The Garden State Discovery Museum where it’s ok to touch everything

September 18, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Day Trips, What to do

Cherry Hill, NJ – There’s a place in New Jersey where a child can be an NBA all-star, a television news anchor, line chef in a 50’s diner, captain of a fishing boat and much more.    That place is the Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, a great fall, winter and rainy day destination for the whole family.

Sure, you can take the kids to a museum where they can just look at not touch, but at the Discovery Museum, not only is touching encouraged, it’s mandatory!  Every ‘exhibit’ in the museum is interactive from the sports stadiums which include basketball court and hockey rink to full service play diner.    

Some highlights of the museum which children always seem to gravitate to include the fully functional televisions studio which includes a news desk, working television cameras, weather map and everything that’s needed for children to pretend they’re in a real live television studio. 

The Silver Diner play area has a fully functional play kitchen in which tiny line order chefs take orders and prepare their culinary creations for eagerly waiting moms and dads in the diner booths.   Little waiters and waitresses run around, taking orders, bussing tables and handing out menus and there’s even bar service.

The museum also has a medical wing where our future doctors and veterinarians check mom and dad in their scrubs, taking xrays, reading charts and most importantly scheduling follow up visits.    For future veterinarians, there’s a pets to check and care for.

After a hard day’s work at the clinic children can head “Down the Shore” and take a fishing expedition on a fishing boat.  For the would be blue collar workers who want to get their hands dirty, there’s a huge construction site that needs lots of fixin’ and the museum provides the children with the tools necessary to get the job done? Can they build it?  They always do.

The possibilities of fun and hands on creativity at the Garden State Discovery Museum are endless.   A fully functioning theater, a rock climbing wall, a garden center and more await your child’s eager hands and buzzing minds.    If you’re looking for something to do on the next rainy weekend, head on down to Cherry Hill and visit the Garden State Dsicovery Museum.

Frightfest returning to Six Flags Great Adventure

September 18, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Day Trips, NJ Travel Guide, What to do


Six Flags, Buy Online and Save!
Jackson, NJ – Fright Fest at Great Adventure is New Jersey’s most popular Halloween spectacle and it all happens each October, right here in Jackson.     Each weekend tens of thousands of people from the tri-state area and beyond descend upon Jackson to take in the the thrill and chills of Fright Fest.    For our family, Halloween is not a day, it’s a season that runs through the entire month of October, it’s a time when kids can be kids and dress up in costumes and be whoever they want to be without having to worry about getting strange looks at the supermarket.

For some kids, frightfest can be downright scary, so Six Flags hands out ghoul repelling whistles that th children can blow to frighten off the evil spirits.   The best part about Fright Fest compared to other homegrown scare adventures is that the staff is great and understand that children are children and don’t need to be frightened to death.  They mostly linger about the moms, dads and teenagers and are typically very friendly and courteous creatures of the night when it comes to the wee ones.  

Beyond the freaks roaming the park (no not the city folks), there’s lots to do and see during Fright Fest, perhaps more than you can pack into a single day.

There’s many exciting activities and shows each year at Fright Fest, but the single most popular performance is Dead Man’s Party, a theatrical stage presentation backed by rock themed ghastly songs on the stage at the Big Wheel.   Dead Man’s Party has in recent years become a cult favorite.    Just a few years ago, DMP would attract a few hundred spectators, but in 2008, crowds of thousands packed the makeshift courtyard elbow to elbow and the show has turned into a concert.   People travel from all over the tri-state area just to see DMP and the cast has built quite a following in recent years.

For the kids they usually have a Looney Toons show at the lakeside theater,  but most kids actually love DMP just as much, if not more.    

There’s haunted trails, some rides get themed makeovers and you can’t miss Professor Slithers in the main courtyard.   It is by far.. hands down the best show for young children during Fright Fest.

Each year at GoKidsNJ, we have complete Fright Fest coverage and this year, that coverage will come to JacksonNJOnline as well.   So if you’re a Fright Fest junkie like we are, check back often for the latest updates, photos, videos and reports from Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.   You can also check the GoKidsNJ YouTube channel GKNJ for more Fright Fest Videos.

