Weekend Fun for NJ Kids: Mayfest, Touch-A-Truck, Endangered Species Day, May 16-17

5/13/15 - By Sasha Muzzarelli

It’s pretty darn hard to beat the month of May in New Jersey! There’s so much to do this weekend in our great state, it’s tough to pick our favorites. Soak up some sun at Mayfest in Historic Smithville, Endangered Species Day at the Bergen County Zoo or Touch-A-Truck at Westfield Garden State Plaza. Or head indoors for some quality kids' culture including New Jersey Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty and an African Brazilian Carnival at the Bergen County Performing Arts Center.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy the wonderful weather with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar.

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Morey’s Piers Wild Half Marathon (Wildwood, NJ)
This weekend of running and fun includes the Wild Half, a 13.1 mile half marathon and 8K race, and a new 5K race and Wild Child 1K beach run for kids. Activities include sunset beach yoga, Piers & Pasta Dinner at Joe’s Fish Co. on Surfside Pier and finish line celebrations featuring live music, food and award ceremonies.

Mayfest (Absecon, NJ)
Head to Historic Smithville Village for their annual Mayfest! All of the warm weather fun includes an international food court, over 100 crafters, music, activities for the kids and more.

Saturday, May 16

African Brazilian Carnival (Englewood, NJ)
This exciting performance at the Bergen Performing Arts Center features a blend of Brazilian and African dances and music, including Capoeira. Capoeira incorporates the speed and agility of martial arts, dance and acrobatics while teaching a philosophy of resolving conflict without using force. Instrument demos are also included in this high-energy performance.

17th Annual Buffalo Watch (Flemington, NJ)
Support the Whitehouse Rescue Squad at the 17th annual Buffalo Watch event at the Readington River Buffalo Farm. This year's FREE event will feature live music, local vendors, food trucks, face painting, pony rides, local plant and flower sale, wagon tour of the farm, antique dealers and much more – whew!

Endangered Species Day (Paramus, NJ)
Visit the quaint (and toddler-friendly) Bergen County Zoo and learn more about the endangered species that call the grounds home. Children can participate in special activities, learn about conservation efforts and discover ways to help endangered species.

Spring Bird Walk (Tenafly, NJ)
Join an Environmental Educator at Tenafly Nature Center for a morning bird walk to look for warblers, raptors and other seasonal birds at the TNC pond and along the trails. Bring binoculars if you’ve got ‘em or borrow a pair from the center!

Kids to Parks Day: Monarch Discovery (Jersey City, NJ)
Learn all about the amazing lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly! This FREE program at Liberty State Park’s Nature Interpretive Center will include hands-on activities, a nature walk through the scenic park and information on how you can help the monarch at home.

Dog Appreciation Day (Farmingdale, NJ)
Bring Fido along for the festivities this weekend! All are invited to Allaire Village for this special event honoring furry companions. Enjoy parades, talent competitions, costume contests, obstacle courses and more at this fun-filled event.

Sunday, May 17

New Jersey Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty (Morristown, NJ)
The tale of a princess, a hundred year's sleep and a kiss has been an enduring favorite for more than a century. Featuring music by Tchaikovsky and storyteller narration, this beautiful performance by the NJ Ballet is a definite crowd pleaser.

Touch-A-Truck (Paramus, NJ)
Calling all tiny truck lovers! Touch-A-Truck at Westfield Garden State Plaza allows tots and their parents to view, climb on and ‘touch’ trucks in a safe, supervised environment. Families can participate in a variety of activities, take photos and enjoy food and refreshments throughout the day.

Check out our NJ GoList featuring our top picks for the entire month of May. 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 check out the New York City Mommy Poppins Event Calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had Big Apple-style.