Experience the vibrant world of Color & Light, a groundbreaking digital art and projection festival in Asbury Park. Photo courtesy of the show
Makers Day, Flip Circus, and More Fun Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
March brings the seasonal opening of Diggerland, where kids can get hands-on with real construction equipment. Photo courtesy of the park
St. Patrick's Day Parades and More Best Things To Do in New Jersey March 2025 with Kids
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Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
Best NJ Children's Museums in South and Central Jersey
Enjoy the blooming daffodils at Reeves-Reed Arboretum on a day trip this spring. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
30 Spring Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey
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Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
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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: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
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
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
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
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43 Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey this April and May for Families

Enjoy fun on the farm during Alstede's Easter and Springtime Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Enjoy fun on the farm during Alstede's Easter and Springtime Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
3/22/24 - 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 2024 and promise tons of family-friendly fun and things to do. From cherry blossom festivals to street fairs, 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 book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Spring Festivals in New Jersey in April 2025

Springtime and Easter Festival at Alstede Farms

Chester
Daily from Saturday, April 5-Monday, April 21, 2025
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

North Brunswick Holi Festival

North Brunswick–FREE
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Food, performances and brilliant activities are all part of the fun at New Brunswick's Holi Festival. Be sure to wear white, and feel free to bring your own colors.  READ MORE

Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park

Newark–FREE
Daily from Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 13, 2025
Rejoice in 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

Smithville Renaissance Faire

Galloway–FREE
Saturday, April 12-Sunday, April 13, 2025
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

Clinton's Art in Bloom Festival

Clinton–FREE
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Art in Bloom is back for its second year in historic downtown Clinton. Indulge in a day of art, creativity, and fun with over 100 local artists and artisans showcasing their unique works. Plus, enjoy live music, a kids zone, and wine & beer gardens. READ MORE

Daffodil Day Festival at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Summit
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Relish the arrival of spring with flower power and see more than 50,000 bulbs in bloom. Expect green-themed games and crafts, music, food, vendors and story walks. Plus, visit with the Green Goats. READ MORE

Latin Food Festival in Paramus

Paramus
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Indulge in Latin flavors at this Food Fest Fiesta! Take a culinary journey through the vibrant and savory world of Latin cuisine. Savor the authentic taste of street-style tacos, sizzling fajitas, and mouthwatering arepas. Live music, dance and a kid zone round out the fun. READ MORE

Whole Lotta Empanada & Food Truck Festival in Garfield

Garfield
Saturday, April 19, 2025
The Garfield Recreation Department proudly presents the Whole Lotta Empanada Festival, featuring the Flavor of Latin America. Join 15 empanada vendors all vying for the EMPY, or People's Choice Best Empanada. READ MORE

3rd Annual Fur Baby Fest in Columbus

Springfield Township–FREE
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Wake the kids, alert the neighbors, and leash up your furry friends because this is an event you won’t want to miss. Event highlights include 10+ food vendors, live music, face painting, doggie agility course, pet costume contest at 4pm and vendors for humans and pets.  READ MORE

Shad Fest 2025

Lambertville–FREE
Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27, 2025
The 42nd annual 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 26, 2025
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. This year's theme is Planet vs. Plastics. READ MORE

Rutgers Day

New Brunswick–FREE
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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

Brick Fest Live in Edison

Edison
Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27, 2025
Over a million LEGO bricks are on display at Brick Fest Live, featuring life-size models, hands-on attractions, mosaic-building, shopping and more. READ MORE

South Jersey Arts Fest in Elmer

Elmer–FREE
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Celebrate the arts and artists of South Jersey with live music, food and drink, craft vendors, and art-making. Appel Farm teaching artists lead art-making workshops for all ages, and local young artists will display their artwork in a pop-up outdoor art gallery. READ MORE

Allentown Spring Stroll

Allentown–FREE
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Spring is in the air in Allentown, with a day of hand-crafted vendors, beer garden, food trucks, music, fun activities. face painting, pony rides, and a bounce house.  READ MORE

Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair 2025

Washington–FREE
Saturday, April 26, 2025
The 5th annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair is coming to Washington Borough. Enjoy a full day of live music, artisan vendors, street performers, costumes, and general steampunk shenanigans. READ MORE

The Original NJ Empanade Festival in Manville

Manville
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Get ready for the uttimate Latin Food Fest! Its the battle of the Empanada Festival Champions. All past winners ( and a few new vendors) are there to battle for the belt.Empanada trucks. Explore a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, American and more. READ MORE

