Kids Guide NJ | New Jersey historic sites for children, teens and families

PLEASE NOTE: Hours, prices, exhibit and event information are subject to change.
Please call ahead or use the convenient website links to get the latest information prior to your visit.

morris county visitors center
6 Court St. (across from Morris County Court House), Morristown, 973-631-5151. Open Mon.-Fri. 10-4. Excellent one-stop source of information about destinations and events in Morris County. Brochures, maps and calendars available. Hosts themed walking tours of historic Morristown. Pick up walking tour for kids brochure or view online.

union county history activity kit
908-558-2550. Developed by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs with the advice of teachers and parents, the free
history activity kit reinforces the fourth grade curriculum and meets criteria for scout badges by highlighting seventeen of Union County's history museums.

www.visitnj.org
New Jersey is filled with homes and sites of historic interest. Listings below are noted for programs specifically geared to children and families.
For a complete list of historic sites and additional events throughout the state, consult the State of New Jersey's official website at www.visitnj.org.

Acorn Hall
68 Morris Ave., Morristown, 973-267-3465. Mon. & Thurs. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. Guided tours every half hour. Group tours by appointment. Adults $6, srs. $5, students $3, under 12 free. Italianate Victorian mansion, built in 1853, is the headquarters of the Morris County Historical Society. From the back of the garden, a short trail leads down to the Whippany River and to the site of a Revolutionary War gunpowder mill. On and off-site speakers and educational programs; traveling trunks available for rental. Gardens and gift shop.
Exhibitions
Open
     Gowns!, wedding, evening, tea, night and more gowns from the Historical Society's extensive costume collection.
Thurs
     Twilight Hours, open until 7pm Thurs. in July. Last tour begins at 6:15pm.
Selected Special Events
Jul 25
     Old Fashioned Fun Day, special kids tours, games on the lawn, Victorian dress-up, tea, cookies and take-home craft. 1-4pm.
Oct 17
     Victorian Fashion Plate Workshop, dress a fashion plate using scraps of fabric, lace, ribbon and other trims. Ages 12+. At the Frelinghuysen Arboretum.
Dec
     Victorian Christmas at Acorn Hall, see the house decorated in its holiday finery. Mon. & Thurs. 10-4, Fri. 1-7, Sun. 12-4.

Allaire Village
Allaire State Park, Rt. 524 (exit 98 GSP), Wall Township. Village: 732-919-3500, Park: 732-938-2371. Historic buildings open Memorial Day-Labor Day: Wed.-Sun. 12-4; May, Sept.-Nov.: Weekends 10-4. Open special weekends in winter. Admission fee to visit historic buildings on weekends May thru Nov.: Adults $3, ages 6-12 $2, 5 & under free. Parking fee: Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day.
   Living museums display artifacts from the Howell Iron Works village of 1822-1848. Costumed interpreters explain the history and demonstrate various crafts. The Pine Creek Railroad, a narrow gauge rail line operating both diesel and steam locomotives, makes a 1.5 mile loop in the park and runs 10-4:30pm weekends & holidays April-Nov. 1; weekdays July & Aug. Tickets are $4 ages 3 & over, free under 3. The Christmas Express operates weekends in late Nov.-Dec. with tickets on sale beginning Oct. 1. (732-938-5524).
  State park features hiking and multi-use trails, camping, nature center (staffed Memorial Day thru Labor Day) with interpretive programs (732-938-6707), picnicking, snack bar, playground, canoeing and fishing on the Manasquan River.
Selected Events
Jun-Sept
     Concert Series, 8pm, Allaire Chapel. Advance ticket purchase recommended.
Jun 12
     Summer Flea Market, 8-3. $1, under 12 free.
Jun 13
     School Days in the 1830's, all ages. 1 & 2:30pm.
Jun 27
     Independence Day Celebration, 1836 militia muster and fanfare. 1-4pm.
Jul 10
     Summer Crafter's Market, 10-4. $2, under 12 free.
Jul 18
     James P. Allaire's 225th Birthday, celebrate Founders Day. 1pm.
Jul 31
     Gigantic Flea Market, 8-3. $1, under 12 free.
Aug 1
     1836 Temperance Rally, 1 & 2:30pm.
Aug 14
     Ducky Derby, fundraiser. Children's fishing for ducks and Ducky Splash races, 1-4pm.
Aug 22
     Rolling Iron Antique Auto Show, 8-3pm.
Sep 4-5
     Wine & Jazz Festival, NJ wine, jazz, food and unique crafts. Adults $20.
Sep 18
     Late Summer Flea Market, 8-3. $1, under 12 free.
Sep 19
     1830s Fall Harvest Festival, 1-4. Adult $5, ages 5-12 $3. Horse & wagon rides additional fee.
Sep 25
     Annual Crafters' Market, 10-4. Adults $2, under 12 free.
Oct 1-2
     An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, 7:30pm in the Chapel. $15, advance tickets recommended.
Oct 8-9
     The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, interactive adaptation of classic ghost story with Neill Hartley. 7:30pm in the Chapel. $15, advance tickets.
Oct 9
     Fall Flea Market, 8-3. $1, under 12 free.
Oct 10
     All Hallows' Eve, 12-4. Free pumpkins, costume parade with prizes. $5, under 6 free.
Oct 15-16, 22-23
     Halloween Hayride, 6-9:30pm. $15, under 12 $10, advance tickets recommended.
Nov 5-7
     Stocking Stuffer Sale, 10-3. Sun. 12-3.
Nov 7
     Election Day & Women's Suffrage in the 1830's, 1 & 2:30pm.
Nov 13
     Mark Twain's Wonderful Words, 7:30pm. $15.
Nov 21
     Our Day of Thanks, 12-3. Reenactment program at Allaire Chapel, 1pm.
Dec 4-5
     Christmas at Allaire, 12-3:30. $6, ages 5-14 $4. Horse and wagon ride additional.
Dec 10, 17
     A Christmas Carol, 7:30pm in Chapel. $15, advance ticket purchase recommended.
Dec 11, 18
     Christmas Lantern Tour, 5-8pm. 90-minute tours leave every 15 min. $10, advance tickets.

