Newark Museum (Newark, NJ)
If you’re curious about the science of energy, check out emPOWERED - Your Renewable Energy Future at the Newark Museum. This popular exhibit is now a permanent fixture at the museum and teaches kids all about the benefits of 'advanced energy technologies' and simplifies the science behind renewable energy sources. Visitors can test wind turbines, operate a solar panel and further understand how the earth can be harnessed to power our lives. Great for kids interested in science and the environment, or kids that should be! Suggested admission $10/Adult, $6/Child. Open Wed-Sun, 12-5pm. For more information, please call 973-596-6550.

Montclair Art Museum (Montclair, NJ)
For a little dose of local history, head on over to the Montclair Art Museum and check out their new exhibit, Picturing Patterson. Older kids and history-loving adults might be surprised to learn that Patterson, New Jersey was once a thriving manufacturing center that became a center of political and social upheaval in the early 20th century. Artwork by Oscar Bluemner depicts the gritty factories and surrounding workmen’s cottages during the city’s industrial phase. Bluemner was a unique artist in his time (1867–1938), choosing to capture the everyday scenes of towns where people labored and lived, rather than picturesque landscapes. Instead of a history lesson about some far off place, Picturing Patterson will hopefully spur conversations about the rich history of the state that we call home. Runs through June 16th. Museum admission $12/Adult, Children under 12 are free. Open Wed – Sun 12-5pm. For more information, please call 973-746-9118.

Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ)
LSC has added two awesome spring exhibits to their lineup. High-tech movie buffs and science fans will be in their element as they wander through AVATAR: The Exhibition. If you’ve ever been curious about how director James Cameron made his sci-fi flick come to life, check out the touch-screen interface as you play a scene from the movie and de-activate layers of sound or step onto a virtual set to view your own performance capture avatar explore a 3D Pandoran environment in real time. This exhibit might be a bit overwhelming for younger tots and is recommended for ages 8 & up. Runs through May 19th.

Little ones will have a total blast at Curious George: Let’s Get Curious: "LSC has increased our offerings for families with kids under 7 by adding new educator-led programs, movies and exhibit experiences just for them -- and we're getting great feedback from guests," says Paul Hoffman, LSC's President and CEO. "We're thrilled to add this playful traveling exhibit to the mix." The often daunting concepts of math, science and even engineering are presented to children through hands-on play. Start with an ascent up a twirly staircase to the top of a rocket ship (followed by a steep slide down), delve into the basics of physics at the mini golfing greens or visit the country farm section for a lesson in cause and effect with wind chimes, windmills and learn about counting and weight at the produce stand. Runs through May 12th.

LSC admission $16.75/Adult, $12.50/Child. Spring hours (beginning April 6th) Mon – Fri 9am-4pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5:30pm. For more information, please call 201-200-1000.

Morris Museum (Morristown, NJ)
What makes the world go ‘round? The answer, of course, is money. Once Upon a Dime, The World of Money at the family-friendly Morris Museum invites kids (and grown ups too!) to discover the fascinating story of money over thousands of years and across the world. Peek into a large bank vault filled with different kinds of money, then follow the story of money from barter to digital dollars through a series of interactive stations. Visitors will be challenged to think about spending, saving and investing their own money through hands on exploration. Kids can choose to play a barter game, lookout for counterfeit bills in the crime lab or start their own cookie business. Runs through September 3rd. Museum admission $10/Adult, $7/Child. Open Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 11am-5pm, Thurs 11am-8pm and Sun 12-5pm. For more information, please call 973-971-3700.