Six Flags Great Adventure   Check out the Fright Fest Ticket Promotions!
Jackson Township is home to Six Flags Great Adventure.Visit Jackson and get Discount Six Flags Season Passes.   More Fun.  More Flags.

Parking in Seaside Heights – more than meets the eye

July 28, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Day Trips, News For Parents, What to do

Seaside Heights, NJ -   Until this year, Seaside Heights, NJ used standard parking meters to charge vacationers for parking.  This year, those old meters were removed and replaced with an electronic ticketing system that has created many woes for local travelers.

On a recent visit to Seaside about a month ago, it was a stormy and rainy day.  I had parked in spot 174.  I put a few hours on the spot and placed the ticket on my dashboard.   A short while later, I ran back outside in the pouring rain and while getting soaked while the machine was rejecting my now wet dollar bills, I inadvertantly punched in 147.     I figured, I paid $5, and there was no number or meter reader in sight to correct the problem, so I placed this new ticket on my dashboard to show that I did infact pay for time to park, and since spot 147 was taken, I could not move to that spot.

I was shocked to find that despite having 2 hours left of paid parking on my dashboard, I was ticketed.  When I confronted the meter reader, he said “Too bad, you should have put the right number.. hahah you paid for somebody else to park!” and he walked away giggling at me. 

I asked him if he looked on the dashboard, and he replied “It’s not my job or responsibility to look on your dashboard.  If you don’t like it, fight the ticket”.   So I walked away and left seaside with a bitter taste in my mouth for the first time ever.

When I called the local court, they were dumbfounded when I said wish to plead not guilty for a parking ticket “You want to do what?” the woman on the phone said.    I eventually called the prosecutor’s office to explain that this whole misunderstanding can be taken care of if I could just come down and show the receipts that I paid, but was told that I must spend a day in court and they are not responsible for mistakes in the system.

I eventually paid the $45 ticket, reluctantly because being tied up all morning in a Seaside Heights courtroom arguing with a group of peope whose best interests it is to have me pay this fine would cost me much more than the $45 fee because of lost hours at the office.

Yesterday, I went back to Seaside for the first time and noticed that I was not the only person who had these issues and the problems with these new electronic system go beyond my issue.  Today, there were newly placed flourescent orange labels stating “Put Receipt on Dash”.   Hopefully they told their wisecracking meter maids the new policy so before they run their mouth to tourists spending money in their town, they understand the problems with the new system.

Unfortunately, my $45 is long gone, but I am writing this in hopes that before you visit Seaside, you make sure that regardless of what happens in your parking situation, you keep your ticket stubs as they are your only evidence to help you should you also be wrongfully ticketed in Seaside Heights.

But be very careful, as even with these newly placed labels, they are still misleading.  While the label says “Put receipt on dash”,  the same meter also says “Keep receipt with you”.  It only prints one label.  Which is correct?  Too bad, that is a decision for the meter readers and the courts to decide.

Best Places for Kids in NJ: Surflight Childrens Theatre

June 19, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Day Trips, Features

Long Beach Island, NJ – The Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, New Jersey is no different than any other theater in New Jersey.   Each summer however, the theater transforms itself into a children’s theater, running fairy tale productions from June through July, every year.

The Surflight Theatre started way back in 1950 in Beach Haven Crest in a 2,200 seat tent with a cast of 60 that included a 12 piece orchestra for a three week long season.  Over the next few years, the theater bounced around Long Beach Island from their tent to the old Beach Haven meat market and even an old garage that barely fit 300 occupants. 

Over the years the theatre grew in size and even added an adjacent ice cream parlor, the Show Place Ice Cream Parlour, which itself has become just as popular as the theatre itself.    The ice cream parlor was added to the mix in 1975 and has been a landmark on Long Beach Island ever since.   Before or after each show at the theatre, you can enjoy ice cream and a meal at the Show Place Ice Cream parlor and watch a 50’s style floor show.

