MetroKids - 1219 SJ

December 2019 | FREE

30 YEARS

Make the Season

BRIGHT

Locals’ Holiday Favorites • Toy Test 2019 Books Under the Tree Ear Infections: When Is it Time for Tubes?

PreK Signs to Watch

mk Inside In This Issue 3 12 Days of Gifts 4 Books for Learning, Giving 8 Inevitable Ear Infections 10 Toy Test 2019

December 2019 Vol. 24, No. 12

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SpecialKids 6 PreK Traits to Watch Family Fun 11 Locals’ Fave Holiday Displays 12 Day-to-Day Calendar

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Ad Sections

5 Schools; 7 Events; 9 Child Care

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BROKEN BONE?

DAYS Gifts of

MK’s annual 12 Days of Gifts giveaway is back and better than ever! We’re celebrating the holidays by giving away two prizes daily from Dec. 2-13. Log on to MetroKids.com/12days to enter to win prizes.

$2,500+ in Prizes!

www.shrinersphilly.org 215-430-4000

12 Days winners must pick up their prizes by Dec. 21 at the MetroKids office, during regular business hours.

DECEMBER 2019

MetroKids.com 3

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Books

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Mysteries, History and Evolution

smart. local. parenting.

These books can help kids stretch their brains and embark on a voyage.

By Frank Lipsius

Sleuth & Solve: 20+ Mind-Twisting Mysteries (Mystery Book for Kids and Adults, Puzzle and Brain Teaser Book for All Ages)

By Victor Escandell Chronicle, $17.99, Ages 9–12 Imagination and logic are two big components of human personality that Victor Escandell stimulates, if not improves, with 20 engaging mysteries in his fun and funny Sleuth & Solve. Each short mystery is easily explained: a dead body at his desk in one, a thief in another, a stranger who appears with no evidence of how he got there. The rest of each story introduces suspects and circumstances illustrated with simple but expressive drawings, ending with the question — whodunit or why? A small flap has the question on the top and the answer underneath.

The author identifies each mystery as based on either imagination or logic, with a five-star rating system on how hard it is.

The illustrations help solve the mystery too while enhancing the playfulness of what, in too big doses, could get murderously frustrating. (That’s a warning!)

The Apartment: A Century of Russian History

By Alexandra Litvina, Illustrated by Anna Desnitskaya Abrams, $24.99, Ages 8–12 The Apartment: A century of Russian History covers a tumultuous Russian century through the thoroughly enlightening changes a large Moscow apartment undergoes throughout the period. It is not just the owners and condition of the apartment, but also what furniture stayed and the uses it underwent as the country went from Czarist times, through Communism, and then into the modern era.

Not only does it reflect the changes in wealth and the accouterments of people’s lives but it also shows what they brought with them from the past and how its uses changed depending on the circumstances of the country as a whole. The book takes a snapshot of the times over the period as the family grows into new generations,

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which are a bit confusingly but profusely laid out in a genealogical tree at the beginning.

It is not a pretty picture. Parents are arrested and jailed for decades for no reason. The apartment deteriorates as the initial middle-class life with a dog and cheerful expectations give way to scarcity, rationing, slogans replacing creature comforts, and the sheer terror of life under Stalin as evident in the sad decline of the rooms and people in them.

That the book could be written and published at all is something that not so long ago would have been forbidden or sugarcoated. The truth portends hope, if not comfort, for the life of and within the Moscow apartment.

Frank Lipsius is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

215-291-5560 856-667-3555 302-224-3020 Toll Free: 888-890-4668 Fax: 215-291-5565

President: Nancy Lisagor, PhD, ext. 109 nlisagor@metrokids.com Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com Managing Editor: Dave Gilmartin, ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com 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: Marcella Reis, ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: Riley Mudgett, ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com

Darwin’s Voyage of the Beagle

By Jake Williams Sterling, $17.95, Ages 7 and up Author and illustrator Jake Williams’s vector illustrations look like computer-generated cut-outs. They have a lot of color but solid components and a two-dimensional elegant simplicity. He makes great use of them to illustrate Charles Darwin’s boat trip around South America, a voyage of discovery that resulted in his theory of evolution.

