Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr. (NJ Turnpike exit 4), Camden, NJ 08103, 866-451-AQUA. Daily 9:30-5. Adults $22.95, srs. & ages 2-12 $17.95, under 2 free. 4D Theater $5 (riders must be at least 36" tall and at least 5 yrs. old). Advance tickets available online. 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; Stingray Beach Club; 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.
Jun-Sept Waterfront Connection links Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey on the Camden waterfront with Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia. Daily service in refurbished trolley cars, $3 round trip, under 2 free.
SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Nov 25- Jan 1
Christmas Celebration with the fishes. Scuba Santa, light show, photos with Rudolph.
Dec 10-11
Breakfast with Scuba Santa.
Dec 25
Free Parking Christmas Day.
Dec 31
Deep Sea Splash, open bar, food and party to ring in the new year. Tickets available beginning Nov. 14.
Spring 2012
Kidzone, new hands-on play area with animal exhibits, interactive games, activities and multiple touch stations.
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.
The Center for Contemporary Art
The new identity of the Somerset Art Association. 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 Center for Contemporary Art is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a vibrant, contemporary cultural center through arts education, exhibition and community outreach that will inspire creativity and enhance people's lives. The Center presents high quality exhibitions of contemporary art by emerging, mid-career and under-represented artists in a variety of media and subject matter. Year-round programming includes a full range of studio classes and workshops taught by professional teaching artists in a variety of media for children, teens and adults, summer art camps, birthday parties, bus tours to tri-state area museums, lectures and community outreach programs.
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 10-2:30 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 and youth organization volunteers needed to assist with children's programs.
Jan 8
Rainforest Canopy.
Jan 15
Journey Back in Time: Rocks, Minerals and Dinosaurs.
Feb 5
Science Magic Day, with fruit rolling competition.
Feb 18
Let's Get Going! (mostly Trains & Automobiles).
Mar 4
Music from Many Cultures.
Mar 17
Astronomy & Flight Day.
Apr 1
Robots II, ages 6-12.
Apr 21
Game & Puzzle Day, with a scavenger hunt.
Aug 8
Somerset County 4H Fair, find us in the Prep Tent from 10am to 10pm every day.
Community Children’s Museum
77 E. Blackwell St., Dover, 973-366-9060. Thurs.-Sat. 10-5. Groups by appointment any time. Summer hours: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, special activities on Thurs., special events on Sun. 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.
SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec 22-Jan 1
Winter Vacation, open all week 10-5.
Jan 14
Cub Scout Beltloop Bazaar, 8:30-1:30.
Franklin Mineral Museum
Evans St., Franklin, Sussex County (off Rt. 23), 973-827-3481. Open daily April thru 1st week of Dec. Open weekends in March or 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. Mon.-Sun. 9:30-5:30, open Sat. 'til 8:30 Oct.-April. Open Mon.-Thurs. 'til 8:30pm during July and Aug. Admission $10.95, srs. $9.95, under 12 months free. Hands-on museum for infants to 10 yr. olds offers 15 larger-than-life interactive exhibit areas. Workshops; performances; parties; teacher workshops; outreach programs.
Dec 10
Breakfast with Santa, 10-12:30.
Dec 18
Hurray for Hanukkah. Drop-in crafts 1-3, concert 3pm.
Dec 24
Feast of the Seven Fishes, crafts, games, stories and snacks with a marine life theme. The museum will close at 5:30.
Dec 26, 28
Kwanzaa Celebration, storytelling and songs.
Dec 31
New Years at Noon (and 10 and 2), ring in the New Year...kid style. The museum closes at 5:30.
Feb 12
Open Arms Family Evening, after hours play and discovery for families with children on the autism spectrum. 6-8pm. Free, no pre-registration required.
Grounds for Sculpture
18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, 609-586-0616. Tues.-Sun. 10-6. Adults $12, students $10, ages 6-12 $8, 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. Workshops for adults, children 3-14, families and private groups; gallery talks; poetry readings; concerts and special events are scheduled throughout the year. School tours, group tours and Touch Tours for visually impaired by appointment. Gazebo Cafe (open seasonally), The Peacock 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. Visit website for schedule of 2012 events.
