Weekend Events for NJ Kids November 7-8: Outdoor Animals and Indoor Fun

Winter may be just around the corner, but it isn't time to give up fun outdoor activities just yet!  This weekend, kids can head outdoors and get up close with all kinds of animals: watch wild ducks, learn all about horses, or attend an outdoor animal storytime.  They can also travel back in time at a historical farm and explore sausage and bacon making, or learn how to turn apples into cider.  Too chilly for you? Look for a good time indoors with a free theater series with campfire stories, a Mo Willem’s show at SOPAC, or family fun at the Newark Museum.

Ducks at Dusk at The Fyke Nature Association (Allendale)
Kids who are curious about wild waterfowl can watch them up close at the nature center's annual Ducks at Dusk event.  On Saturday at 4pm take a short walk to the warden's watch platform to witness hundreds of birds roosting in the waters of the lake.  Bring your own flashlight!  The event is FREE - just show up!

Watchung Stable Barn Tour (Mountainside)
If you haven't been to Watchung Stables yet, here is a great chance to learn all about the stables and the 60+ horses that live there.  This special tour lets kids learn everything they wanted to know about horses without actually riding them (the stables also have pony rides - call ahead and ask for details if you think your child cannot possibly pass up a ride while they’re there).  The stable tour takes place on Saturday at 10am and requires pre-registration.  Call 908-789-3670 for more details.

Bacon, Sausage and Soap Making at Howell Living Historical Farm (Lambertville)
Back in the olden days, this time of year was the time to stock up the pantry for the winter.  At Howell Living Historical Farm you can spend Saturday watching the farmers at Howell Living Historical Farm render lard, make sausage, scrapple and bacon, and kids can taste cracklings (or you can buy a pork sandwich).  Even better, from 11am to 3pm, kids can attend a 20 minute session and make their own soap on a rope!  $2 per person.

Animal Storytime at Morris Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (Morris)
On Sunday, kids ages 2 to 6 can enjoy storytime and learn about nature with this fun outdoor program.  There are two sessions: 10am and 2pm. $3 per person. Registration required: Call 973 635 6629.

Apple Cider Making at Tenafly Nature Center (Tenafly)
Make homemade apple cider with an old-fashioned apple press and enjoy the “fruits” of your labor at the Tenafly Nature Center.  Apple cider-making sessions take place at 12:30pm or 2pm on Sunday.  Suggested donation of 3 apples per person.  This event is $10 for non-members. Pre-registration not required, but requested (visit website for online registration.)You can also partake in the center's family nature walk at 3:30pm for an additional fee of $5 per person.  Or just hike one of the many trails and visit the center’s collection of birds of prey.

Fire Escapes Family Tour and More at the Newark Museum (Newark)
Saturday is a fun-filled day at the Newark Museum.  At 1pm kids can learn about the history of fire truck, climb into the cab of a real fire truck and create their own fire truck craft to take home.  This is just one of the many on-going kids programs at the Newark museum this weekend.  If firetrucks don't appeal to your little one, perhaps making your own model furniture set inspired by the museum's traditional Chinese furniture peaks their interest.  Kids can also explore the unique properties of clay.  FREE with admission. (Adults: $10.; Children $6.)

Mo Willem’s Pigeon Party at SOPAC  (South Orange)
If your kids are like mine, they can’t get enough of Mo Willem’s Pigeon antics.  Which is why on Sunday, you’ll find us at the South Orange Performing Arts Center watching Pigeon Party–a show combining all of the wacky Pigeon’s adventures into one interactive, musical theater experience. Pigeons rule! Recommended for children 2 and up.  Sunday 11am & 2pm.  $20.  Tickets may be purchased online or by phone (973) 313 ARTS.

Milk and Cookies Free Theater Series at the State Theater of NJ (New Brunswick)
If you are looking for some fun and free indoor activities, look no further than the Milk and Cookies Free Theater series.  On Saturday from 10am to noon, Ken Galipeau will entertain kids 3-8 yrs. old with “Campfire Stories & Songs from North America.”  The old-fashioned campfire jamboree (minus the real fire and marshmallows) is participatory and sure to please everyone.  FREE, but advance registration is required.  Call 732-246-7469, ext. 545 or email jcunha@statetheatrenj.org to register.

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