Williams’s stark illustrations give beauty to every page but do not detract from his thoughtful and informative narrative. He shows that the ship, the H.M.S. Beagle, was the length of two buses parked end to end. He shows the interior of the ship and the kit the sailors and passengers had to use on their journey.

The subject gives the author the chance to draw all kinds of creatures and discoveries, plus full scope geographical scenes out of which Darwin was able to learn, absorb and concentrate his thoughts.

The good fit between author and subject makes Darwin’s journey not only a historic feat but also an intimate experience for him and by extension for the reader.

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

MetroKids® is published monthly by KidStuff Publications, Inc. © 2019 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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DECEMBER 2019

Toddler • Preschool Kindergarten MetroKids.com 5

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SpecialKids

Signs of Learning Problems in PreK Kids Developmental challenges can sometimes be spotted at a young age.

By Kathryn Streeter As parents encounter behavior from young children that rattles their expectations, how are they to know if it signals a learning challenge?

Potential development challenges can be spotted at a very young age, says Dr. Anna Osipova, assistant professor in the Division of Special Education and Counseling at California State University, Los Angeles. She divides these benchmarks into four categories.

Behavior at 3 years or younger

1. Mostly plays alone.

2. Uses toys with a specific function, like a car, for a different purpose, such as spinning the wheels.

3. Has difficulty with directions.

4. Throws frequent tantrums.

5. Gets easily frustrated and gives up easily.

6. Has a hard time with changes in activities, plans, routines.

Language between 3 and 5 years

1. Doesn’t add “s” for plurals or verbs but adds “ed” incorrectly, like “runned.”

2. Has trouble with articulation, rhymes.

3. Is slow to build vocabulary.

4. Shows difficulty recalling a word he knows

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5. Struggles with multi-step directions, forming questions, following or creating narratives.

Cognition by 5 years

1. Finds it difficult to recall words, routines, rules.

2. Can’t count in patterns, like by 2s, 5s, or backwards.

3. Struggles to organize and sort objects.

4. Does not grasp concepts of size, color, shape.

5. Finds it hard to focus attention for 5 or 10 minutes.

Where to Get Help Start with your child’s pediatrician, teachers and counselors, urges Dr. Anna Osipova of California State University, Los Angeles.

For children older than three, look to school districts for services. For those younger than three, she suggests regional centers.

Go to MetroKids.com/earlyintervention for a list of agencies, organizations and schools that specialize in early intervention in Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.

Literacy and academics by kindergarten 1. Struggles with rhymes, songs, colors, days of the week, and the alphabet.

2. Is slow to name objects and characters in stories.

3. Shows a delayed response to tasks and questions.

4. Has difficulty with letter sounds or blending sounds to form words.

5. Lacks interest in books.

Osipova, who teaches university-level courses in language and literacy development for students with special needs, says it is important for parents to bring up any concerns with their child’s pediatrician, who can screen for autism and language development as early as 18 months.

“The earlier the parents discuss their concerns with their pediatricians the better the chances are for effective intervention,” says Osipova. “I think it’s important for parents and educators to keep in mind that behavior, language, and later academic skills, including literacy, are interconnected with language skills often as the root of children’s strengths and difficulties.

“Language-based interventions at home and at school are likely to lead to improved behavior and academic skills.”

Kathryn Streeter is a freelance writer.

DECEMBER 2019

AT PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM Celebrate December learning through play at the Museum!

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Bring this ad to the Museum and receive 10% off your purchase at the Kid’s Shop.

Visit now through January 12

First Wednesday December 4 $2 admission from 4-7 p.m.

Very Eric Carle is locally sponsored by:

Storytime with Santa December 7, 14, 21

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

Yosi and the Superdads Rockin’ Hanukkah December 8 Philadelphia Studio Ballet’s The Nutcracker December 15 Kwanzaa Storyteller December 22

Science Workshops Every Saturday in December Creative Arts Studio Open Daily Create your own masterpiece year-round at the Museum

Countdown2Noon December 31 (Museum Closes at 3pm)

This New Year’s Eve, grab your tots and bring in the Noon Year at our family-friendly, pre-naptime party! $25 for non-members $5 for members $5 for ArtReach ACCESS

Members enjoy unlimited access to the Museum, exhibits, and programs while saving hundreds of dollars a year on things like free admission and parking.

