Here's Why the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is a Must-See Spring Event

The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is full of springtime family fun. Video by Andre Sala

Enjoy world-class cherry blossoms this spring in New Jersey at one of the region's premier festivals. The 2024 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Newark's Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, April 14, 2024, allows you and your family to revel in rows and rows of gorgeous cherry blossoms. There's definitely no need to travel to D.C. to see a stunning display of lush blooms! 

The event features two festivals-within-the-festival, the Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest. Both Family Day and Bloomfest offer plenty of family fun, including performances, bounce houses, a nearby playground, live music, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. It all takes place under the fragrant canopy of the sprawling park's 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the country.

Read on for an overview of Branch Brook Park and the festival, along with tips for visiting with kids, and find more seasonal must-dos in our Guide to Spring Activities in New Jersey.

Spring Break 2024: 49 Fun Things To Do in NYC

Enjoy a tropical spring break daycation with a trip to DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream Mall in New Jersey. Photo by the author

Spring break 2024 is barreling toward us. If you're worried about keeping the kids entertained over NYC's spring break, we've got it covered. If you're sticking around the city for a spring staycation, there's plenty to keep every age group busy. From exploring our favorite kid-friendly museums to playgrounds worthy of a subway schlep, and destination-worthy tourist attractions, we've rounded up 49 things to do with kids in New York City during the upcoming public school spring break.

New York City's spring break runs from Monday, April 22-Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Add in two weekends and you've got nine days to fill with fun. Some of our picks only take place on specific dates; others run the entire duration, but all are engaging ways to get out and celebrate spring.

If you're hoping to get out of town, be sure to visit our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for some inspiration or consider booking a last-minute spring break vacation on the cheap.

Popular Preschool Summer Camps in Los Angeles for Your First Time Camper

Preschooolers play and learn together all summer. Photo courtesy of Ecole Claire Fontaine

Preschool summer camps in Los Angeles offer a vibrant and enriching experience for even the youngest children. Planning summer camps for your toddlers approaches faster than you may think! 

Preschool summer camps provide fun activities, educational opportunities, and social interaction specifically for preschool-aged children. Whether exploring nature, participating in water play, or engaging in themed projects, preschool summer camps in Los Angeles create memorable experiences that ignite a love for learning and exploration in young minds during the summer months. 

There are so many fun ways to entertain little ones in LA! Check out things to do in Los Angeles with preschoolers, find the best classes for preschoolers and toddlers in LA, test out these preschool science experiments, and discover more entertainment for preschoolers in our Preschoolers Activity Guide to Los Angeles

Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Galapagos Islands with Kids: A Family Vacation You'll Never Forget

Head across the Pacific Ocean to meet the amazing creatures of the Galapagos Islands.

If you're looking for the family vacation of a lifetime, consider a trip to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. One of the most beautiful and pristine natural landscapes in the world, the Galapagos Islands offer cruise adventures, breathtaking scenery, close encounters with sea turtles and other animals, and the chance to see flora and fauna that exists nowhere else.

The Galapagos Islands are also a great place for families to witness real conservation work in action and to learn about the revolutionary work of Charles Darwin. While getting to the Galapagos takes a little advance planning, it is is absolutely worth the effort to visit.

Read on to learn all about visiting the Galapagos Islands with kids, including how to get there, the various cruise options, and other tips and tricks. You'll find even more exciting places to visit, from sunny spots in the Caribbean to culture-filled European cities, in our International Travel Guide.

Best Free Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids April 2024

Beautiful flower sculptures light up the Hoboken waterfront as part of the Electric Dandelions display.  Photo by Lauren  Anzevino, LLC

Looking for FREE things to do this April in New Jersey? Check out dozens of great options below. 

Get out your calendars because April hosts 40+ fun, free things to do in New Jersey. Bring on the great outdoors with complimentary seasonal favorites, like Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Earth Day rounds out the month with no-cost events like Earth Day Open House in Howell.

Mark your calendars with these FREE April events that take place nearly every day of the month. Find more spring happenings in our Family Activity Calendar and Spring Activities Guide

Cherry Blossoms and Cherry Blossom Festivals on Long Island

Cherry blossoms usher in the spring season at Old Westbury Gardens. Photo courtesy of the garden

Spring has arrived on Long Island, bringing with it a glorious burst of colorful cherry blossoms. These are perfect days to explore some of the area's family-friendly gardens and Long Island's excellent state parks, where displays of delicate pink cherry blossoms and a host of other springtime trees and flowers are in full bloom.

A visit to any one of the beautiful gardens or parks listed below lets your kids experience the vibrancy of the season and see the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Searching for more seasonal splendor? Check out our Spring Fun Guide for Long Island Kids. Or pile the kids in the car and set off on a family day trip to one of the many cherry blossom-filled parks in New York City.

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