NJ performing a variety of bluegrass and folk music on multiple stages and jam sessions throughout the day. Food is available at The Allaire Bakery and food trucks. READ MORE

Liberty State Park Earth Day Low-Tide Beach Walk

Jersey City–FREE
Saturday, April 24
Gather at Cavern Point Beach for a beach walk and scavenger hunt. This is a 2-mile round-trip walk. Wear close-toed shoes and dress for the outdoors. READ MORE

Outdoor Petting Zoo and Unicorn Rides

Florham Park
Saturday, April 24
Imagine That transforms its parking lot into a petting zoo, and that's not all! Once children have had time petting and feeding the animals, unicorn rides await.  READ MORE

Grayrock N Roll Spring Festival (POSTPONED)

Clinton–FREE
Saturday, April 24
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

Implied Scale Community Celebration

Jersey City–FREE
Saturday, April 24
Mana Contemporary Jersey City hosts a day of socially-distanced outdoor programs. Experience the new exhibition, Implied Scale: Confronting the Enormity of Climate Change, and participate in activities to expand the connection to art, climate change, and the environment.  READ MORE

Wool Days at Historic Longstreet Farm

Holmdel–FREE
Saturday, April 24-Sunday, April 25
Witness the sheep being sheared at Historic Longstreet Farm. Gene Sheninger returns with his collies to show their herding skills. READ MORE

Paramus Food Truck Festival

Paramus
Sunday, April 25
Fill up on various eats from more than 20 food trucks in the parking lot of the Paramus Park Mall. The fun includes music, pony rides, sand art, inflatables, and a petting zoo. Dogs are welcome. READ MORE

Climb Time at Freneau Woods Park

Freehold–FREE
Sunday, April 25
Stop by Freneau Woods Park, and test your skills on the park system's 25-foot portable climbing wall. READ MORE

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Dancing

Florham Park
Sunday, April 25
Mickey and Minnie Mouse dance on top of the pirate ship at Imagine That for all to see.  Children can dance along to their favorite interactive dance songs.  READ MORE

Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips 2022

Cream Ridge
Daily through Friday, April 30
Holland Ridge Farms is a photographer's paradise. Come see millions of colorful tulips, all available to pick and purchase for just $1 per stem. The farm provides buckets to carry all of your picked tulips. There is plenty of other fresh-air fun for the entire family. READ MORE

Kids Art Classes at Hoboken Historical Museum

Hoboken–FREE
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays through Friday, May 7
The Hoboken Historical Museum welcomes preschoolers to this art class held in the museum walkway. The class is offered three times a week and is first come, first served. Art materials are provided. READ MORE

LSC Wild About Animals Celebration

Jersey City
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, May 9
Embark on a springtime adventure at the Liberty Science Center, taking place every Thursday through Sunday this season. Step inside the Butterfly House, test your strength, jumping ability, and balance in the Safari Challenge, fly along the Pollinator Path, and meet LSC's resident creatures. READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River–FREE
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, June 27
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE
The Jersey Shore BlueClaws light up the baseball diamond and the skies with 17 nights of fireworks this summer. Photo courtesy of The Jersey Shore BlueClaws
The Jersey Shore BlueClaws light up the baseball diamond and the skies with 17 nights of fireworks this summer. Photo courtesy of The Jersey Shore BlueClaws

More Things To Do in New Jersey This April

10 Things We're Looking Forward to At the Jersey Shore this Season

Shore season is approaching and there's plenty to anticipate. READ MORE

Find an Amazing Petting Zoo in New Jersey Where Kids Can Meet the Animals

Get your fill of cuteness with the furry residents of these NJ farms. READ MORE

10 Great Picnic Spots for Families in Northern New Jersey

Enjoy the simple pleasure of a family picnic at these scenic spots in northern NJ. READ MORE

Exploring New Jersey's Pine Barrens: Best Things To Do With Kids

This myth-filled region is a wonderful spot for a family adventure. READ MORE

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums With Kid-Friendly Programming in New Jersey

We're not known as the Garden State for nothing! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
Recent Articles By Laurie R:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.