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Pick the Perfect Pooch • Therapy or Service Dog? Day Tripping With Holiday Guests Adoptees' Genetic Questions • Daydreamers’ Dilemma
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November 2019 Vol. 24, No. 11
In This Issue 4 Find Your Forever Pooch 7 Win It! 8 Adoptees’ Genetic Questions 9 Daydreamers’ Dilemma SpecialKids 6 Therapy Dog vs. Service Dog Family Fun 11 Day-to-Day Calendar 14 Day Trips With Holiday Guests
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3 Schools; 7 Special Needs; 10 Child Care; 10 Events
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Parenting
Find Your Forever Dog Avoid breeds that won’t fit your family’s lifestyle. By Kimberly Blaker Every year thousands of dogs are turned over to animal shelters because they were given or chosen without research to determine if the breed will work for the family. Only too late do they learn they brought home a biter, barker, digger, or jumper. When pets are given away, the pets, their owners, and children all suffer. So before selecting your dog, do your homework. At the National Dog Show in Oaks, PA, Nov. 16 & 17, you can learn about more than 180 breeds. The dogs and their owners welcome the public to visit them and ask questions. Belows are some breeds with habits that might not work for a family. (Go to MetroKids.com/dogs to learn which breeds are known to be easy to train, calm, gentle and playful.)
Barkers
A barking dog helps protect against intruders, but excessive barking can be a problem. Some known barkers are: • Alaskan Malamute • American Water Spaniel • Bassett Hound • Finnish Spitz • Terriers • Great Pyrenees • Miniature Schnauzer
High energy
A playful, energetic puppy can make a great playmate for your child. But as your puppy grows, that hyperactivity could become overwhelming. High-strung dogs often jump on people and tear through the house. Some breeds tend to maintain that high energy level well into their adult-size bodies. They include: • Airedale Terriers • Boxer • Brittany • Cocker Spaniel • Dalmatian • Golden Retriever • Irish Setter • Jack Russell Terrier • Labrador Retriever • Pointer • Schnauzer
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Diggers
Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com Managing Editor: Dave Gilmartin, ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com
Aggressive
High maintenance
The upkeep of certain breeds can be overwhelming. In addition to trimmed claws and an occasional bath, some dogs require lengthy daily brushing to remove tangles. High-maintenance breeds include: • American Eskimo • Cocker Spaniel • Collie • Great Pyrenees • Llaso Apso • Old English Sheepdog • Poodle • Schnauzer • Terriers
There are many other traits to consider in choosing a new dog. Before bringing home your puppy, learn about the breed that interests you to determine if it will fit your family’s lifestyle. Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer.
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Dogs dig for several reasons — to bury a bone, to escape from a fenced yard, to keep cool, or out of boredom. Diggers include: • Fox Terriers • Norwich Terrier • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dogs can be aggressive for a variety of reasons — poor breeding, physical abuse, disease. Certain dominant breeds can also tend toward aggressiveness if not handled by a firm and skilled handler. These dogs should be chosen with caution and the understanding they require strong leadership: • Akita • American Pit Bull Terrier • Bulldog • Bullmastiff • Chow Chow • Doberman Pinscher • German Shepherd • Rottweiler • Schnauzer • Shih Tzu • Siberian Husky • Weimaraner
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SpecialKids
Louie of Project Puppy Love
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Therapy Dog or Service Dog ? What’s the difference between these two helpful canines? By Rose Destra Dogs are great, but for some people they are much more than pets. Because of their willingness to be trained and their natural calming influence, dogs are increasingly used to aid children with a wide range of developmental and physical disabilities, including autism, epilepsy and impaired balance. These helpful canines come in two forms — therapy dogs and service dogs.
Therapy dogs
Therapy dogs are often handled by professionals, usually in settings like a school or therapist’s office. Because petting a dog can release endorphins and lower blood pressure, the presence of a therapy dog can make the child’s treatment easier. Phoenixville, PA family therapist Kelly Raudenbush started Project Puppy Love to work with her golden retriever, Louie, during therapy sessions. “Beyond mutual enjoyment, Louie gives us lots to talk about that always seems to align well with what we need to talk about,” says Raudenbush, “things like impulse control, giving and receiving affection, asking for and getting what we need, etc.” In therapy, dogs act as a motivator to elicit a desired response from the child. In occupational therapy, for example, brushing a dog can make a child more comfortable when his own hair is brushed. A dog can also make a child in therapy less nervous or fearful.