Join today! Visit pleasetouchmuseum.org/join

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131 • 215.581.3181 • www.pleasetouchmuseum.org Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs - Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wed: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun: 11a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Udayan K. Shah is a professor at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and chief of otolaryngology at Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.

Health

The Inevitable Ear Infections Almost every kid gets them. A local pediatrician and med school professor tells how to cope, from patience to tubes.

By Udayan K. Shah Many of us remember getting ear infections as a child and the intense pain and bubble-gum flavored medicine that went with them. Ear infections are common in children and many kids suffer at least one. They become less common after childhood because the anatomy of the ear changes.

Here’s a rundown of what patients and parents need to know about middle ear infections:

What is an ear infection and what causes it?

The ear is made up of three parts: the outer, the middle and the inner ear. The middle ear is the space just behind the ear drum. Sometimes, excess fluid can pool in this space and lead to infection.

Acute middle ear infections (or acute otitis media) are painful infections that last a few days. They are often caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold, or by bacteria. The distinction between viral and bacterial causes is important because only bacterial causes respond to antibiotic treatment and some bacterial infections get better even without antibiotics.

Sometimes with an infection, the ear drum can rupture and have a hole that remains. When fluid from the infection fails to clear, or a hole is present, doctors call this a chronic middle ear infection.

What symptoms should parents look for?

Acute ear infections can be quite painful. Common symptoms include fever, irritability, trouble sleeping and eating, and sometimes pus or bloody fluid leaking from the ear. Very young children who cannot talk may pull or pick at their ears, “head bang,” or shake their head repeatedly.

Chronic ear infection symptoms may be more difficult for parents to spot. Children may complain of hearing loss, a sensation of pressure in their ears, and a loss of balance. Sometimes a discharge will come from the ear. There may be a delay in the development of speech and language.

When should parents take their child to a doctor?

If children have ear pain that is very severe or lasts more than a day, or if there is discharge from the ear, parents should take a trip to the doctor. A very young child who is not babbling or a child who complains of not hearing well should be checked for chronic middle ear infection.

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Why don’t doctors always prescribe antibiotics?

Many ear infections are caused by a virus, and antibiotics won’t help treat a viral infection. If a child does have an acute infection, the doctor will likely recommend a pain reliever to help with the fever and earache and start antibiotics if the symptoms don’t improve after a few days.

What if a child keeps getting them?

Doctors may recommend the placement of ear tubes in the ear drum. The tympanic membrane is the thin sheet of tissue that separates the outer from the middle ear.

Tubes in the ear drum “ventilate” the middle ear and so prevent recurrent middle ear infections. Ear tubes also allow fluid to drain from the ear when an infection does occur.

What is surgery for tubes like?

In general, surgery takes about 15 minutes. Doctors will place tubes in both ears during the same procedure. Children are under general anesthesia for the surgery, which means they will be completely asleep. After surgery, they should in most cases go home the same day.

Children may have mild discomfort and a bloody or pus-like drainage from the ears for about a week but can usually do all activities, including bathing, right away. A custom wax or putty ear plug can be used if the child swims in water deeper than three feet.

From Merck Manual Consumer Version (Known as Merck Manual in US and Canada and MSD Manual elsewhere.), edited by Robert Porter.

Copyright 2019 by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ. Accessed Nov. 2019 at Merckmanuals.com/home.

DECEMBER 2019

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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

Moorestown Premiere!

Holiday Stage (Cast Ages 6 To 18)

6 Shows: Dec. 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15 Wm. Allen Middle School With ‘Princess Photo Parties’ On Dec. 8 & 14

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

Register Dec. 1st For 2020 Productions & Classes!

Winter Stage (Cast Ages 6 To 18)

Auditions In December (Dates TBA) Rehearsals Begin In January Performances March 13, 14, & 15 (This Will Be Our JTF ‘21 Show!)

ToFriday, Register Or Tickets, Visit November 1, 7 PMPurchase - Midnight Camden County Boathouse MoorestownTheaterCompany.org Info@MoorestownTheaterCompany.org • (856) 778-8357 Show your support for MTC as a DECEMBER 2019

Acting, Dancing, & Singing Classes Begin Jan. 4th In Our New Performing Arts Studio!

