Welcome to May! The weekend is here, the weather looks pretty good, and it’s time for some family-friendly fun! We’ve rounded up plenty of things to do in and around town, so check ’em out!
The Growing Stage (7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong) will present Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical beginning this weekend. Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Performances will be Friday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $28.
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum (353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Twp) continues to host the Family Photo Scavenger Hunt. Held daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, bring your camera or phone for this month’s hunt. This is the first weekend for the May theme, which is “What Smells?” Use your eyes and your nose to find this month’s plants and solve this month’s clues. The cost is $10 per family or group of 6 or fewer. Preregistration is required.
Glen Ridge Public Library (240 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge) will host Play Group on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. This drop-in play group encourages socialization among children up to 4 years old. The library will provide age-appropriate toys and books to play with while here. Caregivers are required to stay with their children while participating in the group. No registration is required, and the activity is open to everyone.
Montclair Public Library (50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair) will host Montclair Literary Festival on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Montclair Literary Festival is a community-wide event that aims to exchange ideas, inspire future literary works and engage with different points of view. It is presented by Succeed2gether. There are numerous events for children throughout the day, including:
- 10:00 AM – Harvest Tales & Songs from Africa with storyteller Sabina Wasonga-Gitau. All ages.
- 10:00 AM – Perfect Partners with Mary Amato. Ages 4-6 years.
- 11:00 AM – Mermaid and Pirate with Tracey Baptiste. Ages 3-7 years.
- 11:45 AM – How to Write a Poem with Kwame Alexander. All Ages
- 1:00 PM – Big Tune with Alliah L. Agostini. Ages 3-6 years
- 1:00 PM – Fall of the School for Good and Evil with Soman Chainani. Ages 8 and up.
- 2:00 PM – Let the Looney Out! With Mike Allega. Ages 8 and up.
Visit the website for more details and exact locations.
East Side Mags (491 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 102, Montclair) will participate in Free Comic Book Day 2023 on Saturday. Stop in to pick up some free comics. There will be give-a-ways for kids, an appearance by Spider-Man, food vendors, a local artist, cosplayers, and some surprises. The store will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (165 Hobart Avenue, Summit) will host Discovery Weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Explore the Arboretum when the gardens and grounds are alive with the sights and sounds of spring. Drop by the Stackhouse Education Center for this self-guided program for families and children 3 and older. Borrow a magnifying glass (please remember to return it once you’re done), grab an interactive activity guide, and head out to see what wonders big and small await. There may be a surprise or two, a clue to follow, a mystery to solve, a chance to create, and always an engaging nature activity. Each weekend is a new discovery!
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (73 Kahdena Road, Morristown) will host Hook, Line and Sinker on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Fish on! Anglers wanted at Fosterfields. Fish the farm pond using bamboo poles… then throw your catch of the day back in! All supplies included. The cost is $7 and includes admission to the farm. This event is suitable for all ages. Register online.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (165 Hobart Avenue, Summit) will host Let’s Get Growing! – Buckets, Bags, Boxes and Boots on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. You don’t need a patch of land or even a pot to grow a garden. You can grow a garden in just about anything. In this interactive, hands-on garden DIY program, you’ll discover the unexpected items you can use to grow a flower or veggie garden. You’ll also take a hike around the historic property, visit the Roehm Greenhouse to see what interesting things are in bloom, and return to the garden to dig in the soil and pot up a plant or two. Registration is required. This activity is suitable for ages 5-10. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members.
Montclair Baby (113 Walnut Street, Montclair) will host Family Toddler Yoga on Saturday from 9:45 AM to 10:30 PM. Toddler Yoga is designed for children and parents to explore yoga through a blend of stretches, poses, songs and games. This class offers tot-centric movement that encourages and supports the child’s rapidly increasing physical explorations, all through an engaging and energetic format filled with music and fun. Yoga can help your child with self-expression, relaxation, sleep and can improve the ability to listen and follow directions. For grownups, it’s a fun way to get some gentle stretching while enjoying the child’s new discoveries. This class is for children ages 14 months to 3 years. The cost is $25 per parent child pair, $30 for a family of 3, and $35 for a family of 4. Pre-registration is required.
