Amazing New Jersey Easter Celebrations for Families (2026 Guide)

Easter plans can feel like a three-part juggling act: keep the kids happy, keep the day simple, and still make it feel special. The good news is New Jersey Easter season delivers all kinds of easy wins, from train rides to farm festivals to beach hunts that end with sandy shoes and big laughs.

In 2026, Easter lands in early April (Easter Sunday is April 5), so the most popular events often fill up fast. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later, especially if you're aiming for a prime time slot.

Below is a straightforward, region-by-region guide (North, Central, South) with standout picks, who each one fits best, and quick tips to help your day run smooth.

Updated: March, 2026

Northern New Jersey Easter celebrations worth the drive

North Jersey does Easter with big energy. Think train whistles, wide-open farm space, and options that still work when spring weather can't make up its mind.A smart approach here is to choose the kind of day you want first, then pick the venue. Do you want a single ticket that covers most of the fun, or a flexible stop you can keep short? Either way, you'll find a strong mix of NJ easter egg hunt fun and fuller outings that feel like mini day trips.

Special visit with the caring Bunny
March 22, 2026
Newport Centre, Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $19.99 $39.99. $44.99, $99.99. depending on the photo prints and options,
A sensory friendly Easter celebration designed to give children—especially those with autism or sensory sensitivities—a calm, welcoming environment to meet the Easter Bunny. The event is hosted by Whole Spectrum Autism

Delaware River Railroad Easter Bunny Train
March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 2026
Phillipsburg, NJ
Cost: $14.00 Child, $20.00 Adult and Lap Sitter (2 and under) $4.00
If your family loves a plan that runs like clockwork, this one hits the mark. You get the excitement of a real train ride, plus a stop for an egg hunt near the historic Lime Kilns, and time for Bunny photos. It feels like an outing, not just a quick dash through grass.
This is a popular activity for train-obsessed kids, grandparents who want a seated activity, and families who want the whole experience wrapped into one ticket.

Annual Easter Bunny EGGspress
Saturday March 28th, Sunday March 29th, Saturday April 4th 2026
Departing: Whippany Railway Museum, 1 Railroad plaza, Whippany, NJ
Cost: Lackawanna #2454 Children (12 and Under): $25 Adults (Age 13+): $26
Jersey Coast Club Car Children (12 and Under): $23 Adults (Age 13+): $24
Coach Seating Children (12 and Under): $14 Adults (Age 13+): $20
The annual Easter Bunny EGGspress & Egg Hunt trains offer the opportunity to experience a ride in a vintage passenger car while the Easter Bunny moves through the train greeting children of all ages. After each ride, Children with valid train tickets can bring their Easter Baskets and go to the Easter Egg Patch to gather a few eggs and receive a special commemorative item at our rain-or-shine Egg Hunt! The eggs are filled with a toy.

Easter Bunny Breakfast
Saturday, March 28, thru Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Alstede Farms
84 Route 513 (Old Route 24)
Chester, New Jersey
Cost: Table of 2 $ 79.99. Table of 4 $ 159.99. Table of 6 $ 239.99
Enjoy a festive Spring atmosphere at Harvest Hall with featured guest the Easter Bunny while indulging in a hearty breakfast. Menu Includes: French Toast with a Berry Compote and Whipped Cream: French toast served with a bright berry.

Bergen County Zoo’s Eggstravaganza
March 28 & 29, 2026
Bergen County Zoological Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $6 for everyone 2 and up. Additional cost for special add ons
Eggstravaganza is a family-friendly spring event where children collect eggs from stations located throughout the zoo. The day also includes Easter Bunny meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and optional carousel and train rides for an additional fee.

Heaven Hill Farm EGGstravaganza
March 28 & 29, April 3 & 4, 11 & 12, 2026
Vernon, NJ
Cost: General Admission $16.99
Some kids show up with one goal: run. Heaven Hill Farm is built for them. It's a full farm-play day with activity zones, hayrides, and plenty of space to move, plus Bunny visits and seasonal extras that can change by date.
This is a popular activity for families with kids who need room to burn energy, and groups who want to stay for hours without hearing "I'm bored."

Ort Farms Annual Easter Egg Hunt
March 28 & 29, April 3 & 4, 2026
25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ
Cost: $17.53
Enjoy a magical day on the farm with the Easter Bunny, exciting egg hunts in our orchard, and plenty of adorable baby bunnies and baby chicks!