Sat
Tots on Tour, storytelling and art for ages 3-5
with adult on two Saturdays per month. No reservations, first come-first served. Free with park admission. Dec 3, 17
Apr-Oct
Weekend Drop-in Tours, Sat. & Sun. at 11am and 1pm. From May 14-Sept 4, additional tour is offered at 3pm. Weekday Drop-in Tours are offered May-Oct. on Tues., Thurs. and Fri. at 11 and 1pm. Meet inside Visitor's Center.
SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS FOR ADULTS & FAMILIES
Free with park admission, unless noted.
Dec 10
Holiday Gift Boxes & Cards Workshop, drop-in workshop for all ages. 1-4.
Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band, performance for the family. 2pm.
Dec 10, 17
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, 5-8pm, first come,
first served basis. $5 cash.
Dec 10-11, 17-18
Toad Hall Shop & Gallery Artisan Boutique,
holiday shopping, artist demonstrations. 12-5.
Dec 11
An Introduction to Knitting Demonstration, 1-3pm.
Dec 16
Toad Hall Wine Tasting: The Hallmark Wine Series, 5:30pm. $10 per person.
Dec 17
Holiday Candle-Making Workshops for Kids, 12pm: aluminum foil molds. 1pm: floating candles. First come, first served, sign up for one or both. $5 materials fee.
A Season of Miracles, a collection of holiday tales from different cultures presented by Pushcart Players. 2:30pm.
Tots on Tour! art workshop for ages 3-5 with adult. 11 & 1, first come, first served.
Dec 18
The Absolutely Incredible Paper Cutting Demonstration, artist Hou-Tien Cheng. 1-3.
Jan 7-8
Friends of Hamilton Twp. Free Public Library Book Sale, 11-4pm.
Jan 14
Paper Cutting in Chinese Style, learn the basics from a master. 11 & 2pm. $15/$20.
Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration, 1-4pm.
Jan 15
Year of the Dragon with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, 2pm. $10/$15, call for tickets.
Jan 20-Feb 24
Winter Happy Hour: Celebrate Chinese New Year, complimentary dim sum and dumplings with purchased drink specials Fridays 4-7pm.
Jan 21-22
Friends of Cranbury Public Library Book Sale,
11-4pm.
Jan 22
Chinese New Year Tea Service at the Peacock Cafe, 1-3pm. Reservations required.
Ice Sculpture Demonstrations, 2-4pm.
Jan 28
Light, Shadow & Form in Photography: A Lecture & Workshop, 1-5pm. $60/$65.
Jan 29
Yang Yi Guzheng Academy, hear the dreamlike sounds of 21-stringed instruments. 2pm.
Feb 2
Groundhog Day!, 10-2:30 rain or shine. Tours, music, groundhog-inspired workshops, storytelling, refreshments. All activities suitable for ages 6-10. Pre-registration for workshops is required.
Feb 5
Mike McGrath, The Organic Gardening Guru, Q&A 12 & 2pm. $5. Call to purchase tickets.
Feb 10-12
Garden Club Weekend, 10-6. Learn "green" tips from horticultural displays.
Feb 11
Magda Salvesen, gardening author. Lecture and book signing. 1pm.
Feb 12
Valentine's Day Brunch at RAT's, reservations required. Adults $59, children 5-12 $24.
Box of Chocolates Workshop, make handmade ganache truffles. 1-3pm. $30/$35.
Feb 17-19
Honey Bee Weekend at GFS, with Herbertsville Honey Company. 10-6.
Feb 18 Beekeeping Lecture, 1pm. Cherry Blossom Paper Workshop, drop-in family workshop 1-4pm. $5 per child.
Feb 19
Barbara Bromley, Master Gardener, 2pm.
Feb 25
Seed Bomb Workshop, 1-3pm while supplies last. $2 per seed bomb.
Black Maria Film Festival, independent filmmakers. Screening I, 4pm. Screening II, 7:30pm. $5/$12.
