INSIDE: FUN THINGS TO DO...Enrichment • Camps • Schools • Spring Activities• Enter2Win MARCH/APRIL 2024 NJKIDSONLINE.COM Over 50 STEAM classes for ages 5-14 years Weekly summer sessions See ad and article on page 7 and 20 A FREE Publication of Local Activities For Kids...Access this ebook 24/7
2 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024 D a y C a m p J u n e M i n i C a m p s K i n d e r g a r t e n R e a d y A c a d e m i c a n d E n r i c h m e n t C o u r s e s Y o u t h S p o r t s C a m p s A S U M M E R A D V E N T U R E I S W A I T I N G F O R Y O U ! S u m m e r P r o g r a m s f o r b o y s a n d g i r l s a g e s 3 - 1 7 ! Summit, NJ | www.oakknoll.org/summer
blippi
The Wonderful World Tour Sat, Mar 16 @ 3PM Blippi returns to NJPAC for The Wonderful World Tour! Kids will have a blast dancing and singing along.
trinity irish
Sun, Mar 17 @ 7PM Spend St. Patrick’s Day with the high-energy Irish step dance performers of Trinity Irish Dance Company dance company
Sun, Apr 14 @ 1 & 5PM Life’s a circus at the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, where dogs, cats — and even ducks! — are the stars of the show. popovich comedy pet theater
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 3 @NJPAC • 1.888.MY.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 • One Center Street, Newark, NJ
jul
acting hip hop musical theater learn more at njpac.org/education
generous Arts Education sponsors.
a full listing,
visit njpac.org/education.
8 – aug 9 arts camps summer
NJPAC thanks its
For
please
4 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 5 Experience the Co-op Early Ages through 8th Grade www.montclaircoop.org Progressive Education
Happy Spring!
NJ KIDS is here to connect you to new spring ideas and to help with summer camp planning. We’ve found quality enrichment programs, new camps, and many outdoor activities with the upcoming season. Earth Day, Cherry Blossoms festivals and egg hunts are ahead of us. Summer is just a few months away so don’t miss out on early bird sign ups for camp. Summer camps are filling up faster this year. Flip through our updated camp guide online, and scan this publication for new camp ideas. Many more are online.
Our Freebie Friday giveaways start up again. Enter2Win online at njkidsonline.com/win and participate for a chance to win free tickets to great attractions and shows.
Thank you for picking up this handy little guide. We exist because of the local businesses who advertise here. Please tell them you found them through NJ KIDS.
The NJ Kids Team
NJ Kids On The Go! is published by NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. PO Box 542, Roseland, NJ 07068. We assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions, nor do we recommend programs, nor do we warrant the accuracy or reliatbility of any of the information contained in this book. Nothing herein contained may be reproduced in any manner without written permission of NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. Copyright 2024
THE little BOOK WITH Special RESOURCES! a special FREE See ad 6 and 7 www.njkidsonline.com INSIDE: FUN THINGS TO DO...Enrichment • Camps • Schools • Spring Activities• Enter2Win MARCH/APRIL 2024 NJKIDSONLINE.COM Over 50 STEAM classes for ages 5-14 years Weekly summer sessions See ad and article on page 7 and 20 A FREE Publication of Local Activities For Kids...Access this ebook 24/7 GOT
What To Do! Be part of our digital campaigns print • online • email • social ebooks DEADLINE: March 15 to get into May/June Print Issues advertise@njkidsonline.com 973.303.3027 5x Print, 12x Digital Editions Winter: January / February Spring: March / April Summer: May / June Summer Fun: July (Digital only) Back To School: August / September Fall: October / November Holiday: December (Digital only)
KIDS?
