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Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center hosts an up-close look at the park's inhabitants each Sunday. Photo courtesy of the center
Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center hosts an up-close look at the park's inhabitants each Sunday. Photo courtesy of the center
2/25/25 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for FREE things to do this March in New Jersey? Check out dozens of great options below. 

As the season transitions from winter to spring, March is filled with events that don't cost a thing! It's a lucky month for freebies, with St. Patrick's Day parades in Morris County and Belmar, among many others. As the spring season blossoms, spend time outdoors at free events like Downtown Cranford Fire & Ice and Workhorse Rides at Howell Living History Farm.

These are just some of our favorite free things to do in New Jersey in March–we're adding more to our New Jersey Events Calendar every day. 

More Things To Do in New Jersey this March with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Ongoing Free Things To Do in March 2025

Star Light Star Bright Installation in Hoboken

Hoboken
Daily
Experience Hoboken's brilliant and immersive exhibition, Star Light Star Bright,  a cheerful, eye-catching structure along the Hoboken waterfront, providing a burst of color and light to the public park. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Bridgewater

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater every Monday morning for stories and fun. READ MORE

Preschool Storytime at Bridgewater Library

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Swing by the library on Mondays with the little ones for books, songs, and activities. READ MORE

Toddler Tuesday

Cranford
Every Tuesday
Toddlers are welcome to Cranford Public Library every Tuesday for stories and hands-on activities. Registration is not required, but space is limited. READ MORE

Music & Movement at Johnson Public Library

Hackensack
Every Tuesday
Children and caregivers are invited to sing and dance at this library music and movement time. The program takes place in the auditorium. READ MORE

Bookscape Babies at Cotsen Children's Library

Princeton
Every Tuesday
Cotsen’s youngest patrons get active, social, and build their vocabularies in a special play space in the Bookscape gallery. Soft ramps, tunnels, and plush alphabet letters await. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston

Livingston
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Enjoy childhood classics and new favorites at Barnes & Noble in Livingston on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  READ MORE

Play Cafe at Ramsey Free Public Library

Ramsey
Every Wednesday
Pop in for playtime with lots of toys and fun guaranteed. Parents can relax with a warm cup of coffee. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Brick

Brick
Every Wednesday
Head over to Barnes & Noble every Wednesday for children's stories and fun. READ MORE

Baby Lap Time at Johnson Public Library

Hackensack
Every Thursday
Johnson Public Library welcomes babies, and their caretakers, for songs, stories and rhymes. Registration is not required. READ MORE

Tiger Tales at Cotsen Children's Library

Princeton
Every Friday
Join the staff at Cotsen Library for a special interactive weekly storytime. Tiger Tales begins with a story and ends with a hands-on project to take home. READ MORE

Drop in and Discover at Jakes Branch County Park

Beechwood
Every Saturday
Stop by Jakes Branch Nature Center on Saturdays for nature lessons and crafts. A new topic is explored each session. READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Every Saturday and Sunday
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE

Winery Weekend Music Series at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Every Saturday and Sunday
Join Terhune for cheer in the winery with live music and time with family and friends. Enjoy indoor seating in the wine barn among the wine tanks and outdoor seating with fire pits. Sample hot mulled wine, tasting flights, and wine by the glass.  READ MORE

Live Animal Talks at Jakes Branch County Park

Beechwood
Every Sunday
Head over to Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center every Sunday for an up-close look at the park's inhabitants. Visitors learn about the various species that call the Nature Center home. Talks last about 20 minutes. READ MORE
Celebrate Irish culture at the free Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Morristown. Photo courtesy of parade organizers
Celebrate Irish culture at the free Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Morristown. Photo courtesy of parade organizers

Free Things To Do in New Jersey in March 2025

Downtown Cranford Fire & Ice

Cranford
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Stop by Downtown Cranford to watch professional ice carvers work their magic. While you're there, be sure to purchase wings and vote for your favorite to be crowned King of the Wing. Round out the fun with face painting, hot chocolate and s'mores. READ MORE

Hot Cocoa at Historic Cedar Bridge

Barnegat
Saturdays, March 1 and 22, 2025
Join a Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site docent to learn about the site's history. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate to warm up while learning about local lore and the history of Ocean County’s Revolutionary War past. READ MORE

Kids Workshops at Home Depot

Multiple Locations
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Kids can get creative at these monthly Home Depot in-store DIY events. Projects take place the first Saturday of each month at participating stores.  READ MORE

Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade

Belmar
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Head down to the shore for Belmar's 52nd annual parade featuring thousands of marchers, several bands, and festive floats. The parade takes place on Main Street.  READ MORE

Maker Mondays Kids Craft Hour at Jake Branch County Park Nature Center

Beachwood
Mondays, March 3 and 17, 2025
Drop by the nature center on select Mondays for nature-inspired crafts. Registration is not required. READ MORE

Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Hamilton
Saturday, March 8, 2025
The 39th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hamilton begins at the Nottingham Firehouse and makes its way down Nottingham Way.   READ MORE