Bouman Stickney Farmstead
114 Dreahook Rd., Stanton, 908-236-2327. Open 1-4pm year round first Sun. of every month. 1741 stone Dutch House on 68 acres with outbuildings including a Revolutionary era New York Dutch barn offers traditional craft demonstrations and guided tours of buildings and grounds. Self-guided nature trail is available daily during daylight hours.

Cooper Gristmill
Black River County Park, County Rt. 513 (old Rt. 24), Chester Twp., 908-879-5463. May-June: Sat. 10-5. July-Aug.: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Sept.-Oct. Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Last tour begins at 3:30. Adults $3, srs. $2, children 4-16 $1, under age 4 free.
   Visitors can watch the water-powered millstones grind grain into flour at a turn-of-the-century gristmill on the Black River. Different demonstrations of life in the 1800s on most Sat. and/or Sun. School programs; group tours, 973-631-5343; summer day camp (see Travels in Time under Camps), 973-829-8419.
Selected Special Events
Jul 3, Aug 1, 22
     Sail, Sail, Your Boat, 1-3. Decorate boats and sail them. Boats may be purchased for $8 or borrowed for free.
Jul 4
     Independence Day Celebration, 1-3. Bring a picnic lunch and blanket.
Jul 9-11
     Cooper Gristmill Military Timeline Living History, drills, campfires, gear, utilities, artifacts and more. Candlelit camp tours Fri. & Sat. 7-9pm. Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3.
Jul 15-18
     Charcoal Burning, see charcoal made by the traditional method. Thurs.-Fri. 12-4. Sat.-Sun. 10-4.
Jul 22
     Blueberry Muffin Baking, children's workshop. 11 & 2. $10 per family, register by July 8.
Aug 7
     Industrial Metal Crafts Day, 1-4.
Aug 14
     Lace Creations at the Gristmill, 1-4.
Aug 19
     Corn Muffin Baking, children's workshop. 11 & 2. $10 per family, register by Aug. 5.
Aug 21
     1890s Music Day at Milltown, 1-4.
Aug 28
     Miller's Pancake, live adaptation of Eric Carle's story Pancakes, Pancakes!
Sep 11
     National Milling Day, 1-4. Celebrate inventor Oliver Evans' 225th birthday.
Sep 18
     Candle Making Demonstration, 1-4.
Oct 2
     Yeast Bread Baking, 11-2. $10 per family, register by Sept. 18.
Oct 9
     Apple Muffin Baking, children's workshop. 11 & 2. $10 per family, register by Sept. 25.
Oct 10
     27th Annual Chester Harvest Festival, 11-5. Apple cider press demonstrations on Main St.
Oct 16
     Celebrate Apples, 1-3:30. Try a hand-cranked apple peeler and assist with cider pressing.
Oct 30
     A Miller's Halloween, 1-3:30. Spooky storytelling at 1 & 2:30. Create corn husk dolls, color pumpkins and play old time games.

Crane House Museum
110 Orange Rd., Montclair, 973-744-1796. Open for guided tours 1 & 2pm Sundays March-Dec. Closed Jan. and Feb. except for group tours. Adults $5, children $3.
Owned and operated by the Montclair Historical Society, this 1796 house was home to three generations of the Crane family, one of the founding families of Montclair. Furnished period rooms plus temporary exhibits. Adult and family programs on local history offered year-round; summer history camps. Open for tours and group tours by appointment. Offices and local history library at 108 Orange Rd. open Mon.-Fri. 9-5.

Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park
Glenside Ave., Union County Watchung Reservation, Berkeley Heights, 908-527-4900. Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, this site has been a farming community, mill town, deserted village, and summer resort over the course of two centuries. Ten buildings remain and the Church/Store building has been restored as an interpretive center. A 1-mile self-guided walking tour begins in the parking lot off Glenside Ave. Guided tours are offered periodically. Call for information about Operation Archaeology site, a school program for 5th grade students, 908-558-2550.

Drake House Museum
602 W. Front St., Plainfield, 908-755-5831. Open Sat. 10-1, Sun. 2-4pm or by appointment. Beautifully restored rooms portray the farm life of the Nathanial Drake family in the 1700s and the Victorian life of New York City banker, John S. Harberger, during the late 1800s. The original 1746 farmhouse served as headquarters for George Washington during the Battle of Short Hills in 1777. Significant American paintings, folk art, period furniture and decorative pieces are on display. Group tours; Traveling Trunk exhibit available for school and community groups.

Drumthwacket
354 Stockton St., Princeton, 609-683-0057. Suggested donation $5. Tours of the official residence of the Governor are given most Wed. throughout the year (except Aug. and Dec.). Spring, summer and fall tours include the formal Italianate gardens. Reservations required, call or visit www.drumthwacket.org

Durand-Hedden House & Garden
523 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, 973-763-7712. Sept.-June: Sun. 1-4pm. Donations appreciated. Historic house circa 1790 has been restored to show the continuum of its life from 1790 to 1930. Open houses are held each month with tours, children's activities and country store. Jr. docent after-school program for members and jr. members in grades 3 & 4. School tours available.
Jun 13
The Blasted Herb: Tea & Rebellion in the American Colonies, costumed presentation of tea lore, songs, poetry, living history display and demonstration.

