May's Free And Fabulous Events

Saturday, May 3 from 11-11:45am Drop-in Surprise Story Time at Deep Cut Gardens
Join us for a reading from a nature- or garden-related book. If it’s cold or rainy we’ll be inside the Horticultural Center, but if it’s fair we will be out in the garden. A clue at the entrance will lead you to the secret spot! Open to ages 3 and up, under 18 with adult.  FREE! 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ 07748  

Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4 from 1-4pm Spring Cleaning! Hands-On History at Historic Walnford  Have some good clean fun beating rugs, scrubbing clothes, and learning how elbow grease produced a clean house. Enjoy some hands-on history and gain more appreciation for today’s technology    62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501

Saturday, May 10, 1 to 4pm. Multicultural Family Festival.  13th Annual Celebration of the Week of the Young Child • Recommended for children ages 11 & under • Interactive Movement & Dance Performances • Arts & Crafts • Clowns • Storytelling (English & Spanish) • NJ FamilyCare Enrollment • Much More • All children must be accompanied by an adult.  30 Liberty Street, Little Ferry.

l.  13th Annual Celebration of the Week of the Young Child • Recommended for children ages 11 & under • Interactive Movement & Dance Performances • Arts & Crafts • Clowns • Storytelling (English & Spanish) • NJ FamilyCare Enrollment • Much More • All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, May 11 from 1-3pm Blacksmith Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm See what the Blacksmith is making in his workshop. 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733

Sunday, May 11 from 1-4pm Threads of Time at Historic Walnford    
Watch beautiful patterns appear as threads intertwine on our looms. From utilitarian rag rugs to intricate coverlets, learn more about the fibers, tools and techniques used to produce household textiles and clothing in the 18th century. Enjoy this free family activity this Mother’s Day! 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501

Sunday, May 18 from 11am-5pm  Walnford Day
Experience some sights and sounds of the past with hands-on historical crafts, demonstrations, exhibits, music, milling, and horse drawn wagon rides. Formerly held in the fall, we’ve moved this annual event to May, so gather up your family and friends, pack a picnic, and head to Walnford for a (historically) fun-filled afternoon.  62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501

Sunday May 18, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Outdoor Adventure Expo at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold
Learn about adventure opportunities in our area.   Meet vendors for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and biking.  Attend free lectures, demonstrations, mini clinics, and nature hikes.  Test a variety of equipment.  Bring the whole family for this adventure filled day.  Event will run rain or shine.  Free admission and parking. 

Monday, May 26 from 12noon-3pm   Decoration Day Celebration  at Historic Longstreet Farm 
This family holiday originated soon after the Civil War when women decided to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Today we call this special holiday Memorial Day. It was a time for family reunions and fun-filled visits. Join in the celebration as the staff of Longstreet Farm enjoys an old-fashioned Decoration Day.  44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733

May 3,  Hooked on the Hudson
Fishing contest, exhibits & more with the Hudson River Fishermen's Association • Fishing contest begins at 8 AM, exhibits, etc. from 11 AM, at Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee (directions). Free and open to all with no advanced registration required. Fishing poles and bait available on site. Rain or shine.   Ross Dock at Palisades Interstate Park, Fort Lee.  www.hrfanj.org

May 3-4. Kite Day at Terhune Orchards
Kite Day is a perfect time to explore the farm during our FREE spring festival.  Bring your own kite or choose a ready-made kite from the wide selection in the store.  The farm will ring with country music and entertainment all weekend. the whole family can tour the orchards and fields while riding in a tractor-drawn farm wagon.  330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. 609.924.2310.  http://www.terhuneorchards.com

May 3, 11am-4pm. PrincetonKIDS Family Fun Day @ Quaker Bridge Mall
This FREE community event will feature live entertainment at the Mall's Center Court.  Princeton.

May 3.  Climb a Willow to the Sea God’s Palace at BergenPAC
This performance is based on a traditional story from Gangwon Province about brotherly love. This work features live paintings as actors draw 8 different paintings on traditional Korean paper that later become the background for the scenes. Shadow puppets emerge from the painted scenery along with traditional music to stimulate imagination and creativity while making the audience feel like they are reading a lyrical picture book.  30 North Van Brunt St, Englewood.  201-816-8160.  www.bergenpac.org

May 3. Walnut Street Fair
Come discover the hidden treasures that make Walnut Street one of Montclair's most eclectic and energetic areas with live music, magic, artisan breads, prenatal and baby yoga, pastries, drinks, antiques, food galore and lots of free giveaways!  Montclair.

May 3, 12:30pm-2pm.  Willie Williams @ WBGO FREE Kids Jazz Concert Series
Discover America's original musical art form - jazz culture and performance in your neighborhood. The interactive, hour-long concerts give kids opportunities to learn about and enjoy the distinct qualities of jazz! Q&A sessions with the artists, small gifts, and a chance to win a door prize are just some of the reasons to come out and join us!  Luna Stage, 555 Valley Road, W Orange.  973-624-8880.  www.wbgo.org/kids

May 4, 10am-5pm. Spring Fling in Westfield
With the closing of the streets, the downtown is transformed into a safe and fun family festival. There is no admission fee and parking is free.  Downtown Westfield.