Spring Forest Egg Hunt
March 28th, 2026
Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland, NJ
Cost: $20 per child
The Spring Forest Egg Hunt at the Essex County Environmental Center isn't your typical dash and grab Easter event—it's a nature immersive celebration that blends outdoor exploration with hands?on learning. Instead of hunting eggs on a lawn, kids search along forest trails, peek under logs, and wander through natural habitats, making the experience feel more like a woodland adventure than a traditional holiday outing.
This activity is populaw with Families with young children (ages 3–10), parents looking for a calmer, more nature focused alternative to large, high energy egg hunts. Kids who love exploring, observing wildlife, and being active outdoors. Caregivers who appreciate educational programming.

Easter Weekend at an Overnight Camping Resort
April 3, 4, 5, 2026
Kymer's Camping Resort, Branchville, NJ
Cost: Cabins $144/day, Park models $189/day, Luxury tents $119/day
Celebrate an Easter weekend with a special treat for familes who enjoy the outdoors.
Features 200 scenic acres in the Kittatinny Mountains that offer something for the whole family.

Easter in the Park
April 4th, 2026
Van Neste Square, Ridgewood, NJ
Cost: Free
A family-friendly event with an Easter Egg Hunt. Meet and greet with the Easter Bunny. The Ben & Jerry's Easter Egg Hunt at 11am for agers (2-4). 1:15pm for ages (5-7). Local vendors will offer treats and other goods.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Hall Museum
April 4th, 2026
Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ
Cost: $12 for 1 child, Adults are $5 each.
Children will explore the grounds of Liberty Hall, searching for plastic eggs filled with holiday treats hidden throughout the landscape! Fun games, craft, and food vendors will make the day even greater! A surprise visit from the Easter Bunny caps off the event. This event is Rain or Shine! Space is limited to 100 children per session. Reservations required.

NYC Harbor Easter Brunch Cruise
April 5, 2026
Lincoln Harbor Marina, 1500 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ
Cost: Adult $116.00, Child (Ages 4-12) $101.00 , Kids Free (Ages 3 and under)
This special holiday sailing departing Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, blends delicious dining, skyline sightseeing, and a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike. The cruise typically lasts 2–3 hours, gliding along the Hudson and East Rivers with sweeping views of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
This activity is popular with families with kids, couples, and for groups & friends.

Central New Jersey spots for classic egg hunts, farm fun, and storybook magic

Central Jersey is great at the "just right" Easter day. It's not too far-flung, not too hectic, and it often mixes candy fun with something memorable, like animals, crafts, or a charming setting.

If your family wants family Easter activities NJ style, where siblings of different ages can each find their lane, this region has you covered. Aim for earlier time slots if you can. Parking and lines usually feel easier before lunchtime.

Historic Allaire Village Easter Celebration
March 28, April 4, 2026
Allaire Village, Farmingdale, NJ
Cost: $13.58 Age 4 & Up
Allaire feels like stepping into another time. The setting naturally slows the pace, which can be a gift if your crew gets overwhelmed at huge festivals. Kids can explore paths and buildings, then jump into Easter-themed activities like games, scavenger-style fun, and Bunny photos when offered.
This is a popular activity for kids who enjoy hands-on exploring, parents who prefer calmer crowds, and families who like an outing that doesn't feel like a mad dash.
Wear comfortable shoes, and think stroller-friendly routes if you've got little ones. If you want to get familiar with the event before committing,

Easter Bunny Express
Weekends: Saturday, Sunday March 28th, Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Black River & Western Railroad, 33-99 Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ
Cost: Coach (Adult) Ages: 12+ $22.99. Coach (Child) Ages: 3-11 $21.99. Children under age 3 are free when riding on an adult's lap
This Easter bunny train ride features a round-trip train ride from Flemington to Ringoes in search for eggs at Ringoes picnic grove.

Easter Egg Hunt
March 29, 2026
Seaside Heights, NJ
Cost: Free
This Easter Egg Hunt brings classic boardwalk fun to the Jersey Shore with a festive twist. The hunt takes place on the beach between Blaine Ave and Franklin Ave. It's organized into clearly marked entry points and age groups to keep things smooth and enjoyable. Ages 0–2: Enter at Hancock Ave, north of the pier. Special Needs: Enter at Franklin Ave, next to the stage. Ages 3–10: Enter at Blaine Ave. Parents may accompany children in all groups.
How the Egg Hunt Works The beach is divided into five long sections, each containing one color of egg. Kids walk through each section and collect one egg of each color: red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. All eggs are empty this year, but collecting the full set earns a prize pack
Cost: Free

Bunny Trail Spring Festival
April 4, 5, 2026
Terhune Orchards, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Ultimate Festival Experience $40 In Advance ($43 Day Of)
Terhune has that cozy farm feel that makes spring look like a storybook. Expect an all-in-one day with seasonal activities that can include Bunny time, kid-friendly farm fun, and room for families to spread out without feeling packed in. This is a popular activity for mixed-age families, especially when one kid wants the hunt and another wants to explore and play.
Pack wipes and a change of clothes, because "I only touched the dirt a little" is rarely true. Also, book early for the most popular dates and times.

