Morris Museum  (Morristown)

Why is it that trains seem to get top billing for kids’ favorite transportation vehicle!?!? Well, I happen to think that motorcycles are also tres cool and deserve some love. If you or your kids agree, you must zoom over to the new exhibit at the Morris Museum called On the Road: 100 Years of Motorcycles in America.  It's only around until December 4^th so make sure to add this to your fall activity to-do list! You may want to make a special trip out during one of the museum's Family Days this fall where there are additional activities and events for kids such as Halloween Family Festival: October 29^th, Lenape Indian Family Day November 12^th, or Rock and Mineral Family Weekend November 25-27^th.  For additional information about this great museum, be sure to read the recent Mommy Poppins article One Great Day in New Jersey – The Morris Museum.

Liberty Science Center (Jersey City)

In addition to the their (in)famous Touch Tunnel that reopened earlier this spring much to the dismay of claustrophobics everywhere, there's lots cooking (literally) at Liberty Science Center this fall. Opening soon, the Cooking: The Exhibition is a new exhibit that focuses on the science behind cooking with a hands on interactive experience to teach kids about this necessary but fun kitchen chore. Kids will also be able to participate in actual cooking demonstrations. Also, on October 7^th the Math Midway exhibit will open with 21 fun, interactive experiences exploring the world of patterns, shapes and numbers. Be sure to check back here at Mommy Poppins later this week for a full article on this fantastic new exhibit that opens Liberty Science Center’s Year of Math!

Newark Museum (Newark)

Nothing like a trip to the museum right in the middle of the holiday food gorging season to remind us about fitness and a healthy lifestyle, right?!! At the upcoming exhibit Generation Fit opening November 26 at the Newark Museum, visitors will have the opportunity to explore issues of nutrition, exercise and related disease prevention all in a hands on format. Your kids will enjoy cooking demonstrations, fitness training, interactive computer games that focus on a healthy body, and learn more about the food pyramid. In addition, the Newark Museum currently has the Patchwork from Folk Art to Fine Art exhibit which tracks the evolution of quilts—from functional masterpieces of women’s folk art to self-conscious artworks, which is sure to amaze the parents, and perhaps even get a brief glance from the kids.

Montclair Art Museum (Montclair)

Parents of older kids might want to check out the new exhibit at the the Montclair Art Museum Stacy Pearsall: Selections from Baqubah, Iraq (runs through November 11, 2011). Stacy Pearsall is a combat photographer and award-winning journalist and seventeen of her photographs from Baqubah, Iraq will be on display. These will be sure to engage young adults and spark conversation regarding modern warfare.

Another exhibit opens next week called “The Spectacular of Vernacular”.  This exhibition looks closely at this particular brand of culture known as the vernacular, a term used to describe amateur or regional forms of expression that tend to be more homegrown than high-end. You'll see dime-store plaques, local architecture and snapshot photography - all things that will be sure to catch your child's eye (and perhaps interest!)

For additional information about the Montclair Art Museum see the recent Mommy Poppins article, One Great Day in NJ-Montclair Art Museum.

Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (Madison)

Whimsies is in the new exhibit at the unique Museum of Early Trades and Crafts which runs through January 15, 2012. This exhibit explores the 18^th century folk art tradition of Ken Olsen, whose art comes alive for both parents and children with such pieces as whirligigs, signs, toys, and patriotic figures.  You'll find that his creations celebrate nature, the founding fathers, modern themes, story telling, and his own family. In addition, you might want to check out the museum's Teddy Bear Picnic on Monday November 14^th from 4pm – 5pm. Children ages 2-6 can bring a teddy bear to celebrate national teddy bear day with crafts and snacks. Pre-register by calling 973-377-2982 x12.