Weekend Events in NJ, April 2-3: Spring is in the air with birds, planes & openings

3/31/11 - By Desiree

Spring is in the air... literally! Apparently Mr. Robin Redbreast and his feathered friends are migrating back to NJ and Newark Museum and the Van Vleck House & Gardens are celebrating with bird-themed events. This weekend also marks the seasonal opening (with lots of fanfare) of historical sites like Cooper Gristmill, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Historic Speedwell, and Updike Farmstead. Even the NJ Aviation Hall of Fame is opening up the cockpits of its planes in celebration of Spring!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Skies Alive Family Fun Day at the Newark Museum (Newark)
Have you ever heard of Bird-Xercise? This celebration of the Great Spring Bird Migration includes a variety of activities inspired by our feathered-friends. In addition of Bird-Xercise, there will be bird bingo, dissection of own pellets, a bird beaks and feet activity, and a workshop where kids can make their own bird feeder. Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids.

Spring Celebration at Van Vleck House & Gardens (Montclair)
It is all about birds at the Van Vleck House & Gardens' Spring Celebration. Bring a picnic lunch to eat in the garden and enjoy a live demonstration of raptors, bird displays, crafts, and more. Saturday from 10am to noon. $15 per family in advance or $20 per family at the door.

Morris County Historical Sites Opening Weekend (Morris county)
Spring is here and the historic sites of Morris County are all celebrating their opening season with special events. Cooper Gristmill will be offering tours where kids can see how flour is made (free, donations appreciated). Fosterfields Living Historical Farm will be serving cake for Caroline Foster's 134th birthday, there will be chores to do around the farm, and the animals will be out and about (admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids 4 and up, $2 for kids ages 2 to 4). Finally, Historic Speedwell will unveil its new orientation dvd and offer guided tours of the Vail home and factory (admission is $4 for adults, $2 for kids). All events take place Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Updike Farmstead Opening Weekend (Princeton)
Yet another historical site is opening up this weekend! Updike Farmstead is celebrating with live fiddle music, natural egg-dying, a gardening workshop, and a cakewalk! Saturday 10am to 4pm. Admission is $5 per person ages 3 and up, $8 for 2 people, $10 for 3 people, and $15 for 4 people. Materials fees will be charges for egg-dyeing ($1) and gardening ($5).

Open Cockpit Day at the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame (Teterboro)
Aspiring pilots can learn "hands on" about flight control and instrumentation at Open Cockpit Day. The cockpits of many of the museum's airplane and helicopters can be seen close up and pilots and guides will be on hand to answer any questions.  Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for kids.

Tots on Tour at Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton)
Explore the sculpture gardens and artwork with hands-on activities geared towards kids ages 3-5. Saturday from 11am to 1pm. Free with admission which is $12 for adults and $8 for kids 6 and up. The program is first come, first serve.

Places featured in this article: