Kids Guide NJ | New Jersey museums, train rides, planetariums for children, teens and families

Museums | Trains, Planes, Autos & Ships | Planetariums

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.

museums

Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr. (NJ Turnpike exit 4), Camden, NJ 08103, 866-451-AQUA. Daily 9:30-5. Adults $19.95, srs. & ages 2-12 $15.95, under 2 free. 4D Theater $3 (riders must be at least 36" tall and at least 5 yrs. old). Advance reservations available by phone. Aquarium exhibits include a West African River experience with hippopotamuses, crocodiles, African porcupines and fish inside a free-flight aviary; Amazon rainforest; Caribbean Currents; shark exhibit with 40-foot long walk-through tunnel; Jules Verne Gallery of deep sea exhibits; seal pool; Inguza Island penguin habitat; 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm Exhibit; and touch exhibits featuring jellyfish, lobsters, sharks, spider crabs, stingrays and other sea creatures. Shows and feedings daily, live entertainment.
Ongoing
     Aquarium Adventures, hands-on aquarium experiences include swim with the sharks, train and feed seals, scuba dive with fish, explore hippo habitat for ages 12 yrs. and older. Call 800-616-JAWS for reservations and information.
New
     Tiger Shark, in the Ocean Realm Exhibit.
Jun-Sept
     Waterfront Connection links Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey on the Camden waterfront with Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia. Daily service, $2.
Selected Special Events
Mar 27-Apr 11
     Button's Birthday Bash, celebrate Button, the hippo's 12th birthday. Live music, hippo cake.
May 9
     Mother's Day, visiting mothers receive a carnation.
Open May
     Stingray Beach Club Grand Opening.
Jun 20
     Father's Day, visiting dads receive a gift.
Jul 1
     Independence Day Splash, see fireworks over the Delaware and exhibits after hours. 6-10pm.

Aljira
591 Broad St., Newark, 973-622-1600. Wed.-Fri. 12-6, Sat. 11-4. Contemporary visual arts center promotes the work of emerging artists.

Children's Museum of Somerset County
The PeopleCare Center Multipurpose Room, 120 Finderne Ave. (parking and entrance in the rear), Bridgewater, 908-595-0001. Open for scheduled themed programs designed for children ages 3-9. No charge for those in need, but suggested donation of $3 per child. Youth and youth organizations interested in helping with programs to obtain service hours should contact Tom Davidson, 908-725-4677.
Ongoing
    Youth & youth organization volunteers needed to assist with children's programs.
Jan 24
     All Aboard: A Train Extravaganza, 1-4pm.
Feb 7
     Beware of the Frogs: A Rainforest Excursion, 1-4pm.
Feb 27
     Science Show/Experiment Day, 1-4pm.
Mar 13
     Seashore & Sea: A Visit to our Oceans, 1-4pm.
Mar 28
     Starship Andromeda: A Journey Through Our Universe, 1-4pm.
Apr 10
      Taking Flight, including the 3rd Annual Boomerang demonstration, 1-4pm.
Apr 25
     Earth Day/Clean Energy Celebration, 1-4pm.
Aug
11-13
     Somerset County 4-H Fair, in the Prep Tent 10am-10pm.

Community Children's Museum
77 E. Blackwell St., Dover, 973-366-9060. Thurs.-Sat. 10-5. Groups by appointment any time. Ages 6 months & older $5, srs. $4. Hands-on museum for children features a full size replica of van Gogh's bedroom painting, art studio, electricity exhibit, John Glenn's space capsule and actor's theater. Children's classes; birthday parties; field trips; scout programs; special pricing for playgroups.
New
12 New Badge Programs for Daisies, Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts.
Rockaway Mall Series
Health-related topics presented by St. Clare's Health System professionals with children's activities presented by the Community Children's Museum of Dover. 11am-noon the first Wed. of every month at the Kidgits Play Area, Rockaway Townsquare Mall. For info, call 973-989-3230.

Franklin Mineral Museum
Evans St., Franklin, Sussex County (off Rt. 23), 973-827-3481. Open daily April thru 1st week of Dec. Open March by appointment. Admission charged. Separate admission to the Buckwheat Dump for hands-on collecting. Combination ticket and group rates available. Guided tours. Located in the fluorescent mineral capital of the world, see artifacts, tour a mine replica and collect your own mineral specimens. Picnic area. Meeting room. Showcase exhibits. Excellent for all ages. Groups accommodated.

Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Rd. (Exit 4 NJ Turnpike), Cherry Hill, 856-424-1233. Tues.-Sun. 9:30-5:30, extended hours Sat. Open Mon. summer & holidays. Admission $9.95, srs. $8.95, under 12 months free. Hands-on museum for infants to 10 yr. olds offers 15 larger-than-life interactive exhibit areas. Classes; workshops; performances; parties.
Selected Special Events
Feb 21
Open Arms: Family Evening, after hours event for families with children on the autism spectrum. 6-8pm. Free, advance registration.

Grounds for Sculpture
18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, 609-586-0616. Tues.-Sun. 10-6. Adults $10, students $8, ages 6-12 $6, 5 & under free. A 35-acre sculpture park and museum on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds exhibits the works of emerging and well-known artists. Over 240 contemporary sculptures can be found throughout the landscaped grounds and gardens. Gallery talks, poetry readings, concerts, adult and children's art workshops and special events are scheduled throughout the year. Gazebo Cafe (open seasonally), Chez Alice cafe and Rats, a full-service gourmet restaurant, are on-site for dining. Outside food is not permitted. Children must be accompanied by an adult and within reach at all times.
3rd Sat
Mar-Oct
Tots on Tour, storytelling and art for ages 3-5 with adult 11 & 1pm 3rd Sat. of every month rain or shine. No reservations, first come-first served. Free with park admission.
May-Oct
Weekend Drop-in Tours, Sat. at 11am and Sun. at 2pm. Meet at Reception Desk.

Hunterdon Art Museum
7 Lower Center St., Clinton, 908-735-8415. Tues.-Sun. 11-5. Suggested admission $5. Gallery and exhibitions of contemporary art in a 19th century gristmill on the Raritan River. Exhibition-inspired workshops, events and studio classes are offered for adults and children seasonally; summer art camp; birthday parties; docent-led tours; scout programs.
Open
Artzone, child-friendly space on third floor open for hands-on art projects, free.
Jun-Aug
Summer Art Camp.

Imagine That!!! Discovery Museum for Children
4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park, 973-966-8000; Monmouth County, 732-706-9000. Daily 10-5:30. Adult $7.95, child $9.95. Under one year no charge. A hands-on discovery museum for children ages toddler through 10. Over 50 activities, including an authentic plane and fire truck. Shadow play, indoor sandcastle, arts and crafts, dance studio, music room, science room, computers, multi-cultural area, pirate ship and space shuttle. Theme birthday parties and field trips available year round. See coupon on page 115.
Craft Calendar
Jan 16-17
     Self-Portraits.
Jan 23-24
     Icicles.
Jan 30-31
     Pine Cone Peanut Butter Bird Feeders.
Feb 6-7
     Tiger Mask.
Feb 13-14
     Valentines Craft.
Feb 20-21
     Macaroni Necklaces and Bracelets.
Feb 27-28
     Pirate Day!
Mar 6-7
     Silly Sheep.
Mar 13-14
     Shamrock People.
Mar 20-21
     Puppy Puppets.
Mar 27-28
     Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Apr 3-4
     Easter Egg Hunt.
Apr 10-11
     Butterfly Magnets.
Apr 17-18
     Springtime Face Paint.
Apr 24-25
     Pictures of Barnyard Baby Animals.
May 1-2
     Mayo Maracas!
May 8-9
     Mother's Day Craft.
May 15-16
     Paper Flowers.
May 22-23
     Sneaker Craft.
May 29-30
     Memorial Day Flags.
Jun 5-6
     Bee Craft.
Jun 12-13
     Father's Day Craft.

Insectropolis, The Bugseum of New Jersey
1761 Lakewood Rd. (Rt. 9), Toms River, 732-349-7090. Tues.-Sat. 10-3. Closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1. Admission $7, ages 2 & under free. The Koerner family, owners of Ozane Termite and Pest Control, have created a unique, interactive bug museum housing thousands of pinned specimens from around the world and hundreds of live specimens. Visitors can interact with touch-screen computer games, hands-on exhibits and view exotic specimens in themed display areas. Bug store; birthday parties; guided tours by appointment.
Summer
Special Events on Saturdays in July & Aug.

Jenkinson's Aquarium
Ocean Ave. & Parkway (exit 98GSP), Point Pleasant Beach, 732-899-1659. Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5, Sat. & Sun. 10-5. After mid-June: Daily 10-10. Adults $10, children (3-12)/srs. $6, 2 & under free. Group rates. Small aquarium on the boardwalk features tropical fish, alligators, penguins, seals, sharks, rays and touch tank. Outreach programs; workshops; behind-the-scenes tours; Junior Biologist program; birthday parties.

Jersey City Museum
350 Montgomery St., Jersey City, 201-413-0303. Wed.-Fri. 11-5, Thurs. 11-5, Sat. 12-5. Adults $5, srs./students $3, under 12 and members free. Admission waived Thurs. from 5-8pm. A museum of history and American visual art with particular emphasis on the work of contemporary artists offers art talks, performances, group programs, home school afternoons and Saturday children's programs.
Sept-Jun
Victory Arts Projects: Saturday Children's Programs, an opportunity for students to visit museum galleries and make art projects.
Nov-Jun
Homeschool Afternoons, monthly art program for homeschool families in groups of 8 or more is held at 1pm on selected Fridays. Reservations required, 201-413-0303 x116.

Liberty Science Center
251 Phillip St. (Exit 14C or 14B NJ Turnpike), Liberty State Park, Jersey City, 201-200-1000, 201-451-0006. Tues.-Fri. 9-4, weekends 9-5, closed most Mondays except holidays. Late June-Labor Day: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; weekends 9-6. Exhibit only admission: adults $15.75; juniors 2-12 & srs. $11.50; under 2 free. Combination tickets available for exhibits, IMAX Dome and 3-D Theater. Teacher and member discounts and community days available. Traveling science show for schools; scout programs; birthday parties; overnight group camp-ins (recommended for grades 1-8).
   Interactive science and technology exhibitions include Skyscraper! featuring artifacts from the World Trade Center, a walk along an I-Beam two stories above the exhibition floor and an earthquake shake table; Eat & Be Eaten where live animals are used to explore how they catch prey and avoid being caught; Communication traces the growth of the human exchange of ideas; Infection Connection helps visitors understand germs, viruses, parasites and other life forms; Our Hudson Home explores the Hudson River; Energy Quest takes visitors on a journey through the major sources of earth's energy; and I Explore is an age-restricted exploration area for guests under 6 yrs. old and their caregivers. Other interactive experiences include a rock climbing wall, digital darkroom and outdoor climbing exhibit. Live science demonstrations are scheduled daily with additional special events on weekends. IMAX films are not suitable for children under 6.
Ongoing
     Give Me Liberty! Combo Pass. Visit the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Liberty Science Center for $25 adults, $15 children, good for seven days from date of purchase.
Traveling Exhibitions
Thru Jan 15
     Water: Too Much, Too Little 400 Years After Henry Hudson, explores water issues.
Jan 16-Mar 14
     A T. rex Named Sue, a complete cast of the largest and most complete dinosaur skeleton ever excavated is on display from the Field Museum in Chicago. Hands-on exhibits.
Special Events
Jan 16-18
     Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday Weekend, dinosaur activities include fossil hunting, paleontology talks, dino-face painting. 12-3pm.
Feb 13-15
     Presidents Weekend, dinosaur activities include fossil hunting, paleontology talks, dino-face painting and more. 12-3pm.

Monmouth Museum
On the Brookdale Community College Campus (GSP exit 109 to Newman Springs Rd. to Parking Lot #1), Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, 732-747-2266. Tues.-Sat. 10-4:30; Sun. 1-5. Admission $7, under 2 free. The Becker Children's Wing features changing exhibitions that offer interactive learning experiences geared to elementary school age children. Fees and hours vary depending on current exhibit. Call for hours for Wonder Wing, a creative play environment with an undersea theme for children 6 and under. Birthday party room.
Selected Exhibitions
Jan 16-Feb 21
31st Annual Juried Art Exhibition, features fartists from the Tri-State and East Coast area.
Becker Children's Wing Exhibition
Designed for school-age children. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 2-4:30, Sat. 10-4:30, Sun. 1-5. StarLab Shows: Tues.-Fri. 4; Sat. -Sun. 1:30 & 3. Admission $7, $8 with StarLab show. Birthday parties; group sleepovers; group tours available.
Thru Aug '10
Blast Off! A Space Journey, discover the past, present and future of space exploration, explore our solar system through interactive presentations, hands-on activities and a StarLab Planetarium show. 100 space artifacts on display include toys, games, posters, books and memorabilia from space missions.

Montclair Art Museum
3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair, 973-746-5555. Wed.-Sun. 12-5pm. Adults $12, srs./students with ID $10, members & under 12 free. Admission is free Fridays 11-1pm. Strollers permitted; changing table.
   Permanent collection dedicated solely to American and Native American art encompasses painting, works on paper, photography, and sculpture by American artists from the 18th-century to the present, as well as traditional and contemporary Native American art. Studio art classes for adults & children (ext. 221/241), teacher training workshops, gallery talks and tours, summer art camp, special family events, birthday parties.
Ongoing
Cell Phone Audio Tours.
Family Learning Lab, family activities on the 3rd floor.
Home School Days, tour and studio art project monthly for ages 4-13, 12-2pm. $6 per child, member adults free. Call 973-746-5555 ext. 257.
Jan 21: Still Life Painting.
Feb 17: Painting on Canvas.
Mar 18: Drawing Into Sculpture.
Apr 21: Illustrating a Narrative with Mixed Media.
May 20: Native American Symbols & Patterns.
Jun 16: Georgia O'Keeffe Large Scale Nature Drawing.
2nd Wed
     MAM Park Bench, bring your stroller inside for an informal education program for adults with young children. Art projects for children, guided tours and storytelling in both English and Spanish. Wed. 9:30-11:30; Free with museum admission.
Jan 13: Black & White.
Feb 10: Family.
Mar 10: The City.
Apr 14: Totem Poles.
May 12: Color!
Jun 9: The Ocean.
1st Fri
     Free First Fridays, free admission 11-1pm. A Closer Look Tour, 20 min. gallery tours at 1pm.
Sat
     Imagination Station, 1-2pm through June. Nonmember adults $12, children $6. Drop-in program focuses on different artwork or theme each week with active looking, discussion, interactive activities, scavenger hunts and opportunity to sketch in the galleries. Visit website for weekly themes.
Sat & Sun
     Docent Led Tours, 2pm most Saturdays and Sundays. Free with museum admission.
Selected Exhibitions
Thru Summer
     Out of the Vault: 95 Years of Collecting at MAM.

Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, 973-971-3700. Wed.-Sat. 11-5, Thurs. 11-8, Sun. 1-5. Adults $10, seniors/children $7, members & under 3 free. Free admission Thurs. 5-8pm.
   Permanent exhibits include galleries devoted to Native American history and crafts; antique dolls, toys and dollhouses; natural science with mounted mammal specimens; rocks & minerals; dinosaurs and fossils. Adult art workshops and speakers; scout & group programs; summer art & science day camps; school outreach; portable planetarium; school loan program. See Theatre for Bickford Theatre main stage and children's theatre and Music & Dance for jazz series.
Ongoing
     Movies at the Morris Museum, shown in HD format on giant screen on select Wed. at 8pm, Saturday Family Matinees, 1 & 3pm.
Selected Exhibitions
Ongoing
     Musical Machines & Living Dolls: The Murtogh D. Guinness Collection, permanent exhibition of over 150 mechanical musical instruments & automata. Live demonstrations 2pm Wed.-Sun.
Open Dec 27
     Model Train exhibit reopens with hands-on activities for children.
Jan 13-Apr 25
     Contemporary Art Quilts from the Collection of John M. Walsh III.
Jan 27-Apr 18
     To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA, examines the history of Apollo 10 and the Peanuts characters' role in that flight. Children's creative play space.
Special Family Events
Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 27, Apr 3, 10, 17
     Apollo 10: To Sort Out The Unknowns, documentary tells the story of Apollo 10. 1 & 3pm. Free with museum admission.
Mar 20
     Astronomy Day, planetarium shows, children's art workshop, lectures, telescope training and night sky observing. 10am-4pm and 7-9pm. Free with admission, $2 for planetarium show.
School Year Programs
Adults must accompany children, registration not required for the activities listed below, unless noted.
Wed & Fri
     Open Art, 2-4pm. $5 non-member, $4 member.
Wed
     After School Art, 3:30-4:30pm. All ages. Free.
     Art Sampler, 3:30-5 for grades 4-8. Register for one or three days.
Thurs
     Open Art Workshops, drop-in craft with Morristown High School Art Honor Society students. All ages. 4-7pm. $5 non-members.
Fri
     Tot Tours, 10am. Free with admission.
Sat
     Super Science Saturdays, gallery exploration and related craft for ages 4 & up. 12-2pm. Members free, non-members $3/child plus admission.

