It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through August already! But another weekend is here and there’s plenty to do in and around town. We’ve gathered up some family-friendly activities – check ‘em out!
The Bellevue Avenue Branch of the Montclair Public Library (185 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair) will be celebrating their newly restored windows with a Lemonade Social on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Stop in for some lemonade, stay for the surprise musical guest!
Barnes & Noble at Clifton Commons (395 Route 3 East, Clifton) will host Storytime and Activities Featuring The Dinosaur Expert on Saturday at 11:00 AM. During a field trip to the museum, Kimmy loves to share what she knows about dinosaurs, but when someone asks if girls can be paleontologists, Kimmy loses her voice. Will she find it again? Stop in for storytime and get a coupon from the Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4! Activities to follow.
Also on Saturday, Michaels of Clifton (348 Route 3 West, Riverfront Center, Clifton) will host a Kids Club Magical Wall Art workshop from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Children between the ages of 3 and 8 can make a quick project. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Cost is $2 per child and includes supplies. A similar workshop is available for children ages 6 and up at the same time, with a cost of $5 perperson.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (73 Kahdena Road, Morris Twp.) will host Hands-on Tools from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday. Examine and use a variety of hand tools and equipment that were important to farm technology of yesteryear. Cost is $6 per adult, $5 per senior, $4 per child age 4-16, $2 per child age 2-3, and free for children under age 2.
Canal Day Music and Craft Festival is Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Hugh Force Canal Park (180 West Central Avenue, Wharton). This old-time country fair celebrates the Morris Canal and its contributions to the development of the communities along its banks. Enjoy music performed on two stages, take a free kayak and narrated boat ride on the Morris Canal, Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo, Fine Crafts & Arts Show, food, a Civil War encampment, blacksmith demonstrations, pony and hay rides, fireworks, and more!
Also on Saturday, Cooper Gristmill (66 Route 24, Chester) will host Lace Creations at the Gristmill from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Watch the nimble fingers of the Lost Art Lacers of North Jersey as they perform the centuries-old art of bobbin lace-making and tatting. Try it for yourself, too! The event is free, but donations are appreciated.
Historic Speedwell (333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown) will host Junior Engineer Day on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Dig into S.T.E.A.M. and become an engineer for a day with hands-on activities. Learn how to use science, technology, and mathematics to solve everyday problems. Cost is $5 per adult, $4 per senior, $3 per child age 4-16, and free for children under age 4.
On both Saturday and Sunday, Frelinghuysen Arboretum (353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Twp) will host Summer Weekend Photo Scavenger Hunts. Families are welcome to participate any time between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Grab a camera or a phone and stop by the Hagerty Education Center for a nature photo scavenger hunt and win a prize. Scavenger lists change every month and August’s theme is “Do You See It?” Cost is $10 per family; cash only. Exact change requested.
On Sunday evening, Montclair Film will present a free screening at Church Street (Montclair) of Black Panther at 7:30 PM. After the death of his father, T’Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king – and as Black Panther – gets tested when he’s drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Rated PG-13.
On Sunday, Historic Speedwell (333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown) will host Best Dressed in the Vail House: Fashion Inventions from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Throughout history, different types of garments were designed to create a ‘stylish’ silhouette, including fashion contraptions from the 19th century. Costumed interpreters will lead tours of the Vail House. Cost is $5 per adult, $4 per senior, $3 per child age 4-16, and free for children under age 4.
From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday at Pyramid Mountain (Intersection of Mars Court and Boonton Avenue, Montville), catch Caterpillar Kids. Look under a leaf, inside a flower, and up in the air… critters are everywhere. Learn about native plants that butterflies love, the importance of pollinators, and the creatures hidden in the garden. This event is $3 per child and is recommended for ages 3 and up with an adult. Preregistration is required by calling 973-334-3130.
Sundays are for families at the Rubin Museum (150 West 17th Street, NYC). Drop into the Education Center between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM for some art-making, enjoy the 2:00 PM family exhibition tour, and go on your own thematic gallery search. August’s theme is Togetherness Tapestry. Stitch together the pieces to your future! August Family Sundays honor the Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival) in Lhasa, Tibet, during which thousands of people gather to unveil larger-than-life thangka of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Lend a hand stitching a collaborative tapestry and embrace creativity with community. (
For more upcoming events, check out the family friendly events, showcased in green, on Baristanet Calendar.