East Jersey Olde Towne Village
Johnson Park, 1050 River Rd. (intersection of River Rd. & Old Hoes Lane), Piscataway, 732-745-3030. Tues.-Fri. 8:30-4:15; Sun. 1-4. Guided public tours: Tues.-Fri. & Sun. 11:30 & 1:30. Group tours by appointment. A collection of original, replica and reconstructed 18th & 19th century structures depict the farm and merchant communities once found in central New Jersey. Storytellers and crafts are periodically presented.

Edison National Historic Site
Main St. &Lakeside Ave. (exit 9 Rt. 280),West Orange, 973-736-0550. Laboratory Complex: Wed.-Sun. 9-5. Glenmont: Fri.-Sun. 11:30-5. Glenmont house tours: 12-4. A car pass must be obtained at the Laboratory Visitor Center prior to going to Glenmont. House tour tickets are limited and distributed on a first come-first served basis at the Visitor Center. Entrance fee of $7 is valid for 7 days and includes Laboratory Complex and Glenmont. Ages under 16 free. Standard and family audio tours $5.
Thomas Edison's original music recording studio, private laboratory and photography studio are open for all to see, hear and experience, displaying many original furnishings and a vast collection of unique artifacts and documents. Glenmont, Edison's home in Llewellyn Park, is open for tours Fri.-Sun. on the hour 12-4pm. A pass must be obtained from the Laboratory Visitor Center in order to enter Llewellyn Park. Tickets for the house tour are limited and distributed on a first-come first-served basis from the Visitor Center.
Jul 28-30
Camp Edison, a multi-day schedule of fun and educational activities at Laboratory Complex and Glenmont. 9-5. Call ext. 11 for details.

Thomas A. Edison Memorial Tower & Menlo Park Museum
37 Christie St., Edison, 732-549-3299. Thurs.-Sat. 10-4. Donations welcome. Free tours during operating hours. 13-ft. replica light bulb sits atop 131-ft. Memorial Tower where over 400 patented inventions were developed including the phonograph and electric light bulb. Many inventions are on display in the museum.

Fleming Castle
5 Bonnell St., Flemington, 908-782-4607. Open 2nd Sat. 1-4pm. Tours by appointment for scout and school groups. Visitors to the c. 1756 building can play with Colonial toys and games and discover Castle artifacts in a scavenger hunt. Children's workshops and special events are held throughout the year.

Ford Mansion & Museum/Washington's Headquarters
10 Washington Place (exit 36 I-287), Morristown, 973-539-2016 ext. 210. Daily 9-5. Ford Mansion shown by guided tours on the hour 10-4. Adults $4, ages under 16 free.
   Mansion served as the military headquarters of General George Washington during the winter encampment of 1779-80. 1930s Museum includes two exhibit galleries, 20-minute introductory videos and bookstore.
Closed
     Mansion temporarily closed for renovations. Museum is open offering Powerpoint presentation of the house and free color-illustrated souvenir booklet of the mansion's interior. Call ahead for opening date.
New
     Primary Source Seminar, provides students the occasion to study historical manuscripts firsthand. Classes by appointment only.
Selected Special Events
Jul 4
     Warm-Up & Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence, 12-2pm. Warm-up activities, a kids level explanation, cheer along at a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Fosterfields
73 Kahdena Rd., off County Rt. 510 (old Rt. 24), Morristown, 973-326-7645. April-June & Oct.: Wed.-Fri. 1-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. July-Sept.: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Adults $6, srs. $5, children 4-16 $4, ages 2-3 $2, under 2 free. Add $2 for special events. Memberships available.
   Farmers can usually be found engaged in one of their many daily chores from tending the crops to animal care on an operating farm from 1880-1910 era. Weekends feature different demonstrations of farm chores and early crafts. Tours of the Willows, one of New Jersey's finest Gothic Revival restorations, are available Wed.-Sun. afternoons (additional $1). Group & school tours. Travels in Time summer program for ages 10-12 (see Camps).
Selected Events
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Jun 12
     Cottage Garden Reception, 1-3. Dairy Month: Cream Separating, 1-3:30. Gasoline Engine Day: The Little Engine That Could!, 1-3:30.
Jun 13
     Dolly & Me Tea, tea and fashion show for girls and their dolls 18-22 in. $15, pre-registration required. 973-895-2766.
Jun 17
     Home School Day: Make Dairy Products, 1-3. $5, pre-registration required. 973-631-5343.
Jun 19
     Journaling Spring's Songbirds, Wildflowers & Farm Animals, for ages 5 & up. 1-2pm, pre-registration required. Pre-Father's Day Wagon Ride, 1-3. Dairy Month: Using Buttermilk, 1-3:30.
Jun 26
     All About Harvesting Oats!; Dairy Month: Cheese Making, 1-3.
Jul 3
     Explore the Farm: Patriotic Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride, 10:15-11:15, pre-register. Sewing & Textiles for Children: The Sewing Basket, ages 6 & up. 1-3.
Jul 10
     "Go with the Flow" Woods Walk, ages 5 & up. 1 & 2pm. Preserving Your Past: Furniture Series: Cleaning & Restoration, adult workshop. 1:30-3, pre-registration required.
Jul 11
     Meet the Broody Hen & Talk Turkeys, 1 & 2. Horseradish: The Root of a Condiment, 1-3.
Jul 17
     Journaling the Cottage Garden & Farm Animals, ages 5 & up. 1-2, pre-register.
Jul 18
     Watch Them Grow!, weighing the piglets. 1 & 2.
Jul 24
     Wash & Wear Sheep!, wash a lamb. 1 & 2pm.
Jul 25
     Gasoline Engine Day: The Little Engine That Could!, 12-3pm.
Aug 1
     Dig Spuds!, 1-3. Sewing & Textiles for Children: Textiles to Sew, ages 6 & up. 1-3.
Aug 7
     Explore the Farm: Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride, 10:15-11:15, pre-register. Art in the Making: Charcoal Drawing, adult workshop. 1-4. $10, pre-registration required.
Aug 8
     "Go with the Flow" Woods Walk, ages 5 & up. 1 & 2pm.
Aug 15
     Out to the Pasture Spring, 1 & 2pm.
Aug 22
     Nature JournalingButterflies for You and Me!, ages 5 & up, must be accompanied by adult. 1-2:30pm. Pre-registration required.
     Sustenance on the Farm Dinner & Farm Tour, elegant farm-to-table, five-course dinner prepared by an award-winning chef. Proceeds support Fosterfield's school programs. 4:30-7:30pm. Advance tickets required.
Sep 4
     Explore the Farm: Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride, 10:15-11:15, pre-register. All About Pumpkins & Squash, 1-3.
Sep 5
     Food & Cookery for Children: Tools of the Trade, ages 6 & up. 1-3.
Sep 12
     1920s Country Fair & Harvest Festival, 12-5.
Sep 16
     Home School Day: Canning & Sewing, 1-3. $5, pre-registration required.
Sep 18
     Preserving Your Past: Furniture Identification, workshop discusses major American furniture styles. 1-4. Pre-registration required. Let's Make Sauerkraut! 1& 2.
Sep 19
     Journaling Autumn Birds, Wildflowers & Farm Animals, ages 5 & up, must be accompanied by adult. 1-2. Pre-registration required.
Sep 25-26
     Antique Show Weekend, over 100 antique dealer's booths, special tours of the Willows. Sat. 10-4, Sun. 11-4.
Sep 26
     Cara's Cottage, visit Caroline Foster's Cape Cod cottage.
     Family Activity Center, making toy sheep. 1-3:30.
Oct 2
     Explore the Farm: Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride, 10:15-11:15. Pre-register.
Oct 3
     Foods & Cookery for Children: Measuring Up!, ages 6 & up. 1-3.
Oct 9
     The Team "Logs On!" watch the Belgian horses work. 1 & 2.
Oct 10
     Journaling Mr. Foster's Tulip Poplars & Farm Animals, ages 5 & up, must be accompanied by adult. 1-2. Pre-registration required.
Oct 17
     On the Move: Transportation Day! 1-3:30pm.
Oct 21
     Home School Day: GrainsFrom Field to Food, 1-3. $5, pre-registration required.
Oct 24
     Family Activity Center: Pumpkin Decorating, 1-3:30pm.
Nov 14
     ThanksgivingHarvest Home, 12-4. U.S. military personnel (past & present) free admission.
Nov 18
     Home School Day: Transportation, 1-3. $5, pre-registration required.