JCPenney Kids Zone

Multiple Locations
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Stop by New Jersey JCPenney stores on the second Saturday of every month for free and fun crafts. Children receive a lanyard and collector's pin. Six pins earn a Project Master Medallion. READ MORE

Small Explorers: Roar into Fun with Dinosaurs at New Jersey State Museum

Trenton
Saturday, March 8, 2025
This month's Small Explorers program features a visit from Jumpin' Jamie the Dinosaur Troubadour. Participants can follow the footprints that lead to dinosaur discoveries. READ MORE

Nature Day in East Newark

Newark
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Head over to the East Newark Recreation Center for a day of nature exploration. Touch animal artifacts, learn about native plants, meet animal ambassadors, and enjoy dinner treats. READ MORE

Sussex County St. Patrick's Day Parade

Newton
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Enjoy floats, bands, animals, fire trucks, and more at this festive parade which begins on Lower Spring Street. READ MORE

Purim Carnival at JCC of Middlesex County

Edison
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Games, prizes, and food are all part of the fun at this community Purim Carnival. A magic show at 12:30pm rounds out the excitement. READ MORE

Rumson St. Patrick's Day Parade

Rumson
Sunday, March 9, 2025
The 12th annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade features bagpipe bands, floats, marching bands, Irish step dancers, classic cars, veteran groups, scouting organizations, nonprofit clubs and organizations, schools, novelty acts, and local business and civic groups. READ MORE

Art Together at Zimmerli

New Brunswick
Sunday, March 9, 2025
On select Sundays throughout the year, families can work side-by-side on arts and crafts projects at Rutgers' Zimmerli Art Museum. Each session includes a brief, instructor-led tour through one of the galleries. READ MORE

Workhorse Rides at Howell Living History Farm

Lambertville
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Saddle up at Howell Living History Farm for a historical program about workhorses. Participants learn the differences between draft, saddle, and carriage horses when they climb aboard a fully harnessed workhorse for a ride down the lane. READ MORE

Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Morristown
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Irish pride with this festive parade, which kicks of at the Morristown Municipal Building.  READ MORE

North Wildwood St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Parade

North Wildwood
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Get ready for a parade filled with Irish pride, featuring an exciting lineup of participants. The parade marches north on Atlantic Avenue to Olde NJ Avenue.  READ MORE

Family Saturday: The ABC's of Women's History

Mt. Laurel
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Join the Alice Paul Center in welcoming Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer, authors and illustrators of The ABC's of Women's History, for a special Women’s History Month Family Saturday. Semmer and Cortez read their new book, sign copies, and provide arts and crafts to visitors. READ MORE

Kids Workshops at Lowes

Various locations
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Kids can get creative and learn to build at Lowes' mini-DIYers workshops. Reserve a spot online. Some walk-ins may be permitted. READ MORE

Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Bergenfield
Sunday, March 16, 2025
The 43rd annual Bergen County St. Patrick's Day Parade begins with a flag-raising ceremony before marching up Washington Avenue. Irish step dancers and bagpipers add to the festive atmosphere. READ MORE

Color & Light Festival in Asbury Park

Asbury Park
Friday, March 21-Saturday, March 22, 2025
Experience the vibrant world of Color & Light, a groundbreaking digital art and projection mapping festival in the historic seaside town of Asbury Park. The facade of the town's iconic boardwalk architectural treasure, the Paramount Theater, is transformed into a dazzling tapestry of light, sound, and creativity. READ MORE

Makers Day at Monmouth County Library

Manalapan
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Get creative at Monmouth County Library's Makers Day event. Take part in make-and-take activities, demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on, interactive experiences. READ MORE

NJ Makers Day at Fanwood Library

Fanwood
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Fanwood Library hosts a day of innovative fun in honor of New Jersey Makers Day's 10th anniversary. Take part in fun and free DIY projects, plus join the high school robotics team for STEM activities.  READ MORE

NJ Makers Day at Whitesbog Historical Village

Browns Mills
Saturday, March 22, 2025
The village's Barrel Factory and Cranberry & Blueberry Museum host building stations and demonstrations that include Legos, Tinker Toys, Log Cabin kits, and more.  READ MORE

20th Annual Highlands St. Patrick's Day Parade

Highlands
Saturday, March 22, 2025
This fun and festive afternoon parade features 100 marching units that include bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, and beautifully decorated floats. READ MORE

Deptford Mall Kid's Mini Theater Show

Deptford
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Beloved story characters take the stage at Deptford Mall for FREE monthly shows. Enjoy singing, dancing, story time, fun giveaways, and a meet-and-greet with the character. Registration is required.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Hackensack 's Johnson Public Library
Cotsen Library at Princeton University
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Downtown Cranford
Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site
Various Home Depot stores
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Sussex County St. Patrick's Day Parade
Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University
Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice
various Lowes stores
Monmouth County Library Headquarters

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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