The children’s theatre itself started back in 1956 and has continued through the years, delivering quality family entertainment and putting smile on kids faces for half a century.   Some of the shows held regularly each season include Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Princess and the Pea, Beauty and the Beast and other children’s classics.

As an added touch, the staff will invite the children on stage during intermission to give birthday wishes to any children celebrating a birthday.    

Surflight’s staff delivers a quality performance for every show, whether it’s one of their standard theatre productions or the summer long children’s theater.    The theatre is a great compliment to any Long Beach Island vacation.

 

 

 

Best Places For Kids in NJ: Cape May Dolphin and Whale Watching

Wildwood, NJ – There are many options for whale and dolphin watching cruises at the southern tip of New Jersey, but the best choice for kids is the Atlantic Star, a 170 seat boat owned by JJC Boats in Cape May, New Jersey.   While the  Spirit of Cape May, the more popular of the whale watchers, offers the same dolphins, whales and dinner cruises as the Atlantic Star, the Atlantic Star is a smaller and more personal and close quarters experience that also includes a tour of Cape May’s backwater channels and bays.

The Atlantic Star offers several trips each day, starting with a morning educational trip that takes children and students out into the Atlantic Ocean for a first hand scientific glimpse at our local dolphin  population.   The morning tour is an educational experience that is suitable for schools and marine sciences groups.  The morning tour usually a two hour tour which focuses only on dolphins.  The tour also includes snacks and drinks for the children.

In the afternoon, get ready to sail on a three hour tour on the Atlantic Star’s lunch cruise which is a guided tour led by a Marine Biologist on a quest to show the kids dolphins, whales and birds that call New Jersey home each summer.  Snacks, beverages and hot dogs are available for purchase in the galley on the ‘lunch’ tour.

The best time to take a tour on the Atlantic Star is on their sunset buffet cruise which is a combination dinner cruise, whale and dolphin excursion and sightseeing tour of Cape May’s backwaters.   The cruise starts out with a slow trek out to the Atlantic Ocean through Wildwood’s Sunset Lake and Jarvis Sound and past the U.S. Coast Guard station and finally through the Cape May Inlet before reaching the open sea.

Once out on the open sea, the Atlantic Star uses state of the art technology to track dolphins and whales, but unfortunately cannot guarantee a sighting with our elusive whale population.   The sights on the tour are amazing as the trip continues south towards Cape May, the Cape May Lighthouse and past the mysterious hulk of the S.S. Altantus.  The S.S. Atlantus was a concrete ship built in 1918 for the United States Navy just after World War I.  While the Atlantus never saw wartime service, it made several cross Atlantic voyages to return U.S. troops home from Europe.  It was later decomissioned and sold to a private investor who had hoped to use the Atlantus as ferry dock to connect Cape May to neighboring Delware, but the ship ran aground off the coast of Cape May during a storm.   Unable to dislodge the ship, it was abandoned and is still visible from the shore and from ocean as the hull of the ship protrudes several feet out of the water.

Another great site along the way is St. Mary’s by The Sea,  a Catholic convent and restored Victorian era hotel that was once known as the Shoreham Hotel but served as a convent for most of its 119 year history.   The hotel was purchased in 1909 by the Sisters of St. Joseph as a summer retreat.   This beautiful building has been under constant attack by mother nature as the sisters have fought against an encroaching shoreline for over 50 years.   Luckily, their prayer power and faith has kept the raging Atlantic Ocean away from their New Jersey treasure.

One of the great perks about taking a trip on the Atlantic Star is the chance for youngsters to actually pilot the ship, depending on the weather and seas of course.   On our trip, all the children were able to steer the ship for a few minutes while the captain gave them quick on the job training on being a ship captain.    Amazingly, the children actually did steer the ship as it was not on auto pilot and they always do a magnificent job at the helm according to the captain.