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“I’ve noticed how much easier it is for kids—particularly teenagers—to talk about hard things when they are able to focus attention on Louie and have their parents and me gazing at him too instead of at them,” Raudenbush says. These uses of therapy dogs are a good option for a family that may not be able to have a dog at home or doesn’t need a dog’s support on a daily basis. Companion dogs, in contrast, live with the family and provide comfort at home. They undergo obedience training and can learn skills to help with specific conditions. For example, they can provide kids with autism additional tactical stimulation or increase socialization for someone with anxiety. One type of companion dog is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), which provides comfort for someone with a disabling mental-health issue, such as anxiety or depression. An ESA must be prescribed by a health professional.
Service dogs
Unlike therapy dogs, which can be certified at any age, service dogs are trained from the time they’re puppies to carry out specific tasks. They are taught to work with owners who have a variety of disabilities ranging from guide dogs for people with visual or hearing impairments; dogs trained to respond to their handlers’ diabetic shock or epileptic seizure, and dogs that assist people with autism, post-traumatic
Dog-therapy Symposium Rowan University will hold a conference for organizations and the public to connect with others in the dog-therapy community on Nov. 19 from 8:30am–4:30pm in the Chamberlain Student Center Ballroom at the college’s Glassboro, NJ campus. It is being run in conjunction with the National Dog Show in Oaks, PA, Nov. 16 & 17. The featured speakers include David Frei, co-host of the dog show, and Gerald B. Shreiber, who endowed $3 million for Rowan’s pet program. Registration is open to all and costs $35. stress disorder, anxiety or other mental illnesses. A medical-alert dog can warn someone up to 40 minutes before a seizure or diabetic shock and prepare for it. For instance, the dog might position itself to counterbalance an expected fall to lessen the impact. While almost any breed of dog can be a therapy dog, service dogs are typically labs and retrievers. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows someone with a service dog access to any public place. To qualify as a service dog, however, it must be trained to perform a specific task for the owner’s disability. “A person with depression may have a dog that is trained to remind her to take her medication,” notes ADA.gov. “Or a person who has epilepsy may have a dog that is trained to detect the onset of a seizure.” The fact that a dog provides comfort to someone who suffers from anxiety, however, is not enough to qualify it as a service dog under the ADA. “If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal,” it says. “If the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal.” However, if the dog is a prescribed ESA, it can be brought aboard an airplane and live with an owner in housing where pets are not normally allowed, according to the American Kennel Club. While children of any age can benefit from a therapy dog, service dogs are only placed with children who are 13 or older to ensure they can handle the dog at all times.
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SpecialKids
“They can do tasks like picking things off the floor or getting a parent if a child cries or falls. We can train them to bark if the child needs help,” says Janie Cramer Executive Director of Canine Partners for Life of Cochranville PA, which trains and places service and companion dogs with children and adults. Whichever option you choose, verify the organization’s accreditation through a group such as Assistance Dogs International. “If someone has a disability, the last thing they need is a dog that isn’t controlled or doesn’t have training,” says Cramer. “This dog should enhance their life, not make it more difficult.”
HOSPITALITY. RESPECT. QUALITY. RESPONSIBILITY. SPIRITUALITY.
Rose Destra is a freelance writer and former MetroKids intern from Temple University. Louie of Project Puppy Love
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An academic and experiential education for your exceptional child.
Win It!
Cuteness Overload!
The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show hits the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center Nov. 16 & 17! Besides the fact that we’ll be there, the obvious highlight will be watching 2,000-plus pups compete for titles, including the coveted “Best in Show.” To get your little ones primed for the event, enter to win either of two doggone great giveaways: First up, the adorable Pound Puppies plush ($29.99) is shaped to be hugged, hand washable, and includes a name tag, care instructions, stickers and a collector’s guide. Next, get glammed up alongside a Shimmer Stars Pet ($19.99), whose packaging includes a wear-andshare headband, scrunchy and shimmery accessories. Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning Nov. 1. Prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.