Stirling's Annual Street Fair - 2025

Stirling–FREE
Sunday, April 27, 2025
If you like shopping outdoors, this giant block party is the place to be. Explore quality exhibitors, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides & games, great festival foods & food trucks, and more. READ MORE

Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show

Red Bank–FREE
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Take a stroll through downtown Red Bank and explore interesting arts & crafts, shopping, live music, kid's games, and great food. READ MORE

Earth Day Celebration & Music Festival in Hoboken

Hoboken–FREE
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Honor Earth Day at this family-friendly, open-air event, which features music from local bands, delicious food trucks, live animal encounters, upcycled arts and crafts, fitness demos, and eco-friendly vendors showcasing their products. READ MORE

Earth Day Celebration at The New Weis Center

Ringwood–FREE
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Stop by this free Earth Day celebration, with nature crafts, games and activities throughout the event. The fun includes Forest Bathing, a Bird Walk, Geology Hike and much 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 2025

Annual Kites at the Pier Festival

Long Branch–FREE
Saturday, May 3, 2025
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

Ocean Grove Spring Fling

Ocean Grove–FREE
Saturday, May 3, 2025
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

Elmwood Park's Spring Festival

Elmwood Park–FREE
Saturday, May 3, 2025
If you like shopping outdoors, this festival is the place to be. Find quality exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie zone, great festival foods and food trucks, and so much more.  READ MORE

Founders Day in Plainsboro

Plainsboro–FREE
Saturday, May 3, 2025
All are invited to join in the fun at this annual Founders Day event.  Enjoy a variety of activities,games, live entertainment, museum tours, inflatables, and food and drinks for purchase. READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Augusta
Saturday, May 3, 2025
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 3, 2025
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

Bridgewater Spring Carnival

Bridgewater–FREE
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Bring family and friends to this free carnival with no-fee admission to rides, inflatables, carnival games and DJ music. Plus, enjoy a petting zoo, crafts tent, face painting, food trucks and more. READ MORE

Westfield Spring Fling

Westfield–FREE
Sunday, May 4, 2025
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

Hackettstown International Day and Maifest

Hackettstown–FREE
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Come support your local artist, crafters, shops, eateries and beer brewers during the 2025 Hackettstown Maifest & International Day celebration, a family-friendly traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring. Various businesses host host an assortment of live entertainment, activities, cuisine and craft beers. READ MORE

Creative Arts Festival in Lincroft

Lincroft–FREE
Saturday, May 10, 2025
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 12-Saturday, May 17, 2025
Rides, games, food, and live entertainment are all part of the excitement at this six-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 15-Sunday, May 18, 2025
The beachside town of Cape May hosts four days of family-friendly activities, from trolley tours to boat rides to indoor activities.  READ MORE

38th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar

Belmar–FREE
Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18, 2025
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 at Turkey Brook Park

Budd Lake–FREE
Saturday, May 17, 2025
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 17, 2025
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 in Columbus

Southampton
Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, May 17-Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Italian Renaissance takes over Burlington County Fairgrounds for four weekends, featuring cast members entertaining visitors as they walk through the castle gates. Look out for a jousting tournament, aerial acrobatics, circus performers, fire dancers, and craft demonstrations. READ MORE

Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair

Glen Ridge–FREE
Saturday, May 17, 2025
The Glen Ridge Arts and Eco Fair is a day of family-fun activities promoting both a healthier environment and the arts. The all-day fair and art show features arts, crafts, and wellness vendors. READ MORE

Ocean Fun Days in Berkeley

Berkeley–FREE
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18, 2025
This two-day festival celebrates the ocean with exhibits, classes, nature tours, crab races and children’s activities focused on our coastal environment. READ MORE

2nd Annual World Food Festival in West Windsor

West Windsor
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18, 2025
Embark on a Global Taste Adventure at the World Food Festival. Join this two-day celebration of global flavors, music, and fun in West Windsor Township. Explore 20+ food vendors showcasing authentic dishes from around the globe. READ MORE

Kenilworth Street Fair & Classic Car Show

Kenilworth–FREE
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Hosted by the Borough of Kenilworth, the Boulevard is transformed into a giant block party, featuring quality exhibitors, a special crafter’s section, lots of great food, kiddie rides, and kids area, live music and performances, and local merchants and civic organizations. READ MORE

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood–FREE
Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26, 2025
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:

Historic Smithville & the Village Greene
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center
Earth Day Celebration
Downtown Westfield
Saint Mary of the Lakes School
Island Beach State Park (plus other location)
Beach Across from Wildwood Convention Center

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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