- Counsel Stage ‘20 Show Registration - Summer Stage ‘20 ‘Early-Bird’ Discount - Jan. 2 & 3 Open House @ PAS (4 - 7 PM) Jr. Theater Festival ‘Excellence In Acting’ ’14, ‘15, ‘17, ‘18, & ‘19

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Toy Test 2019

We asked families to try some of the season’s hottest toys and share their candid thoughts. Here’s what they had to say. For full reviews and more toy tests, visit MetroKids.com/toytest2019.

Smart Learning Station The Learning Journey; 3+; $35.99 Testers: Eleanor (4), Clara (2) & mom Melissa; Havertown, PA The gist: The electronic machine features an alphabet-and-numbers touch pad, and light-up LED shape buttons.

Toy appeal: 7 Educational value: 8. “While this toy is suggested for ages 3 & up, there is great learning value for a 2-year-old. The sounds that go along with each image are a fun touch.”

Functionality: 7 Durability: 8 Melissa’s verdict: “I’d recommend this toy to parents of young toddlers who are still learning to identify letters, numbers, shapes and colors. It would’ve been nice if it also worked on letter sounds, not just identification.”

Eleanor’s thoughts: “I like that it plays music and that it talks. I also like to press the shapes because they have cute music to dance to.”

Clara’s thoughts: “I like the goat, lion and monkey, and I like to say ‘uh-oh!’ I don’t like to share with [my] sister.”

Blipbox Synth for Kids Playtime Engineering; 3+; $189 Testers: Lia (4) and mom Alissa; Hockessin, DE The gist: This fully functional synthesizer boasts professional features as well as colorful knobs & buttons, LED lights and a plastic design.

Toy appeal: 8 Educational value: 3 Functionality: 10 Durability: 9. “The toy seems very sturdy. She liked to bang on it to press the buttons, and even dropped it. So far, it’s held up well to the extremely hands-on attention of a 4-year-old.”

Alissa’s verdict: “The synth engaged her brain in a creative way. The bright lights and varied tracks have kept her engaged on multiple occasions, and she likes to share the songs with her friends for dance parties.”

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Spin and Spiral Art Station Crayola; 5+; $19.99 Testers: Leila (6) and mom Yariela; Philly The gist: Make geometric marker designs or “spin out” with drippy spin-art paint creations.

Toy appeal: 10 Educational value: 8. “It taught motor skills and hand control. Leila was able to see how her art was affected by using more or less speed. And since the toy attracted the attention of her older brothers, it taught them how to play together despite their large age differences.”

Functionality: 9 Durability: 10 Yariela’s take: “I love the creative possibilities with this toy. You can end up with so many cool designs, even if you’re not great at art. It actually provides positive reinforcement for a child who needs it in his or her creative abilities.”

Leila’s thoughts: Yariela reports: “She loves that her brothers like it too, so they can play together. She also enjoys dreaming up different designs.”

The Chameleon Board Game Big Potato; 14+; $19.79 Testers: Noah (15) and dad Jared; Royersford, PA The gist: In each round, a secret word is selected from a topic card. Everyone knows the word except for the person with the “chameleon card.”

It’ll take some social deduction and trickery to find out who it is.

Toy appeal: 8 Educational value: 4 Functionality: 7 Durability: 5 Jared’s verdict: “This is great for family game night or when your kid has a lot of friends over. The instructions sound somewhat complicated, however they make sense once you start to play.”

DECEMBER 2019

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Family Family Fun Fun

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Guide to locals’ favorite Christmas traditions When it comes to the holiday season, the Delaware Valley knows how to celebrate. These festive displays — all run by local residents, businesses or organizations — are beloved by community members and visitors alike.

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Cape May This seaside hotspot resembles a Victorian village during Christmas with holiday events through Jan. 1. The downtown pedestrian mall and surrounding neighborhoods exude holiday charm with fragrant garlands, twinkling gaslights and quaint shops. See it all aboard Holiday Lights or Ghosts of Christmas Past trolley tours, or step inside elaborately decorated historic homes.

