Weekend Events for NJ Kids November 14-15: Chilly Fun, Trains and Teddy Bears

There is lots of fun to be had this weekend both indoors and out!  Celebrate New Jersey's Lenape Indians both with indoor crafts at the Morris Museum or an outdoor hike at Morris Great Swamp.  Lovers of the outdoors and nature may be tempted to squeeze in a last nature walk, learn how to go bird watching, brave the cold for an evening around the campfire, take in a train show at the gardens, or enjoy a live animal presentation of reptiles.  Prefer your animals cuddly and inanimate? Grab your teddy bear and head to an indoor teddy bear picnic and celebration!

Teddy Bear Picnic at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (Madison)
Did you know that Saturday is National Teddy Bear Day?  What way to better celebrate than with a teddy bear picnic with you favorite bear?  Bring Teddy along for snacks and teddy bear crafts and check out the fun kid-friendly exhibits at the museum. Space is limited and pre-registration strongly recommended.  Call 973-377-2982 X12.  Admission $5 for participants.  Non-participants: Adults $5., Children $3. Maximum family charge: $13.

Train Show at the Camden Children's Garden (Camden)
Speaking of holidays, the Camden Children's Garden is getting ready for the holiday season!  The trains are out and there will be special crafts, games, and a reading of The Polar Express. Train fans will also have fun seeing the wares of plenty of train vendors and exhibitors.  This weekend-long event is FREE with admission. Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for children (3-11), and FREE for children two and younger.

Lenape Indian Family Day at the Morris Museum (Morris)
Thanksgiving is almost here so there is no better time to learn about New Jersey's native Indians, the Lenape.  On Saturday, there’ll be presentations at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the American Indian Gallery where families will view and learn about authentic and recreated objects such as masks, clothing, musical instruments and tools. Families will also be invited to create corn husk dolls and mini birch bark canoes using craft materials. Event FREE with admission. Admission: $10 for Adults, $7 for children. Children under 3  FREE.

Tyke Hikes, World of Reptiles, and Lenape Indians at Morris Great Swamp (Chatham)
This weekend there is plenty going on at Morris Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.  On Saturday at 10am, kids ages 2-to-5 can go on a kid-friendly hike and adventure to learn about animals and plants at the swamp.  ($3 per person). Then at 2pm, Snakes, Scales and Turtle Tales gives a live animal presentation covering snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodilians! First come, first served seating. ($5 per person).  Finally, on Sunday, kids ages 10 and up can earn how the Lenape lived and survived in nature with a walk and hands-on activities. ($3 per person).

Family Campfire and Night Hike at Tenafly Nature Center (Tenafly)
It isn't winter yet!  Even if it is chilly, this nature center is prepared to bring the campfire indoors!  So instead of gathering around the TV on Saturday night, gather 'round the campfire for stories and s'mores.  The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30pm and is recommended for ages 5 and up.  $10 for nonmembers. Space is limited and online pre-registration is required.

Birding Basics at Trailside Nature Center (Mountainside)
This family program will teach you everything about birds, from what they eat to how to identify them by sight and sound.  Learn which Jersey birds stay through the winter and which head South to warmer climates.  Saturday 10am.  Plan some extra time browsing the exhibits at the nature center and romping around the playground. Admission is a donation.