Newark Museum of Art (49 Washington Street, Newark) will host Science Extravaganza & Camp Open House on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy a day of fun science activities for the whole family at The Newark Museum of Art. Enjoy a special edition of Family First Saturdays with music and dance while exploring everything summer camp has to offer. Activities include MakerSPACE, Dance Shows, Planetarium Shows, Creative Play, Science Drop-In, and Family Drop-In. Visit the website for a schedule and description of activities. This event is included with general admission.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (73 Kahdena Road, Morristown) will host Mother’s Day Gifts: Soap Making on Saturday with sessions at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:00 PM. Happy Mother’s Day! Adult and child pairs will create three bars of soap for mom, grandma, or anyone special in their life. Using glycerin, herbs, and essential oils, everyone will make their own unique soap blend! The cost is $20 [er adult/child pair and includes admission to the farm. This is an all-ages activity. Registration is required.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Township) will host Family Nature Stroll on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Bring the whole family out on this guided hike to learn about the wildlife along the trails of the GSOEC. There’s always something new to discover, no matter the season! This activity is free, but registration is required.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Township) will host Kids in the Wild: Bear Bags on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Get into the woods, learn different outdoor skills, meet other like-minded kids, and build confidence. In this session, learn bear safety with food in the backcountry and practice hanging food in a tree with a bear bag. The cost is $10 per child. Preregistration is required. This activity is suitable for children ages 8-13.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (165 Hobart Avenue, Summit) will host Free Saturday Tours at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Free guided tours of the Arboretum take place Saturdays at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm from May 6 through October 7. Tours begin at the Visitors Center. No reservations are required, and tours are on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals who would like to learn more about the current season’s highlights. Limit of 10 people per tour. Anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No groups. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (23 Main Street, Madison) hosts Makerspace Saturdays on the first Saturday of the month from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Whether you are looking for a kid-friendly project or for something creative to do after spending time at our Museum, drop by Makerspace for hands-on activities in our new collaborative workspace geared towards kids ages 5 to 12! Kids will build with Legos, paint, make jewelry, experiment with engineering and coding robots, and more! Children must be accompanied by guardians at all times. Registration is not required. This activity is free.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (73 Kahdena Road, Morristown) will host Sow Spuds on Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Join the farmers of Fosterfields in planting potatoes throughout the day. This all-ages activity is included with the cost of farm admission. Registration is not required.
Montclair Baby (113 Walnut Street, Montclair) will host Family Baby & Me Yoga on Saturday from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Stretch, bond, and breathe with your baby in this special yoga class designed for families and infants. Meet other parents and babies while taking part in this class. In these classes, we will not only devote time to do restorative and strengthening yoga poses but will also incorporate music and massage for families and baby to do together. This class is for children ages 2-12 months. The cost is $25 per parent/child pair, $30 for a family of 3, and $35 for a family of 4. Pre-registration is required.
The Cooper Gristmill (66 Route 24, Chester) will host Celebrating the Three Sisters on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Acknowledge and pay respect to the Lenni-Lenape people by celebrating their remarkable, sustainable farming system known as “The Three-Sisters.” Explore the newly sprouted garden and learn about how foodways in this region have changed and are maintained. This activity is suitable for ages 8 and up and is included in the cost of admission.
SOPAC (One SOPAC Way, South Orange) will present The Jungle Book on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Join young Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle with the help of friends like Bagheera and Baloo. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s time-honored adventure, this tale will delight the young and the young at heart! Tickets are $18-$20.
The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation (150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood) will host Family Stream Stroll on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Enjoy a nature walk and explore the babbling Blue Mine Brook. Get your feet wet and use nets and magnifiers to discover the life that flourishes in this freshwater ecosystem. This activity is for ages 5-adult, and the cost is $10 per person.
Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) will host Wonders of the Wild on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This program offers students an opportunity to participate in supplementary science and nature-themed programs and projects that facilitate scientific literacy and life-long environmental stewardship. This is for children ages 6-12. This week’s theme is The Desert. The cost is $30 per child.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (73 Kahdena Road, Morristown) will host Children’s Tour of the Willows on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Step back in time at the Willows Mansion! Learn about the people who lived there and use your senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch to learn about life in the past. This tour is designed for kids ages 4-12 with an adult. The cost is $10 per person.
NJPAC (1 Center Street, Newark) will present Shen Yun on Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM. Tickets are $80-$200. The epic Chinese dance company Shen Yun returns to NJPAC with its latest production. Shen Yun takes you on a stunning journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture, weaving a wondrous tapestry of ancient legends, modern heroic tales, and treasured traditions. You’ll marvel at the beautiful dance, authentic orchestral music, colorful costumes, and high-tech animated backdrops of this one-of-a-kind spectacle.
State Theatre New Jersey (15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick) will present Madagascar the Musical on Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Join Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular! This crack-a-lackin’ musical features all of your favorite friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This brand-new musical from Dreamworks (Shrek The Musical) will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” Tickets are $19-$59.
Newark Museum of Art (49 Washington Street, Newark) will host May Family Sundays on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy a day of fun activities for the whole family at Newark Museum of Art. Activities include MakerSpace and Family Drop-In: Flower paintings on canvas inspired by Georgia O’Keefe. Visit the website for timing and descriptions. This activity is included with general admission.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham) will host Signs of Spring for Littles on Sunday at 10:00 AM. Enjoy a walk for the little ones to see how nature springs back to life as we leave winter behind. Test your detective skills with a fun nature scavenger hunt. The cost is $7 per child. This activity is suitable for children ages 2-5 with an adult. Preregistration is required.
Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) will host Turtle Back Hatchlings on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM for children ages 12-24 months with a caregiver. Learn how to meet and greet some of our small, friendly animals up close in the classroom and learn how to touch animals gently. Your child will also enjoy sensory interactions with feathers, turtle shells, puppets, and more in a lightly structured program. All children must be accompanied by an adult who is prepared to take part in the activities. The cost is $25 per class. Register online.
Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) will host Turtle Back Zoo Tots Program on Sunday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM for children ages 2-3 years old with a caregiver. This program is designed for toddlers and adults to discover the natural world together. We will use the alphabet to explore different animals in the zoo. In each session, discover a different animal type such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Stories, projects, and special animal visitors in the classroom enhance the class experience. All children must be accompanied by an adult who is willing to take part in the activities. The cost is $25 per child.
Montclair Art Museum (3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair) will host Sunday Studio: Dopamine Dressing with Emily Kenselaar on Sunday at 12:00 PM. On the first Sunday of the month, a special hour of Sunday Studio is held, designed for families with members on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Inspired by the new exhibition, vanessa german: …please imagine all the things I cannot say…, families will use mixed media materials and symbolic colors to create unique happiness-themed collages. This activity is free with museum admission and for members. Advance registration is required.
Montclair Art Museum (3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair) will host Sunday Studio: Dopamine Dressing with Emily Kenselaar on Sunday with sessions at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Visit the Museum each Sunday for a fun family art-making activity inspired by our current exhibitions. Explore materials, learn new techniques, and meet other community members while enjoying creative time with your family. Each week features a different project designed by MAM Teaching Artists to spark the imagination and encourage conversation in response to artworks on view in museum galleries. This program is aimed at families with children ages 5-12, but all are welcome. Inspired by the new exhibition, vanessa german: …please imagine all the things I cannot say…, families will use mixed media materials and symbolic colors to create unique happiness-themed collages. This event is free with museum admission. Advance registration is required.
Morris Museum (6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown) will host Spark!Lab on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Spark!Lab offers any child ages 5-12 (and accompanied by an adult), a new informal approach to hands-on learning. Created by the Smithsonian, Spark!Lab ignites kids’ ingenuity with fun, hands-on challenges. Instead of following instructions, kids tap into their natural creativity to tackle engineering and design challenges in Spark!Lab’s projects stations. Specially designed for our youngest inventors (Ages 1-4), Spark!Lab’s new Young Inventor Space features a train and an exploration table filled with unique tools to spark creativity and learning.