The Hermitage
335 N. Franklin Tnpk. (GSP exit 165 to Rt. 17N), Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-8311. Guided tours Wed.-Sun. 1-4, last tour starts at 3:15. Adults $5, srs. & students $4, ages 6-12 $2. Stone house, renovated in 1847-48 in Gothic Revival design, was visited during the Revolutionary War by Washington and was the site of the marriage of Aaron Burr and Theodosia Prevost. Living history events are held throughout the year. History lecture series, on-site and in-class school programs, scout, after-school programs and summer history camps are offered.
Selected Special Events
Non-members $7, members and children under 6 free. Admission includes a tour of the historic Hermitage.
Jul 24
Antique Fair, 10-5.
Aug 14
Outdoor Craft Fair, 10-5.

Historic Speedwell
Rt. 202 (333 Speedwell Ave.) at Cory Rd., Morristown, 973-285-6550. April-June: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, closed Sun. July-Oct. : Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Adults $4, srs. $3, children 4-16 $2 (except participants in girl scout badge day). Restored 19th century mansion and ironworks buildings on 7.5 acres capture the daily life of the Vail family and their contributions to the American Industrial Revolution. The Factory building was the site of the first successful public demonstration of the telegraph in 1838. Group tours; scout programs; picnic area; adult and children's craft series; summer history camp for children (see Camps).
Selected Events & Workshops
Jun19-20
     Civil War Weekend, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Adults $6, srs. $5, ages 4-16 $4. Camp life demonstrations, musket and artillery drills, mail call, medical demonstration, skirmishes and more.
Jun 26
     Traditional Metal Crafts: Intermediate Blacksmithing, workshop for ages 13 & up. 9-4. $15, pre-registration required.
Jul Wednesdays
     The Shocking Truth About Magnets, 1-4 Wednesdays in July.
Jul 11
     Carriage House Craft Series: Embroidery, 1-3.
Jul 14-16
     Junior Smithy Camp, ages 14-17. Learn to be a blacksmith. 9-4. $75, pre-registration required.
Jul 17
     Art in the Making: Quilting, ages 16+. 1-4. $10, pre-registration required.
Aug Wednesdays
     Compound Simplicity, found out about compound machines 1-4 Wednesdays in Aug.
Aug 7
     The Outageous, The Absurd & The Impossible: Puppet Making Workshop, ages 7+. 1-3. Pre-registration required.
Aug 15
     Art in theMaking: Oil Painting, beginner's oil painting workshop, ages 16+. 1-4. $10, pre-registration required.
Aug 28
     2nd Annual Fashion Show: Mrs. Vail's Closet, 11:30, 1 & 3pm. Adults $6, srs. $5, ages 4-16 $4.
Sep 11
     Preserves Workshop, ages 13+. 1-3. General admission, pre-registration required.
Sep 12
     Beginner Blacksmithing, ages 13+. 10-5. $15, pre-registration required.
Sep 18
     Junior Engineer Day Hans Christian Orsted, Father of Electromagnetism, ages 7+. 1-3. General admission.
Sep 26
     Carriage House Craft Series: Weaving and Candle Making, weaving ages 6+, candle making ages 8+. 1-3. General admission.
Oct 2
     Girl Scout Day: Paper Works Interest Project, 11-3. $12 per scout, pre-registration required.
Oct 3
     Art in the Making: Photography, ages 16+. 1-4. $10, pre-registration required.
Oct 9
     Spyders, and Nippers, and Patterns, Oh My! Object Study Workshop, what is it like to be curator? 1-3. General admission.
Oct 16
     History on Wheels, guided bicycle tour recommended for ages 13+. 1-4. $10, pre-register.
Oct 17
     Dig It! 2 Archaeology for Kids, ages 7-11. 1-4. General admission, pre-registration required.
Oct 29-30
      Death and Mourning, a traditional 19th century funeral. 6-9pm. Adults $6, srs. $5, ages 4-16 $4. Reservations required.
Oct 31
     Historic Haunting: Halloween at Historic Speedwell, come in costume. 10-4.
Nov 6
     Open Hearth Cooking Class, led by one of the premier historic food specialists in the country. 10-5. $50, pre-registration required.
Dec 4-5
     Holiday Program, 12-5. Adults $6, srs. $5, ages 4-16 $4.