Feb 25-26
Hydroponic Gardening Weekend, information and displays. 10-5pm.
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 is 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, multi-cultural area, pirate ship, Slot Car Racing Exhibit and space shuttle. Theme birthday parties and field trips available year round. See coupon on page 197.
SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec 26
Hanukkah Winter Wonderland, olive press demonstration.
Dec 28
Going Green, meet a real scientist and green companies.
Dec 29
Fleece Pillow Event.
Dec 30
New Year's Eve Party, 10:30, 12:30 & 2:30.
Jan 21, Mar 10, May 12
Princess Breakfast, dress up in your best gown and tiara, enjoy a royal breakfast snack, then stay and play all day. 9:45am. Adult $10.99, children $13.99.
Jan 31, Feb 4, Apr 14
Mommy & Me event.
Calling All Superheros! meet your favorite
superhero, enjoy breakfast snack, play all day. 9:45. Adults $10.99, children $13.99.
Mar 24-25, Apr 8
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, 10am. Adults $10.99, children $13.99.
CRAFT CALENDAR
Dec 17-18
Holiday cards.
Dec 24-25
Decorate a Christmas tree.
Dec 27
Make your own snowman sock.
Dec 31- Jan 7-8
Make a 2012 card. Make a special thank you card.
Jan 14-15
"What's Your Dream" picture.
Jan 21-22
Cute little mittens made especially by you.
Jan 28-29
Join in a snowman scavenger hunt.
Feb 4-5
Fluff up your own silly snowmen.
Feb 11-12
Make a card for your special Valentine.
Feb 18-19
Do you know your Presidents?
Feb 25-26
Build your own tropical island.
Mar 3-4
Create your very own Hungry Caterpillar.
Mar 10-11
Let's go fly a kite! Decorate your own kite.
Mar 17-18
Make a shamrock for St. Patrick's Day.
Mar 24-25
Let's see who lives on the farm.
Mar 31-1
Design a beautiful macaroni bracelet.
Apr 7-8
Let's build a bunny for Easter.
Apr 14-15
April showers–time to put up your umbrella.
Apr 21-22
Celebrate Mother Earth with recycled craft.
Apr 28-29
Build a butterfly clothespin.
May 5-6
Create a rock ladybug.
May 12-13
Let's make a teapot for Mom.
May 19-20
It's time for May flowers to bloom.
May 26-27
Let's remember our soldiers.
Jun 2-3
Seashore craft.
Jun 9-10
Build a fan to keep you cool.
Jun 16-17
Make a special Father's Day necktie.
Jun 24-25
Make a graduation cap.
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.
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.
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: Daily 9-5. 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 children 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.
We Explore, 30 min. interactive programs for ages 2-5 are offered weekdays at 10:30, 11:30 & 2 in the Explore Gallery on the 2nd floor.
TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS
Thru Jan 22
Math Midway, where math is a real live carnival.
Thru Dec 31
Tornado Alley; Hubble, IMAX films.
SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec 21-Jan 1
The 12 Days of Science, festival of science with hands-on experiments, stage shows and science arts and crafts.
Dec 22-24, 28-31
Animal Mythbusters, discover the real answers
to common misconceptions. 12:30, 1:30, 2:30.
Dec 26-27
Meet "Buddy" from Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train on PBC Kids. 11-2.
Dec 27-28
Mathemagician Art Benjamin, high-energy mental math who. 12:30, 1:30, 2:30.
Dec 28-29
Penguin Pointers, from Jenkinson's Aquarium.
Dec 29 11, 12, 1.
Dec 29-30
Archimedes, meet one of the greatest mathe matician's of the ancient world. 12 & 2:30.
Feb 18
Bubblemania, visual comedy, music and amazing soap bubbles, all ages. $5.
Feb 20
Mathemagician Art Benjamin, high-energy mental math show. Free with admission.
Mar 14
Pi Day, Pi activities for all ages.
Mar 17
Bubblemania, visual comedy, music and amazing soap bubbles, all ages. $5.