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
Main St. at Green Village Rd., Madison, 973-377-2982. Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-5, closed major holidays. Closed Sun. and Mon. during July & Aug. Free admission Thurs. 1-4. Adults $5; ages 6-17 & srs. $3; members and under 6, free; family maximum $13.
    Drawing on its collection of over 8,000 hand tools and their products, the museum, listed on the National Register of Historic places, interprets what life was like for a 19th century farm family and craftspeople who lived and worked in Madison before the rise of large-scale industrialization. Changing exhibits; family workshops; gallery talks; drop-in activities; children's discovery space. On-site and outreach youth group programs; preschool and young children's group programs; scout badges; school programs pre-K to grade 8; summer history camp.
Special Exhibitions
Feb 2-
Jan '11
     Lenape: Tools & Daily Living, discover the tools used by the original Jersey natives.
Family Fun Days
Drop in between 1-3pm one Sat. per month. Museum admission plus material fee for some crafts, advance registration recommended.
Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8, Jun 12
Special Events
Pre-registration recommended, 973-377-2987 x14.
Jan 14
     Dragon Tales Pajama Party, for ages 2-6. Dragon crafts, dragon stories. 5-6pm. $5.
Feb 1
     Pre-Groundhog Day, ages 2-6. 4-5pm. $5.
Feb 21
     Lenape Culture: An Introduction to American Indian Life in New Jersey, with Beverly A. Friend. 2pm. Free.
Feb 28
     Happy Birthday Widget! celebrate Widget the Beaver's birthday, activities for ages 2-6. 1-3pm. $5.
Mar 31
     Stuffed Animal Sleepover, snack, storytime, then tuck your stuffed animal in to spend the night, 4-5pm. Come back on April 1 between 10-4 to pick up your animal and make a craft. For ages 2-6. $5.
May 2
     The Lenape or Delaware Indians, slide-illlustrated lecture with John T. Kraft. 2pm. Free.
May 15
     Luke Miller Day, celebrate Madison's local Colonial hero. 11am-4pm.
May 16
     Be Our Guest, visit more than a dozen historic sites and museums in Morris County. 12-5pm. Free admission, bring non-perishable food item.
Kids Club
Bi-weekly after-school activity open to ages 6-11 meets 4-5:30pm. Space is limited, pre-registration required. Non-members $20 for one session, $50 for three. Feb 4
     Be My Valentine, old-fashioned Valentines.
Feb 17
     Hail to the Chief, make Abraham Lincoln bank.
Mar 3
     Here's Looking at You!, make wacky glasses.
Mar 18
     Spring Holidays, create festive placemats.
Apr 7
     Fabulous Fabric, fabric collages.
Apr 20
     Food Art Tuesday, create art with food, make a dried bean box.
May 6
     Mother's Day, make a special gift.
May 18
     Treasure Discoveries, create art using found objects.
Jun 2
     You've Been Framed!, decorate a personal picture frame.
Jun 17
     Father's Day, make a special gift.

Newark Museum
49 Washington St. (24/78 to Newark exit for Rt. 21N, left on Raymond Blvd., right on Washington St.), Newark, 973-596-6550. Jr. Museum: 973-596-6616. 24-hr sky report & program info: 973-596-6529. Wed.-Fri. noon to 5. Oct. 1-June 30: Sat. & Sun. 10-5; July 1-Sept. 30: Sat. & Sun. 12-5. Suggested admission: Adults $10, children, srs. students with valid ID $6, members free.
   The state's largest museum features 80 galleries exhibiting American art; decorative arts and the magnificent 1885 Ballantine House, a restored National Historic Landmark; arts of Africa, the Americas and the Pacific; classical art; the arts of Asia; numismatics; and natural science collection. Grounds contain 1794 schoolhouse and Newark Fire Museum. Junior Gallery, mini-zoo, family theater and planetarium. Attended parking in adjacent lot at corner of University & Central Aves. Year-round fine arts and crafts workshops for adults and children, summer Camp Junior Museum for ages 3-14 (973-596-6616). Adult gallery tours daily, reserved group gallery/planetarium and outreach programs; scout programs. See listing under Planetariums for more information.
Selected Exhibitions
Open
     From Meiji to Modern: Japanese Art Goes Global, 19th to 21st Centuries, opens newly reconceived Japanese Galleries.
Ongoing
     Dynamic Earth: Revealing Nature's Secrets, natural science galleries include hands-on exhibits and activities.
     Tibet Information Zone, interactive Tibetan art gallery provides hands-on learning experiences about Tibetan culture.
     Fire Escapes: Danger & Survival, interactive exhibit at the newly refurbished Newark Fire Museum includes exhibits, films and displays in a replica burned-out house to reinforce safety education for children and their families.
     1784 One-Room Schoolhouse, has been fully restored and rededicated at the Museum.
      Look/Touch/Learn: Nature & Art, hands-on art exploration area in American Art Galleries, First Floor North Wing.
Thru Jun
     Once Upon A Dime: The World of Money, interactive exhibition tells the story of money.
Thru Apr '12
     Skies Alive! Bird Migration in the Garden State. Interactive exhibit about the Atlantic Flyway.
School Year Programs Sept.June
Sat & Sun
     Drop-In Art and Science Activities, 1-4pm.
     Storytime in the Galleries, 12:30-1:30 on 2nd Saturdays.
     Family Tours & Workshops, monthly themed tours and art-making workshops on first and third Saturdays.
     Planetarium Shows, see Dreyfuss Planetarium.
Wed-Sun
    Drop-In Gallery Tours. Reserved tours for groups of 10 or more can be arranged for a fee, 973-596-6613.
Special Events
Jan 18
     Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Feb
     Black History Month.
Feb 15
     President's Day Activities.
Feb
27-28
     Circus Science.
May 2
     Dinosaur Day.
May 22
     Astronomy Family Day.