Haddonfield Trees are adorned with lights, luminaires brighten sidewalks and Santa is out and about during candlelight shopping on Kings Highway, Fridays through Dec. 23. Stores provide special deals and events, while carriage rides and live entertainment complete the ambiance.

Marlton Cruising the streets in search of impressively decorated homes is a classic holiday pastime. Realty company Long & Foster encourages you to do just that with its Marlton in Lights competition, in which homeowners deck out their properties in hopes of scoring hundreds of dollars in gift certificates. Want to throw your Santa hat in the ring? Submit pics of your family’s display on the company’s website.

Pitman All is bright in the Grove neighborhood, where the Hagerty family and their neighbors host a display that spans five properties. All month, walk through the miniature model of an 18th-century European village featuring animatronic dolls, Santa and his reindeer, nativity scenes and favorite cartoon characters.

Smithville Gather around Lake Meone at Historic Smithville to catch the Holiday Light Show. Through Jan. 6, this on-the-water spectacle boasts 100-plus floating Christmas trees that light up to music.

While there, check out the village’s shops and restaurants.

Meet

Santa!

DECEMBER 2019

St. Nick is in high demand! While he pops up at many of these attractions, keep tabs on his whereabouts, including festivals, parades and themed train rides, at MetroKids.com/santavisits and MetroKids.com/santatrains.

Presented by

Photo: Claire McAdams

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Family Fun

Take in the sights at Cape May's Christmas Candlelight House Tours, Dec. 7, 14 & 28.

DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR Special needs event Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade

6 Friday

Holiday event

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

1 Sunday

Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA. Watch a parade led by Santa and vote for your favorite in the gingerbread-house competition. FREE Family Arts Academy: The Art of Ballet at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila.

Watch a performance by the Academy of International Ballet and make movement-inspired art. FREE Small Business Weekend in downtown Haddonfield. Merchants host sales, trunk shows and other promotions. FREE

Sounds of the Season

14 Saturday

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. $$$ Sensory-friendly Sunday at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE

3 Tuesday

Museum Playdate: Does a Mouse Live in a House? at the Penn Museum, Phila. Little ones listen to a story, then explore artifacts in the Rome Gallery. $$ Santa’s Workshop and Holiday Brunch

8 & 15 Sunday

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6 Friday

Candlelight Shopping in downtown Haddonfield. Enjoy in-store promotions and musical entertainment. FREE Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade at the North Wildwood Recreation Center, North Wildwood. Head to Byrne Plaza after the event for a tree-lighting ceremony. FREE Hospitality Night at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. Shops feature special events such as live music and food tastings.

FREE PAX Unplugged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. This tabletop-gaming convention includes appearances by some of the industry’s biggest names, plus workshops and tournaments. $$$$ Star Wars Night at Franklin Square, Phila. FREE

7 Saturday

Breakfast with Santa at the Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. $$$$ Breakfast with Santa at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. $$$$ Christmas Candlelight Holiday House Tours in downtown Cape May. $$$$

See MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information on these and other events.

DECEMBER 2019

Christmas on the Farm at Howell Living History Farm, Lambertville. Kids help cut down and decorate a tree, take wagon rides, make crafts and chat with Santa. FREE Cookies with Santa at the Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton. Join St. Nick for photo opportunities, cookie decorating, performances and a parade. FREE CultureFest! Celebrations Around the World at the Penn Museum, Phila. Discover holiday traditions around the globe, join an Indian dance and sari-wrapping activity, design Arabic calligraphy and get your face painted. $$ Deck the Alley at Elfreth’s Alley, Phila.

Visit the country’s oldest street to take in decorations, meet-and-greets with Santa and live music. $$$$ Dickens Festival in downtown Medford. FREE Holiday Festival at Casino Pier, Atlantic City. Enjoy an ugly sweater contest, arts & crafts and an indoor snowball fight. FREE Holiday Glass in the Studio at WheatonArts, Millville. View glass objects such as fruitcakes, a giant menorah, the world’s largest glass turkey drumstick and a record-breaking glass ornament. $$$ Kick Off the Holiday Season at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Pick a Christmas tree and wreath to take home, warm up by a bonfire, meet Santa and do some holiday shopping. FREE Lucia Fest and Christmas Market at the American Swedish Historical Museum, Phila. Enjoy Swedish Christmas songs, treats and the Lucia procession. $$$ Paint with Santa at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. $$$$ PAX Unplugged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Dec. 6. $$$$ Wassail Day at Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Festivities include live music, crafts, visits with Father Christmas, carriage rides through the decorated grounds. FREE