Howell Living History Farm
101 Hunter Rd., Titusville (off Rt. 29 2 mi. south of Lambertville), 609-737-3299. Open Sat.: 10-4 on specified dates, with field or craft programs from 11-3. Open Sun. for self-guided tours only: April-Nov. noon-4pm. Open Tues.-Fri.: Feb. thru Nov. 10-4. Closed Mon., holidays and month of Jan. Free admission, materials fee for craft.
   A working farm for 200 years is being restored to operate like a typical family farm circa 1900. Farmstand (open Wed. & Sat. July-Oct.); group programs; Farmhands activity program for ages 6-9 with adult; The Hatchery program for ages 3-5 with adult; Working Hands for teens; and summer farm camp for ages 6-12.
   Craft programs, which take about 20 min. to complete, are offered most Saturdays during open season from 11-3. Materials fee varies from $1-3. Groups of 8 or more must preregister. Call for date-specific craft information.
Selected Special Events
Jun 12
     Hog Slopping & Weighing.
Jun 19
     Hayrides.
Jun 26
     Oldtime Baseball.
Jul 3
     Ice Cream Party.
Jul 10
     Wheat Harvest.
Jul 17
     Evening Hayrides, 5-8pm.
Jul 24
     Evening Hayrides, 5-8pm.
Jul 31-Aug 1
     Mercer County 4-H Fair.
Aug 7
     Honey Harvest.
Aug 13
     Summer Barn Dance, 7:30pm.
Aug 14
     Pleasant Valley Wagon Tours.
Aug 21
     Potato Harvest.
Aug 28
     Fiddlin' on the Farm.
Sep 4
     Plowing Match.
Sep 11
     Back to School.
Sep 18
     Fall Tillage Wagon Tours.
Sep 19
     Belle Mountain Wagon Tours.
Sep 24
     Saving New Jersey's Barns, 7:30pm.
Sep 25
     Canning.
Oct 2
     Fall Festival.
Oct 3
     Fall Festival, 12-4pm.
Oct 9
     Pumpkin & Indian Corn Harvest.
Oct 15
     Get to Know Your Quilts, 7:30pm.
Oct 16
     Quilting.
Oct 23
     Autumn Hayrides.
Oct 30
     Cider Making.
Nov 6
     Bacon, Sausage & Scrapple Making.
Nov 12
     Harvest Moon Dance, 7:30pm.
Nov 13
     Field Corn & Popcorn Harvest
Nov 20
     Oldtime Auction.
Nov 21
     John Phillips House Open Hearth Cooking, 12-4.
Nov 27
     Thanksgiving Hayrides, Wreath & Sleighbell Sale.
Dec 4
     Christmas on the Farm.

Industrial Heritage Tours
Morris County Park Commission, 973-285-6538. Historians lead easy to challenging, 212-hour to full-day hikes to mines, dams, canals and other sites of significance to Morris County's industrial heritage.

Jockey Hollow
Tempe Wick Rd. west to Visitor Center parking, Morris Township, 973-539-2016. Visitor Center: daily 9-5. Park: daily 'til sunset. Free. Follow in the footsteps of General George Washington and his continental army during the winter of 1779-80 as you explore the forests and rolling terrain of Jockey Hollow National Park. 1750 Wick House and farm; herb garden; NJ Brigade site; 5 reconstructed soldier huts; 21 miles of hiking trails include Old Camp Road Trail (blue blazes) built by Washington's army, the Aqueduct Trail, and yellow trail to the site of the original soldier huts and actual hearthstones that were placed by Washington's soldiers. Trail map available at Visitor Center.
Ongoing
     Morristown National Historical Park Junior Ranger Badge, children ages 6-12 can learn about the American Revolution at Washington's Headquarters or Jockey Hollow, complete activity booklet and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Call 973-539-2016 x210 for reservations for school or scout groups.
New
     Revised Park Brochure includes trail routes, topography, photos and descriptions of the 26 miles of trails through the historic site.
Selected Special Events
Jun 13
     Officer's Viewpoint, hear what life was like for an officer during the 1779-1780 winter encampment. 1:30-4, Wick House.
Jun 26
     Get Twisted. 1:30-3:30, Wick House.
Jul 10, Aug 14, Sep 11, Oct 9, Nov 13
     Monthly Trail Project Mornings, 9-12. Wear work clothes, gloves and boots.

Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Ave., Union, 908-527-0400. Wed.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4 (last tour 3pm). Adults $10, srs. $8, college students with valid ID and children $5, ages 3-17 $4, children under 3 free. Beautifully preserved estate, built in 1772 and lived in until 1995 by seven generations of the Livingston/Kean family. Liberty Hall is an intact, fully furnished home, which reflects two hundred years of New Jersey and United States history. Guided tours, formal garden, apple orchard, carriage house, ice house, firehouse and wagon shed. Picnic area and gift shop; meeting and wedding facilities; firefighter and Victorian tea parties. Group educational programs are offered Mon.-Fri.
Wed
     Afternoon Tea, select Wed. from 2-4pm. $33 per person includes house tour. Reservations required.
Jul 14, 28, Aug 11, 25, Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, Dec 8
Selected Special Events
Jun 20
     Father's Day Event, craft workshop, firefighting and fire safety games. 10-12. $10, reservations required.
Jul 12-16, Aug 23-27
     History Day Camp, ages 8-12. 9-4. $300 per child, $50 off additional children.
Sep 13
     Apple Harvest Time, pick your own apples, call to confirm date. Adults $10; srs., students & children $6; under 3 free. Apple bag fee.
Sep 18-19
     Boy Scout Revolutionary War Overnight
Sep 19
     Encampment, learn what it was like to be a soldier in the 18th century with New Jersey's 3rd Regiment. Sat. 4pm-Sun. 5pm. Adults $25, children $35, reservations required.
Oct
     Apple Harvest Time, stroll the orchard and pick your own apples. Call first. Adults $10; srs. students, children $6; under 3 free. Apple bag fee: $8 small bag, $10 large bag.
Oct 3
     The Girls of Liberty HallA Children's Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show, luncheon and fashion show of reproduction historic children's clothing. Dress up/play tent, games, prizes. 1-3. $24.
Oct 16-17
     Four Centuries Weekend, all of the historic house museums in Union County are open. Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4. Free admission.
Oct 23
     Pumpkin Patch Day, pumpkin picking, hayrides and crafts. 10-4. Adults $10; srs., students and children $6; under 3 free. Reservations required.
Nov 20
     Thanksgiving Day Craft Workshop, ages 7-12 create a colorful turkey centerpiece. 10-12. $10, reservations required.
Dec 4, 11
     Gingerbread House Workshop, 10-11:30 or 12-1:30. $17 per child, reservations required.
Dec 5
     Christmas Tree Ornament Workshop, 10-12. $10 per child, reservations required.
Dec 12
     Breakfast with Santa, 8-10am or 10:30-12:30. Children $20, adults $25, reservations required.
Dec 19
     Whoville Feast, Roastbeast on a bun, Seuss Spuds, Cindy Lou Cider and more. 11:30-1:30 or 2-4. Children $20, adults $25, reservations.

Liberty State Park
Morris Pesin Dr. (Exit 14C NJ Tnpk.), Jersey City, 201-915-3440. Daily 6am-10pm. Exhibits at CRRNJ Terminal open Memorial Day-Labor Day 8-6, limited exhibits year 'round. Free. Statue of Liberty Ferry fees: Ages 13+ $12, srs. $10, ages 4-12 $5.
   As the launching point to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Liberty State Park offers dramatic waterfront views, a visitors center, interpretive center, and exhibits at the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal where about two-thirds of all immigrants boarded trains to their new homes from 1892-1954. Ferry service runs year round from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For ferry information: 877-523-9849, www.statuecruises.com. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island info: 212-363-3200, www.nps.gov/elis.
   The park also features a giant playground; bike/walking paths; Liberty Walk, a 1 1/2 mile promenade along the Hudson River; dining at the marina and visitors center. Water taxis and scenic cruises leave from Liberty Landing Marina. For programs at CRRNJ, call 201-915-3412; for programs at interpretive center and outreach programs, call 201-915-3409. See listing under Outdoor Education Centers for interpretive center programs.
Open
     Statue of Liberty. With the purchase of a ferry ticket from www.statuecruises.com, visitors can reserve a Pedestal/Museum ticket, which provides access to the statue's pedestal observation levels and museum galleries, or Crown ticket, which provides access to both the Crown and Pedestal/Museum. Both tickets require a secondary screening. Reserved tickets are strongly recommended on weekends, holidays and May-Sept. A limited number of monument access tickets may be available daily at the ferry ticket booths. The only way to reach the crown is to climb 354 narrow steps. Children must be 4 ft. tall.
     Junior Ranger Program booklet available at Liberty or Ellis Island Information Centers, recommended for ages 7-12.
New
     Self-Guided Audio Tours for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum are offered in 9 languages. Children and family audio tours provide an interactive experience through the use of animal characters.
Open
     Park in a Pack educational kit available "on loan" free of charge to educators for 2 week periods. Includes teaching guide, activities and 4 videos about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for grades 4-8, 212-363-3200.
     American Family Immigration History Center at Ellis Island Museum and on the internet at www.ellisislandrecords.org provides advanced computer technology for geneology research. Visitors can access records of more than 22 million immigrants through 41 computer terminals.
Selected Interpretive Programs Free
Jun-Aug
     CRRNJ Terminal Walking Tours, 10-2 daily. 201-915-3412.
Jul 11
     New Jersey Transportation in Film, 1pm.
Aug 8
     The Morris Canal in Film, 1pm.

Longstreet Farm
Holmdel Park, Roberts & Longstreet Rds., Holmdel, 732-946-3758. Daily 10-3:45. Memorial Day-Labor Day: 9am-5pm. Farmhouse open weekends & holidays Mar.-Dec. noon-3:30 or by reservation. Life on a general farm in the 1890's is recreated by costumed interpreters working in fields and buildings throughout the 9-acre site. Discovery Room at Holmes-Hendrickson House.
   Park features picnic areas, snack bar, playgrounds, walking trails and arboretum.
Seasonal Highlights
Summer
     Cultivating, some harvesting.
Fall
     Harvesting, plowing, threshing, cider pressing.
Winter
     Craft & cooking demonstrations.
Spring
     Plowing, blacksmithing, sheep shearing and cooking, newborn farm animals.

