April is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some springtime fun with your family. Luckily, New Jersey offers plenty of FREE activities that will allow you to create lasting memories without breaking the bank. Whether you love nature, history, or arts and culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of free family-friendly activities you can take advantage of this April in New Jersey:

1. Essex County Family Day
Enjoy a family-friendly day in the beautifully renovated Concert Grove! Take a paddle boat ride, get crafty, try face painting, bounce around, scale a rock wall, and savor tasty bites—all while soaking in the beauty of blooming cherry blossom trees. A perfect spring outing for all ages!
Where: Essex County Branch Brook Park, Newark
When: April 12th, 11am-3pm
Perfect For: Families

2. Belmar Easter Egg Hunt
What’s better than a beachside egg hunt? Bring the little ones for a fun day of searching through the sand for 3,500 colorful eggs—plus a special golden egg hidden for each age group! It’s a sunny twist on a classic spring tradition.
Where: 4th and 5th Ave beaches-Belmar
When: April 12th - Rain date of April 19th.
Perfect For: Families

3. Annual Easter Egg Hunt at The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center
This Annual Easter Egg Hunt featuring a visit from the Easter Bunny, complimentary breakfast, and plenty of photo ops! Don’t forget your basket—kids can enjoy a fun-filled egg hunt and make lasting holiday memories with the whole family.
Where: 661 Jackson Road, Newtonville, NJ 08094
When: April 12th
Perfect For: Families

4. 2025 Annual NJSOC Spring Clean Up
After a long winter, it’s time to give the New Jersey School of Conservation a fresh start—and we need your help! Join our volunteer work party to help spruce up the campus grounds and facilities. Projects may include painting the climbing wall pavilion, dismantling structures, removing invasive plants, and more.This event is ideal for adults and older teens ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Bring a bag lunch, your favorite tools (we’ll email a list to registrants), and enjoy a well-earned campfire break with fellow volunteers.
Where: NJ School of Conservation, Sandyston, NJ
When: April 16, 10am-4pm
Perfect For: Adults and older teens who want to make a difference

5. Stroll Through Rutgers Gardens
Discover outdoor adventure along the Raritan River at Helyar Woods—one of New Jersey’s last old-growth forests. Wander through the serene Bamboo Grove, explore vibrant gardens, or visit the nearby Cook Campus farm to see animals up close. A peaceful, nature-filled day for families and explorers alike!
Where: Rutgers New Brunswick
When: April 1-30
Perfect For: Families and nature lovers who like outdoor activities

6. Visit the Princeton University Art Museum
Take a trip to one of New Jersey’s most esteemed institutions, the Princeton University Art Museum, where admission is always free. Located on the Princeton University campus, the museum houses collections spanning a variety of cultures and periods. There are also rotating exhibitions, making it a great stop to spark creativity and conversation with your family.
Where: Princeton, NJ
When: April 1-30
Perfect For: History buffs, art lovers, and curious minds

7. Hike at High Point State Park
If your family enjoys the outdoors, consider a visit to High Point State Park, which offers beautiful trails and incredible views of the Delaware Water Gap. You can enjoy a scenic hike or simply take a stroll through the park to appreciate the blossoming spring flora. A picnic in the park makes for the perfect afternoon on a sunny April day.
Where: Sussex, NJ
When: April 1-30
Perfect For: Hiking, picnicking, and outdoor enthusiasts

8. Attend Free Spring Festivals
April is festival season in New Jersey, and many of the local spring festivals and events offer free admission. You can attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park in Newark, or check out free performances and activities during Open Houses at local community centers and theaters. Many of these events have free kids’ activities, live entertainment, and more!
Where: Various locations in NJ
When: April weekends
Perfect For: Families looking for free community events

9. Explore Liberty State Park
Located along the Hudson River, Liberty State Park is a fantastic destination to experience spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Spend a day walking along the promenade, watching the boats and planes, and letting the kids play at the Liberty Landing Marina. While parking fees may apply, entry into the park itself is free.
Where: Jersey City, NJ
When: April 1-30
Perfect For: Families who want to explore the outdoors with scenic views

10. Visit The Rutgers Geology Free Museum
Get a fascinating look into the natural world. Visitors can explore exhibits, collections, public lectures, tours, and hands-on programs designed to educate and engage all ages in the fields of geology, paleontology, and natural history.
Where: New Brunswick, NJ
When: April 1-30
Perfect For: History buffs and history curious families

11. Stroll Through the Red Bank Farmers Market
Every Saturday in April, you can check out the Red Bank Farmers Market, where you can walk around and explore local produce, homemade goods, and enjoy live music. While shopping might tempt you, just walking around and listening to the music is a great free way to spend a Saturday afternoon with your family.
Where: Red Bank, NJ
When: April Saturdays
Perfect For: Families who enjoy local markets and outdoor events