Apr 22
Earth Day Celebration, all activities free with paid admission while supplies last. Trash timeline, live animals, make a pot, plant a seed.
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. 10-5; Fri. 10-9; Sun. 12-5. 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.
Fri
Fabulous Fridays, museum is open until 9pm on Fridays with special activities including Art at Night, Family Night (3rd Fri.) and Singles Night. StarLab Planetarium program for ages 4-6 is shown at 2pm on Fridays.
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.
Open
Changing Climate: Changing Weather, explores
the greenhouse effect and challenge of global warming through interactive elements. After-school activities 3:30-4:30 Tues.-Fri.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Ongoing
New Jersey Emerging Artist Series 2011-2012,showcases NJ artists who have never had a one-person show. All opening receptions and gallery talks are free and open to the public.
Nov 20-Dec 31
All Things Jersey, annual holiday exhibition features decorated trees, model railroad layout, weekend crafts, music and special activities.
Jan 14-Feb 26
33rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition.
May 4-Jul 1
More Art from Found Objects: A Juried Exhibition, from discarded or reusable objects.
SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec 30
Family Fun Fabulous Friday, New Year's Eve party with noisemakers, party hats and ginger ale toast at 8pm.
Mar 25
Teddy Bear Tea, children ages 3-8, parents, grandparents and favorite furry friends are invited. 2-4pm.
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 and 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 Gallery Guides.
Family Learning Lab, family activities on the 3rd floor.
2nd Wed: Dec 14, Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 6
MAM Park Bench, 9:30-11:30am on the second Wednesday. Bring your stroller inside for an artistic social outing for adults with young children. Art projects for children, guided tours and storytelling. Adults $12 (free for adult members), children $6.
3rd Thurs
Home School Day, gallery tour and art project for ages 9-13. 12-2. Adults $12, $6 per child. RSVP tours@montclairartmuseum.org.
3rd Fri: Dec 16, Jan 20, Feb 17
Home School Day, gallery tour and art project for ages 4-8. 12-2. Adults $12, $6 per child. RSVP tours@montclairartmuseum.org.
Sat
Docent Led Tours, 45-min. tour once a month on Sat. at 1pm. Free with museum admission.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Thru Dec 31
The Spectacular of Vernacular.
Thru Apr 1
George Inness: Private Treasures.
Opens Dec 3
Patterns, Systems, Structures: Abstraction in American Art. Part I opens Dec. 3, Part II opens Feb. 11.
Apr 19-Jul 22
The New Jersey Arts Annual: Fine Arts 2012, New Media, New Forms.
SELECTED SPECIAL FAMILY & CHILDREN'S EVENTS
Feb 12
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, children ages 6-10 create a unique clay mirror. 1-4. $60 members, $80 nonmembers.
Feb 19
It's Your Turn! Introduction to Wheel Throwing, pottery workshop for ages 8+. 10-12. $50 members, $70 nonmembers.
Mar 10
Sculpey Animals, workshop for ages 6-12. 2-4. $50 members, $75 nonmembers.
Mar 11
Come Build Montclair in LEGO, families with children ages 5-14 will be given a photograph of a Montclair building to turn into a Lego model. 2-4 and 5-7pm. Advance registration required, space is limited. For info, check website after Feb. 13.
Mar 24
Madeline at MAM, reading, Q&A and book signing with John Bemelmans Marciano, author and grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans. 2pm.
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; model train exhibit. Adult art workshops, speakers and trips; children's art workshops and drop-in programs; scout and group programs; summer art, science and theatre 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.
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.
Dec 12-28
Model Trains.
Dec 2-Feb 19
Nathan Sawaya: The Art of the Brick, large scale sculptures from Lego® bricks. A special area for visitors to create their own creations will be set up
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
Main St. at Green Village Rd., Madison, 973-377-2982. Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-5, closed Mon. and major holidays. Closed Sun. and Mon. during July & Aug. Adults $5; ages 6-17 and 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
Thru Jan 15
Whimsies: Ken Olsen & the Folk Art Tradition.