Macculloch Hall
45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, 973-538-2404. Open Wed., Thurs. & Sun. 1-4pm, last ticket at 3pm. Group tours by appointment. Garden open daily dawn to dusk. Adults $6, srs. & students $5, under 12 free. Federal-style mansion built in 1810 is furnished with fine 18th & 19th century decorative arts and a display of Thomas Nast (the original artist to depict Santa Claus as we know him) memorabilia. Guided tours, changing exhibit galleries with occasional related workshops for children.Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Thru Jun
     The Spirit of Thomas Nast: His Life & Legacy, featuring many of Nast's popular images including the Democratic Donkey, Republican Elephant, Uncle Sam, Columbia, Santa Claus and Civil War images.
Thru Oct
     Mr. Morristown's Museum: 60 Years of Macculloch Hall.
Selected Special Events
Jul 25, Aug 1, Aug 8
     Shakespeare in the Garden, 4pm.
Sept 26
     Poets in the Garden, readings by noted literary artists.

Millbrook Village
Delaware Water Gap, Old Mine Rd., 12 mi. N I-80, 908-841-9531. Grounds open dawn to dusk daily. Selected buildings open weekends summer-early fall and for special events. Re-creation of a late 19th century rural community with schoolhouse, general store, woodworking shop, blacksmith shop, carriage shop, weaver's house, church, some homes and barns. Run by Millbrook Village Society with the National Park Service. Self-guided tours, demonstrations of 19th-century folk-life skills weekends in summer.
Selected Events
Jun 26
     Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration.
Oct 2-3
     Millbrook Days, village comes alive.
Oct 23
     Octivities.
Dec 4
     Victorian Christmas.
Dec 5
     Christmas Carol Sing, 5pm at the Church.

Miller-Cory House Museum
614 Mountain Ave., Westfield, 908-232-1776. Open Sundays during school year (except holiday weekends) 2-4pm. Closed summer. Adults $2.50, students $1, under 4 free. Costumed docents guide visitors through 1740 farmhouse and skilled craftspeople demonstrate crafts and tasks of the 18th century farm family. Open hearth cooking demonstrated most Sundays (except Jan. & Feb.). Museum shop. Weekday tours for groups available. Showcase of 18th Century Skills visits local schools.
Selected Events
Jun 13
     Summer Time on the Farm.
Sept
     Call for new fall schedule.

Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton St., Princeton, 609-924-8144. Open Wed.-Fri. 11-3, tours every hour 11:15-2:15. Sat. & Sun. 12-4, tours every hour 12:15-3:15. Adults & students (appropriate for ages 8 & up) $5, srs. $4. Former New Jersey Governor's Mansion and 18th century home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Morven now showcases fine, folk and decorative arts of New Jersey. Museum tours year round, garden tours May-Oct. Strollers are not permitted.
Exhibitions
Aug
     The Kennedys, Portrait of a Family, photographs by Richard Avedon.
Dec 1-Jan 9
     Festival of Trees, festive trees artfully decorated by local businesses and garden clubs grace each of Morven's elegant galleries.
Selected Events
Wed
     Tour & Tea, served at 1pm. $15, reservations required (not available in Dec.).

New Jersey State House
West State St., Trenton, 609-633-2709. Tours on the hour Mon.-Fri. 10-3 and Sat. 12-3pm. Free. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. Tours of the nation's second oldest state capitol in continuous use include the recently restored Senate and Assembly chambers, caucus rooms and the Governor's Reception Room. Welcome Center, open Mon.-Fri 9-4:30, houses interactive exhibits about NJ history.

Old Barracks Museum
Barrack St., Trenton, 609-396-1776, 609-777-3599. Daily 10-5. Adults $8, srs. & children 6 & over $6, 6 & under free. A registered State and National Historic Landmark built in 1758, this is the last surviving barracks built for British regulars during the French & Indian War. The barracks was also actively used in the American Revolution as a barracks and army hospital. Interpreters recount life during the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the process of historic preservation through hands-on activities in the History Lab. Group programs; youth camp-ins; private tours; summer camp. For outreach programs, call Education Dept. at 609-777-4042 or 888-227-7225.

Red Mill Museum Village
56 Main St. (exit 15 Rt. 78), Clinton, 908-735-4101. April-Oct.: Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. noon-5. Adults $8, srs. $6, children 6-12 $5. 10-acre historic site features 12 structures, including the landmark Red Mill, and a permanent collection of 40,000 regional objects. Craft workshops; lectures; group programs, outreach programs; many special events; outdoor concert series.
Selected Exhibitions
Jun 12
     South Branch Watershed Day.
Jun19-27
     New Jersey Renaissance Kingdom, weekends.
Jul 8-11
     The Black Potatoe Music Festival, independent recording artists. Thurs. & Fri. 6, Sat. & Sun. 12.
Jul 16
     Spirits of the Red Mill, evening tours.
Jul 31
     Bluegrass Festival.
Aug 7-8
     Revolutionary War Weekend.
Aug 21
     Wine & Spirit Tasting.
Aug 27
     Spirits of the Red Mill, evening tours.
Sep 10
     Spirits of the Red Mill, evening tours.
Sep 11
     Porsche Car Show.
Sep 12
     Blacksmith Hammer In.
Sep 18
     Green Fair.
Oct 15-29
     The Haunted Mill, the Red Mill comes alive with the eerie sights and sounds of Halloween Fri. and Sat. evenings.
Nov 26-28
     Dickens' Days.
Nov 26-
     Red Mill Museum Festival of Trees.