May 9. Family Activities for National Public Gardens Day at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
Enjoy an afternoon of family activities in the garden at Macculloch Hall to mark National Public Gardens Day.  Pre-Registration Required,  (973) 538-2404 ext. 16 or cwinslow@maccullochhall.org.  45 Macculloch Ave, Morristown.  ww.maccullochhall.org

May 10, 10am-2pm. Cookies for Kids' Cancer Family Fun Day
Join us for a day of fun to support a good cause. Performances from The Slink Guy, The Lizard Guys, Story Pirates and Kidville Rockin Railroad. Crafts, Princess Jasmine, Balloons, Facepainting and more. Free admission. Donations welcome.  Bauer Community Center, Taylor Park, 100 Main Street, Millburn.  www.gardenstategoodcookies.com

May 10, 10:30am-12pm. Selective Mutism Support Group 
Selective Mutism Parent/Professional Support Group meets Saturdays monthly.  All are welcome to attend free of charge to consult, learn and support each other.  Kinnelon Public Library, Kinnelon.  www.selective-mutism.com

May 10, 1-4pm. Multicultural Family Festival
13th Annual Celebration of the Week of the Young Child • Recommended for children ages 11 & under • Interactive Movement & Dance Performances • Arts & Crafts • Clowns • Storytelling (English & Spanish) • NJ FamilyCare Enrollment • Much More.  30 Liberty Street, Little Ferry.

May 10, 1pm-4pm. Hooray for May! A Family Art Day!
The Center for Contemporary Art is hosting Hooray for May: A Free Family Art Day! There will be 8 different art projects for kids of all ages, family gallery tours, mural making with a local mural artist, food and fun!  2020 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster.   908-234-2345

May 13-18, St Matthias Carnival in Somerset
Free admission, free parking, rides and games for all ages, food.  168 JFK Blvd, Somerset.  www.stmatthias.net

May 15, Mommy and Me Playdate at The Outlets at the Bergen Town Center
Free activities, music, storytime, giveaways, prizes.  Route 4 East & Forest Avenue, Paramus

May 17, Walk n' Roll for Children's Specialized Hospital
Join hundreds of supporters at the 8th annual Walk n’ Roll on May 17 to support Children’s Specialized Hospital. We’re raising money for the nation’s largest and best pediatric rehabilitation hospital. We invite family, friends and partners of Children’s Specialized to come together to walk or roll a 1, 2.5 or 5 mile course. After, there is a FREE carnival where everyone can enjoy live music, games and prizes and learn about the special needs that patients at Children’s Specialized face everyday.  Johnson Park, River Road, Piscataway.  www.childrens-specialized.org/walknroll

May 17-18. DO AC Fire on the Water Festival
The "DO AC Fire on the Water Festival" is a free 2-day event that will feature a stop on the World Famous Firefighter Combat Challenge Tour in Atlantic City and the 7th annual "Guns vs. Hoses" Battle at the Basin. The festival will feature crafters, food vendors, beer gardens, live music, kid's activities, including a Kid's Firefighter Challenge, and much more.  "Fire on the Water" will take place Saturday, May 17th & Sunday, May 18th from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm at Historic Gardner's Basin Waterfront Park in Atlantic City, NJ.

May 17 ,10am-4pm, Pennington Day
An all day community event, three stages of live entertainment, local bands, dance troupes and a Kid Pavilion with children's activities. Food and Street vendors throughout. This day of fun raises money for community grants to local non-profits.  Downtown Pennington.  www.penningtonday.com

May 17, 2pm-7pm. Rutherford Multicultural Festival
International Food, Dances and Music from around the world! Music, Dance, Food from around the world, Crafts, Games, Face Painting, Salsa Dancers, Irish Dancers, Biwanko - Japanese drummers, Belly Dancing, Indian , Ukraine, Mongolian dancers. Giant Tree House. Slide.  Lots of family fun!

May 18, 11am-5pm. Outdoor Adventure Expo at Turkey Swamp Park
Learn about outdoor adventure opportunities in our area.  Meet vendors for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and biking.  Children's Fishing Derby.  Attend free lectures, demonstrations, mini-clinics and nature hikes.  Test a variety of equipment: touring kayaks, white water kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, 25-foot climbing wall, and much more.  Bring the whole family for this adventure filled day.  200 Georgia Road, Freehold.  http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/

May 18, 1pm. Family Woodland Hike at New Jersey Botanical Gardens
An easy, child-friendly hike in the Garden's woodlands where you'll learn a bit about the plants, animals and geology around you in a hike designed to fit the group. Smaller children may need to be carried. Wear sturdy shoes, meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center.

Sundays, thru-October 26 from 1-4pm Open House of the Historic Seabrook-Wilson House The historic Seabrook-Wilson House, informally known as the “Spy House”, will open its doors for self-guided tours. Come inside with your family and friends to visit the Seabrook-Wilson house, which dates back to the early 1700s. The house includes displays on the ecology of the bay and local history including the American Revolution. Enjoy views of New York City and the beauty of the bay while visiting this well-known historic house.  719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758

Kids Bowl Free This Summer Visit www.KidsBowlFree.com to register and receive 2 free games of bowling every day all summer long.  Log on to their website to find a bowling center near you.  Also don’t forget about our Family Pass option that allows for up to 4 adults to bowl 2 FREE games every day all summer too.  It’s only $24.95 at your center and it allows parents, older children, adult babysitters and grandparents to join in the bowling fun too.