After working its way around the southern tip of New Jersey and past the Cape May Lighthouse, the ship sets course  around to the quieter side of the Cape May peninsula and into the calmer waters of the Delaware bay.   With the Cape May Lighthouse always in view at some point, dinner is now served.   Don’t expect great things from your dinner as it’s usually catered buffet food from one of Wildwood’s great restaurants served on paper plates with plastic knives.   If you are expecting fine dining, perhaps this wouldn’t be the tour for you.    It’s a fun experience for the children to sit in the galley of a ship eating dinner as the waves move them back and forth.

From the Delaware Bay, the ship heads back inland through the Cape May Canal past the Cape May – Lewes ferry terminal which connects New Jersey to Delaware via a fleet of always running ferries.   There is a chance to have an encounter with a ferry which the children always enjoys as the ship captains blow their horns at each other.

For the remainder of the trip, it’s a quiet venture through the quiet, scenic and  marshy waterways on the west side of Cape May and Wildwood.   This part of the trip provides families with many unique scenic and sunset photo opportunities as the ship meanders through lagoons and channels back to its home port in Wildwood.

Overall the dinner cruise is a combined experience that starts with natural encounters with dolphins and whales, then through the history of Cape May and ends with an eco tour through the backwaters, home to many species of shore birds.   For many children, the best part of the experience will probably be getting behind the wheel of the boat and blowing the horn, they also will enjoy the scenic beauties that surround them.   The staff does a great job to keep the children interested and it’s an all around great family excursion if you’re vacationing in the Wildwood and Cape May region.

Vlasic Stork makes celebrity appearance at All Star football game

June 4, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Day Trips, News For Parents

VLASIC STORK MAKES CELEBRITY APPEARANCE AT 12th ANNUAL NJ-NE ALL-STAR CLASSIC FOOTBALL GAME WITH CRUNCH-OFFS BEFORE KICK-OFF!
An All-star team of football players from New Jersey will go head to head against a team of all-stars selected from eight Northeast states in the 12th Annual All-Star Classic, but before kick-off comes CRUNCH-OFF. Vlasic Pickles and the famous Vlasic Stork will lead off the hospitality area this year by hosting its ever-popular “PICKLE CRUNCH-OFF,” competition encouraging game-goers to satisfy their craving for crunch before the big game. Participants will:

·         Compete to see who has the LOUDEST pickle crunch…the microphone doesn’t lie!

·         Meet the Vlasic Stork

·         Win prizes

·         Enjoy music, food, games and other activities in the Vlasic FanFest Area!

*FUNNY, ACTION-PACKED PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES OF LITTLE KIDS, BIG KIDS AND FAMILIES ALL DAY LONG!*

Sunday, June 7th at Rutgers Stadium from 12:00 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.

WHO: Vlasic Pickles—America’s FAVORITE Pickle—are always crunchy and juicy. Low in calories, with no fat a BIG flavor, Vlasic pickles are available in nine key segments including Kosher Dill Spears, Bread and Butter Chips, Ovals, Sweet Gherkins, Large and Small Whole Dills, Stackers, Relish and Peppers. For more information about Vlasic® pickles, please visit www.vlasic.com

*Advance in-studio and on site “crunch-off” segments bookable upon request*

WHERE: Vlasic Pickles FanFest Area

Athletes Glen (right across from Rutgers Stadium)

Piscataway, NJ

WHEN: Sunday, June 7th from 12:00-2:30

Please contact Lee Makofsky for all advance and on site media inquiries at 973.856.2643 or lee.mako@bhgpr.com

What to do in New Jersey this weekend. May 29-31, 2009

May 27, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Day Trips, What to do

Go Kids NJ – This is a great weekend to visit the Jersey Shore, which is hosting another action packed blockbuster weekend, to kick off the early summer season.  The NJ State Chili & Salsa Cookoff returns this weekend to the Jersey Shore as hundreds of the area’s spiciest chefs compete for the title of best chili and best salsa in New Jersey.   This is the only chili contest officially sanctioned by the International Chili Society.The event happens in downtown Toms River, located just a mile from exit 82 on the Garden State Parkway.      Just down the road, in Jackson Township, one of the shore’s largest and most successful carnivals returns at the 2009 St. Aloysius Summer Carnival which will include carnival rides, food, live music and tons of family entertainment Wednesday through Saturday night.   While you’re in Jackson, be sure to check out the Ronald McDonald Walk with Ronald at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Wall Township will be host on Saturday to the Wall Township Festival held at the Wall Township municipal complex. eanwhile, further down the shore in Wildwood, N.J., the Jersey Shore Girl Scout Council is hosting their annual meet by the sea.

