New events and listings received after publication for the Kids Guide Calendar are listed below. Refer to the site index at left to look for upcoming activities by category and use the convenient links to access the most up-to-date information on exhibitions, events and activities. Email entries for HOT PICKS to kids@kidsguide.com or submit event using the form on the top menu bar.
| Recent museum exhibition openings |
| New events added to the Kids Guide calendar | Ongoing events and new events open for registration or advance tickets | 2012-2013 season announcements |
recent openings
Open
Kiddieo Mall
An online marketplace for parents to buy and sell brand name and high quality gently-used kids' clothes, baby gears, books, toys, etc. Earn reward points for every dollar spent on purchases to redeem for gifts. Join free!
5 May-Jan 13
Maya 2012: Lords of Time
Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South St., Philadelphia, 215-898-4000. Tues. 10-5, Wed., 10-8, Thurs.-Sun. 10-5. Adults $22.50, srs./military $18.50, students and children 6-17 $16.50. Special exhibition timed tickets may be purchased online or by phone, 1-888-695-0888. A world premiere family-friendly exhibition confronts the current fascination with the year 2012, comparing predictions of a world-transforming apocalypse with their supposed origins in the ancient Maya civilization. Visitors explore the Maya world through a range of interactive experiences and walk among sculptures and full-sized replicas of major monuments while uncovering the truth behind these apocalyptic predictions.
Thru Jun 3
85th Anniversary of Essex County Preby Memorial Iris Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Ave., Upper Montclair, 973-783-5974. This living museum, listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Sites, offers a spectacular display of thousands of iris varieties. Open 10am-8pm daily during bloom season, May 5 through June 3.
26 May-Nov 12
Field Station: Dinosaurs
One Dinosaur Way, Secaucus, 855-999-9010 tickets, 973-748-4317 groups. Open May 26-July 1 and Sept. 3-Nov. 12: Mon.-Fri. 10am-3pm, Sat.-Sun. 10am-5pm. July 2-Sept. 2: Open 7 days 10am-7pm.
Field Station: Dinosaurs is a thrilling dinosaur expedition featuring over 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Set against the breathtaking natural backdrop of the New Jersey Meadowlands and nestled at the base of a 150 million year old rock formation, the Field Station is an oasis of natural wonder.
Open
New KidZone
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, 866-451-AQUA. Adventure Aquarium's largest renovation since first opening in 2005 features new interactive activities, games, exhibits, kids' characters and an impressive collection of new and returning animals and touch species, located upstairs in Zone C.
Thru Jun 3
The Steins Collect: Matisse, Picasso, and the Parisian Avant-Garde
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., 212-535-7710. The Stein family's Saturday-evening salons introduced a generation of visitors to recent developments in art, particularly the work of their close friends Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, long before it was on view in museums. The exhibition will unite some 200 works of art to demonstrate the significant impact the Steins' patronage had on the artists of their day and the way in which the family disseminated a new standard of taste for modern art.
9 Jun-Sept 9
Delaware River Tubing
2998 Daniel Bray Highway, Frenchtown, 908-996-5386. Open daily from June 9 through Sept. 9. See website for specific hours and pricing. Spend a day floating down the beautiful Delaware River in a tube, raft, canoe or kayak. Every rental includes a free bbq meal with "The Famous River Hot Dog Man" with picnic tables in the water.
Thru Jun 24
13th Annual Gaelen Juried Art Show & Sale
Gaelen Gallery West of the Lautenberg Family Center, Aidekman Campus, 901 Rt. 10 E., Whippany, 973-530-3413. Gallery hours are Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am-7:30pm, Fri. 7:30am-4pm and Sun. Exhibition is free and open to the public. 100 works in drawing, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture are featured. Most of the art in the highly selective and prestigious show is for sale. School groups and community groups are welcome to visit the show; arrangements for a docent to provide a tour and lecture can be made upon request.
Thru Jul 1
Gone for a Soldier: Jerseymen in the Civil War
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, 973-538-2404. The exhibit, in collaboration with the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, brings together memorabilia chronicling the experience of New Jersey and her soldiers in the Civil War.
Thru Jul 19
W. Carl Burger, Drawing for Fifty Years
Kean University Carl and Helen Burger Gallery, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, 908-737-0392. Exhibition examines Burger's prolific career, beginning with his early renderings of French landscapes and European architecture seen through the eyes of a young artist-soldier in the 1940s, then advances through each subsequent stage of development to the present.
A reception with the artist will be held on Tuesday, April 24, from 4-6pm.
