Wave to a swimming Santa at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium
Santa Sightings, Holiday Light Shows, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey
The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids in 2025
From turkey trots to ice skating, there's lots happening on Thanksgiving Day in NJ. Photo courtesy of the Chatham Turkey Trot
What's Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in New Jersey? Places Open for Family Fun
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
21 Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in New Jersey
More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
New Jersey's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out for 2025
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Trains in New Jersey for Families in 2025
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November 2025 School Holidays
Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
15 Best Things To Do in NJ with Kids November 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
With more than 18 miles of trails to explore, Duke Farms is a beautiful backdrop for a fall day trip. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
26 Best Fall Day Trips from New Jersey for Kids
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
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
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
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
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
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025
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
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey 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
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
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
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
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
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
Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids in 2025
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
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Things To Do and What’s Canceled This Weekend in NJ

NJ celebrates Makers Day across the state at various locations this weekend. Photo courtesy of NJ MakersDay
NJ celebrates Makers Day across the state at various locations this weekend. Photo courtesy of NJ MakersDay
3/19/19 - By Laurie Rein

Put on your thinking caps this first weekend of spring. Saturday marks New Jersey Makers Day, and hands-on crafty and tech events take place at New Jersey State Museum, Scotch Plains Library and Museum of Early Trades and Crafts. Kick off spring festival season at 10th Annual Kidfest and 9th Annual Spring Model Railroad Show.

Plus, get a taste of spring children's theater this weekend with The Amazing Max, New Jersey Theatre Alliance's Stages Festival and Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure. And wrap up St. Paddy's Day celebrations with a Leprechaun Hunt and Sussex County Parade.

Find even more weekend options in our Spring Guide, including 45+ Things We Can't Wait To Do with Kids This Spring in NJ! And look to our March GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Annie comes to UCPAC this weekend (Sandy, too)!
Annie comes to UCPAC this weekend (Sandy, too)!

Things to Do All Weekend

Leprechaun Hunt at Garden State Discovery Museum- CANCELED

Cherry Hill
Put on your green and head over to Garden State Discovery Museum. Children can hunt for little magical friends lovingly known as leprechauns all over the museum to earn gold. READ MORE

9th Annual Spring Model Railroad Show- POSTPONED

North Haledon
Founded in 1953, the Garden State Model Railway Club has been in North Haledon since 1957. They open the doors to the public in the winter and spring. READ MORE

DiDonato's Easter EGGspress

Hammonton
Take a ride on this festive train all decked out for Easter. Your ticket includes a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, Easter prizes, the Spring Hedge Maze, an inflatable obstacle course, and more. Plus, score a free bowling game. READ MORE
Scotch Plains Library is one of several NJ locations hosting Makers Day fun. Photo courtesy of NJ Makers Day
Scotch Plains Library is one of several NJ locations hosting Makers Day fun. Photo courtesy of NJ Makers Day

Things to Do on Saturday, March 21, 2020

NJ Makers Day at Scotch Plains Library- CANCELED

Scotch Plains – FREE
This two-day event brings together libraries, museums, small businesses, and others to promote and explore opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and hands-on learning experiences. As part of that initiative, the library will offer a series of workshops and events. READ MORE

Makers Day: Launch Lab at METC- POSTPONED

Madison
METC is celebrating New Jersey’s Makers Day. Launch your way into Makers Day by creating your own catapult. READ MORE

10th Annual Kidfest- CANCELED

New Brunswick – FREE
Magic 98.3 presents a fun-filled day of live entertainment, games, contests, giveaways, a climbing wall, bounce houses, and more, held at Rutgers University.  READ MORE

New Jersey Theatre Alliance's Stages Festival- CANCELED

Millville- FREE
WheatonArts hosts the New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s Stages Festival with a special production of The Velveteen Rabbit, presented by PushCart Players. READ MORE

New Jersey Makers Day- CANCELED

Trenton- FREE
The New Jersey State Museum is a proud participating site for New Jersey Makers Day. At 2 pm, learn about the history and craft of carving wooden duck decoys, like those on display in Fine Feathered Friends. READ MORE

Sussex County St. Patrick’s Day Parade- POSTPONED

Newton- FREE
The 17th annual festivities feature elected officials, bands, floats, Irish step dancers, boy and girl scouts, local schools, police, fire, EMS, military, accompanying service and antique vehicles, and more. READ MORE

Explore the Fun of Science at iPlay

Freehold
Explore the fun of Science with Mad Science at iPlay America. Activities include make and take station and IPA Promo Team making slime. READ MORE
It's Pizza Palooza time in Westfield this Sunday. Photo courtesy of the YMCA
It's Pizza Palooza time in Westfield this Sunday. Photo courtesy of the YMCA

Things to Do on Sunday, March 22, 2020

Maple Sugar Sunday- CANCELED

Westfield
One of the most important seasonal tasks of farm life in colonial days was sugar-making in the maple woods.  READ MORE

Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure- CANCELED

Morristown
The creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live want to take your family on an all new adventure – this time to the bottom of the ocean. Explore unknown ocean depths, where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago - and maybe live still today. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.