MetroKids Ultimate Family Guide - SJ 2017

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quality counts our programs Full Day Certified Kindergarten/First Grade Readiness Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Readiness Full & Half Day Pre-School Two Day 2’s and NEW Three Day 3’s Flexible Preschool Program Full Day Infant & Toddler Care Flexible Days & Hours: Open at 6:45am

only the best Creative Curriculum® Focuses on Every Child’s Interests and Passions STEAM Curriculum: Creative learning and problem-solving for kids through teamwork and academic challenges.

Jewish Values & Cultural Learning Swim Lessons, Gym, Music & Art Secure Facility

family connections Tadpoles: Daily Digital Reports for Parents Social Events for Early Childhood Parents & Families Welcoming Families of Every Faith and Culture Child and Me Classes & Playgroups Book Clubs for Parents Family Friendly Events & Holiday Celebrations

2016

register now!

Contact us to schedule your personal tour with one of our directors.

Reserve your child’s spot now for the 2017-18 school year.

Katz JCC,Cherry Hill 1301 Springdale Rd • Cherry Hill, NJ

katzjcc.org/ece

Contact Donna Snyder Director, Early Childhood & Family Engagement 856-424-4444 x1242 or donnasnyder@jfedsnj.org

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE JULY 2017• Vol. 22, No. 7

for

South Jersey

Classes 22 Summer Arts Benefit Kids

Health Attractions

9 10 11 12 13

6 Amusement/Water Parks 6 Splash Pads & Spraygrounds 7 Aquariums & Zoos 8 Art Museums & Centers 8 Children’s & Specialty Museums Farms & Orchards History Museums & Sites Nature Centers Play & Sports Centers Theaters & Arenas

24

Allergy-Safe Dining Out

Education 26 Single-Gender Schools 27 2017-2018 Independent School Survey

SpecialKids 29 Special Needs School Survey

Family Fun 14 Day-by-Day July Family Fun Calendar 16 The Year’s Best & Biggest Festivals 18 Area Fireworks Displays

Child Care 19

Child Care Directory

Ad Sections 19 Child Care; 20 Camp; 25 Health; 27 Education

Camps 20 2017 Camp Directory

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2016 2017

On Our Cover: Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. MetroKids.com 3

MK Memo

Ultimate Family Guide MetroKids welcomes you and your family to the 2017 Ultimate Family Guide, the Philadelphia region’s annual handbook of entertainment and education resources.

For year-around family fun, check our roundup of the area’s Biggest and Best Festivals (Page 16). Start summer with a bang by locating the nearest Fireworks for the 4th (Page 18).

1412-1414 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-291-5560; 856-667-3555; 302-224-3020 Toll Free: 888-890-4668 Fax: 215-291-5565 Visit us online at MetroKids.com

President: Nancy Lisagor, PhD, ext. 109 nlisagor@metrokids.com Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com Managing Editor: ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com

Here’s a closer look at what’s inside.

Attractions

What could be more refreshing on a hot summer day than a water park or splash pad?

How about a quiet day at a museum, an informative tour or some raucous fun at a play center? Our kid-friendly venues and experiences section (Page 6) includes all ages and interests. It is organized by category and county so you can quickly locate venues.

KEY = honors ACCESS card discount = hosts fall fun events = offers parties = offers special needs accommodations in addition to legal requirements

Resource Editor: Cheyenne Shaffer, ext. 101 calendar@metrokids.com Contributing Writers: Terri Akman, Suzanne Koup-Larsen, Frank Lipsius, Kathy O’Connell, Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Production Manager: Veronica Hanna, ext. 103 production@metrokids.com Finance: ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: Alex McLaughlin, ext. 100 info@metrokids.com

Camps

The MetroKids Camp Directory (Page 20) will help you find best camp for your kids. In addition, you’ll find extensive information in the directory located online at MetroKids.com/camps.

Child Care

Looking for a child-care center or preschool? You’ll find quality choices in the Early Education Directory (Page 19).

Classes

Arts classes boost children’s creativity, motor skills, confidence and focus. Why not enroll your kids in Summer Arts (Page 22) programs this year?

Education

The Delaware Valley is endowed with excellent independent schools. Discover the varied benefits of Single Gender Education (Page 26) and use our exclusive MK Independent School Survey (Page 27) to help make your school search much easier.

Interns: William Bacha, Zachary Candelore, Peyton Pflug, Kayla Schwartz

ADVERTISING SALES 888-890-4668 Chrisy Holsopple

ext. 111

Pam Kuperschmidt

ext. 120

Emily Ondik

ext. 105

Samantha Tuttle

ext. 106

Classified Sales

ext. 100

We welcome your ideas and feedback. Write us at editor@metrokids.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Instagram.

Health

If your child is allergic, dining out can be stressful. Our Tips for Safe Summer Dining (Page 24) can give you a roadmap for eating confidently away from home.

Special Education

If your child has special needs, turn to our Special Needs School Survey (page 29).

Its sections include schools for autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and academic, emotional/behavioral or physical support.

As always, visit MetroKids.com for additional information on Delaware Valley parenting resource.

MetroKids® is published monthly by KidStuff Publications, Inc. © 2017 MetroKids® Magazine. All rights reserved by KidStuff Publications, Inc. ISSN 1094-8503. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. MetroKids® or KidStuff Publications do not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. MetroKids® and SpecialKids® are trademarks of KidStuff Publications, Inc. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Advertisers indemnify and hold harmless the publisher from any claim and all loss, expense, or liability arising out of the publication of any advertisement.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. $36, one year; $72, two years. Single copies free.

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ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

ESCAPE WITH KELSEY THEATRE FOR A SEASON OF AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT! PINOCCHIO

DISNEY’S FROZEN MOVIE SING-ALONG

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS…

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THE NUTCRACKER THE CAT IN THE HAT

(609) 570-3333 or e-ticket at www.kelseytheatre.net

ATTRACTIONS

AMUSEMENTS & WATERPARKS Action Park at Mountain Creek 200 McAfee Vernon Road Vernon, NJ 07462 973-827-2000 Mountaincreek.com

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier 601 Boardwalk Ocean City, NJ 08266 609-399-7082 Gillians.com

Steel Pier 1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-345-4893 Steelpier.com

Blackbeard’s Cave 136 Atlantic City Boulevard Bayville, NJ 732-286-4414 Blackbeardscave.com

Great Wolf Lodge 1 Great Wolf Drive Scotrun, PA 18355 800-768-9653, 570-688-9899 Greatwolf.com/poconos/ waterpark

Storybook Land 6415 Black Horse Pike Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 609-641-7847 Storybookland.com

Casino Pier 800 Ocean Terrace Seaside Heights, NJ 08751 732-793-6488 Casinopiernj.com

Hersheypark 100 W. Hersheypark Drive Hershey, PA 17033 844-330-1813 Hersheypark.com

Clementon Park & Splash World 144 Berlin Road Clementon, NJ 08021 856-783-0263 Clementonpark.com

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk 300 Ocean Avenue Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 732-892-0600 Jenkinsons.com

CoCo Key Water Resort 915 Route 73 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 877-494-2626 Mtlaurelcocokey.com Diggerland USA 100 Pinedge Drive W. Berlin, NJ 08091 Diggerlandusa.com Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom 3830 Dorney Park Road Allentown, PA 18104 610-395-3724 Dorneypark.com Funplex, The 3320 Route 38 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 856-273-9666 Thefunplex.com

Land Of Make Believe 354 Great Meadows Road Route 611, Hope, NJ 908-459-9000 Lomb.com Liberty Lakes Picnics & Special Events 1195 Florence Columbus Road Bordentown, NJ 08505 609-499-0432 Libertylakepicnic.com Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks 3501 Boardwalk Wildwood, NJ 08260 609-522-3900 Moreyspiers.com

Splash Pads &

Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park 535 N. Route 73, W. Berlin, NJ 08091 856-345-0655 Saharasams.com Special Evening’s at Sam’s provide families with a judgment-free night at the waterpark at a reduced rate. Accommodations include modified lighting and sound, quiet rooms, limited lifeguard whistle use, a relaxed dress code, limited ticket sales to prevent overcrowding and ALBERTA WOODS PARK options to bring your own snacks. 30th & Fremont Sts., Camden FREE Sesame Place FARNHAM PARK 100 Sesame Road Park Blvd. & Kaighn Ave., Camden Langhorne, PA 19047 FREE 866-GO-4-ELMO Sesameplace.com FASOTA PARK 12 Sycamore Ln., Deptford Twp. Six Flags Great Adventure, FREE Wild Safari & Hurricane Harbor JOHNSON’S CORNER FARM 1 Six Flags Boulevard 113 Church Rd., Medford Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-1821 PYNE POYNT PARK Sixflags.com/greatadventure 6th & Erie Sts., Camden FREE

Spraygrounds

Splash Zone Water Park 3500 Boardwalk Wildwood, NJ 08260 609-729-5600 Splashzonewaterpark.com

RALPH WILLIAMS PARK 28th & Mitchell Sts., Camden FREE

Casino Pier 6 MetroKids.com

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

ATTRACTIONS

AQUARIUMS & ZOOS

S T H E PA S S T O A G R E AT

$Y

Adventure Aquarium 1 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103 856-365-3300 Adventureaquarium.com ≤ 2 yrs.

Atlantic City Aquarium 800 N. New Hampshire Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-348-2880 ≤ 3 yrs.

Acaquarium.com Cape May County Park & Zoo 707 N. Route 9 Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609-465-5271 Cmczoo.com/index.php Cohanzick Zoo 45 Mayor Aitken Drive Bridgeton, NJ 08302 856-453-1658 Cohanzickzoo.org

ONL Philadelphia Zoo 3400 W. Girard Avenue Phila. 19104 215-243-1100 < 2 yrs.

Philadelphiazoo.org KidsZooU, designed with input from autism experts, provides a multisensory approach in an effort to create an inclusive, comfortable experience.

Pre-planning tools like social stories and visual schedules are available, as well as a downloadable accessibility map that highlights wheelchairfriendly routes and quiet areas.