Spring Celebration at the Pier Village
April 4th, 2026
Pier Village, Ocean Ave and Centennial Dr, Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free
Celebrate Spring at Pier Village from  on Festival Plaza. The day will feature shopping, children’s activities, DJ, games, balloon artist, inflatable rides, face painting, a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. Meet & Greet with the Easter Bunny 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Live Music Performance by the Jillian Rhys McCoy Band 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Carousel Stage Face Painting 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Carousel Stage Bubble Show 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. New this year: Village-Wide Store Egg Hunt!

Easter Brunch
Sunday April 5th, 2026: Multiple times, starting at 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, Plumsted, NJ
Cost: $79.27 adults, $44.04 kids, Kids 4 and under are Free!
Includes a menu with a Carving station, Omelette station, Entree selections, Pastry and baked goods, and a Children's selections.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk Easter Parade
April 5, 2026
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Cost: Free
This popular Jersey Shore Easter parade features prizes awarded for each of the categories: children: 0-3, 4-6 and 7-10 years old, Float Multiples, and Bonnet. A popular activity for kids who like costumes and attention, plus families who want the boardwalk vibe before summer crowds.
Bring safety pins (bonnets and ears slip), a light jacket, and a camera-ready attitude. Also, set a meetup spot with older kids, because boardwalk crowds can move like a tide.

Southern New Jersey Easter celebrations with beaches, boardwalks, and the zoo

South Jersey Easter days have a different feel. The air can smell like salt and sunscreen even when it's still jacket weather. You'll also find events that work well for bigger groups, because there's space to spread out.

This is a strong region for families who want an outdoor day that lasts longer than a 10-minute scramble. It's also perfect if you're building an Easter weekend trip around the Shore.

Helicopter Egg Drop
March 21, 2026
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Cost: $5 per child
A community Easter celebration where a helicopter releases eggs over a designated drop zone. Children then participate in organized "waves" of egg hunts, supported by volunteers who manage safety and flow. The event is designed for families with young children and includes multiple activity stations beyond the egg drop itself.
Children ages 3–11 are invited to enjoy games, a photo booth, costume characters, face painting, and more.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
March 28th, 29th, April 3rd, 4th, 2026
Johnson's Corner Farm
133 Church Rd.
Medford, NJ
Cost: $47.75. Children under 2 are free.
Enjoy storytime with the Easter Bunny! Then sit down to a family style meal with your family, including a private photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny! Seating is at 9:00 am.

The Great Egg Hunt
March 28 & April 4, 2026;1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
11th- 14th St Beach, Ocean City, NJ
Cost: Free
The Great Egg Hunt from 6th to 14th street along the boardwalk, stop by participating stores, until supplies lasts.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center
March 28, 2026
661 Jackson Road, Newtonville, NJ
Cost: free
At 10 am Hop on down the bunny trail and for a free breakfast and egg hunt with the Easter Bunny! The whole family is invited to this event for photos ops with the bunny and children ages 10 and under get to participate in an egg-celent hunt of over 2,000 eggs.

Storybook Land Easter Egg Hunts
April 3, 4, & 6, 2026
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Cost: $45.95, for guests aged 2 - 64.
Storybook Land is built for the ages where imagination runs the show. Pair that with an Easter event, and it can feel like a mini theme park day without you having to invent entertainment on the fly.
A popular activity for preschool and elementary-age kids, plus families who want a full day that's already mapped out. Lines are usually lighter earlier in the day. If you can arrive close to opening, you'll often fit more rides in before the crowd builds. Bring a small snack too, because excitement makes kids forget they're hungry, until they don't. A quick rule: if your child's attention span is short, choose a place where the fun continues after the eggs are found.

Cape May County Park and Zoo Easter Eggstravaganza
April 3, 4, 5, 2026
Cape May Court House, NJ
Cost: Free, Donations suggested.
If your kids love animals, this one solves a common Easter problem: the egg hunt ends fast, then you're left wondering what's next. Here, the zoo itself is the main attraction, while Easter activities add an extra layer of fun. it's designed as a fuller experience, often including themed games (like Bunny hide-and-seek), photo times, and active challenges that keep kids engaged.
A popular activity for animal lovers, kids who like obstacle-style activities, and parents who'd rather not plan multiple separate stops.