New Jersey Children's Museum
599 Valley Health Plaza (Exit 165 GSP), Paramus, 201-262-5151. Tues.-Fri. 10-5, weekends 10-6, closed Monday (call for Monday hours). Children and adults $10, under 1 free. Play and learning center for preschoolers and toddlers features a real fire engine, helicopter and backhoe; dress-up ballet studio; castle and hospital; toddler grocery & pizzeria; science exhibits; and sand and water play. No strollers or food allowed; snuglis are usually available. Museum may be very busy until 12:30pm as groups visit in the morning.
Daily
Special Events include crafts, stories and skits.

New Jersey Historical Society
Essex Club, 52 Park Place, Newark, 973-596-8500. Tues.-Sat. 10-5. Library open Tues.-Sat. 12-5. Free admission. Families can explore New Jersey's history through interactive exhibitions and research local history and family geneology through the society's extensive archives, library and useful website. Sat. family programs, adult workshops and lectures, education programs offered for schools & groups.
Sat
Family Programs. Drop-in activities for children 5 & up accompanied by adult.

New Jersey Museum of Agriculture
College Farm Rd. off Rt. 1S, Cook College Campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 732-249-2077. Tues.-Sat. 10-3, open Sun. for special events, closed major holidays. Adults $4, seniors/students $3, 4-12 $2, under 4 & members free. Collection of agricultural artifacts and photographs from the origins of the industry responsible for New Jersey's reputation as "The Garden State." Birthday parties; group programs and tours; summer & winter vacation camps.
Special Exhibition
Thru Jan 15
     Learning Seeds, new exhibit tells the story of a Holocaust-era agricultural training farm established on the Germany/Poland border.
Special Events
Ongoing activities and kids craft 11-2pm, unless noted.
Jan 31
     Allure of Chocolate Workshop, adult program, 2pm. $20, advance registration required.
Mar 27
     Dairy Day, 11-2pm.
Apr 24
     Rutgers Day: Ag Field Day, 9-3pm.
May 1
     18th Annual Plant & Landscape Auction, doors open 8:30am, auction begins at 10am.
Jul 18
     National Ice Cream Day, 11-2pm.

New Jersey State Museum
205 West State St., Trenton, 609-292-6464 (recorded information), 609-292-6308 (weekdays only). Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. Closed Mondays and state holidays. Free, donations accepted. A four-in-one museum offers distinct sections uniquely devoted to New Jersey's archaeology/ethnology, cultural history, fine art, and natural history in a modern main building overlooking the Delaware River. Entertaining and educational programs are offered in a new state-of-the-art 150-seat planetarium and adjacent 400-seat auditorium. For a schedule of student programs, teacher workshops and information about Kaleidoscope Kids Summer Academy, call the Education Dept., 609-292-6347. Traveling exhibition service; object identification by appointment; Distance Learning live videoconferencing lessons are coming soon.
Selected Exhibitions
Ongoing
     Fossil Mysteries: Investigating the Prehistoric, presents paleontological research in the form of a mystery investigation.
Thru Jan 24
     Rising Tide: Global Warming & Sea Level Change in New Jersey. Access interactive information about the exhibit on the museum's website at www.state.nj.us/state/museum/rising-tide.
Dec 26-Oct 3
     Legacy of Land & Sea, explores how New Jersey's native and colonial inhabitants used New Jersey's wealth of recources.
School Year Programs
1st Fri
     1st Friday Food for Thought, exhibition tour talk. 12pm.
2nd Sat
     Second Saturday Performances. Theater, music, dance and science performances for families the second Sat. of the month. 1 & 2:30. Free.
     Feb 13: Swingin' Through the Standards, the Tamer Trio.
     Mar 13: Hooked on Books, Mark Lohr.
     Apr 10: Schoolhouse Rock Live Too.
     May 8: Mexico Beyond Mariachi, Alda Reuter & Peter Bogdanos.
     Jun 12: Lights, Camera, Curriculum, J.P. Somersaulter, how movie cartoons are made.
Sun
     Sunday Science Lecture Series, world-famous researchers present scholarly, yet family-friendly 60-minute lectures. 4pm. Q&A, meet the lecturer and bring your own specimens for museum paleontologists and archaeologists to identify after the lecture. Free.
    Feb 21: The Scars of Human Evolution.
     Mar 14: Paleo-Illustrations by Larry Felder.
     Apr 11: Botanica Magnifica: Botany and Photography by Drs. Jonathan Singer and Mark Hachadourian.
     May 16: Space Science, latest discoveries.
     Jun 13: Plant Exudates, or the Sticky Stuff That Many Plants Ooze.
Scouting Merit Badge Days
$5 per person. Advance reservations required, but it is not necessary to be a Scout to enroll. Call 609-292-6310 weekdays 8:30-4:30.
     Apr 10
     Astronomy Merit Badge, 10am.
     May 1
     Geology & Archaeology Merit Badge, geology at 10am, archaeology at 1pm. Astronomy Merit Badge, 10am.
     May 15
     Geology & Archaeology Merit Badge, geology at 10am, archaeology at 1pm.