Popcorn Park Zoo Humane Way at Lacey Road Forked River, NJ 08731 609-693-1900 Ahscares.org

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ATTRACTIONS

ART MUSEUMS & CENTERS All Fired Up! 602 Haddon Avenue Collingswood, NJ 08108 856-833-1330 Paintatallfiredup.com Appel Farm Arts & Music Center 457 Shirley Road Elmer, NJ 08318 856-358-2472 Appelfarm.org Center for the Arts in Southern New Jersey 123 S. Elmwood Road Marlton, NJ 08053 856-986-1009 Cfasnj.com/cfasnj/index.html Ceramic Barn, The 5145 Church Road Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 856-234-0455 Theceramicbarn.com

Color Me Mine 910 Haddonfield-Berlin Road Voorhees, NJ 08043 856-782-6567 Southjersey.colormemine. com Family Clay Time 5471 Black Horse Pike Turnersville, NJ 08012 856-232-2529 Familyclaytime.com $ Grounds For Sculpture 80 Sculptors Way Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-586-0616 Groundsforsculpture.org Jubili Beads & Yarns 713 Haddon Avenue Collingswood, NJ 08108 856-858-7844 Jubilibeadsandyarns.com Markeim Arts Center 104 Walnut Street Haddonfield, NJ 08033 856-429-8585 Markeimartcenter.org

Medford Arts Center 18 N. Main Street Medford, NJ 08055 609-654-6033 Medfordartscenter.org Paint-a-Treasure 614 Station Avenue Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 856-617-0602 Paintatreasure.com Perkins Center for the Arts: Moorestown 395 Kings Highway Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-235-6488 Collingswood 30 Irwin Ave. Collingswood, NJ 08108 800-387-5226 Perkinscenter.org Philly Art Center: Cherry Hill 1721 Springdale Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 215-765-2787 Phillyartcenter.com/cherry-hill

ATTRACTIONS

Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts 22 N. High Street Millville, NJ 856-327-4500 Visitnj.org/riverfrontrenaissance-center-arts-0 Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts 303 Cooper Street Camden, NJ 08102 856-225-6306 Rcca.camden.rutgers.edu Walt Whitman Arts Center 2nd & Cooper Streets Camden, NJ 08102 856-964-8300 Camdenwaterfront.com/ things_to_do Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center 1501 Glasstown Road Millville, NJ 08332 856-825-6800 Wheatonarts.org $$

CHILDREN’S & SPECIALTY MUSEUMS Air Victory Museum SJ Regional Airport Lumberton, NJ 08048 609-267-4488 Airvictorymuseum.com Delaware Children’s Museum 550 Justison Street Wilmington, DE 19801 302-654-2340 Delawarechildrensmuseum. ≤1 yr. org

Open Tuesday - Sunday!

Museum of American Glass Award-winning Museum Stores Artist Studio Demonstrations Classes & Experiences Scenic Picnic Areas Millville, NJ

856-825-6800 wheatonarts.org 8 MetroKids.com

Fredric & Jean Edelman Planetarium 201 Mullica Hill Road Glassboro, NJ 08028 856-256-4389 Rowan.edu/planetarium Garden State Discovery Museum 2040 Springdale Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-424-1233 Discoverymuseum.com

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Plymouth Mtg. Mall, Unit #1055 500 W Germantown Pike Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 legolanddiscoverycenter.com ` Millville Army Air Field Museum 1 Leddon Street Millville, NJ 08332 856-327-2347 P47millville.org New Jersey State Museum 205 W. State Street Trenton, NJ 08625 609-292-6464 Newjerseystatemuseum.org Northlandz 495 US 202 Flemington, NJ 08822 < 2 yrs.

908-782-4022 Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic Philadelphia, PA 19131 215-581-3181 Pleasetouchmuseum.org

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

ATTRACTIONS

FARMS & ORCHARDS Budds KNP Farms 131-132 Vincentown Road Pemberton, NJ 08068 609-894-4817

Fruitwood Orchards Honey Farm 419 Elk Road Monroeville, NJ 08343 Butterhof’s Shady Brook Farm 856-881-7748 5800 White Horse Pike Fruitwoodorchardshoney.com Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 609-965-1285 Gaventa Farms Shadybrookfarmnj.com 192 Repaupo Station Road Logan Township, NJ Conte’s Farm 856-467-3550 291 Flyatt Road Tabernacle, NJ 08088 Haines Berry Farm 609-268-1010 98 Sheep Pen Hill Road Contefarms.synthasite.com Pemberton, NJ 08068 609-894-8630 Creamy Acres Farm Hainesberryfarm.com 448 Lincoln Mill Road Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 Hill Creek Farms 856-223-1669 1631 Hwy. 45 Creamyacres.com Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 856-223-0028 Duffield’s Farm Hillcreekfarms.com 280 Chapel Heights Road Howell Living History Farm Sewell, NJ 08080 70 Wooden’s Lane 856-589-7090 Lambertville, NJ 08530 Duffieldsfarm.com 609-737-3299 Fernbrook Farms Howellfarm.com KIDBIT: The farm is home to New Education Center Jersey’s longest-running corn maze.

142 Bordentown Georgetown Road Chesterfield Township, NJ 08515 Indian Acres Tree Farm 111 Tuckerton Road 609-298-4028 Medford, NJ 08055 Fernbrookeducation.org 609-953-0087 Indianacrestreefarm.com Fred + III Farm 248 Odd Fellows Road, Pemberton, NJ 08068 609-351-1255 Fredplusthree.com

Johnson’s Corner Farm 133 Church Road Medford, NJ 08055 609-654-8643 Johnsonsfarm.com

Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm 310 Extonville Road Chesterfield, NJ 08515 609-259-3684 RussosorchaRoadcom

Maugeri Farms 1991 Oldmans Creek Road, Swedesboro, NJ 08085 856-467-3696 Maugerifarms.com

Springdale Farms 1638 S. Springdale Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-424-8674 Springdalefarms.com

McCann Farm, The 1065 Aura Road Monroeville, NJ 08343 856-881-7775 Themccannsfarm.com

Strawberry Hill Farm 3 Waln Road Chesterfield Township, NJ 08515 609-298-0823 Strawberryhillfarm.org

Mood’s Farm Market 901 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 856-478-2500 Moodsfarmmarket.com

Sunshine Acres 831 Windsor-Perrineville Road E. Windsor, NJ 08520 Fieldofterror.com/daytime. htm

KIDBIT: Check out one of the farm’s seasonal family festivals like the Blueberry Festival, held every July, and Apple Festival in September.

Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road Princeton, NJ 08540 609-924-2310 Terhuneorchards.com

Piney Hollow Farm 502 E. Piney Hollow Road Williamstown, NJ 08094 856-629-5188

KIDBIT: The monthly Read & Pick and Read & Explore programs pair storytime with seasonal activities.

Wells Blueberry Farm 466 Retreat Road Southampton, NJ 08088 609-859-2662 Wellsblueberryfarm.com

Reeves Berries 1 Deep Run Lane New Lisbon, NJ 08064 Reevesberries.com

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ATTRACTIONS

HISTORY MUSEUMS & SITES Absecon Lighthouse 31 S. Rhode Island Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-449-1360 Abseconlighthouse.org 4 yrs. & active military African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey Dr. Martin Luther King Center Newtonville, NJ 08346 609-704-5495 Aahmsnj.org Barclay Farmstead Museum 209 Barclay Lane Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856-795-6225 cherryhill-nj.com/barclay Batsto Village 31 Batsto Road Hammonton, NJ 08037 609-561-0024 Batstovillage.org Battleship New Jersey 62 Battleship Place Camden, NJ 08103 866-877-6262 Battleshipnewjersey.org Bayshore Discovery Project 2800 High Street Port Norris, NJ 08349 856-785-2060 Bayshorediscovery.org Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-629-4026 Betsyrosshouse.org Burlington Historic District 12 Smith Alley Burlington, NJ 08016 609-386-3993 Tourburlington.org Camden County Historical Society & Museum 1900 Park Boulevard Camden, NJ 08103 856-964-3333 Cchsnj.com Cape May County Historical Museum 504 Rte. 9 N., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609-465-3535 Cmcmuseum.org

10 MetroKids.com

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Churchlanding Farmhouse Museum 86 Church Landing Road Pennsville, NJ 08070 856-678-4453 Pvhistorical.njcool.net

Historic Smithville & Village Greene 1 N. New York Road Smithville, NJ 08205 609-748-6160 Smithvillenj.com

County of Burlington Prison Museum High & Grant Streets Mount Holly, NJ 08060 Prisonmuseum.net

Historic Smithville Park 803 Smithville Road Mount Holly, NJ 08060 609-265-5858 Co.burlington.nj.us/948/ Historic-Smithville-Park

KIDBIT: Test your bravery during the haunted house tour every October.

Emlen Physick Estate 1048 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204 609-884-5404 Capemaymac.org

KIDBIT: Join the estate for Christmas Candlelight House Tours and see a selection of the town’s finest B&B inns, hotels and churches decorated for Christmas.

Fort Mott State Park 454 Fort Mott Road Pennsville Township, NJ 08070 856-935-3218 State.nj.us/dep/ parksandforests/parks/ fortmott.html Gloucester County Historical Society 17 Hunter Street Woodbury, NJ 08096 856-845-4771 Hadrosaurus Dinosaur Sculpture 2 Kings Court Haddonfield, NJ 08033 609-313-6648 Hadrosaurus.com Hancock House 485 Locust Island Road Hancocks Bridge, NJ 08038 856-339-9695 State.nj.us/dep/ parksandforests/historic/ hancockhouse/hancockhouseindex.htm Historic Cold Spring Village 720 Route 9 Cape May, NJ 08204 609-898-2300, ext. 18 Hcsv.org

KIDBIT: Make crafts like building a kite, creating a cornhusk doll & making a handkerchief doll.

Historical Society of Haddonfield 343 Kings Highway E. Haddonfield, NJ 08033 856-429-7375 haddonfieldhistory.org/ Independence Seaport Museum 211 S. Columbus Boulevard & Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-413-8655 Phillyseaport.org

Old Barracks Museum 101 Barrack Street Trenton, NJ 08608 609-396-1776 Barracks.org

KIDBIT: Expect to meet costumed soldiers when you visit.

Peter Mott House 26 Kings Court Lawnside, NJ 08045 856-546-8850 Petermotthouse.org Princeton Battlefield State Park 500 Mercer Road Princeton, NJ 08540 609-921-0074 State.nj.us/dep/ parksandforests Red Bank Battlefield Park 100 County Road 642 National Park, NJ Gloucestercountynj.gov/ depts/p/parks/parkgolf/ redbank/

Indian King Tavern Museum 223 Kings Highway E. Haddonfield, NJ 08033 856-429-6792 Levins.com/tavern.html

Smithville Mansion 803 Smithville Road Eastampton, NJ 08060 856-767-3159 Smithvillemansion.org

Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church 172 Garwin Road Woolwich Township, NJ Nps.gov/nr/travel/ underground/nj4.htm

South Jersey Museum of American History 123 E. High Street Glassboro, NJ 08028 856-442-0688 Southjerseymuseum.org

National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-409-6600 ≤ Constitutioncenter.org 3 yrs.

Walt Whitman House 330 Mickle Boulevard Camden, NJ 08103 856-964-5383 Njparksandforests.org/ historic/whitman/index.html

National Liberty Museum 321 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA19106 215-925-2800 ≤4 Libertymuseum.org yrs.

Washington Crossing State Park 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road Titusville, NJ 08560 609-737-0623 State.nj.us/dep/ National Museum of American parksandforests/parks/ Jewish History washcros.html 101 S. Independence Mall E. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Whitesbog Village 215-923-3811 120-34 Whitesbog Road ≤ 12 yrs.