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 7
8 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024 Level IV Consultant
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 9 CAMP EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: 10% OFF by 5/5 • Hands-on Learning to Promote Conceptual Understanding • Fun Bi-Weekly Themes & Activities throughout the summer 育泉 Westfield 115 East Grove Street, Westsfield,NJ | Warren 10 North Road, Warren, NJ 908.301.6168 | SpringAcademy168@gmail.com | www.SpringAcademyUS.com 4 WEEKS | 7/28 - 8/23, 9 - 4pm (or 7:30 - 6pm) • Academic Classes to Jump Start the Next School Year • Magnet Prep for 8th Graders • Critical Thinking Class for 2nd Graders • Two Friday Field Trips Montessori & Fun Camp 1 - 6 yrs 9 WEEKS | 6/24 - 8/23, 9 - 4pm (or 7:30 - 6pm) Scan Here Academic Camp Academic Camp 2nd - 8th Grade Summer Camp Spring Academy Scan Here Montessori Camp @ ENROLL NOW for 2024 School Year! Limited Spots Available. OPEN HOUSES Westfield April 20, 10am - 2pm Warren May 4, 10am - 2pm Click Here
10 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024 SAVE THE DATE FOR A SUMMER OF WOW! SAVE THE DATE FOR A SUMMER OF WOW! D-E 360° SUMMER 2024 MONDAY, JUNE 24 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 FOR PRESCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH GRADE 9! • Programs held on the beautiful 45+ acre Dwight-Englewood School campus • ‘A la carte’ Enrichment for Grades 5+ www.de360.d-e.org 2864-DE 360 Summer Ads-CampGuide-4.7x7.7-d2.indd 1 12/12/23 11:25 AM
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 11 Visit the Rutgers Geology Museum Now offering Free tours for K-12 Schools Patch Tours for Scout Groups Birthday Parties Free Public Events 85 Somerset St., New Brunswick, NJ geologymuseum.rutgers.edu
12 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024 www.njschoolofballet.com Edison Princeton Cherry Hill Eatontown East Brunswick Deptford Galloway East Hanover Lehigh Valley - PA Swim Lessons Swim Lessons A Gift for Life A Gift for Life Many gifts can be unforgettable, but what about a gift that can teach a life skill to your child? www.FiveStarSwimSchool.com Scan the code to see the Gift Packages!
14 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
Summer of Learning & Fun AGES 4 -12 • 9:00AM-4:00PM • JUNE 24TH - AUGUST 9TH 201-871-8808 • ENGLEWOOD NJ Licensed to use Applied Scholastics™ educational services and materials.
16 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 17
FIAF
AT
MONTCLAIR
Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Ages 10 and up A modern and innovative approach to acting education In-person On-Camera Classes • Audition Taping Professional Coaching • Bootcamp Workshops 277 Closter Dock Rd, Closter, NJ • 551.333.5820
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 19 cooking studio SUMMER SESSIONS 778 MORRIS TURNPIKE, SHORT HILLS, NJ 07078 (973)258- 4009 • THERESA.MERGES@ALBERTSONS.COM
20 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
About Camp W i Ld
Not a Girl Scout? No problem! Join us at one of our three summer camps in 2024 for fun-filled adventures and memories that will last a lifetime! Our diverse programming is inspired by the Girl Scout legacy of honesty, respect, and responsibility and built on 100 years of camp experience.
Day camps run July 8th through August 16th
Camp DeWitt • Hillsborough, NJ
The OVAL • Maplewood, NJ
Sleepaway camp runs July 7th through August 17th
Camp Hoover • Middleville, NJ
www.gshnj.org/summercamp Scan to visit our summer camp webpage now!
summercamp@gshnj.org
At My Gym Camp, we activate the fun every single day. Our themes and programs constantly change, so no two days of camp are ever the same. Space is limited–book your spot online today!
Westfield • (908) 317-0888 mygym.com/westfield Glen Rock • (201) 444-4644 mygym.com/glenrock New Providence • (908) 665-2122 mygym.com/newprovidence GET READY FOR SUMMER CAMP NOW ENROLLING Enrolling Now in Spring Break Camp Enrolling Now in Spring Break Camp Spring Break CampNowCamp Enrolling in Break
22 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
NJ KIDS FUN GIVEAWAYS ....WIN! Enter2Win at www.njkidsonline.com/win Freebie Fridays are back!
Gardens, Blossoms, Nature Trails, Earth Day
It’s the beginning of Spring and we bring you our Spring Guide to gardens and flower shows, Cherry Blossom festivals, Earth Day and Easter activities. Go on a nature walk, discover gardens and habitats, hike with kids, enjoy a picnic, find the pinkest garden!! Arboretums are a wonderful place for nature lovers, kids and adults alike. Please check each venue’s website for hours and fees. Many are free! This is a short list, with more family friendly things to do and how to enjoy the spring season online at njkidsonline.com.