NOVEMBER 2019
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Health
Adoptees’ Genetic Questions
Family medical and genetic history is more available than ever, but is it enough? By Terri Akman Most doctors will ask about your family’s medical history at some point. Is there cancer in your family tree, heart disease, cystic fibrosis or other genetic concerns? Many people can turn to their biological parents to fill in gaps, but when you’re adopted, those answers can be difficult to find. Fortunately, the field of genetic testing has come a long way. If you are adopted and having a baby, or adopting a child, there are ways to learn genetic history.
Family medical history
“When an expectant mother is pursuing an adoption plan, she fills out a self-reported medical background of herself and as much as is known of her family history,” says Jenna Smith, domestic program coordinator at Adoptions from the Heart. Depending on what she knows about her own family history, it may be incomplete. State laws differ about what information the birth father provides. In Pennsylvania, the mother must provide the information she knows about the identity of the father and the adoption agency must make diligent efforts to locate and notify him and receive his consent to the adoption. If he participates in the process, he is asked to provide his medical background. In New Jersey, the birth mother can refuse to name the father but in Delaware, she must name him unless there’s a concern for her safety. “A large number of adoptions today are open adoptions, and they can vary in openness,” says Smith. “But at minimum, medical information is provided. “For those involved with adoption many years ago, that wasn’t the norm.”
Genetic testing
If a family history is not available, consumer DNA tests, like 23andme and Ancestry have helped many people who were adopted find biological relatives. While this can be helpful for general questions about the birth family, they are not medical grade. “They might give you information about your ethnicity, but it’s not something you could use for medical decision–making,” says Karen Gripp, chief of the division of medical genetics at Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. “You could end up with potentially harmful or inaccurate information from that type of testing.” Gripp suggests an appointment with a genetic counselor, who can help choose tests and determine how much information you are comfortable learning. Some people may feel increased anxiety and stress from results that, in some cases, may be inconclusive or uncertain. “They can clarify whether the family wants to know only conditions that are very high risk and serious, or if they want a broader list of potential risks. Can they handle more uncertainty in the results?” asks Gripp.
Newborn testing
All babies born in the United States are given newborn screening through a blood test, says Eileen M. Everly, attending physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “The purpose is to catch, as early as possible, severe conditions, which, if
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untreated, can cause very serious illness and even death,” says Everly. For example, babies born with cystic fibrosis would benefit from immediate treatment. “That’s a matter of course for all infants, regardless of who is taking them home,” she says. “There isn’t any further recommended testing of infants if they are being domestically adopted.” A blood screening detected a rare but fatal chromosomal disease in Nicole M.’s adopted son, but they only had family medical history from the boy’s birth mother in Pennsylvania. His birth father had not been identified. “They said it’s possible he’s just a carrier, but the only way to know that with certainty is to test both biological parents,” says Nicole, 47. “Without access to his father’s DNA, we won’t know whether he will develop the disease.” Now a year old, he will continue to be evaluated by a neurologist every three months until he is 2, then once a year thereafter. “There is no cure and almost no treatment,” says his mom, though she doesn’t dwell on the what-ifs. “We are aware of it and follow up with all the doctor’s appointments, but he’s such a healthy, happy, thriving baby that it makes it easier to put it out of your mind.” Nicole recognizes that it comes with the territory with adoption. “There are certain things you just don’t know and you’ll never know,” she adds. But she acknowledges that even when someone does know family medical history, an illness might creep up without anyone knowing if there is a family genetic connection.