Thru Jul 22
My Neighborhood Forest Photo Contest
Visit Challenge.gov for details about My Neighborhood Forest photo contest, celebrating America's urban and community forests. The contest, sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, seeks to highlight the natural beauty that spring and summer bring to U.S. neighborhoods, communities and cities, as well as the crucial role of trees in the places we call home. The Grand Prize winner will receive $200 in outdoor gear courtesy of the National Forest Foundation.
Thru Sept 3
From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life & Music of Bruce Springsteen
National Constitution Center, 111 S. Independence Mall E., Philadelphia, 866-917-1787. Created by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum.
Thru Jan 6
Creatures of Light: Nature's Bioluminescence
The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park W. at 79th St., 212-769-5100. A series of re-created environments explore the diversity of extraordinary organisms that produce light, from flickering fireflies to alien deep-sea fishes that illuminate the perpetually dark depths of the oceans.
new events
25-27 May
The Folk Project Festival
YMCA Camp Bernie, Port Murray. Affordable, family weekend of music, outdoors and fun. Performers include Big Jeff, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, The Shockenaw Mountain Boys, Annie and the Hedonists and more. Climbing wall, archery, games, hikes, canoeing, crafts, music for kids, adult musical and non-musical activities. Low, all-inclusive pricing includes all concerts, activities, lodging and meals. Visit website for more info, space is limited.
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival
On the Beach at Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood, and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, 732-822-4884. Event begins Fri. at 9pm with illuminated night kite fly. Sat. & Sun.: East Coast Stunt Kite Championships on the beach as well as kite exhibits and workshops. Free to spectators.
25-28 May
Tour of Somerville Cycling Series
Downtown Somerville, 908-285-8217. A tradition in bicycle racing since 1940. Four days of competitive cycling featuring 500 plus of the world's best professional and amateurs starts Fri. Family Bike-A-Thon on Saturday. Tour of Somerville race, kids activities on the courthouse lawn, demonstrations, live music, food and other entertainment on Memorial Day.
26 May
Raptor Trust Tour Talks
The Raptor Trust, 1390 White Bridge Rd., Millington, 908-647-2353. 11am & 2pm. Adults $10, kids 12 and under $5, registration required. Take a guided tour of The Raptor Trust's aviaries and learn about the work of the Trust and hear some of the fascinating stories of the nearly fifty hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls that have a permanent home at the center. Meet at Raptor Trust Gift Shop.
Folk Project Spring Family Festival
YMCA Camp Bernie, 327 Turkey Top Rd., Port Murray, 908-421-5315. Adults $34, children 5-21 $21. Two performances for kids by the fabulous Big Jeff DeSmedt, plus active camp fun. Climbing wall, ropes course, hiking, arts and crafts. Workshops for musicians--bring your instruments! Sing alongs and performances for music lovers. Non-music workshops include beaded bracelets, massage, Zumba, party games for all ages and more.
Family Nature Program: The Moth Ball
NJ Audubon, 80 Scotts Corner Rd., Cranbury, 609-897-9400. 3:30-5pm. Non-members $5, members $3. Observe and learn about some of nature's most beautiful and often overlooked creatures. Specialized lighting equipment will make them easy to see and photograph. While there are about 950 species of birds in North America, there are somewhere around 12,000 species of moths, from just an eighth of an inch in length to well over 5 inches.
Governors Island Alliance Family Festival
Nolan Park, 10 South St., New York, 646-820-7556. 12-4pm. Free. Governors Island Alliance is kicking off another season on the Island with the 8th Opening Weekend Family Festival. Enjoy music, theater, dance, arts and crafts, face painting, maritime activities and more.
26-27 May
Fit & Fun Family Festival
Camden Childrens Garden, 3 Riverside Dr., Camden, 856-365-8733. 1-4pm. $6, ages 2 and under free. This festival highlights easy and fun ideas for a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on simple physical activities and nutritious eating. Crafts, a veggie make-n-take planting activity and educational activities support healthy living.
27 May
Dinosaurs and More
Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island, 718-442-3101. 1:30-3:30pm. Join dinosaur enthusiast, Richie Mirissis, as he presents fossils, three-dimensional models and memorabilia from his vast collection and make a clay fossil mold.
8th Annual Spring Street Fair
Downtown West Orange. 11am-5pm rain or shine. More than 100 artists, crafters and vendors, food, live music, family entertainment all day. Visit website to download one free coupon for a moonwalk or game.
30 May
Visionaries Series: Maya Lin
New Museum, 235 Bowery, New York, 212-219-1222. 7pm. $25, $20 members. For more than 25 years, Maya Lin has maintained a careful balance between art and architecture, creating a remarkable body of work that encompasses large-scale, site-specific installations, intimate studio artworks, architectural works and memorials.