Nmajh.org Browns Mills, NJ 08105 609-893-4646 Whitesbog.org

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

ATTRACTIONS

NATURE CENTERS Bass River State Forest 762 Stage Road Tuckerton, NJ 08087 609-296-1114 State.nj.us/dep/parksand forests/parks/bass.html

KIDBIT: Enjoy lunch at the picnic area complete with charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms, athletic field for games and playground.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest Route 72 E. Woodland Township, NJ 08088 609-726-1191 State.nj.us/dep/parksand forests/parks/byrne.html Buttinger Nature Center 31 Titus Mill Road Pennington, NJ 08534 609-737-3735 Thewatershed.org Camden Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden 3 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103 856-365-8733 Camdenchildrensgarden.org Cape May Bird Observatory 600 Route 47 N. Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609-861-1651 Birdcapemay.org Cape May National Wildlife Refuge 24 Kimbles Beach Road Cape May, NJ 08210 609-463-0994 Fws.gov/refuge/cape_may Ceres Park Nature Preserve Main Street/Alt. Route 553 Mantua Twp., NJ 08080 856-415-9999 Mantuatownship.com/ community/our-parks/cerespark

Cherry Valley/ Walkill River National Wildlife Refuge 1547 Route 565 Sussex, NJ 07461 973-702-7266 Fws.gov/refuge/Cherry_Valley Delaware River Tubing 778 Frenchtown Road Milford, NJ 08848 908-996-5386 Delawarerivertubing.com Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge 800 Great Creek Road Galloway, NJ 08205 609-652-1665 Fws.gov/refuge/Edwin_B_ Forsythe

Mercer County Wildlife Center 1748 River Road Titusville, NJ 08560 609-414-2108 Wcinc.org Mountain Lakes Preserve 57 Mountain Avenue Princeton, NJ 08540 609-921-2772 Nynjtc.org/park/mountainlakes-nature-preserve

Rancocas Nature Center 794 Rancocas Road KIDBIT: Trail maps and descriptions Westampton, NJ 08060 of the preserve can be downloaded 609-261-2495 from its webpage. rancocasnaturecenter.org Nature Center of Cape May 1600 Delaware Avenue Cape May, NJ 08204 609-427-3045 Njaudubon.org/centers/nccm

Freedom Center for Wildlife, The PO Box 2014 Palmyra Cove Nature Park Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 1300 Route 73 N. 856-366-4114 Freedomcenterforwildlife.org Palmyra, NJ 08065 856-829-1900 Glades Wildlife Refuge Palmyracove.org 261 School House Road PAWS Farm Nature Center Newport, NJ 08345 1105 Hainsport-Mt. Laurel Rd. 856-825-9952 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 Natlands.org/preserves-tovisit/list-of-preserves/glades- 856-778-8795 Pawsfarm.com $-$$ wildlife-refuge Harold N. Peek Preserve Route 47 (S. 2nd Street) Millville, NJ 08332 856-825-9952 Natlands.org/preserves-tovisit/list-of-preserves/peekpreserve Lake Lenape Park West 6303 Harding Highway Mays Landing, NJ 609-625-8219 Aclink.org/parks/mainpages/ Lake_Lenape.asp

Plainsboro Preserve 80 Scotts Corner Road Cranbury, NJ 08512 609-427-3052 Njaudubon.org/ SectionCenters/ SectionPlainsboro/ AboutPlainsboro Preserve. aspx

Scotland Run Nature Park 980 E. Academy Street Clayton, NJ 08322 856-881-0845 Co.gloucester.nj.us/depts/p/ parks/parkgolf/scotland/ default.asp Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 199 Lighthouse Road Pennsville, NJ 08070 609-463-0994 Fws.gov/refuge/supawna_ meadows

Wetlands Institute, The 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard Pinelands Institute for Natural Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 & Environmental Studies 609-368-1211 (P.I.N.E.S.), Wetlandsinstitute.org KIDBIT: Turtle Fest and Crabulous 120-13 Whitesbog Road Crab Day are just two of the themed Browns Mills, NJ 08015 kid-friendly events here.

609-893-1765 Rcbc.edu/pines Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge Pinelands Preservation 4 Sawmill Road Alliance Medford, NJ 08055 17 Pemberton Road 856-983-3329 Southampton, NJ 08088 < 3 yrs.

Cedarrun.org 609-859-8860 Pinelandsalliance.org

Delaware River Tubing ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2017

MetroKids.com 11

ATTRACTIONS

PLAY & SPORTS CENTERS 30 Strikes Lanes 501 S. White Horse Pike Stratford, NJ 08084 856-783-0558 30strikes.com Big Event Bowling & Entertainment Center 1536 N. Kings Highway Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856-429-0672 Bigeventfun.com/cherryhill Burlington Bowl & Recreation Center 4486 US 130 Burlington, NJ 08016 609-386-2655 Burlingtonbowlnj.com Cherry Hill Skating & Fun Center 664 Deer Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856-795-1919 Palacerollerskatingcenter.com Elite Climbing 67 Old Kings Highway Maple Shade, NJ 08052 856-273-1370 Eliteclimbing.com Glassboro Bowl & Recreation Center 503 N. Delsea Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 856-881-1011 Glassborobowlnj.com Holiday Skating & Fun Center 1775 Creek Road Delanco, NJ 08075 856-461-3770 Holidayskatingcenter.com International Sports, Skating & Fun Centre 1 Hovtech Boulevard Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 856-273-2828 Iscmtlaurel.com $

International Sports, Skating & Fun Centre 510 Deptford Avenue Westville, NJ 08093 856-845-7353 Deptfordskatingandfun.com International Sports, Skating & Fun Centre 600 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 856-428-8588 Isccherryhill.com

Little Sport 120 E. Kings Highway Maple Shade, NJ 08502 856-234-6445 Littlesport.net

Pleasant Valley Miniature Golf 93 Route 73 Voorhees, NJ 08043 856-767-2167 Pvminigolf.com

Millennium Skate World 1900 Carman Street Camden, NJ 08105 856-757-9460 unitedskates.com/public/ camden/index.htm

Pump It Up 8 E. Stow Road Marlton, NJ 08053 856-797-9663 umpitupmarlton.com

Jellybean Jungle 230 N. Maple Avenue Marlton, NJ 08053 856-596-8889 Jellybean-jungle.com

Rollway Skating Rink 131 S. 2nd Road Hammonton, NJ 08037 609-961-8861 Rollwayskating.com

Mount Laurel United Soccer Association 3111 Route 38 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 856-336-5415 Mlusoccer.org Sporty kids, ages 5-13, with mental or physical disabilities can jump right in the game at the state’s first TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) Katz JCC program. While trainers run 1301 Springdale Road sessions, participants are joined Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 by “buddies” — experienced 856-424-4444 teenage soccer players — for Katzjcc.org one-on-one support. Teams are The ACHaD (Achieving Community Hopes and Dreams) determined by ability, not age, so athletes of all skill levels are department aims to provide a safe environment for individuals welcome. with special needs to cultivate My Little Adventures social skills and personal 3163 Marne Highway growth. Participants can join a Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 variety of fun programs, from adaptive fitness and basketball 609-498-9438 Mylittleadventures.com to theater, cooking and music.

Laurel Lanes & Brewsters 2825 Route 73 S. Maple Shade, NJ 08052 856-778-7467 Laurellanesnj.com

Rastelli Kids Complex 1855 Hurffville Road Sewell, NJ 08080 856-401-8111 Sportsandmorefun.com

Pinsetter Bowl 7111 Maple Avenue Merchantville, NJ 08109 856-665-3377 Pinsetterbowl.com

Sanitarium Playground 1718 Front Street Thorofare, NJ 08086 856-845-2430 Skate 2000 Family Fun Center 1748 S. Burlington Road Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Sk82000.com Stratosphere Trampoline Park 5 Mary Way Hainesport, NJ 08036 609-914-4470 Hainesporttrampolinepark. com Thunderbird Lanes 423 E. Main Street Wrightstown, NJ 08562 609-723-7911 Tblanes.com/Wri_Home.php Westbrook Family Bowling Center 1 Creek Road Brooklawn, NJ 08030 856-456-2692 Westbrooklanes.com

30 Strikes Lanes 12 MetroKids.com

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

ATTRACTIONS

THEATERS & ARENAS BB&T Pavilion 1 Harbour Boulevard Camden, NJ 08103 856-365-1300 Waterfrontamphitheater.com Broadway Theatre of Pitman 43 S. Broadway Pitman, NJ 08071 856-384-8381 Thebroadwaytheatre.org Burlington County Footlighters 808 Pomona Road Riverton, NJ 08077 856-829-7144 Bcfootlighters.com

Discovery Theatre 2040 Springdale Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-424-1233 Discoverymuseum.com

Moorestown Theater Company 19 W. Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 Moorestowntheatercompany.org

Haddonfield Plays & Players 957 E. Atlantic Avenue Haddonfield, NJ 08033 856-429-8139 Haddonfieldplayers.com

Patriots Theater at the War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive Trenton, NJ 609-984-8484 Nj.gov/state/memorial/index. html

Kelsey Theatre 1200 Old Trenton Road West Windsor, NJ 08550 609-570-3333 Kelseytheatre.net Mainstage Center for the Arts 27 S. Black Horse Pike Blackwood, NJ 08012 856-302-6485 Mainstage.org KIDBIT: The annual Pumpkin Festival features pumpkin painting, hayrides & pony rides.

Collingswood Community Theatre 315 White Horse Pike Collingswood, NJ 08107 856-858-9275 Collingswoodcommunity theatre.com

Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey 1401 Laurel Oak Road Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-779-2600 Psnj.org Ritz Theatre Company 915 White Horse Pike Haddon Township, NJ 08107 856-858-5230 Ritztheatreco.org

PHILLY’S ONLY

Stockton Performing Arts Center 101 Vera King Farris Drive Galloway, NJ 08205 609-652-9000 Stocktonpac.org Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Avenue, Route 129 Trenton, NJ 08611 609-656-3200 Sunnationalbankcenter.com Symphony in C 303 Cooper Street Camden, NJ 08102 856-963-6683 Symphonyinc.org Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre 455 Washington CrossingPennington Road Titusville, NJ 08560 267-885-9857 Dpacatoat.com

Main Stage (All Ages Musical) July 20, 21, & 22 • 7 PM July 22 & 23 • 2 PM July 26, 27, & 28 • 7 PM July 29 • 2 PM & 7 PM

EVENT!

HAGAN ARENA AT SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY #SERVINGFREEDOM JULY 2017

6abc News Anchor Rick Williams as ‘The Cowardly Lion’ In select Performances.

Tickets: $17 - Adults; $13 - Seniors & Students

All Shows Are At Hope Community Church • 235 W. Main St. • Moorestown, NJ

Bring thi s ad & r eceiv e $ 2 off the ticket p rice .

PRESENTED BY

Phila Freedoms 1/4 JOIN US FOR KIDS NIGHT ON JULY 28!

SESSION I (Ages 6 - 17) Jun. 26 - Jul. 14

LEAGUE SPONSORS

Show Dates July 12 - 14 SESSION II (Ages 6 - 17) Jul. 17 - Aug. 4

PHILADELPHIAFREEDOMS.COM

SESSION III (Ages 13 - 17) Aug. 7 - Aug. 18

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Show Dates August 16 - 18

Six Performances at the end of each session

SESSION IV (Ages 6 - 12) Aug. 7 - Aug. 25

Musical Theater Camp

First 250 kids (14 & under) will receive a FREE junior tennis racket!

