Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend Nov 2-3: Bubblemania, Paper Turkey Hunt, Gridiron Glory & More!

10/30/13 - By Sasha Muzzarelli

With the hoopla of Halloween almost behind us, it’s time to enjoy some carefree late autumn weekends and (hopefully) get in some quality family time before the hectic rush of the holidays. For some educational fun, check out Gridiron Glory at Liberty Science Center or take in a Stars & Meteors show at Holmdel Park. If you’re ready to get in the Thanksgiving spirit, make a festive Thanksgiving plate at Thompson Park or take part in their Paper Turkey Target Hunt! And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

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Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Jersey City, NJ)
If you’re a football fan (young or old!), this one’s definitely for you. Head to Liberty Science Center and check out Gridiron Glory, which combines sports, history and culture into one awesome exhibit. LSC brings the vigor of this all-American sports phenomenon to life with rare historical artifacts, hands-on fun and chances to meet NFL alumni. The exhibition even features a Hometown Heroes section showcasing the Giants & Jets teams. You can also view rare artifacts such as the Vince Lombardi Trophy, try on vintage game gear and step into a referee’s shoes in an authentic NFL Instant Replay Booth. Game on! All ages welcome. Saturday & Sunday 9am-5:30pm (exhibit runs through March 2, 2014). Entry included with museum admission. 201-200-1000.

African Penguin Awareness Weekend (Camden, NJ)
Join Adventure Aquarium for African Penguin Awareness Weekend - their annual celebration dedicated to everyone’s favorite little flightless feathered friends. This yearly event features an array of “penguin-centric” activities, all of which help promote the conservation of African Black-Footed Penguins. Special activities include: Meet an African Penguin during up-close appearances, live Q&A chats with biologists and penguin painting demonstrations by the mini-artists themselves! All ages welcome. Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. Ticket prices vary ($18.95 - $24.95/Person).

Saturday, November 2nd

Bubblemania (Upper Saddle River, NJ)
If you thought your kids loved bubbles before, check out Bubblemania at the Saddle River Valley Cultural Center – you can be sure adults and children alike will be impressed! Bubblemania is an extremely unique program combining visual comedy, quick wit, big band swing music and the untamed, often unbelievable qualities and beauty of spherical liquids. Bubble creations grow from intricate and imaginative bubble art forms to "trapping" people inside bubbles. Recommended for ages 4 & up. 3pm. $15/Person. 201-825-3366

Decorate a Thanksgiving Plate (Lincroft, NJ)
If you’re a little bummed that Halloween is already over, why not look ahead to Thanksgiving and start getting ready! Have the kids get crafty at Thompson Park this Saturday with a seasonal project as they decorate their very own keepsake Thanksgiving plate. The whole family is welcome to create a unique design for the upcoming holiday that will be a special addition to the table. Plates will be kiln fired and ready for pick up before Turkey Day. Recommended for ages 6 to 10. Pre-registration is required. 12-1:30pm. $23/Family. 732-842-4000 x4240

Starts & Meteors (Holmdel, NJ)
Discover how to navigate around the night sky and hear some of the ancient stories about constellations during this unique night program at Holmdel Park. The full moon is the perfect time to get a clear view of the night sky. Bring a cozy blanket and your favorite mug – the park supplies the warm beverage. Leave your flashlights at home and dress to be outdoors as you lay back and watch the Taurids, a long-running minor meteor shower producing about 5-10 meteors per hour. If you love the night sky, you’ll love this program! Recommended for ages 8 & up. Pre-registration required. 5:30-6:30pm. $7/Person. 732-946-9562

Sunday, November 3rd

Paper Turkey Target Hunt (Lincroft, NJ)
Spend the day outdoors at Thompson Park Activity Barn searching for the perfect turkey for your holiday feast! The turkey targets aren’t edible, but your family will enjoy using the park’s hand held GPS units to locate them .After all of your turkeys have been found, you can work on your aim as you use the compound and re-curved bows to shoot the paper turkey targets at the archery range. And best of all, no turkeys are harmed during this event! Recommended for ages 9 & up. 10am-12pm. $10/Person. 732-842-4000 x4240

Kids Nature Photography Walk (Howell, NJ)
Does your budding little photographer love taking pictures of nature? Treat them to a special afternoon at Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center for a photography nature walk geared towards kids. You’ll learn simple nature photography tips as your group explores late autumn beauty on a peaceful trail walk. A digital point and shoot camera is recommended. Suggested for ages 10 & up. Pre-registration is required. 3-4pm. $6.50/Person. 732-751-9453

Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month! GO NOVEMBER is hot off the presses!

And don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar. And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.