Weekend Events for NJ Feb. 27-28: Free Fun with Widget, World Stories, Purim, Planting, Clowns and Kaleidoscopes!

2/26/10 - By Desiree

Feeling a little stir-crazy after all this snow?  Then put on your parka, pack up the crew and head out to a host of cool kids activities!  This weekend, kids can dress up, clown around, and celebrate everything from the Widget the Beaver’s birthday to the Winter weather and maple trees.  At the Newark Museum kids can try tightrope walking and see clowns. At the Morven Museum spend a dinosaur inspired “night at the museum.”    Make a recycled kaleidoscope at the Hoboken Historical Museum and see a LEGO sculpture of the Taj Mahal at the Cotsen Children’s Library.  Celebrate Purim with carnivals at Congregation Shomrei Emunah and the Garden State Discovery Museum.  Finally enjoy maple sugaring and other outdoor winter events at Reeves Reed Arboretum and Van Vleck House and Gardens. So grab that shovel and start digging your way out! (But remember to call first--with this crazy weather, cancellations can happen at a moment's notice!)
 

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Circus Science at the Newark Museum
(Newark)
Enjoy a weekend of circus performances by Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey Circus at the Newark Museum including balancing clowns, balloon art, face painting, plate spinning and more.   Kids can try their hand at juggling, the tightrope, and even trapeze equipment!  Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 4pm. Clown performances are at 11:30 am, 1:30 and 3:30 pm and magic shows are at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 pm. FREE with admission (includes one clown OR magic performance) which is $10 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under.  Admission to performances and activities is first-come first-serve.  Call 973-596-5150 for advance ticket purchases.

Night at the Museum at Morven Museum & Garden (Princeton)
Dinosaurs come to life (the costumed kind that is) in this exciting evening program where kids can learn about fossils and archeological digs, watch a dinosaur movie, and other hands on activities.  Refreshments served.  Recommended for all ages.  Saturday from 5pm to 7pm.  $10 per family.  Advance registration recommended by calling 609-924-8144x106.

Kaleidoscope workshop at the Hoboken Historical Museum (Hoboken)
Create your own magical kaleidoscope from a plastic bottle, provided materials, and your imagination!  Taught by an instructor from the Museum of Arts and Design, this intergenerational workshop is recommended for kids 4 and up.  Saturday at noon and 2pm.  $15 per person, children 12 and under can bring an adult to assist them at no charge.  Workshops are limited to 12 people per workshop.  Advance registration required by calling 201-656-4420 or emailing education@hobokenmuseum.org.

“World Story Festival: India” at Cotsen Children’s Library
(Princeton)
Take an imaginary trip to India with storytime, crafts, a live Indian dance performance and examine up close a LEGO replica of the Taj Mahal! Recommended for ages 3 and up.  Saturday from 2:30 to 4:30.  FREE.  Advance registration not required.

Widget's birthday party at the Museum of Early Crafts and Trades (Madison)
The museum’s mascot, Widget the Beaver, is have a birthday party complete with fun beaver activities and birthday goodies.  Recommended for ages 2 to 6.  Sunday from 1pm to 3pm.  $5 per person.  Advance registration recommended by calling 973-377-2982 x12.

Purim Carnival at Congregation Shomrei Emunah (Montclair)
The Congregation’s annual Purim carnival includes a Megillah reading at 11 am and carnival fun including a bouncy house, games, prizes, cotton candy and costume parade. Sunday from 11:30 am - 2 pm.  FREE.

Purim at the Garden State Discovery Museum
(Cherry Hill)
Celebrate Purim with crafts, music, dress-up, storytelling, and kid-friendly punch and hamantashen.  Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3pm.  FREE with admission, which is $9.95 per person.

Maple Sugar Festival at Reeves Reed Arboretum
(Summit)
The Arboretum opens its doors for a special festival in celebration of the maple sugaring season including crafts, games, tapping demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and taste tests.  Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.  $5 per adult and $3 per child.

Winter in the Garden at Van Vleck House & Gardens (Montclair)
This family-friendly event features maple sugaring, bird-watching, tree ID, seed-starting, crafts and warm refreshments.  Saturday from 1pm to 3pm.  $15 per family in advance, $20 per family at the door.  Advance registration recommended by calling 973-744-4752.