Family Fun Days: Dec 10, Feb 11, Apr 14, May 12
Drop in between 1-3pm one Sat. per month. Museum admission, advance registration recommended.
smART stART: Dec 12, Jan 9, 23, Feb 13, 27, Mar 12, 26, Apr 9, 23, May 14
Mondays 1-3pm. Children ages 3-5 and their parents are invited to drop in for hands-on projects and story time. $3 per person, registration required one week in advance. Email schools@metc.org or call 973-377-2982 x12.
SPECIAL ADULT & FAMILY EVENTS
Advance registration recommended for most programs.
Jan 7
Thomas Nast's Influence on History, with Ryan Hyman, Curator of Collections at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum. 2pm.
Jan 8
Harp Ensemble Concert, 2pm. $10 non-members, $5 members.
Jan 14
Dragon Tales Pajama Party, ages 2-6. 4-5pm.
Jan 28
Colonial Cooking Contest, research an early American recipe, cook it and enter it. 10-5.
Feb 1
Pre-Groundhog Day, ages 2-6. 4-5pm.
Feb 28
Happy Birthday Widget!, celebrate the museum's beaver mascot. Ages 2-6. 4-5pm.
Mar 24
Pysanky Workshop, Ukrainian egg decorating for ages 8 & up. 10-1 & 2-5. Members $15, non-members $20. Space is limited.
Mar 31
Stuffed Animal Sleepover, bring your favorite stuffed animal to tuck in and spend the night at the Museum. Ages 2-6. 4-5pm.
May 19
Be Our Guest, visit more than a dozen historic sites and museums throughout Morris County free. Guests are encouraged to contribute a non-perishable food item. 12-5pm.
May 31-Sep 4
Blue Star Museum Season, free admission to active duty military & their immediate family.
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
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 refurbished Newark Fire Museum includes exhibits, films and displays in a replica burned-out house to reinforce safety education for children and their families.
Look/Touch/Learn: Nature & Art, hands-on art exploration area in American Art Galleries, First Floor North Wing.
Thru Jan 1
The Global Art of Patchwork—Africa, America, Asia.
Thru Sep '13
Generation Fit: Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle interactive family exhibition explores and addresses the issues of nutrition, exercise and related disease prevention.
Open Apr
EmPOWERED: Your Renewable Energy Future.
SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAMS–SEPTEMBER-JUNE
Sat & Sun
Drop-In Art Activities, intergenerational gallery tour followed by family art activity. 1-4pm. Planetarium Shows, see Dreyfuss Planetarium.
SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Dec 27-29
Holiday Family Fun Days, 12:30-4. Hands-on art and science activities, live music, gallery tours and games, scavenger hunts, theater performances, special planetarium shows.
Ballantine House tours at 1 & 3pm, Patchwork exhibit tours at 2 & 4pm.
Dec 27
Songs of the Holidays, Yuletide Carolers. 2pm.
Dec 28
A Season of Miracles, holiday tales from different cultures around the world, by Pushcart Players. 2pm.
Thru Jan 8
Feasting with Family & Friends: Christmas in the Ballantine House, the historic home is decorated for the holidays in 1881.
Jan 16
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, 12:30-4:30. Explore African-American artists, hands-on family workshops, film screenings and performances.
Feb 4
The Legend of Sojourner Truth, performance by Yearning to Learn. 2pm.
Feb 20
Presidents' Day Open House, 12:30-4:30. Hands-on art and science workshops, scavenger hunts and planetarium shows. Hudson Vagabond Puppets present Guess Who Signed the Constitution at 2pm.
Feb 11-12
Circus Science, 10:30-4:30. Activities includebalancing clowns, balloon art, face painting, paint with centrifugal force, treasure hunt, try tightrope/trapeze equipment, learn juggling techniques, plate spinning.
Mar 4
A Thousand Cranes, performance by Centenary Stage Company. 1pm.
Apr 29
5th Annual Dinosaur Day, 10-4:30. Fossil digs, fossil rubbings, dinosaur puzzles and crafts, live reptile and bird shows, hands-on demonstrations explore the work of geological scientists and a 10-ft. tall animatronic T-Rex and his musical side-kick will lead a sing-along
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. $4 suggested 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 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.
