Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend Jan 25-26: LEGO Morristown, Winter Festival, Dinosaur Train & More!

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on

Don’t think for a second that frigid temps and some snow mean you have to stay indoors all weekend. There are plenty of hands on activities for families in New Jersey: Build Historic Morristown with LEGOs at Morris Museum, discover the Science & Art of Color at Newark Museum or learn about Winter Waterfowl at the Basking Ridge Environmental Center. And if you don’t mind a little cold, strap on those snow boots and check out the Winter Festival at High Point State Park or the annual Wassailing of the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards. And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

WeeWork Kids Craft: Make Ice Lanterns

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

Today's project is a perfect way to make something fun out of the freezing temperatures. Kids find freezing things fun and mysterious. This project is an especially cool way to turn ordinary ice into something magical. And if you aren't in the deep freeze, you can just use your freezer and have the fun without the frostbite. And it's much prettier than finding frozen underwear in your freezer. (Please tell me I'm not the only mom this has happened to.)

Touching Jellyfish at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Brandee Gilmore's picture Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on

Jellyfish are equally mesmerizing and intimidating.  More than once while at Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium, I’ve wished the kids would just wander into that darkened corner room and plant their faces in the tower of plexiglass encasing the pulsating jellies, long enough for me to nod off on the benches nearby.  Nice try, Mommy.  They’re so soothing to watch I’ve had a picture of those jellies as my phone wallpaper since the last time I was there for the aquarium's massive refurbishment.  They’re lovely … behind that glass.  I think we are all in agreement on this.  I think we can also agree that if you see one at the beach you BACK AWAY or get out of the water … pronto!  And this is a marine biology major talking here.  So, join me in my surprise when the Maritime Aquarium announced their latest exhibit — Jiggle-A-Jellyfish.  The premise being, you touch. a. jellyfish.  Come again?

Museums Free-for-All in LA

Submitted by Martha Hall on

The best things in life are free, right? Well, maybe. Raising kids is one of the best things in life, but it's certainly not free. Except on some days, like when several spectacular Los Angeles area museums waive their entrance fees. That's right, free admission. We've shouted from the rooftops about free museum days in LA and OC before. And now we're singing the praises of a special Museums Free-For-All happening Saturday, January 25. A free outing with the kids to explore a treasure-trove of art or science or craft or culture? One of the best things just got better.

News: Free Art Classes for NYC Teens, Kid Circus Performers & Mom Storytellers Wanted, Disney's Frozen Coming to Broadway

Alina Adams's picture Submitted by Alina Adams on

We've got a little something for all ages this week, from online kindergarten applications to FREE art classes for high schoolers, to auditions for a kids' circus spectacle and a mom-themed storytelling show (yes, mothers, for once you can be in the spotlight). Plus: One of our favorite Brooklyn ice cream parlors announces a second location, the Brooklyn Children's Museum plans a goodbye party for its beloved python, Disney says Frozen is coming to Broadway, find out when tickets for the New York International Children's Film Festival and Off Broadway Week go on sale, and more.

Make a Bowling Set: Easy Indoor Game for Kids

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

This free and easy bowling game will get your kids moving indoors on a cold or rainy day. Even babies can have fun knocking down the pins and it's great for motor skills. I've found setting up this bowling game for my kids can often inspire them to come up with other games on their own. Score!

We have lots more ideas for indoor games to get kids moving, and check back tomorrow for another new activity idea. 

Winter Fun at the Suffolk County Farm

Submitted by Bridget Galbreath on

The Suffolk County Farm, located in Yaphank, is a working farm that offers year-round fun and educational opportunities for the family. Even during the winter months, activity on the farm doesn’t stop, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about life on it. A collection of weekly activities and special events are offered and designed for children of all ages. So if you’re looking for something fun to do to get the kids out of the house and break those winter doldrums, check out what’s going on at the farm.

And for more winter fun on Long Island, be sure to check out our Calendar.

Celebrate the Super Bowl with NYC Kids: 6 Cool Ways to Enjoy Family Football Fever

Alina Adams's picture Submitted by Alina Adams on

Although the big game is taking place across the river in New Jersey, NYC has full-on Super Bowl fever. And while watching the main event at a loud raucous bar may not be so great for kids, there's lots of local football-themed fun leading up to the game that's super-family-friendly.

From interactive NFL installations at the Children's Museum of Manhattan and the Liberty Science Center, to a star-studded tween-friendly party on the Hudson to a slew of FREE activities at Times Square's Super Bowl Boulevard, here are the top six ways to celebrate Super Bowl mania with kids in New York City.

Pages