April Things To Do: The Best New Jersey Activities and Festivals - 2024 Edition

courtesy: Essex County Dept of Parks

The arrival of April brings Spring into full bloom with the greening of trees, the emergence of flowers and the resurgence of many outdoor activities.

The more adventurous can get out to enjoy the outdoors with hiking, biking, canoeing, and some early spring camping



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Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.

1 - Take the Family To The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark

Newark Cherry Bloosom Festival

Cherry Blossom Festival
April 6 - 14, 2024
Branch Brook Park
Newark, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
The second largest Cherry Blossom display in the United States with the National Cherry Blossom display in Washington, DC being the largest and usually occurs about two weeks earlier. This is a week long festival with many events including a 10K race, trolley bus tours, and family Day with Japanese cultural activities, including demonstrations on origami, bonsai, ikebana, and martial arts.


2 - Get out an enjoy the outdoors and some exercise with some outstanding scenic hiking

Appalacian Trail

The New Jersey stretch of the Appalachian Trail is 74 miles long and begins at Abram S. Hewitt State Forest in the northern most point and runs west and south through Wawayanda State Park, High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, ending at Worthington State Forest.
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3 - Experience The Annual Tulip Festival - Bringing the beauty of Holland to the USA

New Jersey Tulip Festival

Tulip Festival
Weather permitting, beginning early April and remain in bloom for two to three weeks.
Holland Ridge Farms
86 Rues Road
Cream Ridge, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This annual family oriented festival features acres of tulips --- a great photo opportunity. The farm also has food trucks, a bakery, a ton of farm animals, a gift shop and merch store. Come pick flowers, take photos, and make memories!

4 - Spend a Day at Palisades Interstate Park

Palisades Park

Palisades Interstate Park
1 Alpine Approach Road
Alpine, NJ 07620
201-768-1360
Visit their site to learn more
Overlooking the Hudson River in Bergen County, the Palisades Interstate Park has more than 30 miles of hiking and ski trails, a boat launching ramp, a scenic riverside drive, a cliff-top parkway and overlooks, riverfront picnic areas and playgrounds, a nature sanctuary, two boat basins, historic sites - and mile after mile of rugged woodlands with scenic views of the NYC skyline.

5 - Take In The Take In The Lambertville Shad Fest

Alambertville Shad Fest

Lambertville Shad Fest
April 20 & 21, 2024; 11am - 5pm, both days, Rain or shine
Downtown
Lambertville, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
This popular family festival is about Fun, Family, and Fish. It features children's activities, live music, a home & garden section, a farmer's market, a food court, and the region's finest artists and crafters.

6 - Take A Scenic Canoe or Kayak trip In the Pinelands

Pine Barrens Canoeing

Many outdoor enthusiasts regard Pine Barrens canoing or paddling a kayak in the Pine Barrens as one of the best ways to experience the Pinelands up-close.
The scenery is gorgeous - huge pines, cedars and oaks; birds singing; the clear brownish red cedar water of the river often times, the only sign of humanity in this vast forest as you quietly glide through the Pines.
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7 - Take The Family To A Museum

New Jersey Museum

New Jersey Museums offer a wide variety of exciting arts and natural science treasures and programs that are educational, fun, and adventuresome. If you are looking for a one day trip, or an attraction to complement your weekend getaway, visit one of New Jersey's treasured museums. Some suggestions are: The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton; The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Camden; The Newark Museum in Newark.
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8 - Take Your Dog To A Pet Friendly Outdoor Recreational
Area For Some Exercise

Pet Friendly Area

April may be your last chance to take your dog to a Jersey Shore beach before the seasonal restrictions kick in.
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9 - Visit Morris County For a Historic, Cultural Experience

Morris County

Morris County has a rich historic background dating back to the Revolutionary War when it was known as The Military Capital of the American Revolution.During this period , Morristown was the home of two of General George Washington and his Continental Army's , winter encampments. Today visitors can get to see many of the historical sites and museums from that period.

Today, Morris County is a vibrant and charming suburban community with museums, performing arts, gardens, parks and outdoor recreation.
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10 - For a Romantic Couples Experience Pamper Yourself at a Spa

Resort Spa

Discover the best NJ spa hotels and resorts that feature spa services for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or for men and women looking to complement their business trip or for a romantic weekend getaway.
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Day Spa

Discover the best NJ spa hotels and resorts that feature spa services for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or for men and women looking to complement their business trip or for a romantic weekend getaway.
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