The Orchid Show at NY Botanical Garden
Through April 21, 2024. Florals in Fashion at the NYBG. Come see thousands of beautiful orchids, spectacular in color, design, and display. Designs by new fashion artists featuring a catwalk and fashion inspired flower displays with connections to the natural world. Admission ticket fee. Bronx, NY. nybg.org
Daffodil Day at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
April 14, 2024, Visit one of the largest daffodil collections in Summit, NJ with over 50,000 bulbs in bloom. Fee for non-members. Enjoy lovely historical grounds, display gardens, and blooms. Hike wooded trails and walkways. Learn about nature, the outdoors, plants, flowers, and wildlife. Summit, NJ. reeves-reedarboretum.org
Laurelwood Arboretum
Open year round from 8am to dusk, Spans 30 acres and features woodland trails, Wetland Garden, The Pollinator Garden, Lilac Walk, Sculpture trail, ponds, streams, plants, trees and more! Also featuring The Sensory Garden, a unique barrier free garden where all abilities can experience nature. No entrance fee, donations welcome. Wayne, NJ. laurelwoodarboretum.org
The Willowwood Arboretum
Open daily from 8am to dusk, FREE. Enjoy various gardens in the park: Bee Meadow, Conservatory, Cottage Garden, Cypress Lawn, Hacklebarney Field, Hillside Pasture and more! Each filled with different types of shrubs, trees, flowers and plants. 300 Longview Road, Chester, NJ. willowwoodarboretum.org
24 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
Kids? THINGS TO DO THIS SPRING
Got
Longwood Gardens Spring Blooms
March 2024 - May 5, 2024. Go see the vibrant blooms on display, from tulips to roses. Walk around beautiful gardens, fountains, meadows and more! Kids can let loose in the indoor Children’s Garden. Admission fee. 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA. longwoodgardens.org
WHERE TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS
2024 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park
April 6-14, 2024, Walk along the path and admire over 5,200 cherry blossom trees. Among the activities all week are: April 6: Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race, April 7: Cherry Blossom 10K run, April 13: Family Day including a 1 mile Fun Walk/Run, crafts, face painting, paddle boats, rock walls, April 14: Bloomfest includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, craft marketplace, food. Newark NJ. essexcountyparks.org
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
FREE admission to grounds. Lookout for flowering cherry blossoms in early spring, usually in the month of April. Take a stroll through gardens, open fields, woodland, hiking/walking trails and groves of flowering trees. Various children’s activities are held throughout the year. Morris Township, NJ. arboretumfriends.org
Cherry Blossoms - Cherry Hill NJ
See pink and white bloom, 2 miles of Cherry Blossoms trees along Chapel Ave, between Haddonfield Rd and Kings Highway in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Rutgers Garden
Open year round, FREE admission. Kids can make their own nature discoveries over
180 acres of gardens and natural habitats. Explore blooming cherry trees, perennials, ferns, grasses, flowers, shrubs, trees, bamboo grove, woodland, frog pond, pollinator garden and more! School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ. rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu
NJ Botanical Garden at Skylands
FREE admission to garden. Open year round. Go see cherry blossom trees in the Perennial Garden. Meander through specialty gardens surrounded by 1000 acres of woodlands and marked trails. Peony garden, Lilac Garden, Azalea Garden, Magnolia Walk Join in family hikes. Ringwood, NJ. njbg.org
Hurd Park
Scenic park with cherry blossom trees lining paths along the park, gazebos, war memorial, and foot bridges. Great park for picture taking. Located W Blackwell St & Park Heights Ave. Dover, NJ.
