KidZense - Stuff to Do with Kids in New Jersey

Winter Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:03:00 +0000

Winter on the East Coast this year has been missing one key ingredient. Snow!

Unlike last year, where we received a fresh helping almost weekly.

This year has failed to produce any measurable snow.

But rest assured through the marvel of today's technology you can have some fun in the snow and ice (without the hassle of driving in it)

If you live in Bergen County Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah NJ offers a tubing experience close to home Everyday of the week.

Tubing sessions are 2 hours and range from $18 on weekdays and $24 during holidays and weekends.

* Save 2 dollars on your pass when you purchase online for more information visit: http://www.skicampgaw.com/tubing/rateshours

The drop Zone Tube Park at Mountain Creek offers a great 2 hour tubing session

Thursday & Friday Between 4pm-9pm

$20 per person, per 2 hour session

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 10am-9pm

$25 per person, per 2 hour session

Tickets for the Drop Zone Tubing Park are sold at the Red Tail Lodge Ticket Windows.

Tubing is accessed via Shuttle Bus from the Red Tail Lodge Transportation Center.

Your session time starts 30 minutes from time of purchase.

Family Tubing Night

Bring the family (up to 6 people) out for tubing between the hours of 5pm - 8pm on select Fridays for just $59/ 2 hour session.

Call 973-827-2000 or goto http://mountaincreek.com for more information

Visit: http://mountaincreek.snowmonsters.com/ for a kids specific site with Games, Information and more.

If skating is more you speed there are a number of indoor skating rinks in NJ that offer public skate hours

The Ice House in Hackensack NJ

Public Skate Schedule

Saturday 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 8:00pm-10:00pm

Sunday 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Admission Prices

Adults: $9.00

Children (11 & Under) & Senior Citizens $8.00

Skate Rental $4.00

Skylands Ice World in Stockholm NJ (15 minutes from Mountain Creek)

For Public Skate schedule click here

Admission and rental fees

Adult 13+ $9.00

Child 12 & under $7.00

Seniors 55+ $7.00

Skate Rental $3.00

Helmet Rental $3.00

Ice Vault in Wayne NJ

For Public Skate Schedule click here

Admission and rental fees

Adults $9.00

Children $8.00

Seniors $8.00

Skate Rental $4.00

Mackay Park Ice Arena Englewood NJ

I really like this one it is an indoor open air rink

Public Skate Times

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Saturdays 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Sundays 1:30 - 5:30 pm

Admission and rental fees
Adults: $10

Children (under 12): $9

Seniors (62 and over): $9

All Aboard the POLAR EXPRESS

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Polar Express Storytime

On Friday, December 9 at 7:00 pm, all Barnes and Noble stores are holding a Polar Express Party, highlighted by a special reading of the holiday classic. Of course hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Click Here for 20% of at B&N or use Coupon Code: X9D7F8J at checkout

Kidzense Holiday Events Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:08:00 +0000

It's the Holidays and time to enjoy some great events from Winter Festivals to watching holiday favorites on the tele (TV) we have you covered.

NJ Dutch December Holidays of the Past
Date: December 2, 3 and 4 Friday - Sunday
Time: Friday and Saturday - 10am to 3pm Sunday - 1pm to 3pm
Summary: Decorated 1786 Van Riper-Hopper House Museum
Cookies from historical recipes, hot cider, songs, customs
Saturday afternoon - violin period holiday music
Admission: $4 Adult; $1 Child
Contact: 973-694-7192 Event Flyer

2011 Annual Light & Sound Show

Come see an amazing display of Model Trains and Lights in Union NJ
Show Times:
Friday Dec. 9th 7-10 pm
Saturday Dec. 10th 10 am - 8 pm;
Sunday Dec. 11th 11 am - 6 pm

Imagine that Museum Events (Must Make a reservation) or call (973) 966-8000

Breakfast with Santa at imaginethatmuseum
Sun., Dec. 18, 2011 at 9:45 a.m.
• Bring your wish-list!!!
• Children visit with Santa and his elves
• Enjoy a breakfast snack
• Stay and play all day!
• Parents can take lots of photos.
• Santa has a PRESENT for each paid child.

MAKE A SNOWMAN SOCK CRAFT
TUES., DEC. 27, 2011
Three times to choose from:
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., -OR - 2:30 p.m.

Make your very own one-of-a kind snowman!!!
Pack in the fun while you build and design a "sock" man
complete with his black top hat and button nose!
$12.99 per child, $7.95 for adults.

MAKE A CUDDLY WINTER FLEECE PILLOW
Thurs., Dec. 29, 2011
10:30 a.m, 12:30 p.m., -OR- 2:30 p.m.
Stuff and fluff a fleece pillow to rest your head on this winter season!
Cozy up with this knot a pillow craft with your child and then
stay and play for the day with us!
$13.99 per child, $7.95 Adults.

