Things to Do with Kids in New Jersey This Weekend

September 12–13, 2026 · 88 events

This weekend's New Jersey kids' events include library storytimes, crafts, chess, dance, and a family movie, with most options free and spread across towns like Nutley, Montclair, Hackensack, Jersey City, Demarest, Maywood, Hasbrouck Heights, Palisades Park, and Bloomfield. Several events require registration or have age limits, so check the details before heading out. Whether you want a drop-in LEGO session, an inclusive sports program, or a guided craft, there is a practical choice for different schedules and interests.

Top Picks

1Top Pick
Free Play with Bricks (Ages 5 and Up)FREE

Free Play with Bricks (Ages 5 and Up)

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Nutley Public Library · Nutley

11 AM to 3 PM Saturdays: September 12, October 24 and November 7 Monday, December 28 Drop-in and build with LEGOs! For ages 5 and up. No registration required. For more information, visit nutleypublic

Ages 5+Drop-in

This drop-in LEGO session at Nutley Public Library requires no registration and runs for four hours, so families can arrive whenever it fits their schedule. It is designed for ages 5 and up, making it a practical option for older kids.

2Top Pick
Cute Worm in Apple Craft (recommended for ages 4+)FREE

Cute Worm in Apple Craft (recommended for ages 4+)

Sat, Sep 12 · 3:30 PM

Montclair Public Library · Montclair

Registration required. To stay informed, sign up for one or all of our eNewsletters, click here.

Ages 4+

This craft at Montclair Public Library is recommended for ages 4 and up and involves making a cute worm in an apple. Registration is required, so plan ahead if your child enjoys seasonal crafts.

3Top Pick
(R) Special Olympics Young AthletesmovementFREE

(R) Special Olympics Young Athletes

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM

Johnson Public Library · Hackensack

Saturday, September 12th at 10am for children ages 2-7 Young Athletes is for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. This program focuses on inclusive sports play that teaches sk

Ages 12 mo–7 yr

Special Olympics Young Athletes at Johnson Public Library in Hackensack is for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. The program focuses on inclusive sports play that teaches skills, making it a good fit for families seeking an active, structured activity.

4Top Pick
Fall Open House at Jersey City Dance AcademyFREE

Fall Open House at Jersey City Dance Academy

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM

Jersey City Dance Academy · Jersey City

Try a dance class for free and meet the teachers. Open to families with dancers age 2 through adult. No experience needed and nothing to bring.

Jersey City Dance Academy is hosting a fall open house where families can try a free dance class and meet the teachers. It is open to dancers age 2 through adult, so siblings or parents can participate together.

5Top Pick
Kids Chess ClubFREE

Kids Chess Club

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM

Demarest Free Public Library · Demarest

Come play chess with players of all levels. This event will take place at the library in the children's area. As always, children ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and

Kids Chess Club at Demarest Free Public Library welcomes players of all levels in the children's area. Children ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult, which makes it manageable for younger players.

6Top Pick
Family Game DayFREE

Family Game Day

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Maywood Public Library · Maywood

Join us for some family gaming fun. Choose between video games on the lower YA level tv's or pick a board game to play as a family! Photographs and/or video may be taken at this event. By taking part

Maywood Public Library is offering family game day with video games on the lower YA level TVs or board games to play together. It is a flexible option for families who want to choose between screen-based and tabletop activities.

7Top Pick
Story & Craft with the HH Junior Women's ClubstorytimeFREE

Story & Craft with the HH Junior Women's Club

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Hasbrouck Heights Free Public Library · Hasbrouck Heights

Join the Hasbrouck Heights Junior Women’s Club as they bring a story and craft to the library! All families are welcome. Registration is limited.

The Hasbrouck Heights Junior Women's Club is bringing a story and craft to the local library, and all families are welcome. Registration is limited, so this is a good pick for those who prefer a smaller, guided activity.

8Top Pick
Krafty Kids WorkshopartFREE

Krafty Kids Workshop

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Palisades Park Public Library · Palisades Park

Make your art a part of the craft mural that will go on the wall at the library! Taught by Miss Cara. For ages kindergarten (5 years) - 3rd grade. Registration required.

