Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in NJ and Beyond

List of where to go and what to do with the family

Spring time is the best time to see Cherry Blossoms in the greater New Jersey area. From vibrant pink to gorgeous white, the colors of the cherry blossom trees are wonderful to see. The word Sakura translates to "cherry blossom" in Japanese. You will find family friendly festivals and activities that are great for kids of all ages. Cherry Blossoms are Japan’s symbolic national flower and represents friendship. The Cherry Blossom blooming season is short, usually lasting only 2 weeks. So go check out these beautiful blossoms with your family.

Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey

Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park

April 1-16, 2023, FREE. Come see over 5,200 cherry blossom trees at the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Learn about Branch Brook Park and tour cherry blossoms. Among the activities all week are: Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race on Saturday April 1st, the Cherry Blossom 10K run on Sunday April 2nd, a 1 mile Fun Walk/Run on Saturday April 15th, fabulous Bloomfest on Sunday April 16th, and much more! Welcome Center is located at Branch Brook Park, Newark NJ.

Essex County Family Day At Branch Brook Park

Sat, April 15, 2023, 11am-3pm, FREE ADMISSION. Spend a fun family day among cherry blossoms at Branch Brook’s renovated concert grove. Fun for kids of all ages. Participate in crafts, face painting, hula hooping, paddleboats, drum circles, rock walls and more! Located at Concert Grove, Park Street Entrance, Newark NJ.

Bloomfest at Newark Branch Brook Park

Sun, April 16, 2023, 11am-5pm, FREE. Enjoy a Bloomfest family day in NJ’s pinkest park. A packed schedule of events includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, craft marketplace, food and more! Essex County Branch Brook, Clifton Ave Entrance, Newark NJ.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

A buzz of horticulture wonder packed into 124 acres in Morris County. Be on the lookout for flowering cherry blossoms in early spring. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is filled with beauty, trees, flowers, plants, hiking trails, walking trails, educational programs and events. It’s a great place to spend the morning or afternoon with the kids. Open daily. Located in Morris Township, NJ.

New Jersey Botanical Garden

You can catch cherry trees in the Perennial Garden of NJBG. Also view various colorful garden displays nestled throughout the facility. Among them are the Peony garden, Lilac Garden, Azalea Garden, Magnolia Walk, and much more. Self Guided tours offered. NJBG at Ringwood State Park NJ

Rutgers Gardens

FREE Admission. Visit a beautiful 180 acre botanical gardens in the heart of Middlesex County. At Rutgers Gardens, enjoy a leisure walk and explore blooming cherry trees, perennials, ferns, grasses, flowers, shrubs, trees, and more! Great place for an outing with the whole family. Located in New Brunswick NJ and open year round.

Verona Park

At this 54 acre park in Essex County, take a walk around the beautiful lake to see gorgeous cherry blossoms and weeping willow trees. Verona Park is located in Verona NJ and is perfect for moms and strollers. There's also an updated playground for the kids to burn off energy.

Cherry Blossoms in PA

Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival Of Greater Philadelphia

FREE to the public. Sat & Sun, April 15-16, 2023, 10:30am–4pm. Spectacular Cherry Blossoms and the annual spring celebration of Japanese arts and culture is organized by Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia and Subaru. This festival will take place at the Horticulture Center and Centennial Arboretum in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Featuring cultural activities, music performances, vendors, crafts & more! Great fun for the whole family! Located at Belmont Avenue & Montgomery Drive, Philadelphia PA.

Cherry Blossoms in New York City

Brooklyn Botanical Garden Cherry Blossoms

In Spring, around late March, check out BBG’s Cherrywatch to wait for the bloom. Enjoy fun garden experiences in the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, Cherry Walk, Cherry Esplanade, Cherry Cultivars Area, and Osborne Garden. Advanced tickets recommended.

Central Park Cherry Blossoms

FREE, walk around Central Park. From April-May, look for Cherry Blossoms near the Belvedere Castle in New York City’s Central Park. You can see 2 species of cherry trees this spring: Kwanzan Cherry and Yoshino Cherry. Also see Cherry Blossom around the reservoir (85th-96th St), Conservatory Garden (104th St), Cherry Hill (72nd), Pilgrim Hill (East 72nd), the Great Lawn, Shakespeare Garden (79th St), East Meadow, and behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fun activity for children of all ages.

New York Botanical Garden

Starting in late March, you'll be able to see colorful pink and white Cherry Blossom trees along the curving path in the Cherry Collection section of the garden. NYBG is located in the Bronx NY.

Randall’s Island Park

Visit Randall's Island Park in late March to early April to see cherry trees lined up throughout this waterfront park. While you’re visiting, don’t miss the Rock Garden, unique wildlife, plants, wildflowers and more in this urban oasis. Take the MTA M35 bus from 125 Street & Lexington Ave to Randall’s Island Park.

Sakura Park

Home to over 2,000 cherry trees, Sakura Park is located between Riverside Church and International House. These cherry trees were a gift from the Committee of Japanese Residents of New York as part of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration back in 1909. Riverside Dr., Claremont Ave. to West 122nd Street, New York City.

Cherry Blossom Activities in D.C.

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 In Washington DC

Mar 18, 2023 - April 16, 2023. Go on a DC vacation getaway to visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year. It's definitely a bucket list item. The tidal basin area transforms into a happy place filled with pink and white. This festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan to Washington D.C. The cherry blossoms may peak sometime around March 22nd-25th so keep an eye out with the Bloom Watch.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Sat, April 15, 2023, 10am-12pm. FREE and family friendly. If you’re in the DC area, go celebrate and watch the spectacular National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade - filled with giant colorful balloons, floats, marching bands, entertainers and performers. Constitution Ave, 9th to 15th Streets NW, Washington DC.

Blossom Kite Festival

Sat, Mar 25, 2023, FREE for all ages. Celebrate Spring and come fly kites among the cherry trees at the Washington Monument Grounds. Bring your own kite, buy one onsite, or pick up a free kite kit this year courtesy of Hilton.

Petalpalooza at National Cherry Blossom Festival

Sat, April 8, 2023, 1pm-9pm. FREE. If you’re traveling to the DC area this spring, the Petalpalooza at the Waterfront is “home of the cherry blossoms”. Spectacular family friendly festival with games, kids activities, live music, Japanese culture, and evening Fireworks display at 8:30PM. Capital Riverfront at the Yards Navy Yard in DC.