Carrier testing
For prospective parents who were adopted and don’t know their family health history, carrier testing can tell whether you carry a gene mutation for certain genetic disorders. Having the screening done before or during pregnancy allows you to find out your chances of having a child with a genetic disorder. “For many diseases that affect newborn children, parents can be carriers,” says Gripp. “Examples are cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease where parents can be a carrier and be unaware, but have a child with a very severe medical condition.” Carrier testing wasn’t widely available when Patricia R., who was adopted as a child, planned to start her family in the 1990’s. “I had no family medical history until I was about 19, when, through old-fashioned detective work, I found my birth mother,” recalls Patricia, 53, who lives in Philadelphia. “But, even after finding her, I don’t know how accurate the health information was that she gave me.” Patricia had a daughter who was diagnosed with kidney issues when she was 3, and later, had gall bladder failure and thyroid cancer. Even with what Patrician’s biological mother told her, and her own health history, she doesn’t know if genetic testing would have predicted her daughter’s issues. “It is important to get a good health history to know what is in your past, but when it comes to genetic testing, I have mixed views,” she says. “I think that’s a personal choice. It’s great to learn information that you can prepare for, but at the same time, I’m the type of person who would worry so much about it, all the time.” Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
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Education
Is Your Kid’s Head in the Clouds? How to get an ADHD daydreamer to focus. By Christa Melnyk Hines While many daydreamers are creative, bright children, they may struggle to pay attention to the teacher, complete work or remember to turn in homework. Worse, they can easily get pegged as slackers. Because daydreams play an important role in a child’s social-emotional development and creativity, you wouldn’t want to quash a child’s imagination. Rather, the goal is to help channel the behavior to more appropriate times of the day. “The tendency to daydream — though it may be one symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder — does not automatically equal a problem with paying attention when necessary or completing tasks,” writes Amy Fries, author of Daydreams at Work: Wake Up Your Creative Powers. “A child
who enjoys daydreaming could well be a budding scientist, writer, artist or visionary entrepreneur.” Some of society’s most innovative change makers, artists and inventors like Thomas Edison, Mark Twain and Albert Einstein were famous daydreamers.
Shift the daydream
Daydreaming isn’t uncommon. A study conducted by Harvard psychologists found that we tend to daydream about 47 percent of the time. But for students, it is necessary to find ways to help them engage in order to learn and enjoy success in a structured academic environment. “The daydreamer is usually fascinated by something that’s been said and is off in that world,” says Gay Lynn Pendleton Smith, EdD, assistant dean of the Univer-
sity of Phoenix College of Education. The secret to reaching a dreamer, she says, is to teach him how to engage outside of his imagination. “That’s really hard in today’s fast-paced world,” she says. “Our children are connected to a handheld technology device that gives them one-on-one attention and then we put them in a classroom and ask them to engage with a whole group of people and focus on one individual.” If your child continues to struggle with focus and paying attention, consult with your pediatrician. Christa Melnyk Hines is a freelance writer.
See 5 Ways to Engage Your Daydreamer online at MetroKids.com/Daydreamer
Expanding Minds Chasing Wonder
Join Us for an Open House! Friday, Nov. 8 at 9 AM Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 AM NOVEMBER 2019
Ages 3 - Grade 12 MetroKids.com 9
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Child Care & Early Education Directory
FY: Full Year BS: Before School AY: Academic Year AS: After School SP: Summer Program DA: Diapers Accepted
SN: Special Needs DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Svcs. DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education
DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv. NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools
* Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.
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 ESSENTIAL BEGINNINGS LEARNING CENTER 1329 Rte. 38, Hainsport, NJ 609-667-7838 • Essentialbeginningslc.com info@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 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 one-stop solution for early education and child care! STOP BY TODAY FOR A TOUR! FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DYF
HOLDING HANDS FAMILY CHILD CARE & PLAY CENTER 138 Tomlin Station Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 856-467-6811 • Holdinghandspreschool.com 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* OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 32 W. Main St., Moorestown, N 856-235-5371 • school@olgcnj.org • Olgcnj.org/school Ages: 4 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Our Lady of Good Counsel School features full- and half-day prekindergarten 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 SARI ISDANER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT THE KATZ JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 856-424-4444 • KatzJCC.org/ECE Ages: 6 wks.-K • Hours: 6:45am-6:15pm, M-Th; 6pm, F The Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center at the Katz JCC is an award-winning program and leader in early childhood education. We offer full day infant/toddler care as of six weeks old, nursery school, preschool, full day certified Kindergarten, pre-K and transitional Kindergarten. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS*, DE*, NAEYC
SCROOGE, THE MUSICAL • Nov. 22 -Dec. 1 ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS... • Dec. 6 -8 THE NUTCRACKER • Dec. 13 -15 A special one-hour, fully narrated version
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Family Fun
Snap scenic pics during the Kids' Photography Workshop at Woodford Cedar Run, Nov. 2.
DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR Special needs event Apple Festival
November 2
Editor's Pick
$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up
2 Saturday
Apple Festival at Peddler's Village, Lahaska, PA. Take in fall family activities and fruity treats. FREE Day of the Dead Celebration at Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton. See “Culture Club,” p. 12. FREE Fall Arts and Crafts Show at the Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May. FREE Kids Photography Workshop at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. $$$
Family Camp Weekend
November 16 & 17
Thumbelina at the Kelsey Theatre, West Windsor. $$$ Wands and Wishes Mermaids at the Adventure Aquarium, Camden. Through Nov. 10, watch mermaids swim, dive and greet visitors through the glass of the 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit. $$$$
3 Sunday
Family Arts Academy: "Floating ink" Seascapes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. Use a marbling process to blend water and ink into images. FREE
5 Tuesday
Museum Playdate: A Starry Night at the Penn Museum, Phila. Kids find out how stars fall from the sky and visit the Moonbuilders exhibit. $$
6 Wednesday
Fall Break Camp at Fernbrook Farms Environmental Education Center, Chesterfield. See “Kids’ Day Off,” p. 12. $$$$ Storytime: 10 Fat Turkeys at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. Kids paint a turkey handprint plate. $$$ Tobias Turkey at the Hopewell Theater, Hopewell. Performed by Shadowbox Theatre. $$$
7 Thursday
Day-Off Adventures at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. See “Kids’ Day Off,” p. 12. $$$$ Fall Break Camp at Fernbrook Farms Environmental Education Center, Chesterfield. See “Kids’ Day Off,” p. 12. $$$$ Storytime: 10 Fat Turkeys at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. See Nov. 6. $$$
LumiNature
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See MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information on these and other events. MetroKids.com 11
10 Sunday
Family Arts Academy: Etch and Flow at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. Make a colorful design using scratch art with crayon and tempera paint. FREE Jersey Shore Fall Comic Book Show at the Toms River Elks, Toms River. $$ Land of Sweets at the Rock Center, Phila. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy for gingerbread-house building, cookie decorating and a mini performance of Nutcracker 1776. $$$$ Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. $$$$
CULTURE CLUB
Keep the holiday spirit alive during the Day of the Dead Celebration at the Princeton Shopping Center, Nov. 2. The holiday, observed throughout Latin America, pays tribute to those who’ve died via vibrant traditions, many of which will be on display here; families enjoy sugar-skull decorating, folk arts & crafts, strolling mariachis and painting.
8 Friday
Day-Off Adventures at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. See “Kids’ Day Off,” below. $$$$ Fall Break Camp at Fernbrook Farms Environmental Education Center, Chesterfield. See “Kids’ Day Off,” below. $$$$ Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. $$$$
9 Saturday
CraftNOW Create at the Kimmel Center, Phila. Kids partake in activities and workshops that focus on textiles, clay, wood and other art forms. FREE
Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Nov. 9. $$$$
11 Monday
Veterans Day Celebration at the National Constitution Center, Phila. Write thank-you notes to service members, make star wreaths and watch patriotic concerts. $$ Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Nov. 9. $$$$
14 Thursday
Holiday Festival Opening Night at Franklin Square, Phila. Watch the first Electrical Spectacle Light Show of the season. Through Dec. 31. FREE
15 Friday
Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark, Hershey, PA. Enjoy light shows and displays, themed rides and meet-and-greets with Santa and his reindeer. Through Jan. 1. $$$$ Special Evening at Sam’s at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. Kids with special needs splash around in a sensory-friendly setting, including a relaxed dress code, limited lifeguard whistle use, quiet rooms and fewer crowds. $$$
16 Saturday
Storytime: 10 Fat Turkeys at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. See Nov. 6. $$$
Family Camp Weekend at Appel Farm Arts Center, Elmer. Activities include art projects, theatre workshops and marshmallow roasting. $$$$
Terror Behind the Walls Closing Night at Eastern State Penitentiary , Phila. Brace yourself for one last trip through this haunted attraction during its final day of the season. $$$$
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson. Through Jan. 1, enjoy light displays, seasonal treats, Santa’s village and themed rides and entertainment. $$$$
Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Mark the holiday with themed tours and programming that relates to early American soldiers and their families. $$$$
Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA. See "MK On the Scene," p. 13. $$$
KIDS’ DAY OFF
While public schools are closed for the NJEA Convention, keep the kids busy with outdoor exploration. From Nov. 6-8, Fall Break Camp at Fernbrook Farms Environmental Education Center in Chesterfield hosts hikes, farm animal visits and hayrides. Or, on Nov. 7 & 8, send them to Day-Off Adventures at Medford’s Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge to trek the trails, play games and make crafts. 12 MetroKids.com
NOVEMBER 2019
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Family Fun
Toy Drive and Classic Car Show at Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford. FREE
17 Sunday
Family Arts Academy: Gellie Macro Prints at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. Zoom in on often-overlooked details and make Gellie prints. FREE Family Camp Weekend at Appel Farm Arts Center, Elmer. See Nov. 15. $$$$ Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA. See "MK On the Scene," below. $$$ Toy Drive and Classic Car Show at Johnson’s Corner Farm, Medford. FREE
19 Tuesday
History After Hours: Comic Relief at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Take advantage of happy hour drink & food specials while learning about St. George, an Irish political cartoonist and veteran. $$ National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium at the Chamberlain Student Center Ballroom, Glassboro. This conferences presents info and best practices for therapy dog practitioners, advocates and aspirants. $$$$
20 Wednesday
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo, Phila. This new seasonal attraction boasts 12 large light displays, including 200 lit penguins and a 21-foot-tall snake. $$$$ Storytime: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. Kids paint a leaf candleholder. $$$
22 Friday
Kids’ Workshop: Clay Coil Christmas Trees at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. $$$$
23 Saturday
Owls in Autumn at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. Meet resident owls, then search for local species during a hike. $$$ A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA. Little ones meet Santa, view light displays and watch themed shows featuring Sesame Street characters. Through Jan. 1. $$$$ Winterfest at Blue Cross RiverRink, Phila. Through March 3, visitors can whirl around the ice rink, warm up by fire pits and play arcade games in the kids’ lodge. $$
NOVEMBER 2019
TOWN & COUNTY: 24 Sunday
FOOD DONATION SITES
Family Arts Academy: Imaginary Mini 3D Landscapes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. Build your own version of a 3D “dream world.” FREE
28 Thursday
Holiday Light Show at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. Witness 100plus Christmas float and light up to music on Lake Meone. FREE
29 Friday
Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum, Phila. Through Dec. 31, watch G-scale model trains run along a quarter-mile track featuring 12 rail lines, loops, tunnels and bridges, all strewn with lights and decorations. $$$ Retail and Rebellion: Thanksgiving Weekend Activities at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Discover the surprising political and global history of shopping in Revolutionary America and Ireland, then partake in a currency exchange challenge in the galleries. $$$$ Tree Lighting and Santa Visit in downtown Haddonfield. FREE Wild Wizarding Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Meet resident animals, play a “bunnies and broomsticks” game, make a magic wand and take home a special blend of tealeaves. $$$
30 Saturday
Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA. Expect Santa parades, gingerbread house viewing and holiday shopping. FREE Retail and Rebellion: Thanksgiving Weekend Activities at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Nov. 29. $$$$ Wild Wizarding Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See Nov. 29. $$$
The holiday season is all about giving back to the community. Show your family the importance of charity and donate to a local food bank. BURLINGTON COUNTY Burlington Township Food Pantry 1200 Rte. 130 N., Burlington Fountain of Life Food Pantry 2035 Columbus Rd., Burlington Oaks Food Pantry 770 Woodlane Rd., Mt. Holly CAMDEN COUNTY Food Bank of South Jersey 1501 John Tipton Blvd., Pennsauken Sacred Heart Food Sharing Program 1739 Ferry Ave., Camden Cathedral Kitchen 1514 Federal St., Camden GLOUCESTER COUNTY Glassboro Food Bank 123 High St. E., Glassboro Joseph’s Storehouse 13 Lakeside Ln., Sewell North Baptist Church 1020 N. Evergreen Ave., Woodbury
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Every dog has its day, and more than 2,000 pups will have theirs at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show, Nov. 16 & 17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Families cheer on canine competitors during competitions and demos that vary daily, including the coveted “Best in Show” title. Stop by the MK booth for magazines and giveaway opportunities.
