Photo Credit: @smorgasburg

By Taylor Smith 

Spring is upon us, which means more sunshine, longer days, flowers blooming, and the desire to get out and explore! The North Jersey area offers a roster full of spring happenings, from foodie adventures to shopping opportunities and the celebration of nature. Here are a few to check out. Time to mark your calendar!

Visit Hudson Yards

Strategically located between 10th and 12th avenues from West 30th to West 34th streets in New York City, Hudson Yards is the latest “it” project to hit the metropolitan scene. Featuring a combination of striking architecture, a super mall, city views, and impressive dining, Hudson Yards is easily accessible from the Lincoln Tunnel, subway system, and the West Side Highway. 

Hunt for Camouflaged Eggs

Join Tenafly Nature Center on April 9 for a twist on searching for eggs! Children will scour the forest at Tenafly Nature Center for naturally-dyed eggs in camouflage colors. Lucky hunters who find the golden eggs will get a special surprise. Bring your own basket. 

Let’s Fly a Kite

The annual Kites at the Pier Festival in Long Branch is on April 13 and 14. Every kind of kite imaginable will be on display on the Jersey Shore. A host of kite fliers from area kite clubs will be attending the festival and demonstrating air tricks that run headfirst into the wind! 

The Meaning of Friendship 

Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn presents The Velveteen Rabbit on Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m. In this play, a young boy’s love and a little nursery magic transform the Velveteen Rabbit from a favorite plaything into a real rabbit. The boy and Velveteen embark on exciting imaginary adventures, from deep dark caves to the wide-open sea, and together they learn the true meaning of friendship. 

Encounter Some Animals

Jump right into springtime with gardening, farming, and barnyard animals at Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff. Spring Break Camps cover a wide variety of topics from preparing to plant to the process of hatching baby chicks. Sessions are offered for children ages 5-10 on April 8-12 and April 15-18. 

Outdoor Food Fests

Smorgasburg reopens the weekend of April 6. America’s largest open-air food market, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is free to attend and open to all ages. Westfield Garden State Plaza will be hosting the Paramus Food Truck Fest on April 28.