Amazing Maple Sugaring Events in New Jersey

Updated for 2022!

When winter arrives, many people feel the need to hunker down inside. Well, I say get out and have fun! One way to enjoy the great outdoors this winter is to experience maple sugaring. That’s right! You can learn all about the process to make maple syrup right her in NJ. No need to travel all the way to Vermont (although that is really fun too).

New Jersey offers some fun and unique maple sugaring events. From story times to hikes to tastings, there are maple sugaring experiences the entire family will love. We enjoyed an event a couple of years ago at the Great Swamp in Chatham which we absolutely loved. We learned all about how sap is taken from the trees then turned into delicious syrup. We also explored nature and learned more about winter. We cannot wait to try more maple sugaring events this winter.

I have put together a list of amazing maple sugaring events in NJ. I will be updating it as new events arise so make sure you check back frequently or bookmark this post. If you know of any events we missed, please leave it in the comments section below and I will make sure to add it!

Amazing Maple Sugaring Events in NJ

The Great Swamp, Chatham 

Maple Sugaring Demonstrations at The Great Swamp in Chatham offer an amazing maple sugaring experience the entire family will love. Guests learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect the sap and make syrup over a fire. It is a fun outdoor experience that gives kids a new appreciation for nature. This event is only $5/ages 5 and up and takes place every Saturday and Sunday January 15 – March 12. 

Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation

Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation is offering several fun maple sugaring events in 2022. Maple Tree Tapping is February 6 1pm-2:30pm. This event is for ages 6 and up and costs only $3/person. Nature Kids Maple Sugaring for ages 4-8 takes place February 20 1pm-2pm with a cost of only $5/child. Maple Sap Collection will take place on 2 dates (February 16 4pm-5:30pm and February 27 1pm-2:30pm). This even is for ages 6 and up and only costs $3/person. During these events participants will learn all about the process of tree tapping and how to make maple syrup.

Reeves Reed Arboretum, Summit

Celebrate the start of maple sugaring season at Reeves Reed Arboretum in Summit with their Tap That Tree event on January 29 10am-11:30am. Families will enjoy a true hands-on learning experience as they are taught how to tap a tree. Registration is required. The event is $10/child member and $20/child nonmember (ages 5 and up).

Duke Farms, Hillsborough

In February, Duke Farms in Hillsborough offers their annual Sugar Maple Celebration, a multi-sensory event that takes the family through the process of maple sugaring production from tree tapping to making maple sugar. From nature walks to story time to eating maple themed foods in the cafe with purchase, there are plenty of hands on educational activities to keep children engaged.  This is a FREE annual event. Date to be announced soon.

Environmental Education Center, Basking Ridge

This winter head over the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge for exciting maple sugaring events. This 60-minute family experience will take guests on a journey through the maple syrup process, past and present. Families will also enjoy a 1/2 mile hike. This even costs $6/student and $7/adult. The dates for these events are every Saturday and Sunday February 19 – March 13.

Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Township

Step back in time at the Howell Living History Farm and learn all about the maple sugaring process. This winter, adults and kids will explore this NJ tradition firsthand with 2 exciting events. Guests will help the farmers collect sap, make syrup, and have a tasting with whole wheat pancakes. Tap the Sugar Maples will take place February 5 and Maple Sugaring will take place February 19 and 26.

Pyramid Mountain, Boonton

The Morris County Parks brings another wonderful Maple Sugaring Event this time on Pyramid Mountain! In early March, guests will learn how to identify and tap trees, collect sap and make syrup right on your kitchen stove. Pre-registration is required and there is a small cost of $3 per person. Date and time to be announced.

Rancocas Nature Center, Westampton

In the Connect with Nature program spend a winter afternoon at the Rancocas Nature Center learning about this unique industry.  Tap a tree, sample some syrup and warm up by the bonfire for this multi-sensory experience.  Date and time to be announced soon.

Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly 

Tenafly Nature Center offers fun Maple Sugaring for all ages. Guests will learn about the history of making maple syrup along with how the technology has changed. The event even includes a sweet treat! The event takes place every Saturday February 6 – March 20. 

The Hermitage Museum, Ho-Ho Kus

Enjoy a fun maple sugaring event at The Hermitage Museum. Families will learn how Native Americans and colonists tapped trees and collected sap to make maple syrup. Participants will even get their own tap to take home. Admission is $25/family and $15/individual, and it includes a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark. Date and time to be announced.

Stony Brook Millstone Watershed, Pennington

Families are invited to Stony Brook Millstone Watershed in Pennington to learn all about the history, folklore, and science of the maple sugaring process. It is an 1-hour long experience that includes learning how to find and tap trees as well as taste delicious maple syrup. The events take place February 12 and 19. and costs $10/person ages 5 and up.

Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside

The Trailside Nature Center is offering The Journey of Sap to Syrup, an outdoor event recommended for ages 4 and up. Families can also enjoy a Back to Nature Maple Sugaring event. Preregistration is required and the fee for both events is only $5 for Union County residents and $6 for non-residents. Dates for both events to be announced soon.

Miller Cory Museum, Westfield

This living history museum, Miller Cory Museum, promotes hands on activities and learning opportunities on Sundays throughout the winter including a special Maple Sugaring event on March 27. Maple Sugar Sunday with Story Time and Craft is $3/children ages 3-12, and $5/person ages 13 and up. Guests will learn colonial techniques of maple sugaring as well as observe open hearth cooking using period recipes and techniques.

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