Liz Alterman

Latest posts by Liz Alterman

Top Children's Science Museums Across the US for Families

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Sat, 03/03/2018 - 2:00pm

Take a walk through one of the dinosaur halls at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Whether you're raising an aspiring astronaut, a pint-sized paleontologist, or just a curious kid, children's science museums provide the perfect blend of education and entertainment. No matter which part of the country you call home, chances are you're near a science center that offers opportunities for hands-on exploring and learning. And if not, it's the perfect stop on your next family vacation.

Check out these top 10 STEM centers, from Boston to Chicago to Los Angeles, where education and entertainment come together to create an experience your family won't soon forget.

Dave & Buster's Opens Its Second NJ Location in Wayne

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Wed, 02/14/2018 - 2:05pm

Parents looking for a way to beat the mid-winter blues have a new alternative: Dave & Buster's, the family-friendly arcade and sports bar-style restaurant, is celebrating the opening of its second New Jersey location today, February 14! (Family Valentine's Day outing, anyone?)

Providing a fun-filled experience for all ages, this gamer's paradise is located in Wayne's Willowbrook Mall, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar facelift.

20 Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day in NJ with the Family

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Sun, 02/04/2018 - 1:40pm

Parenthood adds a whole new dimension to Valentine's Day. If you're looking for a way to celebrate with the kids this year, we've got you covered. You can have a family date night at Jenkinson's Aquarium and Pavilion, create a valentine birdfeeder, or grab your sweethearts and feel the beat of ancient Japanese drumming. You can even go for a Valentine's Day–themed swim (indoors, of course).

Read on for more ways to celebrate with the ones you love. And for even more February fun, check out our Event Calendar and February GoList. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Changes Ahead: NYC Law Requires Diaper Changing Stations in Public Restrooms

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 2:28pm

It looks like New York City dads can no longer get out of diaper duty! Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a law Tuesday, January 9, requiring that new public buildings make diaper changing stations available to all New York City parents regardless of gender identification. That's right, baby changing stations will be coming to a men's room (or gender-neutral restroom) near you—and soon. As early as July, all new or recently-renovated public buildings in the five boroughs will need to provide this amenity to all parents or face fines of up to $1,600.

MLK Weekend Fun: Day of Service, Dinosaurs, Underwater Bubble Show

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Tue, 01/09/2018 - 2:00pm

We honor Martin Luther King, Jr. with a federal holiday on Monday, and that means school will be closed. If you're trying to figure out how to spend the long weekend, you've got plenty of options, whether you want to visit the colorful, underwater world of Bubblelandia, take part in a celebration of Dr. King, or pretty much anything in between.

You can spend the morning as a Junior Keeper at Jenkinson's Aquarium and the afternoon crafting your very own masterpiece at the Drop-In Studio at the Montclair Art Museum; cure cabin fever with outdoor options that include a Day Off With Nature at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center and an MLK Day of Service opportunity for ages 4 and up at Reeves-Reed Arboretum.

If you'd rather stay warm and toasty, check out one of NJ's many indoor play spaces and fun zones. Still looking? Find more fun things to do in our Calendar of Events and January GoList.

15 Great Summer Tennis Camps in New Jersey

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Tue, 01/02/2018 - 7:30am

It may be winter, but it’s never too early to start thinking about summer camp. From day camps to art camps to riding and horse camps, the options in New Jersey are endless. If you’re looking to get your little Serena Williams some fundamental instruction or give your beginner basic lessons, try a week long tennis camp for fitness, team play and overall summer fun! And to find out all the day camp options in NJ, check out our New Jersey Summer Day Camp Guide.

Liberty Science Center Debuts New State-of-the-Art Planetarium

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 1:00pm

While it might be too chilly to do any outdoor stargazing, solar system enthusiasts of all ages can marvel at the wonders of the universe from the indoor comfort of the newly renovated, state-of-the-art Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium at Liberty Science Center. The Jersey City–based educational center celebrated the grand opening of its latest and greatest addition—which happens to be the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the entire Western Hemisphere—on Saturday, December 9.

Winter Wonderland Returns to Van Saun with More Holiday Cheer

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Mon, 11/20/2017 - 11:13am

The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and if you're looking for ways to celebrate this holiday season, Bergen County is offering festive fun for the whole family. Winter Wonderland at Van Saun County Park is back for its second year with exciting additions that will appeal to all age groups.