SPONSORED BY

Summer Stage ‘17

Tickets: $12 Show Dates August 2 - 4

@PHILLYFREEDOMS

FREEDOMS SPONSORS 23K Studios • Beneficial Bank • CBS-3/CW-57 • Chaddsford Winery ChatterBlast Media • Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia-Valley Forge Drexel University • Landmark Americana • Macy’s • USTA Middle States

(MK - July)

Show Dates August 23 - 25

MoorestownTheaterCompany.org info@MoorestownTheaterCompany.org • (856) 778-8357

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017 23536_MetroKids_Ad_r2.indd 1

MetroKids.com 13 6/16/17 10:00 AM

Family Fun

DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR

Special needs event

July 4 event

$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up

1 Saturday

Independence Day Celebration at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Kick off the holiday weekend with patriotic activities and programs, early American trade demos and music. $$$ Sports Card, Comic Book and Toy Expo at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. Browse collectibles and memorabilia from more than 100 vendors and keep an eye out for special guests. $$$ Storytime: Cowboy Dreams: Sleep Tight, Little Buckaroo at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. After the story, kids create a painting of a horse. $$$ Sports Card, Comic Book and Toy Expo at the Wildwoods onvention Center, Wildwood. See July 1. $$$ Sensory-friendly Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese, Cherry Hill & Deptford. Pay as you go.

Fab Freebie

Want to introduce the kids to local history, arts and culture without breaking the bank? Take advantage of Free Museum Day on July 1 & 2, as part of the Wawa Welcome America! series of events in Philly. Participating venues include: African American Museum in Philadelphia Eastern State Penitentiary Barnes Foundation One Liberty Observation Deck National Constitution Center National Liberty Museum Philadelphia Museum of Art

14 MetroKids.com

Don’t miss the Delaware Valley’s hottest Fourth of July festivals and fireworks.

Wawa Welcome America! Series throughout Phila. Wawa teams up with venues across the city to host a week of patriotic family events and activities, culminating with the country’s largest free concert and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. FREE

2 Sunday

Explorer of the World Family Festival at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Dive into art projects and watch musician Frances England perform tunes from her album, Explorer of the World.

Pay what you wish.

Wawa Welcome America! Series throughout Phila. See July 1.

FREE

3 Monday

Wawa Welcome America! Series throughout Phila. See July 1.

FREE

4 Tuesday

July 4th Parade at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. FREE Patriotic Pooch Parade, N. Wildwood. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed pups. FREE

7 Friday

Family Movie Night: Sing at Lindenwold Park, Lindenwold. FREE Kids and Critters Preschool Program at Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury. Stories, crafts and outdoor exploration are all part of the fun. $$ NJ State Barbecue Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival on Olde New Jersey Avenue, N. Wildwood. Enjoy cooking demos, food and local and international blues acts. FREE

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

Fan Of … Animal Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art recently unleashed its summer-long Art Splash program, inspired by the wildlife photography of Nicholas “Nick” Nichols.

Through Sept. 4, families channel their wild side via gallery exploration, studio art creations, festivals and imaginative play.

The museum provides fresh fun biweekly with five sets of activities themed to different groups of critters.

Splash: Through July 9 Prowl: July 11-23

11 Tuesday

Preschool Nature Class: In the Tall, Tall Gradd at the Watershed Center, Pennington. Includes outdoor adventures, stories and crafts. $$ Read & Pick: Blueberries at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Parents and kids learn about the fruit through storytime and picking their own container. $$

12 Wednesday

Family Stages Presents Finding King Tut at the Penn Museum, Phila. The production combines humor and history to explore ancient Egyptian culture and the work of archaeologist Howard Carter. $$$

Fly: Aug. 8-20

Freedom Fest State Fair at the Horse Park of New Jersey, Allentown. Festivities include carnival games & rides, live music, racing pigs, magic shows, petting farms and horse shows.

Through July 16. $$$

Play: Aug. 22-Sept. 4

Stroller Tour at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$

Climb: July 25-Aug. 6

Daily activities include family tours, Splash Studio and the Art Cart, loaded with games, animal fun facts and projects.

8 Saturday

BlueBeary Blast & Celebrate NJ Festival at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden.

Celebrate New Jersey and the official state fruit with crafts and activities. $$ Blueberry Bash at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Festivities include pickyour-own blueberry bushes, wagon rides, pony rides, music and a bakeoff. $$ Butterfly Tea Party at the Watershed Center, Pennington. Tour the butterfly house, then stick around for stories and sugar cookies. $$$ Family Art Workshop: Paw Prints at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$ Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival in downtown Haddonfield. The outdoor festival includes ceramics, jewelry, wood, fiber, metal, paper, photography and wearable art. FREE NJ State Barbecue Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival on Olde New Jersey Avenue, N. Wildwood. See July 7.. FREE Sand-Sculpting Festival on Wildwood Crest, Wildwood, NJ. View impressive amateur-crafted creations, as well as live music and games. FREE

9 Sunday

BlueBeary Blast & Celebrate NJ Festival at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. See July 8. $$ Blueberry Bash at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. See July 8. $$ Family Tour at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, $$$$ Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival in downtown Haddonfield. See July 8. FREE NJ State Barbecue Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival on Olde New Jersey Avenue, N. Wildwood. See July 7.. FREE

10 Monday

Monday Night Entertainment Series at Williams Morrow Beach, Somers Point. FREE

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

13 Thursday

Preschool Nature Class: In the Tall, Tall Gradd at the Watershed Center, Pennington. See July 11. $$

14 Friday

Crabulous Crab Day at the Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor. Activities include crab-themed games, crafts, tips & tricks, cook-offs and teaching tanks. $$ Wide Open Weekend at the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. FREE

15 Saturday

13th Annual Celtic Festival at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Enjoy live tunes around the grounds, hands-on demos and chats with historical interpreters. $$$ Bastille Day Festival at Eastern State Penitentiary, Phila.

Experimental cabaret troupe Bearded Ladies leads a whimsical reenactment of the French Revolution, complete with a beheading and torrents of Tastykakes raining from the tower. FREE Bubble Palooza at the Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown.

This non-competitive 3-mile course is paved with bubbles. $$$$ Family Art Workshop: Paw Prints at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$ Secrets of the Forest Hike at the Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury.

Budding naturalists examine the plants and animals that reside in the area. $$ National Dance Competition at the Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood. Cheer on large and small groups that range from amateur to pro. FREE Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Weekend at Morris Arboretum, Phila. Watch Thomas and his pals chug along the Garden Railway. $$$ Wide Open Weekend at the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. FREE

16 Sunday

13th Annual Celtic Festival at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See July 15. $$$

continued on p. 18 MetroKids.com 15

Family Fun

The Year’s Best and BIGGEST Festivals SUMMER 2017 South Jersey Caribbean Festival

WHEN: July 22 WHERE: Wiggins Park, Camden WHAT: Spend the day celebrating Caribbean culture via family-oriented activities, cuisine, vendors and interactive performances by local, national and international artists.

Apple Festival

WHEN: Oct. 14 WHERE: Kirby’s Mill, Medford WHAT: The Medford Historical Society’s annual extravaganza features 100-plus craft vendors, food, live music, demos, fun for kids and apple treats. (The apple-cider donut is a must-try!)

Atlantic City Seafood Festival

SPRING 2018

WHEN: Sept. 16 WHERE: Gazebo Park, Barnegat WHAT: Bring your scallywags for a day of seafarin’ fun, including kids’ costume contests, nearly 200 vendors, themed entertainment and strolling pirates who interact with visitors.

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

FALL 2017

16 MetroKids.com

WHEN: December WHERE: Downtown Medford WHAT: The area transforms into a village reminiscent of A Christmas Carol, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, period music, magic shows, ice carvings, a live nativity and appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

WHEN: Dec. 8 WHERE: Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood WHAT: Revel in the holidays in the warmth of the indoors. There’ll be holiday craft vendors, selfies with Santa, live music and entertainment.

Barnegat Bay Pirates Day

WHEN: Oct. 7 WHERE: Haddon Avenue, Collingswood WHAT: Bookworms of all ages meet authors of adult- and kid-friendly titles, chat with bookkeepers, listen to storytellers and poetry readings, join workshops and browse exhibits.

Dickens Festival

Family Holiday Celebration

WHEN: Sept. 9 & 10 WHERE: Atlantic City Boardwalk WHAT: Professional chefs and amateurs offer up their finest fare for samples and competitions, including the popular chowder cook-off. Families are entertained by cooking demos, live music, beachthemed art and a crab-eating contest.

Proceeds benefit the state’s food bank.

Collingswood Book Festival

WINTER 2017-2018

South Jersey Pumpkin Show

WHEN: Oct. 13-15 WHERE: Salem County Fairground, Woodstown WHAT: Fall fun abounds here; you’ll find seasonal food, dog and decorated stroller parades, a massive pumpkin display, amusement and hayrides, food contests and the Little Miss & Mister Pumpkin pageant.

WHEN: March 3-11 WHERE: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia WHAT: Themed “Wonders of Water,” the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show rolls out colorful exhibits surrounded by fountains, ponds and rain gardens.

Kids can partake in workshops and mini competitions just their size.

Camden Comic Con

WHEN: April 7 WHERE: Rutgers-Camden County College Campus, Camden WHAT: This all-ages convention introduces kids to the world of pop-culture fandom with hands-on workshops, tabletop gaming, costume contests, comic-book artist meet-and-greets and face painting.

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

Family Fun Wildwoods International Kite Festival

WHEN: May WHERE: Rio Grande Avenue Beach, Wildwood WHAT: North America’s biggest kite festival features an after-dark illuminated kite fly, the East Coast Stunt Kite Championships, workshops, family games and the must-see World Indoor Kite Competition, where participants show off their ability to fly kites without wind.

Sustainable Cherry Hill Earth Festival

SUMMER 2018

WHEN: May WHERE: South Street Headhouse District, Philadelphia WHAT: There’ll be entertainment, food, vendors and a family fun zone complete with hands-on arts and crafts, music, dance performances, martial arts demos and face painting.

PECO

Multicultural Series This series of events at Philly’s Penn’s Landing celebrates cultures around the globe through traditional music, dance, activities and food.

ACANA African Festival Aug. 6 Festival of India Aug. 12

May Fair

South Street Spring Festival

WHEN: June WHERE: Terhune Orchards, Princeton WHAT: As the sun sets, hunt for lightning bugs while you make wings or bug boxes, hop on wagon and pony rides and learn from circus pros how to juggle, spin plates, balance feathers and walk a tight wire.

Islamic Heritage Festival July 22

WHEN: April WHERE: Croft Farm, Cherry Hill WHAT: Eco-friendly fun includes 150 green vendors, live music, activities hosted by community organizations, healthy snacks and a family bike ride.