Bergen PAC
December 18th at 4 PM
A Christmas Carol -
The quintessential Christmas Story brought to life on stage at the Bergen Performing Arts Center

Gingerbread Wonderland and craft show
Over a hundred gingerbread creations on display
Saturday, December 3
to Sunday, December 11, 2011
9:30am‐5pm daily • Friday, December 9 until 8pm
353 East Hanover Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07962

Whippany Railway Museum 20th Annual Santa Claus Special
It's the time of year when Santa Claus invites one and all to celebrate the coming Christmas Season with Family and Friends by riding the rails onboard the Whippany Railway Museum's
SANTA CLAUS SPECIAL excursion trains.

Holiday Light Spectacular @ Turtle Back Zoo - Saturdays and Sundays thru Jan 31. 5-9pm. Check website for additional days during the week. Glowing displays light the zoo. 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange. 973-731-5800.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony at The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Dec 10th, 6pm-8pm. PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel. 732-335-0033

Season of Light @ The Newark Museum. Weekend of thru Dec 31. 2 pm. Holiday planetarium program! 49 Washington St. 973-596-6550.

Christmas Celebration - Adventure Aquarium. thru Jan 1. Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive. Camden. 856-365-3300. It’s Christmas…with the fishes! New this year, see the tree of a gazillion lights and our breathtaking light show as well as Scuba Santa in his all new Winter Wonderland Theater.

The Meischke Christmas Wonderland of Lights. Thur thru Sun evenings from 6pm. to 10pm. thru Dec 30. Featuring over a quarter-million lights arranged in a colorful walk-through display, the Wonderland of Lights will be setup at the karting track. NJ Motorsports Park. 47 Warbird Drive, Millville, NJ (856) 327-8000

The Polar Express: An IMAX Experience pulls into the nation’s largest IMAX® Dome Theater for a limited engagement just in time for the holidays. Liberty Science Center. Saturdays in Dec, and everyday during the last week in Dec.
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City. 201.200.1000

Nutcracker Suite
December 17. Koslov Dance Studio will perform The Nutcracker Suite, a shortened orchestral version of The Nutcracker Ballet. the more popular numbers from the ballet, by Tchaikovsky and will be narrated for a young audience. On Christmas Eve, a young girl dreams her beloved toy comes to life. He becomes her Nutcracker Prince and dances his Clara through the land of sweets and defeats the wicked Mouse King. The music is amazing-- from the wild Russian dance to the slow and mysterious Arabian dance. It all flows together to create a magical night of exhilarating performances. 305 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River. 201-825-3366

Holiday TV Listings

Monday December 5th
8:00 PM on AMC A Christmas Carol
8:30 PM on ABC Family The Polar Express

Tuesday December 6th
8:30 PM Disney The Nightmare before Christmas
8:30 PM ABC Family Home Alone 2
9:00 PM TCM A Christmas Story (You'll shoot your eye out)

Wednesday December 7th
8:45 PM Encore The Santa Clause 2

Thursday December 8th
8:30 PM Disney Good Luck Charlie Brown It's Christmas
9:00 Syfy Elf

Friday December 9th
8:00-10:00 PM CH-2 Frosty the Snowman,Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus, The Elf on a Shelf
8:00 PM ABC Family The Santa Clause

Saturday December 10th
8:00 PM Disney The Polar Express
8:oo PM Encore Jingle All the Way

8:00 PM TNT Fred Claus

Skate Down to Citi Pond at Bryant Park for Family Day with Christmas Feet!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:02:00 +0000

Skate Down to Citi Pond at Bryant Park for Family Fun Day with Christmas Feet

On Saturday November 12th between 12 and 4 PM
Families are invited for a day of fun-filled activities and excitement complete with face painting, live entertainment, book readings, and tasty treats.

Meet and greet with creators of the Carlos Gets Around series. Catch a live reading of Christmas Feet from author Maureen Sullivan and illustrator Alison Josephs.

Christmas Feet an award-winning children's book tells the story of Carlos the French bulldog who steps out for a holiday shopping trip in the heart of New York City.
Searching for last-minute gifts, he and his mistress run smack dab into the middle of the true spirit of Christmas.

Also:

Special performance by legendary jazz singer and songwriter Bob Dorough, Schoolhouse Rock and Conjunction Junction

Winter-themed pet fashion show and doggie snack bar presented by Natural Balance.

Plus free skate rentals to first 100 children (12 and under) starting at 12pm.

This event is supporting Best Buddies New York and Animal Rescue.

Halloween in Sleepy Hollow

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:55:00 +0000

SpoOKY NEW EVENTS MARK HALLOWEEN SEASON IN SLEEPY HOLLOW COUNTRY

More Than 4,000 Hand-Carved Pumpkins on Display at Blaze; ‘Horseman's Hollow’ Makes its Terrifying Debut - Visitors Can Post Video

on Youtube and Win an Apple IPad

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY (Sept. 8, 2010) — Historic Hudson Valley, creator of the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, is expanding its portfolio of Halloween inspired experiences to include a professionally produced haunted attraction: Horseman’s Hollow. It joins another new experience, Jonathan Kruk’s ‘Legend,’ and two returning classics: Blaze and Legend Celebration, to round out a full complement of classic fall events in Sleepy Hollow Country.