 

Here is a complete list of events this weekend in New Jersey, provided by GoKidsNJ, New Jersey’s #1 Family Entertaintment & Event website.   Want to know What to do in New Jersey?  Visit GoKidsNJ.Com

Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest
Event Information
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Date:
May 29,2009
Location: 37 Plains Rd., Augusta, NJ 07822
Get More Information: Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest
Sweeney Todd
Event Information
The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer
Date:
May 29,2009
Location: 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, NJ 08550
Get More Information: Sweeney Todd
Schola Reprises ‘Space, Light and Discovery’ Program
Event Information
First Presbyterian Church
Date:
May 29,2009
Location: 15 Shuart Ln., Ramsey, NJ 07446
Get More Information: Schola Reprises ‘Space, Light and Discovery’ Program
Two Rivers Arts/Antique Show & Garden Tour
Event Information
Red Bank Armory Ice Complex
Date:
May 29,2009
Location: Chestnut St., Red Bank, NJ 07701
Get More Information: Two Rivers Arts/Antique Show & Garden Tour
Concert: Tom Rush
Event Information
Grounds For Sculpture
Date:
May 29,2009
Location: 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619
Get More Information: Concert: Tom Rush
Antique Show and Sale at Historic Lambert Castle
Event Information
Lambert Castle
Date:
May 29,2009
Location: Valley Road, Paterson, NJ 07503
Get More Information: Antique Show and Sale at Historic Lambert Castle
 
SOUNDPartnerships
Event Information
Westfield Symphony Orchestra
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, NJ
Get More Information: SOUNDPartnerships
Pastel Artists Show
Event Information
Guild of Creative Art
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 620 Broad St. (Rte. 35), Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Get More Information: Pastel Artists Show
Ocean Grove Giant Spring Flea Market
Event Information
Ocean Grove
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Get More Information: Ocean Grove Giant Spring Flea Market
SOUNDPartnerships
Event Information
SOUNDPartnerships
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: Mountain Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090
Get More Information: SOUNDPartnerships
Antiques at Ramapo College
Event Information
Antiques
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 505 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, NJ 07430
Get More Information: Antiques at Ramapo College
20th NJ State Chili & Salsa Cook Off
Event Information
20th NJ State Chili
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753
Get More Information: 20th NJ State Chili & Salsa Cook Off
Junie B. Jones
Event Information
Junie B. Jones
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, NJ 08550
Get More Information: Junie B. Jones
Forbidden Broadway: 25th Anniversary Tour
Event Information
Forbidden Broadway
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 173 Main St., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Get More Information: Forbidden Broadway: 25th Anniversary Tour
Girl Scout Council of Southern New Jersey
Event Information
Girl Scout Council
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Get More Information: Girl Scout Council of Southern New Jersey
Raising Moths and Butterflies – a Family Workshop
Event Information
a Family Workshop
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Get More Information: Raising Moths and Butterflies – a Family Workshop
Adult Workshops: Sculptural Ceramics
Event Information
Adult Workshops
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619
Get More Information: Adult Workshops: Sculptural Ceramics
Chandlers Apprentice – Candlemaking
Event Information
Chandlers Apprentice
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Get More Information: Chandlers Apprentice – Candlemaking
Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters
Event Information
Nature Unleashed
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07305
Get More Information: Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters
Spring Fine Art & Crafts at Nomahegan Park
Event Information
Spring Fine Art
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: Springfield Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016
Get More Information: Spring Fine Art & Crafts at Nomahegan Park
Suningive’s Gardens in Bloom Tour
Event Information
Suningive’s Gardens
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 120 Whites Bogs Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Get More Information: Suningive’s Gardens in Bloom Tour
Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Spectacular
Event Information
Memorial Day Arts
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 6th St. & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Get More Information: Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Spectacular
Wall Township Festival 2009
Event Information
Wall Township
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: 2205 Rt. 35, Sea Girt, NJ 07719
Get More Information: Wall Township Festival 2009
Somerset County 5K Walk for Life and Breath on 5/30
Event Information
American Lung Association
Date:
May 30,2009
Location: Duke Island Park, Old York Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Get More Information: Somerset County 5K Walk for Life and Breath on 5/30