WHEN: May 26 WHERE: Haddon Avenue, Collingswood WHAT The spring staple features a farmer’ market, music, an antique and classic auto show, pony rides, carnival games, arts and crafts, face painting and local vendors.

Firefly Festival

New Jersey Renaissance Faire

WHEN: May & June WHERE: Liberty Lake, Bordentown WHAT: Encounter sword fighters, dancers, musicians, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians and fire breathers, all set around seven stages of entertainment and dozens of merchants.

Moorestown Day

WHEN: June WHERE: Main Street, Moorestown WHAT: Celebrate the community while you enjoy vendors, sidewalk sales, theater performances, food and music.

Caribbean Festival Aug. 20 Blue Corn Organic & Green Festival Sept. 3 Mexican Independence Day Festival Sept. 10 Brazilian Day Philadelphia Sept. 17 Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information.

PECO Multicultural Series ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

MetroKids.com 17

Family Fun continued from p. 15 Smithville Fife & Drum Corp at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. FREE Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Weekend at Morris Arboretum, Phila. See July 15. $$$ Wide Open Weekend at the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. FREE

18 Tuesday

Sandcastle Workshop at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. Kids learn sculpting techniques and make hand-built clay structures. $$$ Preschool Nature Class: Mother Nature’s Palette at the Watershed Center, Pennington. Includes outdoor adventures, stories and crafts. $$

19 Wednesday

Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE

20 Thursday

Railroad Days at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. The village is lined with model railroads, garden displays and vendors. $$$ Race Roll Dye 5K Color Run at Rio Grave Avenue and the Boardwalk, Wildwood. $$$$ South Jersey Caribbean Festival at Wiggins Park, Camden. Spend the day celebrating Caribbean culture via family-oriented activities, cuisine, vendors and interactive performances by local, national and international artists. FREE Storybook Celebration at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. Explore fairy tale-themed exhibits with book crafts & storytime classics and visit the Giant’s Garden to plant magic beans to take home. $$ Sweet Corn Festival at Oasis Family Farm, Robbinsville. Expect wagon rides, a roasted corn-eating contest and farm attractions. FREE

23 Sunday

Face it! Flower Pots Workshop at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. $$$

Family Tour at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$

Preschool Nature Class: Mother Nature’s Palette at the Watershed Center, Pennington.

See July 18. $$

Railroad Days at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See July 22. $$$

Sensory-friendly Morning at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$

21 Friday

Kids and Critters Preschool Program at the Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury. $$

22 Saturday

Storybook Celebration at Camden Children’s Garden, Camden. See July 22. $$

25 Tuesday

Summer Mommers Concert: Quaker City String Band on Powell Lane, Collingswood.

FREE

26 Wednesday

Access to Science: Opening the Doors to Autism at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Kids on the autism spectrum and their families experience the museum before it opens to the public. Pay what you wish.

Steve Abrams Presents Aesop’s Fables at the Penn Museum, Phila. Expect plenty of audience participation during this performance by the master puppeteer. $$$

Brazil at the Beach on the Garfield Avenue Beach, Wildwood. Festivities include dancing, drum performances and food. FREE

Butterfly Tea Party at the Watershed Center, Pennington. See July 8. $$$

Ecology Walk at Newton Lake Park, Haddon Twp. FREE

Family Art Workshop: Wild About Painting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$

Family Art Workshop: Wild About Painting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$

Hands-on History at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Try your hand at crafts and trades from the 1800s like writing with a quill pen, sanding wood and making a pinch pot, $$$

Great Stream Exploration at Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, Pennington.

Dress appropriately to search the water for salamanders, frogs and aquatic insects. FREE Morey's Piers Beach Sports Weekend on Mariner's Landing Pier, Wildwood. This tournament includes competitions in foot golf, field hockey, track and lacrosse. FREE Noctural Geocache at the Watershed Center, Pennington. Use a GPS and flashlight to navigate your way to the campfire. $$

18 MetroKids.com

29 Saturday

30 Sunday

Family Tour at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $$$$ Hands-on History at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. See July 29. $$$

Log on to MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information, including address, phone number, time & website.

JULY 4TH

FIREWORKS

Start your summer vacation season with a bang and locate your nearest Independence Day fireworks displays.

Times are approximate; check your local municipality for rain dates.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Marlton July 4: Cherokee High School; 9:30pm Medford July 1: Freedom Park; 6pm Mount Holly July 2: Iron Works Park; 9pm CAMDEN COUNTY Audubon July 4: Audubon High School; 9pm Camden July 1: Delaware River Waterfront; 9:30pm

Clementon July 4: Clementon Park & Splash World; 9pm Collingswood July 4: Collingswood High School; 9:15pm Haddonfield July 3: Haddonfield Memorial High School; 9pm GLOUCESTER COUNTY Washington Township July 4: Washington Township High School; 9pm Williamstown July 4: Williamstown High School; 9pm Woodbury July 1: Woodbury Junior-Senior High School; 0pm CAPE MAY COUNTY Cape May July 4: Congress Beach; 9m Wildwood July 4: Pine Avenue Beach; 10pm Ocean City July 4: Music Pier; 10pm ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Early Education Directory DAY CARE FY: Full Year AY: Academic Year SP: Summer Program MP: Meals Provided

•

PRE-K

•

KINDERGARTEN

BS: Before School AS: After School DA: Diapers Accepted TP: Transportation Provided

SN: Special Needs DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Serv.

DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv.

NAEYC: Accredited by National Association of Education of Young Children PAIS: Accredited by PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited by Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools AMS: Accredited by American Montessori Society

* Note: DHS* License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

CAMDEN COUNTY (continued)

BEGINNINGS AT MFS: THE MOORESTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL Early Childhood Program, 110 E. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 856-914-4428 • MFriends.org Ages: 3 & up • Hours: 8:05am-3:10pm Beginnings at MFS: The Moorestown Friends School Early Childhood Program offers a values-based education for 3-year-olds and up. A project-based approach to learning and wide range of special subject areas are hallmarks of the experience. Moorestown Friends School is one of the only schools in the United States to offer a Coding Program to all Lower School students - Preschool through Grade 4. This innovative program has three strands: coding, problem solving and teamwork. These skills will be in high demand as the 21st century progresses.

Half-day and full-day Preschool is available. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten are full-day programs. AY, SP, BS, AS, MSCES

SARI ISDANER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT THE KATZ JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ • 856-424-4444 • KatzJCC.org Ages: 6 wks.-K • Hours: 6:45am-6:15pm, M-Th; 6pm, F Infant/Toddler Day Care. Half- & Full-Day Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten & Parent/Child Classes. Warm, caring, loving professional staff. Enriching curriculum, based in Jewish values, in state-of-the-art, child-friendly facility. Learning is play-based & child-directed to promote social, physical, emotional & verbal skills. Programs include reading readiness, science, math, language, social studies, music, art, swim, gym & Jewish holiday and cultural celebrations. Facility includes age-appropriate classrooms with learning centers, computer labs, 3 playgrounds including indoor play structure, indoor pool, gym & secure entrance. Snacks daily. Contact for free tour & gift. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS*, DE, NAEYC

ESSENTIAL BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER 1329 Rte. 38, Hainsport, NJ 609-667-7838 • info@essentialbeginningslc.com Essentialbeginningslc.com • Ages: 2-1/2 yrs.-13 yrs.

Hours 6:30am - 6:00pm Essential Beginnings embraces the differentiation approach to teaching. This method ensures that all children, can learn the content based on their learning style. FY, AY, SP, SN, DYF FUTURE SCHOLARS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Bruni Square, 1351 Rte. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport, NJ 609-518-1333 • FutureScholarsLearning.com Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm “Where Generations Come and Grow” Full- and half-day classes available year round.

Family-owned and operated with an owner on premises daily. Offering Infant & Toddler Care, PreSchool, Drop-In Hourly Daycare, Established Full-Day Kindergarten, Before- and After-School Care with bussing for township students, Private Tutoring and Summer Camp! We are your onestop solution for early education and child care! STOP BY TODAY FOR A TOUR! FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DYF LITTLE DARLINGS CHILDCARE CENTER 624 Moorestown-Mt.Laurel Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ • 856-787-0737 Ages: 10 wks.-10 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm Come visit Little Darlings’ State-of-the-Art Child Care Center located on 2½ acres in Mt. Laurel, NJ. We offer full- and part-time care, emergency drop in and a before/ after kindergarten program. We serve breakfast and two snacks daily. Little Darlings has separate age-appropriate play areas with colorful and fun play equipment, soft surface flooring and rubber mulch. All staff is First Aid, Infant and Child CPR Certified. Tuition includes all Preschool programs as well as daily specials such as: Hands-on Science, Cooking, Spanish, Gym, Music, Art, Yoga and much more. Little Darlings offers a full range of Summer Camp activities, including Certified Swimming Lessons in our in-ground pool. Owner-operated / Security System. Rated #1 childcare center in five surrounding counties. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, TP, DHS*, DE, DYF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 32 W. Main St., Moorestown, NJ • 856-235-5371 • www.olgcnj.org/school Ages: 4 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm • school@olgcnj.org Our Lady of Good Counsel School features full- and half-day pre-kindergarten programs, as well as full-day kindergarten. Children in first through eighth grades are educated in a top-notch, Catholic school environment, where our mission to form students in the image of Jesus Christ is reinforced daily. We provide education in music, art, specialized clubs, sports, after-school enrichment programs such as Lego Robotics and Latin, Spanish, technology, and physical education. Students do not need to be Catholic to attend our school.

Please call to arrange a tour. Financial aid and volunteer opportunities available. AY, SP, AS

CAMDEN COUNTY BEECHWOOD SCHOOL, PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN 441 Beechwood Ave., Haddonfield, NJ • 856-429-0303 • TheBeechwoodSchool.com • Ages: 2½ yrs.-K Preschool, Kindergarten, Childcare. Beechwood School is a family-owned, independent, statelicensed school since 1951. We offer both half-day and full-day classes year round for children 2½ through kindergarten. Call for a tour. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DYF

SHINING LIGHTS PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE CENTER 1720 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ • 856-424-4915 Ages: 2-1/2 yrs.-5 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Bible-based curriculum designed by our degreed director and certified teachers focuses on your child’s individual needs. Each classroom boasts hands-on exploration and discovery promoting learning centers. Small class sizes allow a variety of programs, which include: field trips, holiday shows, cooking projects and themed days. State-of-the-art security system and fenced-in playground. FY, AY, SP, DA, DYF

GLOUCESTER COUNTY BUILDING BLOCKS CHILDCARE Applewood Dr., Logan Township • 856-975-6247 www.buildingblockscc.vpweb.com - Ages: 6 wks – 12 yrs - Hours: 24 hours Building Blocks Childcare is a 24-hr. home care facility. We have daily age-appropriate activities.