Washington Irving’s macabre The Legend of Sleepy Hollow inspires the brand new Horseman’s Hollow, an interactive haunted attraction at Philipsburg Manor recommended for ages 14 and up. Stocked with professional actors and state-of-the-art special effects, Horseman’s Hollow has a very high fear factor and is not for the faint of heart.

Jonathan Kruk’s ‘Legend’ brings the master storyteller into the historic, candlelit interior of the circa-1685 Old Dutch Church, where he will offer a dramatic re-telling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow accompanied by live organ music.

By popular demand, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, the tri-state area’s biggest

Halloween extravaganza, is expanding to 20 evenings, including the first weekend in November. An Egyptian scene with mummies and giant pyramid, shrunken heads, and a pumpkin “cornfield

” with crows are some of the new jack o’lantern installations included in this massive display of Halloween-inspired creativity. A team of artists come together to carve more than 4,000 jacks, many of them fused together in enormous and elaborate constructions, all lit up throughout the wooded walkways, orchards, and gardens of historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Also returning is Legend Celebration at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, a daytime event perennially popular with young children, where visitors are encouraged to come in costume.

All events are held rain or shine. All proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based non-profit educational organization which owns and operates the historic sites that host these events. Historic Hudson Valley is using Twitter, Facebook, Flickr (HHValley) and YouTube (InTheValley1), as well as its own HVBlog to connect with fans and offer behind the scenes info on event preparation.

Ticket and date information

For Blaze, Horseman’s Hollow, and Jonathan Kruk’s ‘Legend,’ all admissions are by timed ticket, which must be purchased in advance.

Blaze dates are Oct. 2-3, 8-11, 15-17, 21-24, 28-31, and Nov. 5-7. The first reservation is 7 p.m. on Oct. 2-3 and 8-11, and 6:30 p.m. for the other dates. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for children 5-17, free for children under 5.

Horseman’s Hollow dates are Oct. 15-16, 22-24, and 28-30, with the first reservation at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

Jonathan Kruk’s ‘Legend’ dates are Oct. 15-16 and 29-30. Seating is limited, and there are four performances each evening on the hour, beginning at 6pm. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for children under 18.

Legend Celebration dates are Oct. 23-24 and 30-31, from 10-4 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-17, and free for those under 5.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-631-8200 ($2 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Historic Hudson Valley members receive discounted admission to Jonathan Kruk’s ‘Legend’ and free admission to the other events. Details on becoming a member are online.

Horseman’s Hollow

Horseman’s Hollow, a brand new haunted experience right in the heart of Sleepy Hollow, takes the tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to its darkest extremes. For eight October evenings, historic Philipsburg Manor will transform into a terrifying landscape ruled by vampires, witches, undead soldiers, ghouls, and ghosts, all serving the Headless Horseman himself.

Historic Hudson Valley is working with haunted house professional Lance Hallowell to create an immersive, interactive, pleasantly terrifying experience stocked with professional actors and state-of-the-art special effects. Visitors begin walking a haunted trail, stumbling upon scary scenes of a town driven mad by the Headless Horseman. The Hollow’s unfortunate inhabitants are all too ready to keep visitors from ever leaving.

Creatures, some human and some not, lurk in the shadows, ready to terrify the unsuspecting, while state-of-the-art special effects disorient and unsettle. Lighting is by Emmy award-winning designer Deke Hazirjian of New York City Lites.

Custom built set pieces and period-correct costumes help orient the experience in Philipsburg Manor’s traditional time period of the mid-1700s.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow.

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, which drew 68,000 visitors last year, is a Halloween spectacle integrating thousands of hand-carved pumpkins — everything from your standard jack o’ lantern to extremely elaborate abstract designs — lit up throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various thematic and conceptual arrangements such as Egypt, the Undersea Aquarium, Pirates’ Cove, life-sized dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, “Pumpkinhenge,” (a riff on Stonehenge), a giant “cornfield,” an enormous spider web, Celtic knots, a circus arena with clown carvings, and more.

Professional lighting by designer Jay Woods and a spooky aural soundscape of original music and noises help create a complete all-senses immersion.

Scores of Blaze videos uploaded by fans can be found on YouTube.

Describing the event as an art installation, Creative Director Michael Natiello, who also coordinates the music, said Van Cortlandt Manor itself is the ultimate inspiration for Blaze. The jack o’lantern arrangements are meant to complement and draw attention to the site’s architecture, Revolutionary-era history, and landscape.

