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Head to Johnson's Locust Hill Farm for apple picking and tons of fall-themed fun. Photo by Lisa Warden
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Thrills by Day at Six Flags Great Adventure offers fun for all ages as part of Fright Fest. Photo by Elsa Simcik
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Visitors of all ages are invited to come in costume to the Boo at the Zoo in Cape May. Photo courtesy of Cape May, NJ
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Pick the largest pumpkin you can carry at Alstede Farms. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Johnson's Locust Hill Farm is a picture perfect backdrop for a stroll through sunflowers. Photo by Cody Conk
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The Water Lantern Festival returns to the harbor in Jersey City's Liberty State Park at month's end. Photo courtesy of the event
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Take in the splendor of the season with a fall getaway to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Photo courtesy of Mononk Mountain House
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Take in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow on a spooky fall day trip in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Darren McGee/NYS Dept. of Economic Development
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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
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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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
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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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.

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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

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 Fall Festival

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

Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms

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

17 Great Picnic Spots in New Jersey for Families

These are NJ's best picnic spots. 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

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