1st Fri
FIrst Friday: Food for Thought, tour one of current exhibitions with museum curator. 12:10-1pm. Free, reservations required.
2nd Sat
2nd Saturday Performances, the museum and Young Artist New Jersey offer free family performances in the auditorium at 12:30 & 2pm.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Thru Sep 30
Remember 9.11, Reflections & Memories from New Jersey, artifacts and oral histories of families, survivors, rescue workers and volunteers.
FAMILY ARTS & CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS: Feb 11, 18, 25, Mar 3, 10
Together with Young Audiences New Jersey, the museum offers arts activities for families with children ages 7-10. 10 & 12:30pm. Call to pre-register, 609-243-9000.
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, Thurs. 10-10, Sun. 1-5. Closed Mon. & major holidays. No charge. Permanent collections range from ancient to contemporary art. Group tours for preschool-high school students can be arranged. Interactive family activities are often offered weekends and school holidays. Gallery talks; films; concerts; museum shop.
Sat
Art for Families, drop-in for a self-guided tour and related art project 10:30-1:30 Saturdays during the school year. Free.
Rutgers University Geology Museum
Geology Hall, Old Queens Section, College Ave. Campus, New Brunswick, 732-932-7243. Mon.-Thurs. 9-6, Fri. 9-4, Sat. 10-4. 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.
Vietnam Era Educational Center
Garden State Parkway, Exit 116, Homdel, 800-648-VETS, 732-335-0033. Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm. Adults $5, srs./students $3, 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.-Wed. & Fri. 10-5, Thurs. 10-8, Sat. & Sun. 11-4. 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
Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center
Montclair State University, 8 Quarry Rd., Little Falls, 973-655-2377. Wed.-Sun. 12-5pm. 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 parenting and coaching seminars; sports leadership workshops; afterschool programs; baseball clinics; baseball/softball and sports broadcasting summer camps.
Apr 4-5
Yogi Berra–Ron Guidry Booksigning, of new book by Harvey Araton, "Driving Mr. Yogi: Yogi Berra and Ron Guidry and Baseball's Greatest Gift." 6-7:30pm. Call to reserve a copy, 973-655-2378.
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 $6, srs. $5, 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; high school volunteer program; summer art camp for ages 6-60; birthday parties. Z Cafe.
high school volunteer program; summer art camp for ages 6-60; birthday parties. Z Cafe.
Ongoing
ZAMbassadors for Teens, motivated high school students in grades 10-12 are trained to become junior volunteers. Email info@zimmerli.rutgers.edu or call ext. 611.
Sat
ZAM Session for Teens & Young Adults, students draw from works in the collection or on the grounds of Rutgers campus, six-week sessions are offered fall and spring. 3-4:30. $60 members, $80 non-members. Feb 25, Mar 10, 24, Apr 14, 21, May 5
Sun
Spotlight Tours, 45-min. informal gallery tours (suitable for teens-adults) by volunteer docents at 2pm while Rutgers is in session. Free.
1st Sun: Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 4, Apr 1, May 6, Jun 3
Free First Sundays, free day of admission, activities and tours the first Sun. of the month. Scavenger hunts from 12:30-4pm.
Family Spotlight Tour: First Sunday, 1pm.
Wed
Drawing Club for Young People, 5 week sessions for ages 6-14 meet 4:15-5:45 during fall and spring. $50 members, $75 non-members.
Jan 25-Feb 22
Spring session for ages 6-8.
Mar 7-Apr 4
Spring session for ages 9-14.
Open
Studio Z: The Adi Blum Learning Center, self-guided activities for the whole family during regular museum hours.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Ongoing
The Dodge Collection of Nonconformist Art from the Soviet Union, 1956-1986, the world's largest collection of its kind.
Thru Jun 24
Popcorn and Starbaby: Children's Book Illustrations by Frank Asch, original page design drawings from two bedtime books by Frank Asch. Open to the public Fri.-Sun., special tours can be arranged.
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.