Natiello leads a team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists who carve the pumpkins. In addition, more than 1,000 volunteers help scoop and light the pumpkins, including teams from Westchester and Putnam ARC, NY Life, dozens of Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, Pace University students and faculty, and many schoolchildren.

Blaze artists will be carving on site during the event, with their finished products available for purchase. In addition, the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze Shop will offer a full bounty of Blaze-specific merchandise including hats, notepads, games, T-shirts, magnets, caps, mugs, and jewelry. Café Blazé, by Geordane’s of Irvington, will offer culinary treats including soup, veggie chili, muffins, pumpkin cookies, and cider.

Blaze Title Sponsor is Entergy; Blaze Media Sponsor is 100.7 WHUD.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

Jonathan Kruk’s ‘Legend’

Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk offers a dramatic re-telling of Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, featuring the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and Katrina Van Tassel. Flavored with live spooky organ music by Jim Keyes, Kruk’s storytelling will take place in the historic, candlelit setting of the Old Dutch Church. The 1685 stone church is across the street from Philipsburg Manor, where visitors will park.

Legend Celebration

Ideal for the youngest Halloween fans, Legend Celebration offers kids and their families a chance to come in costume to Washington Irving’s Sunnyside for Halloween fun.

Visitors can get their head examined by a phrenologist and enjoy a Punch Van Winkle puppet show as well as games, magic, sing-a-longs, Irish ghost stories, and other kid friendly Halloween experiences. Sunnyside also offers spooky woodland walks complete with ghost stories, which require online advance reservations. Sunnyside is at 89 West Sunnyside Lane, off Route 9 in Tarrytown.

YouTube video contest

Video-savvy visitors may enter the Blaze YouTube Video Contest by filming the event, editing their work, and uploading their video (three minutes or less) to YouTube.

Historic Hudson Valley will award an Apple iPad prize provided by 100.7 WHUD for the video that best achieves the contest goal of capturing the creativity and excitement of Blaze. Full contest details and requirements are online atwww.hudsonvalley.org.

Rob Schweitzer Historic Hudson Valley 150 White Plains Road Tarrytown, NY10591 914-631-8200, ext. 637 rschweitzer@hudsonvalley.org

Pokemon are coming to the Garden State Plaza

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Pokémon Trainers, get ready... The Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems are touring America!

This Friday and Saturday the Pokémon Black Version & White Version Tour will be at the Garden State Plaza . Discover all-new Pokémon while you play the brand-new adventure.

You'll have an opportunity to play the demo version of the game and learn all about its new features.

Families can attend a free screening of the new Pokémon feature-length film,Pokémon-Zoroark: Master of Illusions, at the AMC Garden State 16 located at Westfield Garden State Plaza. Showtimes are 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Tickets are limited. Tickets available only at the Pokémon Information Booth.

You'll also have the chance to meet the brand-new starter Pokémo

n: Snivy™, Tepig™ and Oshawott™, so bring your camera!

Other exciting activities include a mall-wide Stamp Rally; a special Celebi™ character distribution at GameStop stores; plus contests, prizes, and much more!

And don't forget to check out the Pokémon Center store.

Custard and Mustard Book Reading at the Intrepid

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:33:00 +0000

As part of the Intrepid's Salute to Women Custard and Mustard illustrator Alison Josephs and author Maureen Sullivan will lead this reading and discussion. Part of the award-winning Carlos Series of children's books: Ankle Soup, Custard and Mustard and Christmas Feet, Josephs and Sullivan’s work focuses on New York City, it’s amusing characters and unique energy.
for more information Click Here

Get your Groupon

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Groupon negotiates huge discounts—usually 50-90% off—with popular businesses. Then they send those deals to their subscribers (Who can tailor the type of deals that are relevant to them) They save and the participating business gets lots of new customers.

http://www.groupon.com/

Watch Video on how groupon works

February - Things to do

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 04:20:00 +0000

Kick off February by making a Heart Shelf at the Home Depot Kids Workshop on Saturday February 5th between 9 am and 12 pm

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Snow Tubing at Campgaw Mountain - Check out this family-fun-loving, adventure that’s close to home! It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s better than sledding any day! Imagine the thrill of riding down a snowy hill and then effortlessly riding your tube back up. Tubes are provided and a surface lift is available for you to ride up the hill. Choose between different runs with varied levels of rollers and pitch. No experience or special equipment is needed. Just hop in your tube and enjoy the ride.

Unlimited runs and tube rental per two hour session. Advanced sales available.

PRESIDENTS DAY IS FAMILY DAY—on February 21, 2011!
Spend your holiday at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ with your family under the Herr's Hub City Big Top and at three theaters on Livingston Avenue.
Enjoy the The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites As well as a day filled with free events for Children of all ages

Fireproof your Christmas Tree to have a Happy and Safe Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:14:00 +0000

This message is for anyone who celebrates Christmas with a real natural tree. This formula will help fireproof your tree. Someone passed this on to me so I thought I would do the same and pass it on to all of you.