Verona Park
At this 54 acre park in Essex County, take a walk around the beautiful lake to see gorgeous cherry blossoms and weeping willow trees. Perfect for moms and strollers. Walk around the reservoir and play in the updated playground. Verona, NJ
Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival
FREE to the public. Sat & Sun, April 13-14, 2024. Spectacular Cherry Blossoms and the annual spring celebration of Japanese arts and culture will take place at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center. Featuring cultural activities, music performances, vendors, crafts & more! Great fun for the whole family! Belmont Avenue & Montgomery Drive, Philadelphia PA. japanphilly.org
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 25
Central Park Cherry Blossoms
From March to April, look for Cherry Blossoms near the Belvedere Castle. Find 2 species this spring: Kwanzan Cherry and Yoshino Cherry. You’ll also find Cherry trees around the reservoir (85th-96th St), Conservatory Garden (104th St), Cherry Hill (72nd St), Pilgrim Hill (East 72nd St), the Great Lawn, Shakespeare Garden (79th St), Sheep Meadow (66th-69th St), and behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fun activity for children of all ages. NYC. centralparknyc.org
New York Botanical Garden
Starting in late March, you’ll be able to see over 200 colorful pink and white cherry trees along the curving path in the Cherry Collection section of the garden. Bronx NY. nybg.org
Sakura Park
Home to over 2,000 cherry trees, Sakura Park is located between Riverside Church and International House. These cherry trees were a gift from the Committee of Japanese Residents of New York as part of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration back in 1909. Riverside Dr., Claremont Ave to West 122nd St, NYC.
2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington DC
March 20, 2024 - April 14, 2024. Perfect vacation getaway. The tidal basin area transforms into a happy place filled with pink and white blooms. This festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan to Washington D.C. The cherry blossoms may peak early so keep an eye out with Bloom Watch. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
EARTH DAY EVENTS
Cape May County Earth Day Celebration
Sat, April 20, 2024,10am-3pm. Free. Visit the Cape May County Park and Zoo for fun educational exhibits, games, entertainment, environmental eco-shops, scavenger hunt, crafts, and food. Cape May, NJ capemaycountynj.gov
Essex County Earth Day
Sat, April 20, 2024, 11am-3pm. Free. Outdoor festival to celebrate the planet Earth with nature crafts, games, canoeing, hiking, demonstrations and local eco-vendors. Roseland, NJ. essexcountyparks.org
Earth Day Celebration Montclair
April 15-22, 2024. Free. The Northeast Earth Coalition invites you to celebrate the Earth with week long activities. Demonstration gardens, spring cleanup, planting, environmental displays, entertainment and more! Crane Park, Montclair, NJ. neearth.org
Hunterdon Earth Day Festival
Sat, April 20, 2024. Free. Planet Earth day with live animal show, nature hikes, meet animals, 4-H activities, recycled crafts, games, campfire, and storytelling. Echo Hill Park in Flemington NJ. co.hunterdon.nj.us
26 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 27 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE INTERNET | PRINT | EBLAST To advertise your summer camp, email advertise@njkidsonline.com or call us at 973.303.3027 - Through July Next Deadline: March 10th
Monmouth County Park Earth Day
Sat, April 20, 2024, 10am-2pm. Earth Day Open House at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Ctr with nature walks, animal presentations, and nature crafts. April 21st Beach Cleanups and Beach Combing: 10am-2pm at Bayshore Waterfront Park; and 1pm-3pm at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center. April 22nd, 5-6:30pm Earth Day Shore Planting -of trees and plants for local wildlife. monmouthcountyparks.com
Somerset County - Raritan Headwaters Earth Day Cleanup
Sat, April 20, 2024. Join in stream & land cleanup to help protect our waters and ecosystem. Volunteers bring your own reusable water bottle. Registration opens March 1st. 2121 Larger Cross Rd, Bedminster, NJ. raritanheadwaters.org
EGG HUNTS