 
Open House Weekend
Event Information
Open House
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: 720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08204
Get More Information: Open House Weekend
Gypsy Vanner Dream Park Classic
Event Information
Gypsy Vanner
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: 400 Route 130 South, Logan Twp, NJ 08085
Get More Information: Gypsy Vanner Dream Park Classic
Gyotaku: Fish Printing
Event Information
Gyotaku
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Get More Information: Gyotaku: Fish Printing
Ronald McDonald House’s Walk With Ronald
Event Information
Ronald McDonald
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: Rte. 537 (exit 16 off I95), Jackson, NJ 08527
Get More Information: Ronald McDonald House’s Walk With Ronald
Washington Crossing Card Collectors Club Postcard Show & Sale
Event Information
Washington Crossing Card Collectors
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: 1396 River Rd., Titusville, NJ 08560
Get More Information: Washington Crossing Card Collectors Club Postcard Show & Sale
Junie B. Jones
Event Information
Junie B. Jones
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: 173 Main St., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Get More Information: Junie B. Jones
ESPN 2 Man Golf Challenge @ Ballyowen Golf Club at Crystal Springs Resort
Event Information
ESPN 2 Man Golf Challenge
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: 137 Wheatsworth Rd., Hamburg, NJ 07419
Get More Information: ESPN 2 Man Golf Challenge @ Ballyowen Golf Club at Crystal Springs Resort
Metuchen Street Fair and Craft Show
Event Information
Metuchen Street
Date:
May 31,2009
Location: Downtown Metuchen, Metuchen, NJ 08840
Get More Information: Metuchen Street Fair and Craft Show

NJ Day Trip: Popcorn Park Zoo and Rescue Sanctuary

If you’re looking for a place to bring toddlers and younger children and don’t feel like traveling to the Bronx, Cape May or Philadelphia?  Try the Popcorn Park Zoo and Sanctuary run by the Associated Humane Societies.  This small zoo in New Jersey’s Pinelands was started in 1977 as an animal sanctuary for abandoned and abused animals.   They eventually began taking in exploited farm animals and exotic wildlife and now house the largest collection of animals in Ocean County.

The zoo is home to over 200 rescued animals which range from roosters to bengal tigers.  As you enter the park, you can purchase a box of popcorn which you can feed to all of the animals.  Many of the domestic animals such as the pigs, goats, sheep and horses eagerly await handouts from parkgoers.   As you walk around the park, geese, ducks and squirrels have become so accustomed to human presence that they will usually eat out of your hands.

Some of the more exotic animals in the park include Bengali, a bengal tiger and his three bengal tiger friends, a black bear, african lions, wallabies and monkeys.  You can get close enough to all of the animals for some great picture taking and some great memories without the travel.

Farm animals at Popcorn Park Zoo include horses, cows, sheep, goats and rabbits.  The steer at the park is huge!  If you’ve never been up close and personal with a cow that is nearly eight feet tall, you’re in for a surprise. 

The best thing about Popcorn Park is that these are not show animals purchased for display like at most zoos, they are animals that have been rescued from many different situations in which they were abused, neglected or exploited.  The folks at the Associated Humane Society are offering these animals a second chance at life and the money you spend goes directly towards benefiting and caring for these animals as well as the rescue and placement of future animals at the sanctuary.

Older children might be bored with the lack of “high end” exotics, but if your child has never been to a zoo, Popcorn Park Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to break them in and makes for a great Jersey Shore day trip.