Every year many dreams result in tragedy from Christmas trees catching on fire. Traditionally, we take a dead or dying tree (usually a spruce or fur, which is highly flammable when dry), not properly prepared, set it in our homes and wrap it with electrical wires. What an invitation for fire!! Provided you follow the directions carefully, this remedy should make your Christmas tree fireproof.

Ingredients:

Two cups of Karo Syrup
Two ounces of liquid Chlorine Bleach
Two pinches of Epson Salt
One-half teaspoon of "Borax"
One teaspoon of Chelated Iron
Hot water

You can purchase the Karo Syrup, "Borax" and liquid Chlorine Bleach from your local supermarket. The Epson Salt can be purchased at the drug store and the Chelated Iron (pronounced Key-Lated) can be purchased from a garden shop or plant store.

Procedure:

1. With a saw, take your recently-purchased Christmas Tree and make a fresh cut at the base on the tree trunk. Cut an inch off of the based of the tree trying to make a level cut.

2. Immediately after cutting the base off the tree, mix your fireproofing ingredients as listed above. Fill a two gallon bucket with hot water to within one inch of the top and add the ingredients. Stir thoroughly.

3. Immediately stand the trunk of the tree in this solution and leave for 24 hours.

4. Keep the remaining solution and place your tree in a tree stand that contains a well where liquids can be poured.

5. When the tree is in it's final resting place, use a plastic cup to pour solution from the bucket into the tree well. Fill the well.

6. Every day without exception, the well of the tree stand must be "topped-off" with the solution from the two gallon bucket.

Follow these simple directions and your tree will be fireproofed. It may save your home and family from those fire tragedies we always hear about around the holidays! If your curious, after Christmas, when you remove your tree, snap off a branch and try to set it on fire OUTSIDE.

How does it work?

In a nut-shell the Karo Syrup provides the sugar necessary to allow the base of the tree to take up water. Up to 1.5 gallons of water can be taken up by the tree over a two week period. Boron in the "Borax" allows the tree to move the water and sugar out to every branch and needles in your tree. Magnesium compounds in the Epson Salt and Iron from the Chelated Iron provide essential components for the production of chlorophyll which will keep the tree green. The bleach prevents mold from forming in your solution.

Some of the other beneficial side-effects of this procedure are that the needles will not drop and you will notice an increase in natural pine fragrance.

I would like to give credit to the person who wrote this but I have no idea who that is.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!!!

Save 20% off Leapfrog Orders with Friends and Family Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Offer ends Soon (Now through the 11/23) Use Promo Code:LFFAMILY

Leapfrog has a great line of interactive Education toys to bring out your child's learning potential

Parents can also connect online to view your child's progress and see suggested learning paths.

The Tag reader and Leapster are 2 fabulous products from Leap frog that have provided countless hours of entertainment and learning for my child. (Especially on long car trips)

Enjoy the savings

Halloween Safety Hazards - FamilyEducation.com

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:07:00 +0000

Halloween Safety Hazards - FamilyEducation.com

Halloween 5k in Hoboken Scary Scurry Kids' Run

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:44:00 +0000

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2010 @ 10:00 AM local time

Address: Pier A, Hoboken NJ 1st Street and Sinatra Drive, Hoboken

Fees: $10.30 Prior to July 30th,

$20 through October 26th,

$25 Day of Race, Scary Scurry Kids'

Run $5

Registration Closing Date

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 @ 11:59 PM

Brief Description:

Come out and beat your demons at the inaugural HoBOOken Halloween 5k Run. The USATF-certified race course will follow along Hoboken's beautiful waterfront and finish on Pier A. Little ghosts and goblins can participate in the Scary Scurry Kids' Run.

Additional Information:

The race is produced by the Elysianettes to benefit Project Play, whose mission includes replacing old and unsafe playground equipment in Hoboken's Church Square Park.

Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers as well as the top 3 male and female finishers within each age group.

All participants in the Scary Scurry Kids' Run will receive finishers' ribbons.

Awards will also be given out for the best costumes--so get creative!

Event Website

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day!

Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 1:00—3:00 p.m.

At the old Jungle Habitat Property, Airport Road,

West Milford, NJ

Join Town Cycle at Jungle Habitat on October 2nd, and They will help you, your family and friends increase your comfort level and skills on a mountain bike.
Team Town Cycle is filled with veteran mountain bikers and racers. They will teach you some mountain biking basics while riding through some of the easier trails at Jungle Habitat.

Town Cycle is joining with IMBA to celebrate their 6th annual Take A Kid Mountain

Biking Day—but you don’t have to be a kid to join them! "We’ll have snacks and

water and a lot of fun planned—so come check it out! All ages welcome!"

Help us help others—bring a non-perishable or canned good for

donation to our local food pantry!