Atlantic City Easter Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, April 4th, 2026; 11am - 12;30PM
Steel Pier
1000 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
Cost: Pancake Breakfast $16.95 child or adult. Kids 12 and under receive a free ride wristband with the purchase of a breakfast. Great photo ops with the Easter Bunny!
This event features the Steel Pier's Annual Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Egg Hunt at Diggerland
April 4th, 5th, 2026
Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Ct, West Berlin, NJ
Cost: on-line $47.98 Senior Citizen: $24.98. Children under 36" are Free
Hunt for over 4,000 eggs in the Easter Egg Patches at Diggerland. Two different age groups will meet up at the ROXOR course starting at noon. Bring your own bucket or bag for treat-filled eggs.The egg hunt is included in general admission.

Greater Wildwood Jaycees Beach Egg Hunt
April 4, 2026
Lincoln Ave. Beach, Wildwood, NJ
Cost: FreeA beach hunt is pure childhood for kids under 12. Eggs tucked into sand, buckets swinging, and that happy chaos that makes the best photos. Kids don't have to be "quiet" or "careful" at the beach, which changes the whole mood.
This is a popular activity for families already staying near the Shore, big sibling groups, and kids who don't mind sandy knees. Arrive early for parking, and bring a bucket that's easy to carry on soft sand. A backpack can help, too, because little arms get tired fast.

Cape May Easter Fashion Stroll
April 5th, 2026
Rotary Park, 400-498 Lafayette St, Cape May, NJ
Cost: Free
Beginning at noon with registration, participants will be judged in various categories, including 3 and younger, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, 13 & older, Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Family, and Best Easter Bonnet.

Smithville Easter Parade
April 5th, 2026
Route 9 & Moss Mill Road (GPS: 1 North New York Road) Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free
Get ready with your Easter finest and hop into Historic Smithville for a stroll full of style. The Easter Parade kicks off at the Smithville Inn at 1:00 p.m., with prizes awarded for the best dressed looks.

Frequently Asked Questions About
How to Celebrate Easter in New Jersey

What are the most popular ways to celebrate Easter in New Jersey?

Across New Jersey, Easter usually blends church services, family meals, outdoor activities, and spring outings. Many people start with a morning service, then gather for brunch, dinner, or an egg hunt later in the day. Because the state offers beaches, farms, parks, and walkable downtowns, it's easy to shape the day around quiet traditions or a more active family plan.

When should I start planning Easter weekend in New Jersey?

Start early, especially if you want a restaurant reservation, a holiday meal out, or tickets for a family activity. Easter weekend gets busy in many parts of New Jersey because schools may be on spring break and the weather often draws people outside. If you're visiting popular shore towns, suburban family spots, or farm areas, booking a week or two ahead can make the day much smoother.

Easter weekend can fill up fast, even when plans seem casual. A little advance planning usually means shorter waits and better options.

What should I expect from Easter weather in New Jersey?

Spring weather in New Jersey can shift quickly, so it's smart to plan for cool mornings, mild afternoons, and the chance of rain. North Jersey may feel chillier than South Jersey, and coastal areas can be breezy even on sunny days. Light layers, comfortable shoes, and a backup indoor plan usually make the day easier, especially if kids will be outside.

Are there family-friendly Easter activities throughout the state?

Yes, and they vary by region. Families often look for egg hunts, photo opportunities, brunch spots, farm visits, scenic parks, and boardwalk or downtown strolls, depending on the weather. For younger kids, simpler plans tend to work best, while older children may enjoy a full day that mixes a meal, an outdoor stop, and time with relatives.

How can I make Easter in New Jersey feel less rushed and more enjoyable?

Keep the schedule simple and leave space between activities. Traffic, parking, and wait times can stretch longer than expected on holiday weekends, so choosing one main outing and one meal often works better than packing in too much. If you're hosting, set things up the night before, prep food early, and have a few easy indoor options ready in case the weather turns.

Is Easter Sunday a good day to visit the Jersey Shore or local parks?

It can be, especially if you want a quieter, scenic way to spend part of the holiday. Some beach towns and parks feel calm in the early part of the day, while others pick up later as families head out after brunch or church. Check local hours before you go, because parking rules, restrooms, dining spots, and attractions may run on holiday schedules.

What should out-of-state visitors know before celebrating Easter in New Jersey?

Expect a mix of local traditions and regional variety. A holiday weekend in New Jersey can mean suburban brunch crowds, church traffic, shore day-trippers, and busy roads near malls, parks, and town centers. If you're visiting from out of state, it's best to confirm hours in advance, leave extra drive time, and choose flexible plans so the day stays relaxed.

The best Easter plans in New Jersey usually aren't the busiest ones. A clear schedule, weather-ready clothes, and one or two well-chosen stops often make the day feel special.

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