Where to go and what to do with the family

Spring time is warm and it's the best time to see Cherry Blossoms in the greater New Jersey area. From vibrant pink to gorgeous white, the colors of the cherry blossom trees are a wonder to see. The word Sakura translates to "cherry blossom" in Japanese. You will find family friendly festivals and activities that are fun for kids of all ages. Cherry Blossoms are Japan’s symbolic national flower and represents friendship. The Cherry Blossom blooming season is short, usually lasting only 2 weeks. So go check out these beautiful blossoms with your family.

Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey

2025 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park

April 5-13, 2025, FREE. Come see over 5,200 cherry blossom trees at the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Learn about Branch Brook Park and tour cherry trees. Among the activities all week are: Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race on Saturday April 5th, the Cherry Blossom 10K run on Sunday April 6th, a 1 mile Fun Walk/Run on Saturday April 12th, fabulous Bloomfest on Sunday April 13th, and much more! The Welcome Center is located at Branch Brook Park, Newark NJ. 

Essex County Family Day At Branch Brook Park

Sat, April 12, 2025, 11am-3pm, FREE Admission. Spend a fun family day among cherry blossoms at Branch Brook’s beautiful concert grove. Fun for kids of all ages. Participate in crafts, face painting, paddle boats, climb a rock wall and more! Enjoy main stage entertainment. Located at Concert Grove, Park Street Entrance, Newark NJ.

Bloomfest at Newark Branch Brook Park

Sun, April 13, 2025, 11am-5pm, FREE. Enjoy a Bloomfest family day in New Jersey’s pinkest park. Schedule of events include Japanese cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, a craft marketplace, food and more! Essex County Branch Brook Oval, Clifton Ave Entrance, Newark NJ. 

Cherry Blossoms - Chapel Hill in Cherry Hill NJ

See pink and white bloom, 2 miles of Cherry Blossoms trees along Chapel Ave, between Haddonfield Rd and Kings Highway in Cherry Hill New Jersey.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

A buzz of horticulture wonder packed into 124 acres in Morris County. Be on the lookout for flowering cherry blossoms in early spring, usually in the month of April. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is filled with beauty, trees, flowers, plants, hiking trails, walking trails, educational programs and events. It’s a great place to spend the morning or afternoon with the kids. Open daily. Located in Morris Township, NJ.

Hurd Park

Scenic park with cherry blossom trees lining paths along the park, gazebos, war memorial, and foot bridges. Great park for picture taking. Located W Blackwell St & Park Heights Ave in Dover, NJ.

New Jersey Botanical Garden

You can view cherry trees in the Perennial Garden of NJBG. Also see various colorful garden displays nestled throughout the facility. Among them are the Wildflower Garden, Lilac Garden, Annual Garden, Magnolia Walk, and much more. Self Guided tours offered. NJBG at Ringwood State Park NJ.

Rutgers Gardens

FREE Admission. Visit a beautiful 180 acre botanical gardens in the heart of Middlesex County. At Rutgers Gardens, enjoy a leisure walk and explore blooming cherry trees, perennials, grasses, flowers, gardens, and more! Great place for a family outing. Located in New Brunswick NJ and open year round. 

Verona Park

At this 54 acre park in Essex County, take a walk around the beautiful lake to see gorgeous cherry blossoms and weeping willow trees. Verona Park is located in Verona NJ and is perfect for families and strollers. There's also an updated playground for the kids to burn off energy.

Cherry Blossoms in PA

2025 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival Of Greater Philadelphia

Sat & Sun, April 5-6, 2025. Children under 12 Free. General Admission ticket $15. Spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival and the annual spring celebration of Japanese arts and culture is organized by Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia and Subaru of America. This festival will take place at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center in Philadelphia. Featuring cultural activities, music performances, storytelling, vendors, crafts & more! Great fun for the whole family! 

Cherry Blossoms in New York City

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Cherry Blossoms

In Spring, around late March to early April, check out BBG’s Cherrywatch to wait for the bloom. Enjoy fun garden experiences in the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, Cherry Walk, Cherry Esplanade, Cherry Cultivars Area, and more! General Spring Blooms happening during months of April and May. Buy tickets online. 

Central Park Cherry Blossoms

FREE, walk around Central Park. From March to April, look for Cherry Blossoms near the Belvedere Castle in New York City’s Central Park. You can see 2 species of cherry trees this spring: Kwanzan Cherry and Yoshino Cherry. Also see Cherry trees around the reservoir (85th-96th St), Conservatory Garden (104th St), Cherry Hill (72nd St), Pilgrim Hill (East 72nd St), the Great Lawn, Shakespeare Garden (79th St), Sheep Meadow (66th-69th St), and behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fun activity for children of all ages. 

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

See Cherry trees near the Unisphere in this Queens park. Explore scenic trails, nearby lake, athletic fields, and more! Grand Central Pkwy or Van Wyck Exwy to Flushing, NY.

New York Botanical Garden

Starting in late March, you'll be able to see over 200 colorful pink and white cherry trees along the curving path in the Cherry Collection section of the garden. NYBG is located in the Bronx NY. Tickets available online. nybg.org

Randall’s Island Park

Visit Randall's Island Park in late March to early April to see cherry trees in various locations throughout this waterfront park (Fields 16, 20, 60, 62, 70, 74, 75). While you’re visiting, don’t miss the Rock Garden, Urban Farm, unique wildlife, plants, wildflowers and more in this island oasis. Take the MTA M35 bus from 125 Street & Lexington Ave to Randall’s Island Park.

Sakura Park

Home to over 2,000 cherry trees, Sakura Park is located between Riverside Church and International House. These cherry trees were a gift from the Committee of Japanese Residents of New York as part of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration back in 1909. Riverside Dr., Claremont Ave. to West 122nd Street, New York City.

Cherry Blossom Activities in D.C.

2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

March 20 - April 13, 2025. Perfect spring getaway to visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year. It's definitely a must see attraction with the kids. The tidal basin area transforms into a happy place filled with pink and white blooms. This festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan to Washington D.C. The cherry blossoms may peak early so keep an eye out with the Bloom Watch. 

Blossom Kite Festival

Sat, March 29, 2025, FREE for all ages. Celebrate Spring at the Blossom Kite Festival and fly kites among the cherry trees at the Washington Monument Grounds. Bring your own kite. Children and adult competitions. There will be activities, music, and more!

Petalpalooza at the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Sat, April 5, 2025, 1pm-9pm. FREE. Stop by DC this spring for a full day of fun. The Petalpalooza at the Waterfront is “home of the cherry blossoms”. Spectacular outdoor family friendly festival with games, kids activities, live music, Japanese culture, and evening Fireworks Show at 8:30PM. Capital Riverfront Navy Yard Metro in DC.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Sat, April 12, 2025, 10am-12:30pm. If you’re in the DC area, go celebrate and watch the spectacular National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade - filled with giant colorful balloons, floats, marching bands, entertainers and performers. Special guest this year is Princess Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Constitution Ave, 7th to 17th Streets NW, Washington DC. Ticketed seats available for purchase. Spectators can stand for FREE from 9th to 15th streets.

Bring the Kids to see Spring Flowers and Gardens
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