For more information visit: http://www.ahscares.org/default.asp

This weekend in NJ – May 16-17, 2009

 
New Jersey Ballet: Giselle
Event Information
The Community Theatre
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960
Get More Information: New Jersey Ballet: Giselle
Horseshoe Crab Day
Event Information
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Get More Information: Horseshoe Crab Day
Fine Art & Crafts at Verona Park
Event Information
Verona Park
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Bloomfield Ave., Verona, NJ 07044
Get More Information: Fine Art & Crafts at Verona Park
Pathmark Mulitcultural Arts Festival
Event Information
Woodbridge Center
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Woodbridge Center Dr., Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Get More Information: Pathmark Mulitcultural Arts Festival
Born to be Shorn
Event Information
Cooper Gristmill
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 66 State Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930
Get More Information: Born to be Shorn
Richie HavensRichie Havens
Event Information
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 173 Main St., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Get More Information: Richie HavensRichie Havens
McCarter Theatre Gala Benefit
Event Information
McCarter Threatre
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Get More Information: McCarter Theatre Gala Benefit
Blast from the Past
Event Information
Medford Township
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Main St., Medford, NJ 08055
Get More Information: Blast from the Past
A Taste Of Tango & More
Event Information
Montclair Art Museum Leir Hall
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042
Get More Information: A Taste Of Tango & More
Spring Arts & Crafts Festival
Event Information
Star of the Sea Parish Hall
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Washington & Lafayette Sts., Cape May, NJ 08204
Get More Information: Spring Arts & Crafts Festival
Everything Jersey City Festival
Event Information
Central Ave.
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Central Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07307
Get More Information: Everything Jersey City Festival
Beginning Birding
Event Information
Duke Farms
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Get More Information: Beginning Birding
Fire Control Tower No. 23 Opening Ceremony
Event Information
Sunset Blvd. near Sunset Beach
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ 08204
Get More Information: Fire Control Tower No. 23 Opening Ceremony
Adult Workshop: Plaster Casting
Event Information
Grounds For Sculpture
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619
Get More Information: Adult Workshop: Plaster Casting
Tots on Tour!
Event Information
Grounds For Sculpture
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619
Get More Information: Tots on Tour!
Historic Metel Crafts: Beginners Blacksmithing
Event Information
Historic Speedwell
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
Get More Information: Historic Metel Crafts: Beginners Blacksmithing
Mayfest
Event Information
Historic Smithville – Village Greene
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Rt. 9 & Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ 08205
Get More Information: Mayfest
The Lindbergh Kidnapping
Event Information
Tulipwood
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 1165 Hamilton St., Somerset, NJ 08873
Get More Information: The Lindbergh Kidnapping
New Egypt Day
Event Information
Oakford Lake Park
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Lakeview Drive, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Get More Information: New Egypt Day
Pirates Day with Captain Kidd
Event Information
26th St.
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 26th St., North Wildwood, NJ 08260
Get More Information: Pirates Day with Captain Kidd
Bike MS ‘Coast the Coast’
Event Information
Monmouth University
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Get More Information: Bike MS ‘Coast the Coast’
Woodbridge Street Fair and Craft Show
Event Information
Downtown Woodbridge
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Downtown Woodbridge, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Get More Information: Woodbridge Street Fair and Craft Show
Basking Ridge Charter Day Streetfair & Festival
Event Information
Downtown Basking Ridge
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: East Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Get More Information: Basking Ridge Charter Day Streetfair & Festival
American Heart Association HeartWalk
Event Information
Sports & Civic Center
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 6th & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Get More Information: American Heart Association HeartWalk
NJ Safe Boating Class
Event Information
Minmar Marine
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: 14 Old Sea Isle City Blvd, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Get More Information: NJ Safe Boating Class
Great Cape May Footrace 2009
Event Information
30th Annual 5K and 10K run. Race through the beautiful historic district & beachfront of Cape May. Enjoy a flat, fast course with chances to win cash prizes. Fee required to enter.
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Beach Ave in Cape May, front of Convention hall
Get More Information: Great Cape May Footrace 2009
Rubber Ducky Race & Family Fun Day
Event Information
Benefiting Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County
Date:
May 16,2009
Location: Mirror Lake in Medford Lakes, NJ 08055
Get More Information: Rubber Ducky Race & Family Fun Day