Cost: Free! You will be required to sign a waiver—parents don’t have to ride,

but must be present. Don’t forget your canned good!

Location: Airport Road, West Milford, NJ

Required: Helmets for all riders! Closed toe shoes—sneakers are fine! A geared

mountain bike is not required, but a bicycle with knobby tires and in good

working order is!

More info: www.teamtowncycle.com

Get Your Zoo Boo Tickets Today

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:42:00 +0000

Zoo Boo tickets are on sale right now at the Bergen County Zoo
Tickets are moving fast so try to get there today or tomorrow.
Tickets for Zoo Entry are $5 per person. This includes Trick-or-Treating, A Magic Show and Spooky Story Time.

The Erie Express Train Ride is an additional $5 and requires advanced purchased tickets as well.

Zoo Boo Times are 12pm-3pm on Saturday October 23 (this session is 100% kid friendly)

6:00 to 9:00 PM on both Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd
This time is for both the Zoo and/or the Erie Express Train Ride.

The Bergen County Zoo is Located at 216 Forest Ave in Paramus NJ

For Additional Information and ticket Availability Call 201-262-37771 ext 110

Take your Pick - Pumpkin Picking and whole lot more in and around NJ

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:35:00 +0000

It's almost fall. The days are getting shorter and cooler, the leaves will soon be turning color.
Time to get out to a local farm, enjoy a hayride out to the pumpkin patch and pick out your own pumpkin.

When I was originally writing this post I was going to list all the farms in the area by county but there are a lot a websites out there that already do that (I will provide links to those Sites at the end of this post).
Instead I decided to list a few farms that I have been to and give you my opinion about what I feel are the great places to visit and why you should check them out. So without further ado here they are.

Demarest Farms in Hillsdale NJ
If you Live in or around Bergen county you can't beat Demarest farms. It is so close and boasts both apple and pumpkin Picking (Pumpkin Picking Starts Sept 26th)
Get your bag for Apple picking then cross the street and take a hayride out to the orchard and Pumpkin patch
They also have a corn maze and decorate the store for Halloween.
Demarest Farms has great pies and other food items as well as holiday items.
Tip: Go During the week and pay Just nine Dollars for the Hayride and up to 15 pounds of apples.

Schaefer Farms in Flemington NJ
Although this farm is a bit of a ride (about and hour and 15 minutes from the GWB) For Pumpkin Picking I don't think it gets any better. You and your family can take a hayride out into their 40 acre Pumpkin Patch and pick out a pumpkin that is still on the vine.
They also have farm animals and a corn maze and the farm stand is filled with fall items. From Schaefer farms own Indian corn, gourds, kale, corn stalks and a wide variety of colorful mums to

apple cider and fresh baked pies from local vendors. Afterwards take a train ride on the Black River Railroad (This September be part of the The Great Train Robbery) or checkout the Liberty Village outlets of Flemington

Maskers Orchard in Warwick NY
About an hour and 15 minutes from the GWB Maskers is a 200 acre Apple Orchard and starting September 19th the pumpkin patch will be open. The Orchard is really beautiful and you can drive out and have a picnic on the grounds if you wish. Many families bring a wagon for hauling their little ones and their apples. (I personally prefer the doodlebug bike trailer - but that's me any excuse to ride) The orchard also has a large country store with lots of neat and tasty items as well as a nice place to sit and relax for a while. Maskers Orchard has a number of Upcoming Events including clowns, music, and Pony rides. For a complete schedule of special events click here. After you are done at the Orchard Checkout the Warwick Winery and Distillery

Some Recommendations from Friends
Casola Farms in Holmdel
Not too far about an hour from the GWB. They have a hay ride, corn maze, petting zoo and a cowboy show! It should be a lot of fun for all the kids.

"And yes I am aware that only I can find an EYEtalian pumpkin farm complete with a sausage and pepper stand!" (from Kim)

Scroll down to the bottom of their page to get your coupons and save up to $3.00

Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon, NJ
Family fun for all ages every Saturday and Sunday from September 19 to October 25 including Monday, Columbus Day. Enjoy the scenic countryside on an old-fashioned hayride. Features pumpkin picking on a 40 acre pumpkin patch, pig races “Pigtuckey Derby”, feeding the farm animals, a petting zoo, learning the work habits of bees with an up close look inside their hives, a hay maze and hay crawl to a Hay Mountain, a corn maze, the Boo Barn offering animated entertainment for the young and young-at-heart, and the Haunted Acres Hayride every Friday and Saturday through October 30 from 7-10 p.m.