Pierro Gallery of South Orange
The Baird, 5 Mead St., South Orange, 973-378-7754. Fri.-Sun. 1-4 or by appointment. Free. Contemporary art gallery exhibits regional, national and international artists with special interest in supporting emerging artists. Exhibitions change approx. every six weeks. Group tours and scout programs, 973-762-3120.

Princeton University Art Museum
McCormick Hall, center of campus, Princeton, 609-258-3788. Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Closed Mon. & major holidays. No charge. Permanent collections range from ancient to contemporary art. Docent tours Sat. & Sun. at 2pm. Group tours for preschool-high school students can be arranged.
Sat
Art for Families, drop-in program 10-12pm on select Saturdays during school year for hands-on art projects. Free.

Rutgers University Geology Museum
Geology Hall, Old Queens Section, College Ave. Campus, New Brunswick, 732-932-7243. Mon.-Thurs. 9-5, Fri. 9-4, Sat. 10-2. Free. Exhibits on geology and anthropology, with an emphasis on the natural history of New Jersey, include a dinosaur trackway from Towaco; a mastodon from Salem County; mineral exhibits featuring the zeolite minerals of Paterson; and the zinc minerals of Franklin. Groups tours; small rock shop.

Somerset Art Association Gallery
2020 Burnt Mills Rd., Bedminster, 908-234-2345. Mon.-Sat. including evening hours. Free, wheelchair accessible. Housed in an historic c. 1912 former schoolhouse with floor to ceiling windows, the Somerset Art Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the awareness and understanding of and participation in the visual arts. Gallery features eight exhibits annually. Year round programming includes studio classes for children, teens and adults in a variety of media, summer art camps, birthday parties, bus tours to tri-state area museums, lectures and community outreach partnership projects.

Vietnam Era Educational Center
Garden State Parkway, Exit 116, Homdel, 800-648-VETS, 732-335-0033. Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm. Adults $4, srs./students $2, veterans and under 10 free. The story of the Vietnam era is told through photographs, timelines, films, interactive displays, personal letters and artifacts. The New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial is nearby featuring a circular black wall engraved with the names of more than 1,000 New Jersey soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Guided tours available for groups of 10 or more.

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm St., Summit, 908-273-9121. Mon.-Thurs. 9:30-8, Fri. 9:30-4:30, Sat. & Sun. 10-4. Suggested donation: Adults $5, children/srs. $3. Docent tours available for school, family and community groups.
Contemporary art exhibitions change every four to six weeks. Outdoor sculpture park; adult lecture series; classes for all ages and abilities; birthday parties; kids' & teens' art camp.
Selected Exhibitions
Jun 28-Jul 30
Members' Show 2009. Opening reception June 19, 6-8pm.

Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center
Montclair State University, 8 Quarry Rd., Little Falls, 973-655-2377. Wed.-Sun. 12-5pm, open 'til 7 during NJ Jackals home games. Closed major holidays. Adults $6, students under 18 $4. Artifacts from the life of the legendary catcher, exhibits on the history of the Yankees, Yankee Stadium, baseball in New Jersey, baseball equipment and baseball during World War II. Guest speakers; book signings; group and school tours; on- and off-site sports-based educational programs; sports broadcasting camp and baseball/softball camp.
Open
Museum is open during renovation.
Lou Gehrig's Farewell, commemorates the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous farewell.

The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum
Rutgers University (Tnpk. exit 9 to Rt. 18N), George and Hamilton Sts., New Brunswick, 732-932-7237. Tues.-Fri. 10-4:30pm. Weekends noon-5pm. Closed Mon.; Mon. & Tues. in July. Closed Aug. and major holidays. Adults $3, under 18 free. Free admission 1st Sun. of month.
   One of the largest university art museums in the country features strong collections of Russian art, French, Belgian and American graphic arts and Japonisme (Western art influenced by Japan). Of particular interest to families and children is the Rutgers Collection of Original Illustrations for Children's Literature which documents the process of creating a book for children. Storytelling; lectures; group tours; outreach program to local schools; after-school drawing club; workshops for teachers; adult and children's education; summer art camp for ages 6-60; birthday parties. Z Cafe.
Sun
     Spotlight Tours, 45-min. informal gallery tours by volunteer docents at 2pm while Rutgers is in session. Free.
Open
     Studio Z: The Adi Blum Learning Center, self-guided activities for the whole family during regular museum hours.
Jun 28-Jul 30
     Summer Art Camp.
Selected Exhibitions
Ongoing
     The Dodge Collection of Nonconformist Art from the Soviet Union, 1956-1986, the world's largest collection of its kind.
May 23
     Children's Book Illustrations.
Jun 5-Nov 28
     Animal Fair: Birds, Beasts and Bugs in Children's Book Illustrations.
Special Events
Feb TBA
     Celebration of Storytelling Festival, week-long celebration.

Watchung Arts Center
18 Stirling Rd., Watchung Circle, Watchung, 908-753-0190. Wed. 12-3, Thurs. 12-5, Fri. 12-3, Sat. 1-4. Non-profit, volunteer-run center offers new art exhibitions each month, performances and classes.

planetariums

County College of Morris Planetarium
Cohen Hall, B building, 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph, 973-328-5076. Planetarium programs are usually presented on the 2nd weekend of each month with special holiday programs; school programs. Call for upcoming programs.
Closed
Until spring.