We also go on local trips to the park and library, as well as field trips. We are very flexible and have rates from daily to rates that include overtime. We also accept Rutgers vouchers. Rutgers Resource and Referral. FY, MP, BS, AS, DA, TP, SN HOLDING HANDS FAMILY CHILD CARE & PLAY CENTER 138 Tomlin Station Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ • 856-467-6811 Ages: Infant-School Age • Hours: 6am-6:30pm A place for families providing exceptional care, engaged learning and everyday play.

A full-service center in a new facility with a gym, three playgrounds, access control system and video monitoring. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS*

BUCKS COUNTY BRIGHT BEGINNERS ACADEMY 800 Clarmont Ave., Suite A, Bensalem, PA 19020 267-520-7200 • http://brightbeginnersacademy.com Ages: 6 weeks to 6 yrs old • Hours: 6:45am - 6pm Our preschool is designed to meet the needs of every child in a developmentally inclusive setting. Our program encourages progress at a child’s own pace and according to individual needs and abilities. Play-based learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, blocks, music, creative art and technology provide opportunities to balance and stimulate both shared and independent learning experiences. Private pay and subsidized funding accepted, infant and toddler care available. Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, AY, SP, DA, SN, DHS*, DE

CLASSIFIEDS - EDUCATION SPEECH THERAPY. Experienced, certified speech pathologist. Convenient-will come to your home. Burlington & N. Camden counties. Free Consultation. Call 888-887-9147. Abilities Unlimited.

What are you looking for?

DAYCARE

MetroKids.com/childcare ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

MetroKids.com 19

Directory Exciting experiences await your children at summer camps in the Delaware Valley this year! This camp directory includes a wide range of choices for all abilities, ages and interests.

Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas.

• Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel.

• Special features: Blue icons at the end of each listing indicate if a camp offers extended day care, part-day or part-week schedules, financial aid or transportation. Abbreviations denote whether a camp is ACA accredited, has a counselor-in-training program or may accommodate some special needs. See the key at the bottom of the page.

JCC Camps at Medford 400 Tuckerton Rd., Medford; 856-751-1666

Liberty Lake Day Camp, 1195 Florence-Columbus Rd., PO Box 370, Columbus 609-499-7820 Little Darlings Child Care Center 624 Moorestown-Mt. Laurel Rd., Mt. Laurel 856-787-0737

Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps.

Show your appreciation for the advertisers in the directory by mentioning you saw their listing in MetroKids.

KEY Has extended hours

Part-day or part-week sessions

Offers financial aid

Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

Moorestown Theater Company (MTC) Summer Stage ‘17 Hope Community Church, 235 W. Main St., Moorestown info@moorestowntheater company.org

iD Tech, Princeton, Rowan, Monmouth, Rider, NYU, MIT & More!; 1-844-788-1858 info@idtech.com; Idtech.com ISC Summer Day Camp of Cherry Hill, Deptford, Cherry Hill & Mt. Laurel Lavner Camps!, Mult. Locations in PA and NJ; 610-664-8800; justin@lavnercamps.com Sixers Camps, Multiple Locations; 610-668-7676; Director@sixerscamps.com BURLINGTON Camp Creek Run,199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton; 856-596-4250; campcreekrun@yahoo.com Camp Ockanickon, Camp Matollionequay, Camp Stockwell 1303 Stokes Rd., Medford; 609-654-8225; info@ycamp.org Chartwell’s Happy Day Camp, 136 Paragon Ave., Marlton; 856-983-8827 Chartwell@Chartwellfun.com NEW LOCATION: 200 Country Club Pkwy., Mt. Laurel; 856-574-4898; Ramblewood@ ChartwellFun.com Essential Beginnings Learning Center, 1329 Rte. 38, Hainsport; 609-667-7838 info@essentialbeginningslc.com; Essentialbeginningslc.com Future Scholars Early Learning Center 1351 Rt. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport 609-518-1333 admin@futurescholars learning.com

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DAY Summer Camp offers full & half days with various schedules available. Activities include field trips & in-house visitors along with moonbounce, water play, cooking classes, music & sports, just to name a few.

We continue to educate your child through our themebased activities & curriculum so your child won’t fall behind this summer. Private tutoring available.

6:30am-6:30pm.

DAY Offers a wide range of exciting & fun themerelated activities in a safe, secure environment while promoting positive self-esteem, friendships & a sense of creativity. Campers enjoy field trips, swimming lessons in our in-ground pool, cooking, sports, art, music, scrapbooking and more. Breakfast included daily; one luncheon provided each week. 6:30am6:30pm. Numerous schedules.

Moorestown Friends School Summer Programs, 110 E. Main St., Moorestown 856-914-4493

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

856-428-8588; Intsports.com

DAY, TRAVEL The JCC Camps at Medford, an awardwinning, ACA-accredited summer day camp, is proud to be celebrating 75 years of providing children ages 3-14 with the ultimate summer experience in South Jersey. Watch our camp video and learn more: ACA CIT SN jcccampsatmedford.org.

DAY, PROGRAM MTC hosts “Summer Stage,” an award-winning musical theater camp for children ages 6-17. SJ Magazine voted MTC’s Summer Stage as the “Best Summer Camp” five of the past six years (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 & 2016) and “Best Community Theater” in two other years (2013 & 2014). Suburban Family Magazine voted MTC as “Best Family Theater” or “Best Children’s Theater” for the past six years (20112016). MTC’s Teachers/Counselors are all in college or beyond, and we have a staff/camper ratio of 4:1. Ask us about our one-week Costume & Tech Camps, too!

CIT SN CAMDEN

Camp Gan Israel, 1925 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill; 856-874-1500; info@welovecgi.com WeloveCGI.com Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club Summer Camp, 1820 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill; 856-429-1388; Chhrc.com/our-programs/tennis/tennis-camps Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC 1301 Springdale Rd,.

Cherry Hill 856-424-4444 ext. 1243

DAY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, an awardwinning summer day camp, is the place for little campers ages 2-5 to have big fun! Children learn new skills, develop socially and create friendships, all while having a blast. Learn more at katzjcc.org/ecccamps.

Haddonfield Friends School Summer Camp 47 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield 856-429-6786 ext. 211 summercamp@haddonfield friends.org

DAY June 19-Aug. 18. All activities are supervised by trained, experienced, certified educators. Each session incorporates an age-appropriate enrichment theme such as music, sports, cooperative games, crafts, drama, computers, science, cultural connections, nature study & water play. Many theme weeks culminate with events, performances & trips.

Shining Lights Preschool and Daycare Center 1720 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill 856-424-4915 Shininglightsonline.org

DAY Camp Rising Stars is a Summer Camp Program offered by Shining Lights Early Childhood Center for children ages 2 through first grade. 10-week program; children may attend all 10 weeks or just a few.

Children are divided into age-based groups and take part in fun theme-related activities throughout the summer. Past weekly themes include space, Elephant & Piggie, cars, jungle animals and taste of summer.

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ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

Directory GLOUCESTER Tall Pines Day Camp 1349 Sykesville Rd., Williamstown 856-262-3900 fun@tallpinesdaycamp.com

DAY Serving Center City/South Jersey/Shore Points.

State certified & ACA accredited. 66 acres include 45,000 sq. ft. of A/C indoor space, climbing tower, pedal karts, gymnastics, driving range, horseback riding, 8,500 sq. ft. of pools, soccer & baseball fields, hockey, basketball, tennis courts, arts & music programs. Open house on Feb. ACA 11, March 18, April 22 & May 20.

OUTLYING AREAS

Discovery Camp at The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., Phila. 19103 215-222-7633; Fi.edu/discovery

Easter Seals Camp Fairlee, 22242 Bay Shore Rd., Chestertown, MD; 410-778-0566 Fairlee@esdel.org Easter Seals NJ: Camp Merry Heart, 21 O’Brien Rd., Hackettstown; 908-852-3896 camp@nj.easterseals.com Echo Hill Camp, 13655 Bloomingneck Rd., Worton, MD; 410-348-5303 Primitive Pursuits, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY; 607-272-2292 ext. 195 primitivepursuitscamp@gmail.com; Primitivepursuits.com/overnight-camps Science Camp Watonka, PO Box 127, Hawley, PA; 570-857-1401; mail@watonka.com Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science Institute, Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada; 888-54-WHALE; whalecamp@verizon.net; whalecamp.com YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser, 201 Cushion Peak Rd., PO Box 147, Wernersville, PA 610-670-2267 Young People’s Theater Workshop (YPTW); Theatre Arts Summer Camps at Eastern University and Strath Haven Middle School; 363 Radford Ct., Glen Mills, PA 610-558-0988

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

A Ministry of Bethel Baptist Church

SOAR INTO SUMMER FUN! At Shining Lights summer camp, Camp Rising Stars for children 2 1/2 years through first grade!

CAMP RISING STARS is an activity-based summer camp program for preschool children.

• Weekly movie-themed activities • Bi-Monthly Field Trips • Tuesday Sports program: Amazing Athletes.

Full-day

1720 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 kindergarten

856-424-4915

www.shininglightsonline.org

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CAMPS

Metrokids.com/Camp

MetroKids.com 21

CLASSES

Summer Arts Make time for creativity and benefit your kids

By Peyton Pflug Now that school is out and summer has begun, every kid is ready for the fun and enrichment of an arts experience.

Whether your child is a beginner or already has a flair for the creative, the arts provide proven benefits.

New ways of learning

Arts classes offer kids new realms of experience. For example, programs at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ introduce young kids to artistic expression. “Making art fosters creativity and individuality,” explains curator Cassandra Demski. Summer is an ideal time for learning or trying new things and, “of course, making art is fun,” she adds.

Children participating in Storytime in the Galleries at Grounds for Sculpture read stories in English and Spanish. The program features an art project taught in both languages with creative expression used to reinforce newly learned basic Spanish vocabulary.

Revealing interests and passions

Kids can take advantage of Philadelphia’s rich history and art resources through programs such as Saturday classes at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for middle school students. On field trips, kids explore the city’s many historical stories. They turn their observations into art projects and are encouraged to find a unique style and explore new art media.

At Moore College of Art’s Young Artists Workshops, students in grades 1-12 connect with their creativity and with other young artists during week-long sessions from July to August. Founded in 1921, this program provides a grounding in the visual arts. A faculty of certified art eductors enourage creative self-expression as students learn technical skills.

Confidence building In addition to the fun experience, art helps a child develop fine motor skills and also builds neural connections, according to several studies. Making art in a group “promotes social skills and builds a sense of community,” says Demski.

22 MetroKids.com

Another benefit kids will get out of learning about art — especially for high school students — is a higher confidence level. Gabe Neeld, Program and Camp Director at Delaware’s Center for the Creative Arts, notes that busy teenagers can be challenging to motivate, especially in the summer.

The arts can provide a wide selection of options that boost teens’ confidence through free exploration. “The arts have something for everyone to gain, whether it be artistic or personal,” says Neeld.

Visual arts and performing arts options are suited to every child’s t emperament.

Kids who prefer to work with others may join theater or music classes.

Painting and drawing programs allow inward-focused teens to explore their creativity while emphasizing individuality and artistic freedom. “You choose what to take out of the experience,” says Neeld.

