Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend April 20-21: Earth Day, Woodland Walk, The Wizard of Oz & More!

4/16/13 - By Sasha Muzzarelli

Springtime is full steam ahead and New Jersey has plenty to keep families busy this time of year. Celebrate Earth Day with a festival at the NJ State Botanical Garden or a Native American craft at the Newark Museum. If you’re looking to introduce the kids to a classic, take in a performance of Charlotte’s Web or The Wizard of Oz. Read on for our top picks and find a listing of all NJ activities in our Event Calendar.

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All Weekend

Earth Day Weekend (Ringwood, NJ)
Celebrate Earth Day at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden! The NJBG/Skylands Association has a fun schedule of events planned for both children and adults this weekend, including a wildflower walk, bio-diversity Earth Day hike and a coloring craft in the garden. You can also enjoy nature's beauty by strolling the formal gardens, exploring the woodlands or hiking and biking the many well-marked trails. You'll find the Botanical Garden filled with stunning pink cherry blossoms, spring wildflowers and sunny yellow daffodils in full bloom. Saturday 10am-1pm & Sunday 12-4pm. Price varies depending on activities. 973-962-9534

Cherry Hill Cherry Blossoms (Cherry Hill, NJ)
If you’re up for a laid back (and free!) weekend drive, head down to Cherry Hill this Saturday and Sunday. The beautiful two-mile cherry-blossom lined street can be seen during the last two weeks of April every year. This unique avenue is dedicated to the 2998 victims of September 11th and to all of our military branches and war veterans. Children are encouraged to bring a small American flag, yellow remembrance flag or flower to place at the memorial. All weekend. FREE.

Saturday, April 20th

Discovery Center Saturdays (Summit, NJ)
Drop by the Reeves-Reed Arboretum on Saturday morning for some hands-on nature exploration. This weekend’s theme is all about the first butterflies of spring! Activities include stories, crafts and experiments. After the program, parents and their kids can also borrow one of the center’s backpacks, which has binoculars, field guides, a magnifying glass and everything else you need to explore the Arboretum grounds. All ages welcome. 9am-1pm. Free for Members, $5/Child Non-Members. 908-273-8787

Charlotte’s Web (West Windsor, NJ)
When a little gray spider named Charlotte befriends a pig named Wilbur, something Terrific, Radiant and Humble happens! Starring endearing farm animals, Theatreworks/USA presents E. B. White’s treasured story of bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. Recommended for families and all ages. Show times at 2 & 4pm. $10/Person. 609-570-3333

Basket Case at Newark Museum (Newark, NJ)
Get crafty for Earth Day at the Newark Museum. Both kids and adults will learn traditional weaving methods and use natural fibers to weave an American Indian basket after viewing authentic collection examples the museum’s galleries. Stick around after craft time and check out the popular emPowered exhibit - children will learn all about the science behind renewable energy resources as they test wind turbines and operate solar panels. All ages welcome. Craft sessions at 1, 2 & 3pm. Free with museum admission. 973-596-6550

Sunday, April 21st

The Wizard of Oz (Morristown, NJ)
Introduce the family to a classic and take them to see The Wizard of Oz at the Mayo Performing Arts Center this Sunday. The time-tested musical will feel fresh as you watch the magical story of Dorothy and her friends as they travel the yellow brick road through your kids’ eyes. From “Somewhere over the Rainbow” to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” the tale of Oz is definitely an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Recommended for ages 4 & up. Show times at 1:30 & 4pm. Tickets vary ($12-15/Person) depending on seat location. 973-539-8008

Family Woodland Walk (Ringwood, NJ)
Enjoy spring and get some fresh air and exercise at the NJ Botanical Garden. The family-friendly walk will be easy, slow-paced and perfect for nature-loving kiddos ages 6 & up. Younger children are welcome to join in on the fun, but may need to be carried of course! Your group will meet at the beautiful Carriage House before heading into the trails. A nature guide will help everyone explore some of the geology, plants and animals that call the Botanical Garden home. FREE. 1pm.

Check out our brand-new GO NJ List, with our top ten picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month! GO April is full of family fun!

And don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar. And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.