Dreyfuss Planetarium
Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark, 973-596-6529 for schedules. Press 2 for weekly update on the night sky, sunrise, sunset and moon phase information. 24-hr. Sky Report: 973-596-6611. For the latest dates to see the space station and other satellites, visit www.heavens-above.com or link to it from www.newarkmuseum.org. Wed.-Fri. shows at 2pm, Sat. & Sun. shows on the hour from 1-4pm. Adults $3, children under 12/srs./students $2, not recommended for children under 4. Tickets available at the Information Desk when the museum opens on a first come, first served basis. Strollers are not permitted and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Planetarium shows are followed by a tour of the constellations and information on how to view the planets. Sphæra portable planetarium outreach program, 973-596-6690.
Jan 4-Apr 21
Planetarium closed for renovations. Check website for new programs.

William D. McDowell Observatory
Meadowlands Environmental Center, Two Dekorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, 201-460-8300. Open telescope viewing nights and astronomy workshops held throughout the year.
Mon & Wed
Public Viewing Nights, for all ages at 8 & 9pm, weather permitting. Free, limited space.

Morris Museum Astronomical Society
973-971-3700, http://mmastrosociety.tripod.com. Meets at the Morris Museum on the second Thursday of every month at 7:30pm. Membership is open to ages 14 and older.

New Jersey State Museum Planetarium
205 West State St., Trenton, 609-292-6303. Weekend shows: Adults $5, ages 12 & under $4. 150-seat planetarium with high definition and new Full Dome Video technology is open for public programs, school programs and Scouting Astronomy programs. Planetarium lobby includes interactive exhibits and touch-screen monitors providing the latest astronomical information.
Sat & Sun
One World, One Sky, Big Bird's space adventure for ages 3-6 with adult. 1 & 3pm.
Extreme Planets, general audience. 2 & 4pm.

North Jersey Astronomical Group
Free telescope nights Thurs. 8-9pm in front of Richardson Hall at Montclair State University, Montclair during the school year and skywatches for special events, weather permitting. Monthly kids' telescope nights begin at 7:30pm.

Robert J. Novins Planetarium
Ocean County College, College Dr. (parking lot 2), Toms River, 732-255-0343. Recorded show information: 732-255-0342. Original sky shows, observing sessions, school programs and workshops offered for both adults, educators and children.
Closed
Planetarium closed for renovations until Fall 2010.

Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium
Rt. 28 & Lamington Rd. (Rt. 78 exit 26 or Rt, 22W), North Branch, 908-231-8805. Park in lot #1, 6 or 7. Admission $6 two shows on the same day $11, not recommended for children under 5. Reservations recommended. Group rates; school group shows; Starlab portable planetarium for rent to educators who have attended summer workshop. Also offers Project ASTRO, a program that matches teachers in grades 2-9 with a volunteer astronomer; Family ASTRO, a one-day training program open to anyone with an interest in astronomy; and astronomy workshops for teachers of grades 2-12.
General Audience Shows
For ages 8 to adult.
Sat
Jan 9-Mar 20
     Winter Skies, 3pm. Laser Lite 2010, 4pm. Winter Skies, 7pm. Rock Laser Concert, 8pm.
Sat
Mar 27- May 15
     Spring Skies, 3 & 7pm. Laser Pop Rock, 4pm. Rock Laser Concert, 8pm.
Children's Programming & Special Events
Feb 12
     Romancing the Stars, ages 18+, 7 & 8pm. $15 per couple.
Feb 15
     The Little Star that Could, ages 6-12, 1pm. Laser Kids, ages 6-12, 2pm.
Feb 21
     Rockin' Rocket Ride, ages 3-8, 2pm. Sky Lights, ages 3-8, 3pm. Rockin' Rocket Ride, ages 3-8, 4pm.
Mar 14
     Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote, ages 7-12, 2pm. Laser Kids, ages 7-12, 3pm. The Problem with Pluto, ages 7-12, 4pm.
Mar 30
     Rockin' Rocket Ride, ages 3-8, 1pm. Sky Lights, ages 3-8, 2pm.
Mar 31
     Tycho to the Moon, ages 5-10, 1pm. Laser Kids, ages 7-12, 2pm.
Apr 18
     Mr. Ray Concert, ages 1+, 2 & 3pm. $8.
May 16
     Rockin' Rocket Ride, ages 3-8, 2pm. Sky Lights, ages 3-8, 3pm. Rockin' Rocket Ride, ages 3-8, 4pm.

Paul H. Robinson Observatory
Voorhees State Park, 251 County Rd. Route 513 (rt. 78 to Rt. 31N), Glen Gardner, 908-638-8500. Memorial Day-Oct. 31: Sat. 8:30-10:30 & Sun. 2-5. Nov. 1-Memorial Day: 4th Sat 8:30-10:30 weather permitting (except Dec.). Sponsored by the New Jersey Astronomical Association, lectures begin at 8:30pm rain or shine followed by viewing until 10:30, weather permitting. Youth class offered by appointment for groups of five or more.

Robert A. Schommer Observatory
On the roof of the Serin Physics Laboratories, Frelinghuysen & Allison Rds. (park in lot 53 or 53A), Busch Campus of Rutgers, Piscataway, 732-445-2531, 732-445-2503. Open to the public for two hours on the second and fourth Thurs., weather permitting, starting at 8pm Oct.-March and one hour after sunset April-Sept.

John W. H. Simpson Observatory
Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville, 609-737-2575. The Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton opens its observatory to the public every Friday April-Oct. from twilight to 11:30pm, if weather is clear.