General Admission of $6 ( FREE for children ages 3 and under) . includes designing a customized sand art masterpiece and choosing your very own personalized “tattoo” at the face painting booth. (from Nancy)

Country Charm Farm Harvest and Pumpkin Festival New Paltz, NY
Walk among fun-filled, life-size scarecrows amid panoramic views of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Phone: 914-255-4321

Additional Links
http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/NJpumpkins.php
http://www.new-jersey-leisure-guide.com/pumpkin-picking.html
http://www.funnj.com/festival/holiday/Halloween/Pumpkin-Picking-in-New-Jersey.htm

Weekend Planner - Special Fall Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:25:00 +0000

Fall is here there is a slight chill in the air and the days are getting shorter so this weekend why not take the family to a nearby farm or orchard have some Apple cider and cider donuts. Then take a hayride out into an orchard or pumpkin patch to pick some apples or a pumpkin or two for Halloween.
Many orchards embrace the season with hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, homemade ice cream and even live music.
Apple varieties change from week to week, and guidelines change from orchard to orchard, so be sure to call ahead.
Ask whether you can bring your own bags and baskets, whether apple pickers (long poles that reach to the top of trees) are provided.
Tips for picking out a pumpkin to carve
1) When choosing your pumpkin, look for one that is without bruises, is evenly colored, and isn’t moldy or rotten. Check the bottom for rot and tap gently to hear a firm, hollow sound.
2) Pick a pumpkin that best suits your intended pattern/design, or vice versa.
3) The lighter the pumpkin’s skin, the softer the pumpkin will be, thus the easier to carve. However, lighter-skinned pumpkins may not last as long post carving.
4) Choose a pumpkin with a smooth, flat face, with shallow ridges and few of them.
5) Never carry your pumpkin by the stem.
for more tips on prepping,carving and Keeping your pumpkin fresh:Clicky

Here is a list by region of places to go picking:

BERGEN COUNTY

• Demarest Farm
244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale; 201-666-0472
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. holidays; by appointment weekdays.
Types of apples: More than 18 varieties, including Liberty, Black Twig, Double Red Delicious and Winesap.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking starting Sept. 27, face painting with Wiggles the clown, hayrides, ice cream shop and decorations.

• Abma’s Farm and Market
700 Lawlins Road,Wyckoff, NJ 07481, 201-891-0278
30-acre farm dates back to the 1790s. The homestead and out-buildings have been well-preserved, kept in their original state, and the Dutch-style barn, one of the few 200-year-old barns still standing in Bergen County, converted into a thriving retail market with a “scratch” bakery and a gourmet kitchen.
Saturday rides are open to the public and run continuously starting Sept.27th thru October 25th, 11:00-3:45 pm. The fee for the ride is $5.00 per person, under two rides on a lap for free. No reservation is required. The wagons leave approximately every 15 minutes from the parking lot across the street. (Sequoia) During the ride the wagon will stop at the pumpkin patch and everyone will have the chance to pick a pumpkin, if you choose.
Pumpkins are purchased separately at the patch for various prices depending on the size.

HUNTERDON COUNTY

• Peaceful Valley Orchards
150 Pittstown Road, Pittstown; 908-730-7748
Hours: Starting Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: 23 varieties, including Jersey Mac, Grimes Golden, Suncrisp and York. Other activities: Pumpkin picking, weekend hayrides, Fall Harvest Festival Oct. 11 with live music, corn maze, activities for kids and an ice cream fund-raiser.

MERCER COUNTY

• Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton; 609-924-2310
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 21 varieties, including Gala, Stayman Winesap, Granny Smith and Fuji.
Other activities: Farm animals, corn maze, wagon and pony rides, Farm Trail Discovery Walk,“Corny-copia” Adventure Barn, pumpkin patch, 31st Annual Apple Days festival Sept. 20 and 21; Fall Family Fun Weekends Sept. 27 to Oct. 26.

MORRIS COUNTY

• Hillview Farms
223 Meyersville Road, Gillette; 908-647-0957
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends
Types of apples: 12 varieties, including Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun and Honeycrisp.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, hayrides.

• Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Road, Chester; 908-879-5353
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 29 varieties, including King David, Cortland, Braeburn and Ida Red.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking starts Sept. 27, hayrides on weekends.

• Sun High Orchards
19 Canfield Ave., Randolph; 973-584-4734
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Types of apples: Up to 10 varieties, including Mollie Delicious, McIntosh, Golden Delicious and Cortland.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking starts Sept. 29, hayrides to pumpkin patch, farm tours.

• Wightman’s Farms
1111 Mount Kemble Ave. (Route 202), Harding; 973-425-0840
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: 31 varieties, including Zestar, Paula Red, Mollie Delicious and Pink Lady.
Other activities:Weekend hayrides, Maizeland and the African Adventure corn maze, Kiddie Corn Pot Play Area.

SOMERSET COUNTY

• Ripple Hill Farm
181 Mountain Road, Basking Ridge; 908-647-1300.
Hours: 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Types of apples: Cortland and Empire.
Other activities: none.

SUSSEX COUNTY

• Pochuck Valley Farms
962 Route 517, Vernon (Glenwood) 973-764-4732
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 16 varieties, including Lobo Mac, Melba and Gravensteins.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, pick-your-own pears, wagon ride to orchard.