8 Sunday

Breakfast with Santa at the Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. $$$$ Breakfast with Santa at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. $$$$ Family Arts Academy: Ocean Without a Shore at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. Make a mysterious self-portrait with water. FREE

DECEMBER 2019

Family Sunday: Feast Your Eyes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Phila.

View themed artwork and write recipes for future foods. $$$$ Flavors of the Season at the Fairmont Park Charms, Phila. Enjoy food samples and demos while checking out the homes’ decked halls. $$$$ Kick Off the Holiday Season at Terhune Orchards, Princeton. See Dec. 7.

FREE PAX Unplugged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Dec. 6. $$$$ Santa’s Workshop and Holiday Brunch at the Reeds at Shelter Haven, Stone Harbor. Kids are encouraged to wear PJs while they engage in crafts and activities and share their wish list with the Big Guy. $$$$

11 Wednesday

Q102’s Jingle Ball at the Wells Fargo Center, Phila. Performers set to take the stage include Lizzo, Halsey, 5 Seconds of Summer and Niall Horan. $$$$

12 Thursday

Girls Night Out at Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Smithville. Shops feature special events such as live music and food tastings. FREE Homeschool Workshop: Holiday Cookie Lab at the Franklin Institute, Phila. $$$$

13 Friday

Candlelight Shopping in downtown Haddonfield. See Dec. 6. FREE Holiday Party at the RiverWinds Community Center, West Deptford. Expect an appearance by Santa, plus cookies. FREE Kids’ Workshop: Starry Night Polar Bear Canvas at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. $$$$ The Nutcracker Night at Franklin Sq., Phila. Characters and crafts bring the tale to life. FREE Sea of Lights at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach. Crafts, games and pics with Santa are all part of the fun. $$$

14 Saturday

Breakfast with Santa at Aleathea's Restaurant, Cape May. $$$ Breakfast with Santa at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. $$$$ Christmas Candlelight Holiday House Tours in downtown Cape May. $$$$

Christmas Carol Karaoke at the Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. $$$ German-American Weekend at Christmas Village, Phila. Festivities include authentic German food, music and dance.

FREE Family Holiday Celebration at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood.

Enjoy holiday crafters, movie screenings, selfies with Santa, choir & dance performances, kids’ crafts and magic shows. FREE Polar Express Day at the Franklin Institute, Phila. Climb aboard an authentic locomotive for a guided storytelling experience, and learn how trains move, the harmonics of sleigh bells and why no two snowflakes are alike. Kids receive $2 off admission by showing up in PJs. $$$$ Sea of Lights at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach. See Dec. 13. $$$ Sounds of the Season at the Fairmount Park Charms, Phila. Local acts perform seasonal favorites in the historic homes. $$$$

15 Sunday

Bill of Rights Day at the National Constitution Center, Phila. Commemorate the document’s anniversary by viewing an original copy, playing a game show and touring Signer’s Hall. $$$ Breakfast with Santa at Aleathea's Restaurant, Cape May. $$$ Breakfast with Santa at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. $$$$ Christmas Carol Karaoke at the Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. $$$ Crafts of the Season at the Fairmount Park Charms, Phila. Each historic home features creative activities and workshops, as well as demos by local artists. $$ Family Arts Academy: Bringing It Together at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. Mix watercolor paints and string to collaborate on designs that tell a story with color and shape. FREE German-American Weekend at Christmas Village, Phila. See Dec. 14. FREE Santa’s Workshop and Holiday Brunch at the Reeds at Shelter Haven, Stone Harbor. See Dec. 8. $$$$ Sensory Sunday at All Fired Up!, Collingswood. Kids and adults make a clay puzzle piece. A quiet room and gloves will be available. FREE

MetroKids.com 13

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Family Fun

20 Friday

Candlelight Shopping in downtown Haddonfield. See Dec. 6. FREE Frozen Night at Franklin Square, Phila. Come in costume to enjoy activities and sing-alongs. FREE Sea of Lights at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach.

