| Page 1293 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend May 3-4: Kite Day, Super Science Saturday, Bee Hives & More!

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on Wed, 04/30/2014 - 8:53am

Why not welcome the beautiful month of May with an outdoor activity this weekend? Take your pick, because Jersey is bursting with family-friendly events! See how high you can fly a kite during Kite Day at Terhune Orchards, get the buzz on bees at Morris Museum’s Bee Box Inspection or gear up for a day of springtime food and fun at the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival. And to get a jump start on celebrating mom, check out the Mother’s Day Breakfast and Craft at Imagine That! Children’s Museum, or find a full list of weekend activities on our Event Calendar. And whatever you do, don't forget to check out our newly retooled and updated NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide, with new information, tips and listings!

'Maker Day' in Connecticut

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 12:13pm

A couple months ago, I saw something on my FB feed about a Maker Faire. I was immediately and equally curious about whom was making what, and that extra ‘e’ in fair. However, it wasn’t until I saw a little cardboard signs with a robot logo advertising a Mini Maker Faire at 4-way stops in Westport this week, that I followed through on the sleuthing … and found myself toting the boys there three days later. Here’s a little about what we found, and how you can bring this trend to your town in the near future!

News: Downtown Lego Invasion, Free Playwriting Workshop for Teens, Bring Imagination Playground to Your School

Submitted by Alina Adams on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 12:00pm

Big news for Lego lovers, including the scoop on the company's soon-to-open flagship NYC store. Plus, some cool new openings in Brooklyn, a FREE intergenerational playwriting project for teens, the postponement of one of our favorite annual family festivals and a new online forum where you can share your worst parenting confessions anonymously. Read on for all of this and a bunch of other kid-centric tidbits.

NJ Celebrates Moms on Mother's Day, from Alvin Ailey to Crafting to Wine Tasting

Submitted by Laura J on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 8:20am

Congratulations, Mom! You’ve survived another year – 365 days filled with gymnastics, soccer, parent/teacher nights, stomach bugs and endless birthday celebrations. You now have a full 24 hours dedicated to you. Sunday, May 11th marks a celebration honoring mothers, motherhood and all things maternal. New Jersey offers several unique ways of celebrating. From crafting to wine tasting to dance, today is your day.

Make a Toy Bottle Rocket Craft for Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on Tue, 04/29/2014 - 6:01am

If you've been following all our Boredom Buster Activity posts, you know by now we love crafts that send us diving into our recycling bin. This adorable project is from the new book Project Kid: 100 Ingenious Crafts for Family Fun by Amanda Kingloff. Make a rocket toy out of a recycled soap bottle and have a blast.

Win a Mom’s Night Out for You and a Friend at Noodles & Company in Garden City

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on Mon, 04/28/2014 - 2:18pm

Between work and kids, most moms don't get a lot of “me” time during the day—never mind a night out with friends. But with Mother's Day approaching, you definitely deserve a special treat. That's why Mommy Poppins Long Island has partnered with the fun, casual eatery Noodles & Company in Garden City to give five of our readers a free Mom's Night Out!

Waterside Plaza: A Day Trip Without Leaving NYC Featuring a Drop-in Play Space, a Waterfront Playground & Awesome Views

Submitted by Karlyn on Mon, 04/28/2014 - 2:00pm

Nestled on the East River in the 20s past the FDR Drive, Waterside Plaza is like its own secret haven, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Accessible to pedestrians via the 25th Street footbridge, the community of highrises has a lot to offer visiting families, including a public playground, unobstructed views of Greenpoint and Long Island City, a private pool that sells day passes, FREE events in summer like outdoor movies, and Creative Dream Playhouse, a popular preschooler party space that recently started offering drop-in play sessions on select weekday mornings.

The other week, my kids and I traveled to Waterside Plaza ostensibly to check out Creative Dream Playhouse. But after spending some time there and also exploring the development, I recommend all of Waterside Plaza as a destination. It's like taking a day trip to a charming small town without leaving New York City.

Cinco de Mayo Events and Activities for Kids and Families on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 04/28/2014 - 12:57pm

An unlikely victory for the Mexican army over French forces in the Battle of Puebla led to the celebration known as Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May). Although not considered a major holiday in Mexico, it has become an extravagant affair in America. Check out this list of family-friendly events, restaurants and DIY options to celebrate this year. And take a look at our Long Island Calendar for more activities.