Happy Independence Day Weekend! Whether you’ve got a long weekend ahead or it’s back to work on Monday, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy over the next couple of days. Check out some of these local events!
JCC MetroWest (760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) will host Seussical this weekend with performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM and on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Seussical TYA is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child who is reprimanded by his parents for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Seussical TYA is fun for the whole family with a running time of around 75 minutes! Tickets are $25.
Turtleback Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) will host Family Pride Night on Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Celebrate a summer night out at the Zoo! Enjoy seeing animals with special enrichment and get to know the Zoo’s amazing community partners. Food, drink, and attractions are an additional purchase. The train is free. Tickets are $12 per person and free for members.
Newark Museum of Art will host Family Movie Night: Puss in Boots on Friday at 8:30 PM. The screening will take place at Newark Riverfront Park (730 Raymond Boulevard, Newark). When Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll and he has burned through eight of his nine lives, he launches an epic journey to restore them by finding the mythical Last Wish. The film will be screened in English with Spanish subtitles.
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 July theme, which is “Garden Magic.” Fairy houses are on display! This hunt will challenge hunters looking for fairies, fairy houses, and even more important, plants and flowers throughout the garden that bring the fairies here. The cost is $10 per family or group of 6 or fewer. Preregistration is required.
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.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (73 Kahdena Road, Morristown) will host Ice Cream Parties on Saturday at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Life is better with ice cream! Learn how ice cream was made the old-fashioned way and get a chance to sample some. This activity is suitable for all ages. The cost is $10 per person. Registration is required.
Montclair will host its July 4th celebrations with the region’s largest Independence Day parade and a community picnic with food, games, and music. The parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, beginning at 11 am. welcome.The parade begins at 11 am along a 1.6-mile route traveling west on Bloomfield Avenue, north on Midland Avenue, continuing to Watchung Avenue, west to Valley Road, and ending at Edgemont Park, the site of the town picnic. The parade is a rain-or-shine event. The picnic will immediately follow the conclusion of the parade and will be held at Edgemont Park at 1 pm.
Historic Speedwell (333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown) will host Old Fashioned 4th on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way with an afternoon of 4th of July crafts. The cost is $5 per child. This activity is for children ages 6-12.
Meadowland Park Conservancy will host Star Spangled South Orange on Saturday at 6:00 PM at Meadowland Park (5 Mead Street, South Orange). It’s time for something new under the stars on Flood’s Hill, and the Meadowland Park Conservancy, along with South Orange Village, is bringing a star-spangled extravaganza to town for every family to enjoy. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to cheer on the contestants in the return of the Town Hall Deli Sloppy Joe Eating Contest…listen to the beautiful sounds of the South Orange Symphony Orchestra performing Americana favorites…and watch as the iconic film “1776” tells the story of our nation’s founding on the big screen. Plus food trucks, kids’ games from the South Mountain Y, a bead and bracelet bar from The Neon Tea Party, an SEFD fire truck and SORS ambulance to explore, and a sparkler finale for everyone to light up the sky. It’s all free and it’s all for you!
Field Station: Dinosaurs is back for another season at Overpeck Park (3 Overpeck Driveway, Leonia). The attraction is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM through September 3. They are closed on Tuesday, July 4. Field Station: Dinosaurs is a world-class family attraction that combines cutting-edge science with the creative minds of great artists to create a one-of-a-kind experience that’s thrilling, educational, and fun. Explore scenic trails, featuring over 30 moving and roaring life-size animatronic dinosaurs! Discover the story and science of Dinosaurs with live shows, games, and activities every day. Laugh with our fearless dinosaur wranglers and come face to face with The Mighty T-Rex.
State Fair Meadowlands at MetLife Stadium (1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford) is now open through July 9th. Visitors can enjoy rides, games, food, and performances. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Visit the website for schedules and prices.