We've rounded up the best family happenings for this weekend in Newark and the surrounding area (Feb 28 - Mar 1)! Look for free Planetarium Shows at the Newark Museum of Art, or check out the Lunar Fest in Maplewood for some cultural fun on Sunday.
See our top picks
Planetarium Shows
The Newark Museum of Art
Catch a show at 2 PM or 3 PM on Saturday afternoon for free!
February Family Saturdays
The Newark Museum of Art
Enjoy several hours of indoor art and culture programming for the whole family.
November Family Sundays
Newark Museum of Art
Check the museum's recurring Sunday schedule for age-appropriate fun.
· February 28
5FAMILY FUN DAY AT THE CRANFORD THEATER : If you're looking for a dedicated kid's activity on Saturday afternoon, check out this fun day scheduled at the Cranford Theater. You will need to check the specific ticket price.This is a specific event time/date listed under Newark area fun on a Saturday.
: Explore local history with a focus on 250 years of medicine and healthcare at Liberty Hall Museum this Saturday. This event appears to be a one-time celebration.This is a specific historical event dated for Saturday, likely appealing to older kids interested in history.
MAC AND CHEESE MAYHEM AT MORRISTOWN ARMORY : If your family loves comfort food, hit the Morristown Armory on Saturday for what is billed as New Jersey's biggest mac and cheese festival. It sounds like a tasty, family-friendly outing!This is a unique, one-off festival dated specifically for Saturday.
: This is a family fun day happening in the Bronx on Saturday afternoon. While technically out of Newark, these kinds of community events are often worth the short trip.A specific 'Family Fun Day' event scheduled for Saturday listed among Newark area search results.
: Attend a Pasta Night combined with a Tricky Tray raffle to support Parsippany PAL Wrestling this Saturday evening. This supports local youth sports.It's a community fundraiser supporting youth sports listed under 'Free Kids Events' (though price is checked).
· March 1
3FREE : Head to Maplewood on Sunday afternoon for this free, family-friendly festival celebrating the Lunar New Year. It runs for four hours in the early afternoon.It is a specific, free, family-focused cultural event happening on Sunday just outside Newark.
ECOSYSTEMS AT RISK: THREATENED AND ENDANGERED IN NJ : If you don't mind a drive to Trenton, this exhibition is listed as being open all weekend, focusing on New Jersey's threatened and endangered wildlife. It’s likely an engaging way to spend a Sunday afternoon indoors.This is a limited-run exhibition confirmed to be running on Sunday.
FREE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS AT NJ BOTANICAL GARDENFREE : Take advantage of a free guided tour through the Botanical Garden grounds this Sunday at 2 PM. Make sure everyone wears sturdy shoes for walking the trails!It's a free, specific outdoor activity happening Sunday afternoon, running through the end of the target period.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Head to the Newark Museum of Art for their regular Saturday programming designed for families. It's a great way to spend a few hours exploring art and culture right here in the city.This is the main family block of programming at Newark's biggest art institution for Saturday.
FREE : Catch a standard planetarium show on Saturday afternoon at the museum. Based on other listed shows, these are likely included with general admission or free standing events.This is a specific, timed event happening on Saturday at a key Newark attraction.
: Go ice skating near the NYC skyline at Newport Skates this Sunday. Rink hours are 11 AM to 7 PM, making it a fun, active option before it closes for the season later this month.This activity is available all day Sunday and is a specific seasonal event close to Newark.
: NJPAC hosts its Family Series designed to entertain and educate all ages, and this series runs through May. Check their schedule for a specific show happening this Sunday.This is a family-focused performance series happening at Newark's premier arts center this Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Newark this weekend?
The best explicitly free option in Newark this weekend is the Planetarium Shows at The Newark Museum of Art on Saturday, February 28th at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Are there any weekend festivals or major outings happening?
Yes, for an outing, check out the Lunar Fest NJ in nearby Maplewood on Sunday afternoon (Mar 1), or the Mac and Cheese Mayhem festival in Morristown on Saturday (Feb 28).
What can we do on Sunday, March 1st?
On Sunday, you can explore the Free Guided Garden Tours in Ringwood (2 PM), or visit the Lunar Fest in Maplewood (starting at noon).