Sterling Hill Mining Company
30 Plant St., Ogdensburg, Sussex County, 973-209-7212. April 1-Nov. 30: Daily 10-3. Jan. & Feb.: open weekends. March: open daily, weather permitting. Tours at 1pm; at other times for 10 or more visitors. Adults $10, seniors $9, children under 12 $7.50. Group discounts with advance notice. Recommended for ages 6 & up. A 2-hour guided tour takes you into underground tunnels to learn first-hand about zinc mining in New Jersey and see the spectacular display of fluorescent minerals. Exhibit hall features mining artifacts, equipment and rare minerals. Light jacket recommended, proper footwear required.
2nd Sat
     Fossil Discovery Center, 12:30pm. 30-min. fossil hunting with paleontologist. Recommended for grades 2-12. $4.50, limited to 25 people. Groups of 15 or more can schedule individual appointment by calling 973-209-7212.
     Rock, Mineral & Fossil Identification Days, 10-12:30pm on the 2nd Sat. of the month.
Sep 25-26
     Franklin Gem and Mineral Show and Outdoor Swap and Sale, indoor and outdoor mineral, fossil and gem dealers. 9am-6pm. Franklin School, Franklin. Collecting allowed on Mine Run dump (ages 7+) and other areas (ages 13+) from 9am-3pm for $5 admission, $1.50 each pound of material taken.

Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
Rt. 10 West and Manor Lane (3 mi. west of Rt. 287), Parsippany, 973-540-1165. Open weekends 11-4 (tours hourly 11:15-3:15). From April-Nov. also open Wed.-Fri. 12-3 (tours at 12:15 & 1:45). Adults $7, students/srs. $5, ages 3-12 $4. Explore the simple life philosophy advocated by furniture manufacturer, architect, and publisher, Gustav Stickley, at his family home. Guided tours; group tours; architecture and heritage scout programs (call 973-540-0311); museum shop.
Selected Events
Aug 2-6, Aug 9-13
     Summer Day Camp, hands-on projects inspired by nature, crafts and history for ages 7-10. 9am-1pm.
Sep 8
     Volunteer Information Meeting, 6:30pm.
Sep 25
     Fall Family Day, hayrides, pumpkin painting, cider doughnuts, craft activities, games. 12-4.
Dec 4-5, 11-12
     1915 Holiday Open House & Trunk Show. Period-style decorations, demonstrations, live piano music, handmade crafts show and sale.

Tuckerton Seaport
120 W. Main St. (GSP exit 58), Tuckerton, 609-296-8868. April-Dec.: daily 10-5. Nov.-Dec.: Fri.-Sun. 11-4. Closed Dec. 22-April. Adults $8; srs. $6; ages 6-12 $3, 5 & under free; group rates; student rates. Recreated seaport village traces the area's maritime history with docents and artisans bringing the village to life. Buildings include Tucker's Island Lighthouse, a cafe, oyster house, sawmill, boat works, decoy shop, yacht club and houseboat.
New
     New Jersey Surf Museum, new exhibit.
Selected Special Events
Jun 19
     18th Annual Baymen's Seafood & Music Festival, 11am.
Jul 24
     8th Annual Red, Wine & Blues Festival. 2-8pm.
Aug 6-8
     3rd Annual NJ Maritime Heritage Festival, boat rides, demos, maritime activities. 10-5.
Sep 11-12
     11th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show, 11am-4pm.
Oct 22-23
     Haunted Seaport, pirates, hayrides, maze, food, non-scary pumpkin patch. 6-9pm.
Dec 11-12
     Christkindlmarkt, holiday crafts and gifts, carolers, children's rides,

Washington Crossing State Park
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville, 609-737-0623. Interpretive Center: 609-737-0609. Johnson Ferry House: 609-737-2515. Interpretive Center & historic buildings open Wed.-Sun. year 'round. George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River and landed at this site on Dec. 25, 1776, leading to pivotal events in the American Revolution. Living history demonstrations are frequently held on weekends at Johnson Ferry House, an early 18th-century farmhouse. Outdoor education programs are offered at Interpretive Center. Hiking trails; fishing; picnic facilities; playground; group campsites; outdoor air theater; cross country skiing & snowshoeing in winter.
May-Sept
     Open Air Theatre, plays, musicals and concerts for adults and children are presented by Downtown Performing Arts Center of Lambertville. Movies Under the Stars are shown on Monday nights. Group discounts and discount ticket packages. www.DPACatOAT.org
Selected Visitor Center Programs Free
Jun 12
     Meet Francis Hopkinson & Hear the Story of Our Flag, 1pm.
Jun 19
     Meet the George Washington You Didn't Meet in School, through the songs of Carmino Ravosa. 2:30pm.
Jun 19, 26, Jul 3, 10, 17, Aug 7, 21, Aug 28, Sep 4, 6
     Musket Firing Demonstration, 2pm.
Jul 4
     Colonial Ice Cream Demonstration, 1-5pm.
Jul 24
     Meet Isaac Coren, Artillery Artificerthe Story of our Nation's Armory System, 1pm.
Aug 14
     Meet Eli Carver, 1pm.
Aug 29
     1830's Foodways Demonstration, 1-4pm.
Selected Nature Center Programs
Free, advance registration required. Park vehicle entrance fee: $5 per car on weekends.
Jun 20
     Stream Stomp, ages 6-adult. 1:30-3:30.
Jun 27
     Compass Basics, ages 9-adult. 1:30-3:30.
Jul 10, Aug 7
     Night Hike, 8:30pm. Pre-registration required

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