 
Bring The Kids and Walk WITH US!!
Event Information
Let’s MOVE Together
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy, NJ
Get More Information: Bring The Kids and Walk WITH US!!
New Jersey Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
Event Information
The Community Theatre
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960
Get More Information: New Jersey Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
Lilac Party
Event Information
Willowwood Arboretum
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 300 Longview Rd., Far Hills, NJ 07931
Get More Information: Lilac Party
Outdoor Adventure Expo
Event Information
Turkey Swamp Park
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 200 Georgia Rd., Freehold, NJ 07728
Get More Information: Outdoor Adventure Expo
Schola Celebrates Galileo with ‘Space, Light and Discovery’ Program
Event Information
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 440 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07303
Get More Information: Schola Celebrates Galileo with ‘Space, Light and Discovery’ Program
Cape May Music Festival
Event Information
Congress Hall
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 251 Beach Dr., Cape May, NJ 08204
Get More Information: Cape May Music Festival
3rd Annual Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival
Event Information
Tuckerton Seaport
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 120 W. Main St., Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Get More Information: 3rd Annual Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival
Blacksmith’s Hammer-In
Event Information
Historic Speedwell
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 333 Speedwell Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960
Get More Information: Blacksmith’s Hammer-In
Secrets of Pinelands Plants
Event Information
Historic Whitesbog Village
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 120 Whites Bogs Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Get More Information: Secrets of Pinelands Plants
Millburn Classic Car Show
Event Information
Downtown Millburn
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: Millburn Ave., Millburn, NJ 07928
Get More Information: Millburn Classic Car Show
Highland Park Street Fair and Craft Show
Event Information
Downtown Highland Park
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: Downtown Highland Park, Highland Park, NJ 08904
Get More Information: Highland Park Street Fair and Craft Show
Upper Saddle River Antique Car Show & Flea Market
Event Information
Pearson Education
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 1 Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Get More Information: Upper Saddle River Antique Car Show & Flea Market
Juilliard at SOPAC: ETA 3
Event Information
South Orange Performing Arts Center
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 1 Trenchard Place, South Orange, NJ 07079
Get More Information: Juilliard at SOPAC: ETA 3
Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival
Event Information
Tuckerton Seaport
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 120 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Get More Information: Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival
Ocean City Triathlon/Duathlon
Event Information
Aquatic & Fitness Center
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: 1785 Simpson Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226
Get More Information: Ocean City Triathlon/Duathlon
Hasbrouck Heights Street Festival
Event Information
Antiques, Crafts, Collectibles and Specialty Food Vendors
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: On the Boulevard Between Kipp Avenue and Raymond Street
Get More Information: Hasbrouck Heights Street Festival
Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair
Event Information
Antiques, Crafts, Collectibles
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: Kipp Avenue and Raymond Street – On the Boulevard
Get More Information: Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair
Clean Ocean Action’s 2009 Family Beach Ball
Event Information
Join us for Clean Ocean Action’s Family Beach Ball celebrating 25 years of Ocean Advocacy
Date:
May 17,2009
Location: Ship Ahoy Beach Club 800 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ
Get More Information: Clean Ocean Action’s 2009 Family Beach Ball

Looking for something new? Take your next trip on a train.

May 12, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Day Trips, NJ Travel Guide, What to do

104 Things for kids to do this summer in New Jersey

Kids love trains.  Plan your next day trip around a train ride.  Take a train ride into New York City for a fun day there or maybe just a local trip.     In the summer, New Jersey Transit has a great shoreline train route that goes from Point Pleasant to Matawan and beyond.   Stop off at any one of the shore points along the way.

Point Pleasant has a great beach and boardwalk.   Asbury Park and Long Branch have newly renovated beach fronts and Red Bank is a great shopping stop for a bit of downtown urban culture without going to the city.   

There’s plenty of trainbound destinations around New Jersey suitable for families with young children.

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