See Dec. 13. $$$

21 Saturday

Breakfast Buffet with Santa at the Pop Shop, Collingswood. $$$$ Breakfast with Santa at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. $$$$ Sea of Lights at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach.

See Dec. 13. $$$

22 Sunday

Breakfast Buffet with Santa at the Pop Shop, Collingswood. $$$$ Breakfast with Santa at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. $$$$ Hooray for Hanukkah at the Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. Celebrate with an interactive performance led by a cantor, as well as themed crafts. $$$ Sea of Lights at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach.

See Dec. 13. $$$

25 Wednesday

Being ___ at Christmas at the National Museum of American Jewish History, Phila. This celebration features a performance by Alex and the Kaleidoscope, plus storytime and crafts. $$$

TOWN & COUNTY: NEW YEAR’S EVE

Close out 2019 with festivities for the whole family.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Dive into 2020 during Midnight at Oasis, hosted by Sahara Sam’s Oasis in West Berlin.

Festivities include a foam party, noisemakers, hats and champagne or sparkling-cider toasts.

CAMDEN COUNTY Get a front-row seat to the Camden waterfront’s 6pm and midnight New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Battleship New Jersey.

In addition to panoramic views of the action, families enjoy music and food & drinks.

Kids can’t stay up late? Then bring them to the Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, where they’ll experience New Year’s at Noon (and 3pm), complete with dancing and a countdown.

CAPE MAY COUNTY Heading down the shore for the holiday? There’s plenty to do during First Night Ocean City. The family-friendly event features live entertainment at venues around town, culminating with a fireworks display at midnight.

PERFORMANCES

Chanukah on Ice at Flyers Skate Zone, Voorhees. Whirl around the rink to contemporary Jewish music, make an art project and watch as a giant menorah ice sculpture is carved during the event. $$$

The Nutcracker at the College of New Jersey, Ewing. Performed by Roxey Ballet. Dec. 1, 5, 7 & 8. $$$$

26 Thursday

Express Train to the North Pole at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Pitman. Dec. 4-28. $$

Winter Break: 10 Crucial Days at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Explore stories of those who experienced this period of the Revolutionary War. Costumed interpreters and demos are also part of the mix. $$$$

27 Friday

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Kelsey Theatre, West Windsor.

Dec. 6-8. $$$ The Great Tree and Other Tales at East Lyme Theater Company, Cape May. Dec. 8, 12, 13 & 14. $$$$

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa Celebration at Franklin Square, Phila. Festivities include games and crafts, FREE

Miracle on 34th Street at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Pitman.

Dec. 6-22. $$$$

Winter Break: 10 Crucial Days at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Dec. 26. $$$$

Frosty the Snowman at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Pitman.

Dec. 11-22. $$

28 Saturday

Christmas Candlelight Holiday House Tours in downtown Cape May. $$$$ Kwanzaa Crafts and Stories at the Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. $$$

Scrooge the Musical at the Ritz Theatre Company, Haddon Twp. Dec. 12-22. $$$ The Nutcracker at the Kelsey Theatre, West Windsor. Dec. 13-15. $$$ The Nutcracker at Caesars Atlantic City. (pictured) Performed by the Atlantic City Ballet. Dec. 15 & 22. $$$$

31 Monday

First Night Ocean City, Ocean City. See “Town & County,” above right. Cost varies Midnight at Sam’s at Sahara Sam’s Oasis, West Berlin. See “Town & County,” above right. $$$$ New Year’s at Noon (and 3pm) at the Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. See “Town & County,” above right. $$$ New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Battleship New Jersey, Camden. See “Town & County,” above right. $$

14 MetroKids.com

DECEMBER 2019

Photo by Jeremy Daniel. ©2018 Viacom. Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

BRING THE FAMILY AND SAVE BIG! USE CODE: 4PACK

DEC 3–15 PRESENTED BY

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4 TICKETS FOR AS LOW AS $99!

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Offer valid on select price levels and performances, while supplies last. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets.

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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www.kelseytheatre.org DECEMBER 2019

MetroKids.com 15

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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.

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

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