12. Birdwatching at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
April marks the start of spring migration for many bird species, making it the perfect time to go birdwatching at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Oceanville. Bring the family for a leisurely walk through the trails and enjoy spotting a variety of birds while learning about the local ecosystem.
Where: Oceanville, NJ
When: April 1-30
Perfect For: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those who enjoy quiet outdoor activities

13. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Skylands
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing drive, take a scenic route through the Skylands Region of New Jersey, which is especially beautiful in April as the spring blossoms begin to bloom. From picturesque mountains to charming small towns, there’s so much to see. Pack a picnic, and you can make a day out of this drive without spending a dime.
Where: Skylands Region, NJ
When: April 1-30
Perfect For: Families who enjoy scenic drives and nature views

14. Easter EGGstravaganZOO at Cape May County Park Zoo
Celebrate Easter at the zoo with festive fun for the whole family! Kids can enjoy an “I Spy” adventure, an Easter-themed scavenger hunt, a HOPstacle course, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny—all while exploring the zoo in its springtime best.
Where: Cape May County Park Zoo
When: April 18-25
Perfect For: Families

15. Go Green with Hope
The 11th Annual Environment-Themed Festival is a fun-filled day for all ages! Enjoy free seedlings, kids’ crafts, vendor booths, raffles, and giveaways. Meet the Antler Ridge Mascot, explore over 40 community tables, and join the painted rock treasure hunt. A perfect way to celebrate nature and sustainability with the family!
Where: Hope Township School, 20 Johnsonburg Road, Hope, NJ 07844
When: April 26th at 10am
Perfect For: Families who love nature and fun.

16. Visit NJ State Museum New Exhibition Ecosystems at Risk
This Free exhibit takes visitors on an immersive journey through the state’s diverse natural regions—Skylands, Piedmont, Pinelands, Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Coast. Featuring New Jersey’s rich biodiversity, the exhibit highlights endangered and threatened species in each ecosystem, from bobcats to Piping Plovers. In partnership with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, it explores current research, environmental challenges, and ways the public can help protect local wildlife and habitats, inspiring hope for a more sustainable future.
Where: Trenton, NJ
When: April 19, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Perfect For: Families, locals, nature lovers, educators & Eco-conscious individuals

17. Wednesday Wonder Walk at Tulpenhaking Nature Center
Celebrate nature at the 11th Annual Environmental Festival, a family-friendly event packed with fun and learning! Enjoy free tree seedlings, hands-on crafts, exciting raffles and giveaways, and meet the beloved Antler Ridge Mascot. With over 40 engaging vendor and community tables plus a painted rock treasure hunt, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Where: Tulpenhaking Nature Center, Hamilton
When:  Every Wednesday from Apr 9, 2025 to Mar 25, 2026, 10am-11:30am
Perfect For: Familes who enjoy crafts, nature and fun

18. Easter Family Woodland Hike at NJ Botanical Garden
Celebrate Easter with a self-guided, family-friendly hike through the scenic woodlands of the NJ State Botanical Garden. Weather permitting, adventurers can trek to the Mt. Defiance overlook or choose a gentler, climb-free route. Start your journey at the Carriage House Visitor Center between 1–2 PM to grab your map and directions. The hike takes about 90 minutes—wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Small children may need to be carried. This event is FREE and weather-dependent (rain cancels).
Where: NJ Botanical Garden, Ringwood
When: April 20, 2025 1-3:30pm
Perfect For: Families who enjoy nature and hiking

19. Lilac Care Workshop at NJ Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the lush lilac sights and scents as you work with us in the Lilac Garden. You’ll get a hands-on les son in lilac pruning, dead-heading and general care from dedicated volunteers. Bring gloves and small tools (trowels, pruners, kneeling pads) if you have them, and a drink. Meet at the Carriage House. FREE.
Where: NJ Botanical Garden, Ringwood
When: April 20, 2025 1-3:30pm
Perfect For: Families who enjoy nature and hiking

20. Earth Day Celebration and Music Festival, Hoboken
Celebrate Earth Day in style at the Earth Day Celebration & Music Festival at Hoboken’s Monroe Center Plaza, 770 Jackson Street! Enjoy live music from local bands, eco-friendly vendors, delicious food trucks, fitness demos, upcycled crafts, and even live animal encounters. It’s a fun-filled day of sustainability, community, and good vibes for all ages. Don’t miss it!
Where: Monroe Center Plaza, Hoboken
When: April 27, 2025 11am-4pm
Perfect For: Families who enjoy music, food & fun

April is a wonderful time to get outside and explore New Jersey’s many free offerings. From outdoor adventures and scenic walks to enriching cultural experiences, the state provides a wealth of opportunities for families to enjoy each other’s company and learn something new, all without spending a dime. Whether you want to hike through state parks, visit a museum, or enjoy a community event, New Jersey has you covered this spring!