Ages 5–9

Krafty Kids Workshop at Palisades Park Public Library lets children in kindergarten through 3rd grade make art that will become part of a library craft mural. Registration is required for this ages 5-9 program taught by Miss Cara.

9Top Pick
Local Author Visit in Honor of Hispanic Heritage MonthFREE

Local Author Visit in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Bloomfield Public Library · Bloomfield

Join us in the Children's Area of the Main Library where Melinda González will present her debut kids' book, Curious Mind and Dancing Feet. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Al

Bloomfield Public Library is hosting a local author visit for Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring Melinda González presenting her debut kids' book, Curious Mind and Dancing Feet. Copies will be available for purchase, and the event takes place in the children's area.

10Top Pick
Family Movie MatineeFREE

Family Movie Matinee

Sat, Sep 12 · 2:00 PM

Maywood Public Library · Maywood

Join us in the amphitheater for a screening of Hoppers (PG). Photographs and/or video may be taken at this event. By taking part in this event you grant the library full rights to use the images for f

Maywood Public Library is screening Hoppers (PG) in the amphitheater for a family movie matinee. It is a low-key weekend option for families who want a free movie outing without leaving the library.

Saturday, September 12 (9)

Exhibit: Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and NowFREE

Exhibit: Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now

Sat, Sep 12 · 9:00 AM

Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library · Fair Lawn

The American Revolution created dramatic disruptions and opportunities for the people of New Jersey. While much is known about the challenges faced by the leaders of the conflict, most Americans are l

[CANCELED] Bilingual Story TimestorytimeFREE

[CANCELED] Bilingual Story Time

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:00 AM

Johnson Public Library · Hackensack

This program has been canceled indefinitely. We are hopeful to resume it in a few weeks; please check back soon or sign up to receive updates on Children's programs at johnsonlib.org. We apologize for

Up to age 6
StorytimeFREE

Storytime

Sat, Sep 12 · 10:30 AM

Rochelle Park Free Public Library · Rochelle Park

Every week we'll be having our Tuesday and Saturday Storytime in the mornings. We will have a new set of fun stories and adventures for the kids to interact with!

Up to age 3
Drop-in Craft Saturday (All Ages)FREE

Drop-in Craft Saturday (All Ages)

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Nutley Public Library · Nutley

Select Saturdays from 11 AM – 4 PM Stop by the Children’s Room to make a craft to take home. No registration required! For all ages. While supplies last. For more information, visit nutleypubliclibrar

All agesDrop-in
Storytime with a Twist - Kids YogastorytimeFREE

Storytime with a Twist - Kids Yoga

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

River Vale Public Library · River Vale

This program is for River Vale residents ages 6 months - 4 years. Registration required. Registration for non-residents will open on September 4 at 5pm. Storytime and Yoga are put together to make thi

Up to age 3
Hands on Reading!FREE

Hands on Reading!

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Richard A. Mola Public Library · Elmwood Park

Listen to an exciting story and bring it to life by making your own matching craft! This interactive program combines the joy of reading with hands-on creativity, allowing children to connect with boo

Library Card Sign-up DayFREE

Library Card Sign-up Day

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Ridgefield Public Library · Ridgefield

Bring your child to the library to register for a card and participate in fun activities! No registration required.

Course
Family StorytimestorytimeFREE

Family Storytime

Sat, Sep 12 · 11:00 AM

Teaneck Public Library · Teaneck

Join us for a fun family program filled with stories, songs and smiles! This storytime takes place at Teaneck Public Library and is free for ages 0mo-10y.

Up to age 10
Concert: Marc Berger ***Bring your lawn chairs and blankets*** Concert will be held outsideFREE

Concert: Marc Berger ***Bring your lawn chairs and blankets*** Concert will be held outside

Sat, Sep 12 · 2:00 PM

Franklin Lakes Public Library · Franklin Lakes

Marc's life has been about pursuing twin passions: creating, recording and performing his original songs and exploring the American West. He’s performed at Austin's SXSW Music Festival and the Kerrvil

Sunday, September 13 (1)

Exhibit: Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and NowFREE

Exhibit: Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now

Sun, Sep 13 · 1:00 PM

Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library · Fair Lawn

The American Revolution created dramatic disruptions and opportunities for the people of New Jersey. While much is known about the challenges faced by the leaders of the conflict, most Americans are l

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