Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend May 10-11: Mother's Day Brunch, Alvin Ailey, Family Picnic & More!

5/7/14 - By Sasha Muzzarelli

It’s time to give mom a break from the cooking, cleaning and planning this weekend! Take your pick from one of these awesome events in Jersey and round up the troops for a day of quality family time. No matter what mom is in the mood for, there’s definitely something to fit the bill: Take in a performance from the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, sip wine at a complimentary tasting (and let the kids explore the farm) during the Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend at Terhune Orchards or stroll through the beautiful lilac meadows and have a picnic at Willowwood Arboretum, or find a full list of weekend activities on our Event Calendar.

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Alvin Ailey Mother’s Day Performances (Newark, NJ)
Go all out for Mother's Day and take in the amazing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. This world-famous modern dance company is very accessible for children and adults alike. The program features four different dances, including Revelations, Mr. Ailey's most famous piece.

Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend (Princeton, NJ)
Check out the Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend at Terhune Orchards & Winery, with complimentary wine tastings for all moms. No need to leave the family at home because the farm will be open too! Kids can pet the barnyard animals, romp through 4 miles of trails or pick up a delicious treat at the farm store.

Lilac Garden Splendor (Ringwood, NJ)
The New Jersey Botanical Garden’s lilac display is an amazing and large collection of these sweet-scented spring beauties. A perfect Mother’s Day outing, take in the pretty blooms at the peak of their season this weekend. NJBG members will be in the garden to answer questions during your stroll.

Butterflies & Cinco de Mayo (Camden, NJ)
Celebrate the return of Monarchs from Mexico in this butterfly and bird-filled Cinco de May party at Camden Children’s Garden. The kiddos can create crafts, partake in a planting activity and learn about butterflies inside the Butterfly House while experiencing nectaring in a lush tropical environment. Be sure to enjoy salsa making in the picnic garden before you head home!

Saturday, May 10th

Historic Smithville Children’s Festival (Absecon, NJ)
Enjoy a family fun day at the Children’s Festival in Historic Smithville and Village Greene. Little ones with love the bubble station, animals from the Cape May Zoo and a touch tank courtesy of Atlantic City Aquarium. The whole family can also enjoy relaxing paddle boat and train rides.

PBS Kids Club Thirteen Spring Family Fun & Games Day (Morris Plains, NJ)
Are you a member of Kids Club Thirteen? It certainly has its privileges, including free admission to 13 family events throughout the year, like today's Family Fun & Games Day at the Stickley Museum. Meet Curious George, play games, create crafts, sit for storytime in English or Spanish, and see a live animal show. While focused on family fun, this program will also encourage children to consider concepts that Gustav Stickley held dear, like the value of nature and the meaning of home. The program also includes scavenger hunts, craft activities, games and snow cones from Kona Ice. Read our post about Kids Club Thirteen for details on member benefits and how to join.

Listen to Your Mother (South Orange, NJ)
Listen to Your Mother is a national series of original live readings about motherhood – and all of its complexity, diversity and humor! Listen to Your Mother takes the audience on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering through giving voice to motherhood in the form of original readings performed live on-stage by their local New Jersey authors.

Sunday, May 11th

Mother’s Day Brunch (Chester, NJ)
Begin the day with a hay wagon ride around the Mommy Poppins favorite, Alstede Farms. The ride ends at Harvest Hall with a gastronomic brunch feast, including frittatas, pasta and French toast. Stick around afterwards for fun on the farm including wagon & pony rides, moon bounce and free ice cream for mom!

Mother’s Day Walk (Tenafly, NJ)
If the thought of dressing in your Sunday best sounds a bit too formal, lace up your sneakers and take a Mother’s Day Walk at Tenafly Nature Center. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just hoping for a pretty photo op, this moderate paced walk with the family is a great way to spend an afternoon in the fresh air.

Mother’s Day Picnic (Far Hills, NJ)
If there was ever a picture perfect way to spend a weekend in May, the Willowwood Arboretum would top the list. The grounds are brimming with formal gardens, a Lilac meadow and quiet trails, all surrounding a historic cottage house. Stroll the gardens and meadows with mom and visit the 18th century Tubbs House for a tour. Then spread out a blanket and listen to music as you enjoy light refreshments. Kids can keep busy working on a special Mother’s Day craft.

Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month; GO MAY is hot off the presses!

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 visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.

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