Peyton Pflug is a MetroKids summer intern.

Photos Courtesy Gabe Neeld, Program and Camp Director/Facilities Coordinator, Center for the Creative Arts

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

What are you looking for?

CLASSES Drama Instrumental Art Martial Arts Gymnastics Vocal Ballet Athletic

• 6 Weeks to 13 Years • Full Day Kindergarten • Before & After School Care • Summer Camp • Drop In Hourly Daycare

“Where Generations Come & Grow” Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm

Stop In Today For Your Personal Tour!

SUMMER CAMP

FREE ENROLL C ANOW M P B AG with for Full-Day Enrollment Kindergarten 2017-2018

w/ Flexible Scheduling

FREE CAMP BAG with

Bruni Square, 1351 Rt. 38W, Building B Ste. 1 Hainesport, NJ

Enrollment

(Next to Snap Fitness)

Metrokids.com/Classes ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

609-518-1333

www.FutureScholarsLearning.com MetroKids.com 23

HEALTH

ALLERGY-SAFE DINING OUT Don’t let stress ruin restaurant fun

By Cheryl Lynne Potter Eating out is fun for parents and kids, but when food allergies come into play, eating out can become a stressful experience. Kids with food allergies are always at risk, and for them, eating the wrong food could cause an allergic reaction or even death.

A safe place to dine

Rachel Hoffman of Elk Township, New Jersey, knows this scenario all too well.

Her 11-year-old son, Caleb, is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy. When the Hoffman family eats out, their biggest problem with many restaurants is something most people don’t even think about: the cooking oil.

“We always ask what type of oil they cook with,” says Hoffman. “If it is peanut oil, we leave. If they use soy or vegetable oil, great.”

Hoffman’s next question is whether or not they use separate fryers. “A lot of places will cook everything in the same big vat of oil,” she says. “They cook their fries and nuggets in the same oil they’ll cook mozzarella sticks and walnutcrusted chicken in. That is a no-no, and very dangerous for Caleb — so we have to try another place,” she says.

So far, she hasn’t found the ideal restaurant for her son’s allergies. But some that make her and her son feel more comfortable than others. Caleb feels best at places like Outback Steakhouse or a local favorite, the Pegasus Restaurant in Malaga, New Jersey.

Food allergies

One in every 13 children has a food allergy. That number is increasing, but the reasons why remain a mystery. The most common food allergies in children are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat. Some youngsters are also allergic to shellfish, gluten, fish, sesame and MSG. There’s no known cure for food allergies, however epinephrine can treat the

24 MetroKids.com

symptoms of an allergic reaction. However, the drug won’t prevent a reaction from occurring.

Tips for eating out

Today, many restaurants have become more allergy-friendly. “Many families are looking for safe places to dine,” says Lynda Mitchell, acting CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The foundation has a separate division called Kids With Food Allergies, based in Fountainville Pennsylvania, which is part of Bucks County. “When parents find places that are safe for their children, they become loyal customers,” says Mitchell.

She offers several tips to parents to help keep an allergic youngster safe: Always call a restaurant in advance.

“Parents should speak with a manager or other staff member to see if safe accommodations can be made for food allergies,” says Michele Innes, Clinical Pediatric Dietitian at Nemours/Alfred l. duPont Hospital for Children. If a parent hasn’t called in advance, it’s important to speak with a manager and if possible the chef — before being seated — to ensure a restaurant is an appropriate place to eat.

Bring a food allergy card. This can alert the chef and serving staff about your child’s particular allergy and what foods should be avoided in his food.

Talk with the restaurant manager, waiter or waitress. “Don’t be shy about asking whatever questions you need to feel comfortable,” says Paul Antico, Founder and CEO of Allergy Eats, a peer-reviewed directory of allergy-friendly restaurants throughout the U.S. Three of Antico’s family of seven have food allergies, so he’s an expert at getting the necessary information when eating away from home.

Always review the meal with your server. Do this when the food arrives at your table to ensure that the allergy

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

Allergy-free dining in the Delaware Valley Kid-friendly restaurants for children with allergies

LARGE CHAINS

Outback Steakhouse This national food chain got high marks from some members of Allergy Eats. Members said that the staff was knowledgeable and accommodating to people with food allergies. Some members talked about how the staff went out of its way cleaning equipment or cooking on foil for a child with food allergies. requirements have been met and the meal is safe, says Antico.

Be prepared and bring your meds.

Never take a bite of food when you dine out unless you have your emergency medication with you, says Antico.

Return good service with courtesy.

When you have a good experience at a restaurant, he says, “thank the staff and tip the server well” to encourage the restaurant to continue their allergy-friendly efforts.

Red Robin These restaurants offer an interactive menu to help make recommendations based on your food allergy.

Chuck E. Cheese This favorite of young kids features both vegetarian and gluten-free pizza. Their online kids menu lists the ingredients in their food products.

Chipotle Mexican Grill The burritos, tacos and other menu items contain no peanuts or tree nuts.

Cheryl Lynne Potter is a freelance writer.

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Dave & Buster’s Look online to find menu information for all common food allergies, including as fish, egg, milk soy, tree nuts wheat/gluten and shellfish.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill Offers an online gluten-sensitive menu.

NEW TO AREA

Not Your Average Joe’s Ardmore, Pa. An “Allergy Eats 2017 Top 10 Allergy Friendly Restaurant Chain”.

AREA RESTAURANT

The Pop Shop 729 Haddon Ave., Collingswood 856-869-0111 One S. Main St., Medford Lakes 609-975-6888 Allergy Eats Members praised how knowledgeable and accommodating this restaurants is to people who have food allergies.

.com

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HEALTH RESOURCES

& ADVICE? We treat kids with fractures & sports injuries!

For injuries that can’t wait

Metrokids.com/Health ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

215-430-4000

shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/philadelphia MetroKids.com 25

EDUCATION

Single-GendeR Are they right Schools for your child?

By Terri Akman With so many educational options — public, private, charter, religious, single-gender — choosing the best school for your child can be a challenge. During the 2013-14 school year, there were more than 1,300 all-girls or all-boys private U.S. schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Many parents believe a single-gender education provides a positive learning and growing experience for their children, with fewer distractions.

Benefits of single-gender education

Taking boys out of the classroom offers many benefits to girls, says Megan Murphy, executive director of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. She notes that girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science and technology compared to girls who graduate from co-ed schools.

At a girls’ school, “every student on the science Olympiad team, robotics team or who is a mathlete, is a girl,” she says. “The younger girls see these peer role models who are passionate about pursuing science and say, ‘I can do that too.’”

The Walker children, boys Stephen, 13, William, 11 and Andrew, 8, all attend The Haverford School, a private all-boys school. “We want to provide an environment where our kids flourish and the single-gender provides an opportunity where

26 MetroKids.com

the boys are less distracted and are able to hunker down and focus,” says mom Dorothy Walker, from Bryn Mawr.

While the biggest drawback to single-gender education may be lack of experience learning about and interacting with the opposite sex, the Walker boys mingle with girls at extra-curricular activities and during some shared programs. One favorite is pairing with girls for robotics. But their mother doesn’t feel they are missing out by spending most of the school day apart.

“The value system is important to the education here. The boys know how to respect people whether you are a boy or a girl,” she says. “I see them treating everybody the same.”

More focused learning

“The boys will tell you they are more capable of focusing; the teachers will tell you that they can teach specific subject matter that interests boys to keep their attention; and I will tell you from a parent perspective there’s a huge difference with regard to how boys and girls engage in learning,” says Jay Greytok, head of the Haverford Middle School.

“Research demonstrates that girls who attend single-gender high schools report stronger academic achievement in college, higher entrollment in STEM majors, greater confidence with public speaking, and more extracurricular and political engagement,” says Jacqueline Coccia, principal of the Academy of Notre Dame de Nemeurs, a grade 6-12 school for girls in Villanova, PA. At Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, boys and girls learn together in elementary school, but from 6th through 12th grades, the school only teaches girls.

“Middle school is when girls become distracted and everything else begins to take over in terms of self-esteem and

what boys think,” says Lin Nordmeyer, Ursuline Academy marketing/communications manager. “Research shows that in an all-girl environment, they’re not embarrassed about being smart. And the sisterhood element is very strong.”

Both schools partner with singlegender schools of the opposite sex for arts programs, plays, field trips and other activities, and “social media has helped the guys who would like more involvement with young women,” Greytok says.

When faced with sports competition like the swim team, where girls and boys must both compete, Haverford partners with girls from the Baldwin School. But for the most part, single-gender sports are part of the growth experience.

“Sports helps girls get their voice and find their way,” points out Nordmeyer.

Is it right for your child?

“Single-sex education isn’t right for every child and should be handled on a case by case basis,” says Hollis Evans, psychiatric social worker and therapist at Lourdes Medical Center in Willingboro. “The point is to benefit the child’s academic development and I don’t think there’s a significant cost to their social interpersonal growth.”

Parents are experts at understanding their own children intuitively, he says, and they should talk to their children about their options. Outline for them what the advantages and disadvantages might be. “It’s an ongoing evaluation with your child,” says Evans. “Maybe in their younger years the kids might like it but as they get older they might want to try a co-ed high school.”

Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

2017-2018 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SURVEY Looking for a new school for your child? The independent school survey on these pages includes the best schools in the Delaware Valley. You’ll find info on each school’s grade levels, affiliation, enrollment and student:staff ratio as well as tuition rates and whether financial aid is offered (FAO).

Once you’ve noted a few schools of interest, contact them for tours.

Find more in-depth information such as languages and extracurricular activities offered at MetroKids.com/edguide.

KEY ENROLLMENT = < 100;

= 100-200;

= > 200

TUITION Elementary = $4,500-$12,999;

= $13,000-$19,999;

=$20,000-$37,700

High School = $6,100-$17,999;

= $18,000-$27,999;

=$28,000-$55,000

School

Grades Gender Affiliation

Enrollment Student:staff ratio

Bishop Eustace Prep. School 9-12 Pennsauken Coed Eustace.org 19:1 Roman Catholic 856-662-2160 Pallotine college-prep school in coed, college-style campus.

School

Grades Gender Affiliation

Tuition Financial Aid

FAO

Enrollment Student:staff ratio

Tuition Financial Aid

Doane Academy PreK-12 Burlington Coed Doaneacademy.org FAO 14:1 Episcopal 609-386-3500 Challenging curriculum that emphasizes character development,sports, music & arts.

PreK-8 Friends School Mullica Hill Coed Mullica Hill; 856-478-2908 FAO 14:1 Friendsmh.org Quaker Differentiated, hands-on learning, multi-dimensional projects & outdoor adventures.

PreK-8 Haddonfield Friends School Coed Haddonfield; 856-429-6786 FAO 8:1 Hhaddonfieldfriends.org Quaker Quaker school with superb academics, experiential learning & fluid curriculum.

Hun School of Princeton 6-12 Princeton Coed Hunschool.org FAO 14:1 609-921-7600 Member of Mid-Atlantic prep league, award-winning student publications.