31-3 May-Jun
St. Catherine of Siena Carnival
St. Catherine of Siena Church, 339 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, 973-239-7960. 6-10pm. Annual carnival with exciting games and fun rides for all ages features a Super 50/50, expansive Food Court in the upper parking area and air-conditioned indoor Kids World in the School Gym for the little ones with a cafe full of treats for all.
ongoing events, advance tickets, open for registration
Thru May 31
Mansion in May Designer Show House
Glynallyn Castle, Canfield Rd., Morris Twp., 973-971-8800. Advance tickets $25 through April 30, purchase at select locations or online; $30 at door and online May 1-31. Over 40 interior designers and 16 landscape designers showcase their talents at the historic Glynallyn castle, a 66-room mansion, including dungeon, situated on 7.5 acres. Proceeds benefit Morristown Hospital's new Inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care Center.
Weekends
Spring Weekend Family Scavenger Hunt
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 E. Hanover Ave., Morristown, 973-326-7603. Anytime Sat. and Sun. 9am-4:30pm. $10 per family. Grab a camera or phone and stop by the Haggerty Education Center for a nature photo scavenger hunt. Take a picture of every item, return to the Education Center and pick up your prize. Register by calling or visit website.
Weekends
StoryTime at Trailside Nature & Science Center
Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 908-789-3670. 3pm, donations appreciated. Join a Trailside staff members for engaging and entertaining stories of the season. Meet at the lower level of the Visitor Center by the bird viewing area.
Mar-May
Sprouts & Seedlings Parent-Child Workshops
Camden Children's Garden, 3 Riverside Dr., Camden, 856-365-8733. Wednesdays 10-11:30am. $10 per session.
Ages 2-4 with one adultEngaging garden-themed programs are designed for ages 2-4 with one adult. Each week focuses on a subtopic of the monthly theme and includes circle time, songs, hands-on activities, healthy snacks, story time, nature crafts, guided garden explorations, and a ride on our train or carousel. Advanced registration at least three days before each session is required, and sessions may fill up.
May 23
Beautiful Butterflies.
1 Jun
Dyslexia: The Basics Conference
Englewood Hospital, 350 Engle St., Englewood, 908-876-1179. 8:45am-3pm. $20-$65 depending on registration. A one day conference offered by the New Jersey Branch of the International Dyslexia Association on the topic: Dyslexia: The Basics. Presenters will discuss: What is Dyslexia?; Understanding What Works: Best Practices for Teaching Students with Dyslexia and Your Legal Rights & Working with Your School District. All registrations by May 11. Lunch and free parking provided. Proceeds benefit three scholarship funds. Anyone interested in dyslexia is invited, especially parents, administrators, and teachers.
30 Sep
Autism Friendly Broadway Performances–Mary Poppins & The Lion King
The Theater Development Fund Autism Theater Initiative presents autism-friendly performance of Disney's The Lion King. All tickets are available at discount prices to families whose members include individuals on the autism spectrum. Tickets are sold only through the TDF website. To be notified when performances go on sale, as well as any future autism-friendly performances, sign up online.
Sep 30
The Lion King, Minskoff Theatre, 1515 Broadway, NYC. 1pm.
Ongoing
Playwrights Theatre's Creative Arts Academy for Kids & Teens
Playwrights Theatre, 33 Green Village Rd., Madison, 973-514-1787 x21. Registration now open for two week summer workshops offered for ages pre-K to 12th grade. Half and full-day sessions.
Sundays May 27, Jun 3, 10, 17, 24
Preschool Activities
The Brook Academy, 49 East Midland Ave., Paramus, 201-234-4488. 10am-4pm. Free.
Activities are designed for children ages 1 year to six years old--bouncy castle, play gym, arts & crafts, movie and more. Coffee, pastries and free wireless internet connection available for parents.
Adult Volunteers Wanted
The Boys & GIrls Clubs of Union County Bike Exchange
The Boys & Girls Club of Union County is looking for 25 or more adults interested in volunteering at the new Plainfield Bike Exchange. If you are interested, call Joe DeMaio at 908-687-2697 ext 115 or email jdemaio@bgcuc.org.
Now Taking Reservations
2012 School Reservations
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, 973-538-2404. The museum offers ahnds-on programs for elementary and high school students both on-site at the museum and off-site in New Jersey classrooms. Activities and topics meet New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards.
2012-2013 season announcements
See the Music & Dance and Theatre categories for selected children, family and adult events and use the convenient links to access complete season calendars.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
One Center St., Newark, 1-888-GO-NJPAC.
Paper Mill Playhouse
Brookside Drive, Millburn, 973-376-4343; 973-379-3636. New subscribers save 40% off regular ticket prices.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
36 Madison Ave., Madison, 973-408-5600.