Storybook Land Easter Egg Hunt Stop by Storybook Land on March 28, 29, 30 and April 1st for a classic Easter Egg hunt. Visit with Easter bunny. Unlimited rides and attractions with admission ticket. Fun theme park for young children. Advanced tickets. Egg Harbor Twnshp, NJ. storybookland.com
Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Hall Museum
Sat, March 30, 2024, 10am or 12pm time slot. Come for an egg-cellent adventure. Children will explore the grounds searching for hidden plastic eggs filled with Easter treats. A surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. Reservation required. Union NJ. libertyhall.kean.edu
Essex County Spring Forest Egg Hunt
Sat, March 23, 2024, 9:30am to 10:30am OR 11am to 12pm. Ages 1-6. Celebrate spring with a reading of the “Little White Rabbit” and an egg hunt. Children can bring their basket to collect eggs and earn surprises! Register online, Fee. Roseland, NJ. essexcountyparks.org
Egg-Stravaganza at Stew Leonard’s
Wed, March 27, 2024, 4pm-5:30pm is Egg Hunt. Get your free tickets (needed for kids only) via Stew Leonard’s website. Children ages 8 and younger can participate in the Easter Egg Hunt Egg-Stravaganza. Paramus Park Mall, Paramus. stewleonards.com
Hoboken Grace Easter Egg Hunt
Sat, March 23, 2024. FREE but registration required. For children up to 9 years. Egg hunt will take place at 409 14th Street in Hoboken. Pictures with Easter Bunny, crafts, and games. Hoboken. hobokengrace.com
137 Mountain View Rd, Hillsborough, NJ
28 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
STEM SUMMER CAMP 2024
FIELD TRIPS
Swimming (weekly)
Chocolate Works
Legoland • Seaquest
Liberty Science Center
iPlay America
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk - 2024 Egg Hunt Sun, March 24, 2024, 1pm-2pm. FREE. Dig for eggs on the beach. Open to kids up to 10 years old, separate age group hunts. No age limit for separate special needs egg hunt at Adventure Lookout Ropes Course. Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ. jenkinsons.com
Seaside Heights - 2024 Easter Egg Hunt
Sun, March 24, 2024, 1pm. FREE Easter Egg Hunt on the beach (Seaside Heights Beach & Boardwalk). Over 10,000 pastel eggs are buried in the sand and filled with prizes. Games, music, activities, meet the Easter Bunny, and much more! exit82.com
Easter Celebration Historic Village at Allaire
Sat, March 23, 2024, 11am-4pm. Bring your own basket to collect eggs at special stops throughout the village. Spot the Easter Bunny, egg dyeing, egg games, story telling, village scavenger hunt, music, entertainment and more! Advance tickets. allairevillage.org
Cape May Zoo Easter EggstravaganZOO March 29 - April 7, 2024, 10am3:30pm. FREE ten day event. Children’s activities, scavenger hunt, crafts and live animal encounters. Play Easter Bunny I Spy
- discover hidden Easter Bunnies throughout the zoo. Take part in an Easter Scavenger Hunt and learn animal facts. Navigate HOPstacle course. Easter Bunny Mar 30, 11am-2pm. capemaycountynj.gov
Easter Egg Hunt at Diggerland
Sat & Sun, March 30 & 31, 2024, 1pm. Come to Diggerland’s Easter Egg Hunt. Eggs are hidden in Easter Egg patches at Diggerland. Tons of eggs with prizes. Different age group hunts. Admission ticket required. West Berlin NJ. diggerlandusa.com
EASTER BUNNY TRAIN RIDES
Delaware River Railroad - Easter Bunny Train Ride And Easter Egg Hunt March 23, 24, 30, 31, 2024, select times. Ride along the scenic Delaware River, leaving Phillipsburg and arriving at Lime Kilns. Meet Mr. Easter Bunny, music and jugglers on train. In front of the Lime Kilns will be an area filled with Easter Eggs. Advance tickets. Phillipsburg NJ. 877trainride.com
Whippany Railway Museum - Easter Bunny Express 2024
Take a fun 45-minute Easter Bunny Express round trip train ride along the Morris & Erie Whippanong Trail with Easter Bunny. Departs on the hour at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm on March 23, 24, 30, 2024. Advance tickets. Whippany NJ. whippanyrailwaymuseum.net
Strasburg Rail Road Easter Train Rides Fri-Sun, March 29-31, 2024. The Easter Bunny will hop from train to train to meet all the kids. The conductor is Peter Cottontail. 45 minutes train ride is a fun activity for the whole family. Advance tickets. strasburgrailroad.com.
30 Got Kids? Go To: www.njkidsonline.com Mar/Apr 2024
More on www.njkidsonline.com
To advertise: email advertise@njkidsonline.com 31
“IT