SUMMER CAMP

NOW ENROLLING June 19th - August 18th

hfsfriends.org

Camp offers: PreK, projects, swimming and counselor-in training (856) 429-6786 | haddonfieldfriends.org | summercamp@hfsfriends.org

47 N. Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033-2476

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

MetroKids.com 27

2017-2018 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SURVEY

School

Grades Gender Affiliation

Enrollment Student:staff ratio

Grades Gender Affiliation

Tuition Financial Aid School

Enrollment Student:staff ratio

Tuition Financial Aid

PreK-8 Kellman Brown Academy Coed Voorhees; 856-679-2929 FAO 14:1 Kellmanbrownacademy.org Jewish Member of the Schechter Day School Network, Phila. Day School Collaborative & NJAIS.

Peddie School 9-12 Hightstown Coed Peddie.org FAO 12:1 609-944-7500 Premier college-prep school inspires students to strive for the highest quality of citizenship.

9-12 Lawrenceville School, The Lawrenceville Coed Lawrenceville.org 609-895-2030 Students come from 34 states and 40 countries.

FAO

Pennington School, The 6-12 Pennington Coed Pennington.org 13:1 Methodist 609-737-1838 Inspires individual excellence in all students. Boarding begins in grade 8.

FAO

FAO

FAO

AMI-certified Montessori teachers facilitate a creative learning environment.

Politz Day School of K-8 Cherry Hill Coed Cherry Hill; 856-667-1013 15:1 Jewish Politz.org Modern Orthodox Day School. Must be Jewish to attend.

Moorestown Friends School PreK-12 Moorestown Coed Mfriends.org FAO 18:1 Quaker 856-235-2900 Pursues educational excellence for a diverse student body; rigorous, balanced academics.

Princeton Day School PreK-12 Princeton Coed Pds.org FAO 15:1 609-924-6700 Rigorous curriculum designed for motivated & academically talented students.

PreK-8 Our Lady of Good Counsel School Coed Moorestown; 856-235-7885 Roman Catholic Olgcnj.org/school Provides a Christ-centered learning environment.

South Jersey Christian PreK-10 Academy Coed Sicklerville; 856-728-2001 13:1 - 14:1 Christian Sjchristianacademy.org Quality Christian education with half- & full-day preschool and full-day kindergarten.

Montessori Academy Delran; 856-461-2121 Manj.org

PreK-8 Coed

Become an

12:1

6:1 - 25:1

25:1

FAO

Insider

You’ll be the first to hear about exciting events and exclusive offers throughout the Delaware Valley and your neighborhood.

MetroKids.com/enews

Resources • Advice • Community

South Jersey Sudbury School PreK-12 Medford Coed Southjerseysudburyschool.org FAO 856-581-1229 Democratic school: students vote on all aspects of academics and administration.

St. Augustine Prep. School 9-12 Richland Boys Hermits.com Catholic, FAO 17:1 856-697-2600 Augustinian Accredited college-prep school under the auspices of the Order of St. Augustine & the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova.

Stuart Country Day School of K-12 the Sacred Heart Girls Princeton Roman Catholic 13:1 Stuartschool.org 609-921-2330 Prepares young women for lives of exceptional leadership and service.

FAO

PreK-8 Coed 15:1 Quaker Promotes academic excellence with a social consciousness.

FAO

Westfield Friends School Cinnaminson; 856-829-0895 Westfieldfriends.org

.com

Villa Victoria Academy K-12 Ewing Girls Villavictoria.org FAO 8:1 Roman Catholic 609-882-1700 100% college acceptance and enrollment. Faith-based education includes all religions.

Find More Schools Online!

Metrokids.com/EducationGuide 28 MetroKids.com

ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE • JULY 2017

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL SURVEY If your child with special needs has yet to find the right school placement, you’ll find helpful information in the special needs school survey. These schools serve children with a wide range of support needs, as indicated by the abbreviations at the end of each description. FAPE indicates that the student’s home district pays for the child to attend.

KEY ASP AUT CP COM DD EMO School

Asperger syndrome Autism Cerebral palsy Communication/social disorder Developmental disability Emotional/behavioral disorder Enrollment

EP HI LD MD NI PDD PHY VI

Epilepsy/seizure disorder Hearing impairment/deaf Learning disability/ADHD Muscular dystrophy Neurological impairment Pervasive development disorder Physical disability Visual impairment/blind

Grades/ Ages

Tuition

Student:staff ratio

Archway Programs Ages Atco, NJ 210 FAPE 3-21 Archwayprograms.org NJ-approved private school for students with ASDs, communication disabilities, multiple handicaps & behavioral concerns. ASP, AUT, CP, DD, EMO, HI, LD, MD, NI, PDD, VI Bancroft School, The Ages 220 FAPE Haddonfield, NJ 3-21 Bancroft.org Maximizes potential through student-focused innovative instruction, individualized behavior therapies and community integration. AUT, CP, EP, HI, LD, NI, PDD, PHY, VI Bancroft School at Ages Voorhees Pediatric FAPE 70 2:1 3-21 Facility, The Voorhees, NJ Bancroft.org Educational and skills program for children with complex needs, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, neurological disorders. CP, DD, EMO, HI, LD, MD, NI, PDD, VI Bancroft School Transition Program at Ages FAPE Camden County 400 2:1 18-21 College, The, Blackwood, NJ; Bancroft.org Job-readiness and life-skills transition program for young adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities, autism and PDD. AUT, DD, PDD Bridge Academy, The Ages FAPE Lawrencville, NJ 70 3:1 8-18 Banj.org Multisensory curriculum for students with average to above-average intelligence & learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia and ADHD. LD Brookfield Schools Ages 133 FAPE Cherry Hill, NJ 5-21 Brookfieldschools.org Three Camden Co. sites, segmented by grade, serve those with ASDs who need intensive behavioral/therapeutic intervention. All programs are NCASES accredited.

ASP, AUT, EMO, LD Cambridge School $44,598 Grades Pennington, NJ 122 8:1 FAPE K-12 Thecambridgeschool.org Job-readiness and life-skills transition program for young adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities, autism and PDD. AUT, DD, PDD

School

Enrollment

Grades/ Ages

Tuition

Student:staff ratio

ECLC Of New Jersey Ages FAPE 195 4:1 Chatham, NJ 5-21 Eclcofnj.org Academic program aided by full-time facility therapy dogs for those with significant learning, communication & developmental disabilities. AUT, COM, DD, NI, PDD Garfield Park Academy Ages 160 FAPE Willingboro, NJ 5-21 Garfieldparkacademy.org Individual education, equine therapy and biofeedback for those with multiple and/ or severe emotional and learning challenges. ASP, AUT, COM, DD, EMO, LD, NI, PDD

Hampton Academy Grades FAPE 96 Mount Holly, NJ K-12 Hamptonacademy.com Co-ed school for those with ASDs, various disabilities and clinically diagnosed issues like anxiety disorder; partners with Burlington Co. College. ASP, EMO, LD, NI HollyDELL, Inc. Ages FAPE 72 2:1 Washington, NJ 3-21 Hollydell.org Individualized services for those with physical challenges and communication & developmental disabilities. ASP, CP, DD, HI, LD, MD, NI, PHY, VI Kingsway Learning Center, EI, Ages 160 FAPE Haddonfield, NJ 0-14 Kingswaylearningcenter.org Early intervention for 0-3 and services for students with developmental, learning, physical and behavioral challenges. ASP, AUT, CP, COM, DD, EMO, EP, HI, LD, MD, PDD Kingsway Learning Center, Secondary Ages 100 FAPE Moorestown, NJ 14-21 Kingswaylearningcenter.org Provides academic and therapeutic services that facilitate a successful transition to an active post-secondary life. ASP, AUT, COM, CP, DD, EMO, EP, HI, LD, MD, NI, PDD Larc School, Ages FAPE 3:1 Bellmawr, NJ 3-21 Larcschool.org Family-like environment and community-based instruction for those with moderate to severe multiple disabilities such as CP and Rhetts. CP, DD, HI, LD, NI, PHY, VI Lewis School of $13,250Princeton, Grades $36,500 195 PreK-PG Princeton, NJ FAPE Lewisschool.org Addresses language-based learning difficulties related to dyslexia, auditory processing, and attention (ADD/ADHD) LD. Mary A. Dobbins School Ages FAPE 72 5:1 Mount Holly, NJ 8-21 Childrens-home.org Social, emotional & educational program for those with learning disabilities, behavioral problems & emotional disturbances. EMO, LD, NI FAO, Newgrange School Grades FAPE Hamilton, NJ 95 3:1 2-12+ Private Pay Thenewgrange.org Academics including STEM for those with autism, nonverbal communication disorders, learning differences, dyslexia and Asperger’s. LD

Crescent Hill Academy Ages FAPE 31 3:1 Pennsauken, NJ 3-21 Crescenthillacademy.org Functional academics and care management for those with autism, CP, MD, spina bifida, neurological impairments and other disabilities. CP, LD, MD, NI, VI

St. John of God Community Svcs., Ages 180 FAPE Archbishop Damiano 3-21 School, Westville Grove, NJ ADSSchool.org Sensory experiences enhance education for those with autism and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. AUT, CP, DD, EMO, LD, NI, PHY, VI

Durand Academy Ages FAPE Woodbury, NJ 50 5-21 Durandac.org Serves students with social, emotional & learning difficulties who are likely to return to their home school districts. ASP, AUT, EMO, LD

Y.A.L.E. School, Inc., Varies by Ages Varies by FAPE Various campuses, NJ campus 3-21 campus Yaleschool.com Programs for those with specific learning, emotional/behavioral or multiple disabilities at a dozen campuses throughout South Jersey. ASP, AUT, EMO, LD, NI

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Private Special Education … an Option You Should Know About!

Sometimes, it starts with a twinkle in the eye. Just a little spark of curiosity that soon blossoms into a journey of discovery, learning and achievement. That’s because at our private special education schools, we see beyond a child’s disability, and awaken the joy and creative expression within.

Our schools are welcoming places where students feel at home and are able to enjoy a rich and rewarding social life. Our students feel cherished, well cared for and respected for a very good reason—it is part of our mission and our commitment.

Students at our special education schools experience a school day as it should be—filled with discovery, achievement, learning and friendship. Here, they have people they know they can count on—outstanding teachers, therapists, counselors, psychologists and job coaches who constantly encourage and support them.

With individualized attention, on-site therapies and vocational training, our schools deliver unparalleled services for students with special needs. Our New Jersey Department of Education certified special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors provide expert, advanced instruction and support … along with plenty of smiles.

These unique services are provided at NO COST for families.

Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child. Our staff can help answer your questions.

To find out more about what programs may be right for your child, call us at 1-800-697-8555 or visit SpecialEducationSchools.org

Brookfield Schools | HollyDELL School | Garfield Park Academy | Kingsway Learning Center | Larc School | St. John of God Community Services Copyright ©2017 Coalition of Special Education Schools