Sperry Observatory
Union County College, 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford, 908-276-STAR. Monthly meetings of Amateur Astronomers, Inc. are held on third Fri. of the month from Sept.-May. Informal meetings are held on the remaining Fri. with a program for younger audiences at 7:30pm. All are open to the public. Celestial viewing takes place throughout the evening, weather permitting.

planes, trains, autos & ships

Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey
Teterboro Airport (off Rt. 46 on Fred Wehran Dr.), Teterboro, 201-288-6344. Tues.-Sun. 10-4. Closed Mon. Adults $7, children 2 & older/srs. $5, group rate discount. Aeronautical Education Center (on east side of airport) features historical exhibits, hands-on aircraft engines & equipment, a Martin-202 airliner, M.A.S.H. unit and 60-seat theater with film tracing the history of aviation in New Jersey. Picnic area. Birthday parties for ages 5 & up.

Battleship New Jersey
Camden Waterfront (Tpk. exit 4), 866-877-6262. Open for guided tours Jan.-Feb. Fri.-Mon. 10:30-3; Mar.-Apr. Daily 9:30-3; May-Sept. Daily 9:30-5; Sept.-Dec. Daily 9:30-3. Adults $18.50, srs./veterans $14, ages 6-11 $14, under 6, active military and BB62 Vets free. Floating museum and veteran's memorial showcases the most decorated ship in history. Group tours; team-building programs; overnight encampments.

Black River & Western Railroad
12 Stangl Rd., Flemington; John Ringo Rd., Ringoes, 908-782-6622. Antique passenger coaches depart Flemington and Ringoes weekends May-Dec. for a scenic ride through rural Hunterdon County. Adults $14, children 3-12 $7, under 3 free. First come, first served, no advance tickets sold except for North Pole Express. Special events include the Easter Bunny Express, Great Train Robbery, Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Train, North Pole Express and Santa Express.

Model Railroad Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 1146, End of Jefferson Ave., off Rt. 22 East, Union, NJ 07083, 908-964-9724; 964-8808 recorded message. Open to the public Sat. 1-4pm. Adults $5, srs. $4, ages 2-15 $3.

New Jersey Naval Museum
Court & River St., Hackensack, 201-342-3268. Sat.-Sun. 10-4pm, last tour at 3:15. Call ahead to confirm hours. Adults $8, under 12 $3, group rates. Guided tour of the USS Ling, a WWII submarine. Birthday parties; overnights.

New Jersey Transit Train and Bus
Information: www.njtransit.com. Weekend and Holiday Family Supersaver Fare: Two children (11 and under) ride free when accompanied by a full fare-paying parent or guardian on weekends, beginning 7pm Friday (or the eve of a holiday) until 6am Mon. or the day after a holiday. At all times, children 4 & under travel free when accompanied by a full fare paying parent or guardian, children aged 5-11 pay children's fare (half fare or less).
Ongoing Visit www.njtransit.com under "Deals & Discounts" for discount offers to destinations in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia with a valid light rail, rail or bus ticket.
Family-Friendly Train Destinations. We welcome reader's suggestions.
· Berkeley Heights Mama's Caboose Restaurant (open weekdays) is located at station.
· Bound Brook George's Station Restaurant at station with train memorabilia, brunch, outdoor dining.
· Far Hills Short walk to cafe, retail shops in Far Hills Center.
· Maplewood Station directly across from downtown shops, diner, bakery, ice cream and Memorial Park playground.
· Millington Millington Café at station with outdoor dining.
· Newark Museum is a few steps from the Light Rail Washington Park Station.
· New Jersey Performing Arts Center Light rail service connects all rail lines served by Newark Penn Station and Newark Broad St. Station to NJPAC. NJTransit.com/NLR
· South Orange Diner, ice cream shop at station, downtown shops, short walk to Meadlowland Park.
· Summit Mabie Playground and downtown Summit shops and restaurants are directly across from the station.
· Westfield, Cranford Walk to downtown shops and restaurants.

New York Susquehanna & Western
100 Elizabeth St., Phillipsburg, 908-454-4433 (weekends 10-4). Steam train runs weekends May-Oct. Diesel locomotive runs Nov.-May. Adults $14, children $7, tickets available online. The only steam locomotive operating in New Jersey offers scenic one-hour trips along the Delaware River weekends May-Oct. or themed excursions throughout the year including Santa Claus, Polar Express, Easter Bunny, Wine and Great Pumpkin Trains. Check website for dates.
Special Events
May-Nov
Mine Train, ride to Susquehanna Mining Co. for gemstone panning.
Warren County Wine Train, scenic ride along the Delaware to two New Jersey wineries.

New York Waterway
800-53-FERRY. A quick, convenient and scenic route to midtown and downtown Manhattan via ferry service from Hoboken, Jersey City or Weehawken. Free shuttle to Times Square area.

Pine Creek Railroad
In Allaire State Park, Rt. 524 (exit 98 GSP), Allaire (Wall), 732-938-5524. April-Dec.: 12-4:30 weekends & special events. June 30-Labor Day weekend: Daily 12-4:30. Tickets $4. Parking fee Memorial Day-Labor Day. Narrow gauge rail line operates vintage diesel locomotives every half hour on a 1.5 mile loop in Allaire State Park. School groups; birthday parties.

Whippany Railway Museum
1 Railroad Plaza, Rt. 10W & Whippany Rd., Whippany, 973-887-8177. Open for special events. Suggested donation: Adults $1, children $.50. Railroad memorabilia, exhibits, large operating Lionel train layout, gift shop, picnic grounds.
45-min. rides with Santa or the Easter Bunny depart 1, 2 3, & 4pm seasonally. Reservations are strongly recommended. Order online with credit card or send ticket order with check or money order and self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope to: PO Box 16, Whippany, 07981-0016. Tickets go on sale at noon on day of trip for remaining seats. Adults $12, under 12 $8, babes-in-arms free.
Mar 27, 28, Apr 3
Easter Bunny Express, see listing for details.

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