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Family Fun
Be Our Guest Top spots to take out-of-town visitors
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, glad tidings . . . and out-of-town guests. At some point, everyone will want to get out of the house for a bit. So here are itineraries for some of the Delaware Valley’s most vibrant locales.
A DAY IN . . . GLASSBORO Glassboro may be suburban, but the Gloucester County town boasts a number of parks, restaurants and coffee shops to keep residents and visitors busy.
Knight Park
A DAY IN . . . COLLINGSWOOD This Camden County town is known for its walkable downtown packed with arts, culture and close-knit community. PLAY: Let the kids stretch their legs at Knight Park, a 70-acre space that boasts a walking and biking path, pond and playground. SHOP: Haddon Avenue offers ample opportunities for a little retail therapy. Check out hundreds of toys, games and puzzles at ExtraordinaryED; make a masterpiece to remember the trip at DIY pottery studio All Fired Up!; and bargain hunt at Ellis Antiques and Frügal Thrift and Vintage. Pro tip: Next month, enjoy daily free parking on the avenue, plus extended store hours at select businesses Fridays and Saturdays. DINE: No need to wander far; the town’s main drag also features kid-friendly eateries. Grab a bite at The Pop Shop, a modern twist on retro soda-fountain shops that serves up a quirky collection of comfort foods. Or opt for Osaka, a Japanese restaurant where the highlight, many families claim, is the entertaining hibachi experience.
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DISCOVER: The town’s first syllable wasn’t chosen at random: The area’s glass industry is nationally recognized for its quality and variety. Explore its history during a visit to the free Glassboro Heritage Glass Museum, featuring engaging exhibits and intricate displays of historic bottles, jars and related items. STARGAZE: Move from earthly wonders to spacey fun at Rowan University’s Edelman Planetarium, complete with immersive 360-degree views. On Saturdays through Nov. 23, families can opt for a laser light show, an “explosive” look at the universe or a deep dive into outer space. And, on Sundays through Nov. 24, catch a show geared toward families. DINE: Find out why Jersey’s called the “diner capital of the world” at Angelo’s Glassboro Diner, cited as the county’s best by NJ.com. The spot basically appears the way it did when it opened in 1946, and it’s maintained that old-school-cool vibe since. But plan ahead: the restaurant is cash-only.
Edelman Planetarium
The Funplex
A DAY IN . . . MT. LAUREL With two state and interstate highways, the third-largest number of hotels in New Jersey and busy shopping centers, to say that a lot of people pass through this Burlington County hotspot is an understatement. Stay a while! There’s plenty to do here. PLAY: Need to burn some energy? The Funplex is a great opportunity. Attractions at this indoor-outdoor amusement center include go-karts, bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, mini golf, rides and 100-plus arcade games. Grab a bite at the on-site café if the family-friendly competition works up your appetite. SCULPT: You’ve flexed your muscles — now it’s time to exercise your creativity at the Ceramic Barn. The drop-in art studio offers a two-pronged paint-your-own pottery plan: Acrylic-brushed items (think mugs, room décor, figurines) go home that day; glazed pieces are fired in the kiln and need to be picked up a week later. DINE: Make mealtime easier with restaurants that caters to little ones. B.Good appeals to the younger crowd with unique soda flavors and a display dedicated to local farms with fun facts and photos. At Miller’s Ale House, the kids’ menu includes kid-favorites like mac & cheese, burgers, chicken tenders and spaghetti & meatballs. Or pair dinner with views of the Rancocas Creek at Carlucci’s Waterfront restaurant.
NOVEMBER 2019
October 5, 2019 through January 12, 2020 Very Eric Carle is locally sponsored by:
VERY ERIC CARLE: A VERY HUNGRY, QUIET, LONELY, CLUMSY, BUSY EXHIBIT WAS CO-ORGANIZED BY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH AND THE ERIC CARLE MUSEUM OF PICTURE BOOK ART
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131 • 215.581.3181 www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
Joy and laughter are part of our curriculum.
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