• Heaven Hill Farm
449 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462 (973) 764-5144
Open Daily at 9:00 am
Besides the Haunted Nightmare Hayrides we have daytime activities including -- Kiddie Rides, costumes, Pumpkin Picking, Corn, Gourds, Apples, Cider, Mums, Halloween Displays & Decorations.

• Windy Brow Farms
359 Ridge Road, Fredon; 973-579-9657
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: 32 varieties, including Greening, Gala, Cortland and McIntosh.
Other activities:Wagon ride to orchard.

WARREN COUNTY

• Brook Hollow Farm
Frog Pond Road, Hainesburg; 908-496-4577
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 12 varieties, including McIntosh and Cortland.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, pick-your-own peaches, weekend wagon rides.

• Longmeadow Farm
561 Route 521, Hope; 908-459-5351
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: 13 varieties, including Ginger Gold, Northern Spy, Rome and Cameo.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking and hayrides start Oct. 4.

• Mackey’s Orchard
284 County Route 519, Belvidere; 908-475-1507
Hours: Starting Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: More than 100 varieties, with 10 or more ripe for picking at a time, including Cortland, Gala, Rome and Granny Smith.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking in October, hayrides to orchard on October weekends, playground, ice cream.

• Matarazzo Farms
783 Route 519, Belvidere; 908- 475-3671
Hours: Starting Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: 14 varieties, including McIntosh and Golden Delicious.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, hayrides to pumpkin patch, corn maze, wine tasting and tours.

• Race Farm
93 Belcher Road, Blairstown; 908- 362-8151.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 10 varieties, including Gala, McIntosh, Rome and Idared.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, pick-your-own vegetables.

• Tree Licious Orchards
135 Karrville Road, Port Murray; 908-689-2906.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: More than 30 varieties, including Shinshu, Cameo, Gala and Mutsu.
Other activities: Pick-your-own peaches, pears and quince.

ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y.

• Applewood Orchards and Winery
82 Four Corners Road, Warwick; 845-986-1684
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun, Empire, Honey Crisp, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, wagon rides, farm animals, duck pond.

• Lawrence Farms Orchards
39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh; 845-562-4268
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 14 varieties, including Ida Red, Mutsu, Stayman and Northern Spy.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, pick-your-own peaches, pears, grapes and vegetables.

• Masker Orchards
45 Ball Road, Warwick; 845-986-1058
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 14 varieties, including Macoun, Prime Reds, Sparta Macintosh and Smoothies.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking starting Sept. 20, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, clown Sept. 29 and 30 and Oct. 6 to 8.
2008 Cider Print the Cider Coupon.

• Ochs Orchard
4 Ochs Lane, Warwick; 845-986-1591.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: In September, McIntosh, Cortland, Red Delicious, Empire, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Crispin/Mutsu and Stayman Winesap.
Other activities: Farm animals, homemade ice cream, pick-your own raspberries, tomatoes and pumpkins.

• Pennings Orchard
169 South Route 94, Warwick; 845-986-7080;
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: 19 varieties, including Ginger Gold, Jonamac, Braeburn and Northwest Greening.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, weekend hayrides, farm animals.

• Prospect Hill Orchards
40 Clarke’s Lane, Marlborough; 845-795-2383
Hours: Starting Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.
Types of apples: McIntosh, Macoun, Gala, Cortland, Empire, Red and Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Winesap, Jonagold, Fuji, Ida Red, Rome and Granny Smith.
Other activities: Hayrides, pick-your-own pears.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y.
• Dr. Davies Farm
306 Route 304, Congers; 845- 286-7020; drdaviesfarm.com.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Types of apples: Cortland, Spartan, Empire, Ida Red, Crispin (Mutsu), Northern Spy, Red and Golden Delicious.
Other activities: Pumpkin picking, weekend hayrides.

• The Orchards of Concklin
2 South Mountain Road, Pomona; 845-354-0369
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and Columbus Day.
Types of apples: Macoun, Red Delicious, Empire, Golden Delicious, Rome.
Other activities: Haunted house, giant slide, corn maze on weekends.

Other Events

Eco Trek 2010:Join the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey on October 2 for the fundraising walk and expo, Live Healthy, Go Green. Held at Lake Rickabear Outdoor Program Center in Kinnelon (less than an hour from the GWB) , the event encourages participants to walk 1.2 miles around the lake and visit health and environmental exhibits created by the Girl Scouts. Registration begins at 9am, and patrons gather for an 11am warm-up preceding the walk. Proceeds benefit the healthy lifestyles and green living initiative programs that are part of the Girl Scout leadership experience.
When: October 2, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM.
Where: Lake Rickabear Outdoor Program Center in Kinnelon
Contact: http://www.gsnnj.org/

Home Depot - Kids Clinics
The Home Depot's Kids Workshops This months project is a whistle fire truck.
The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Make your own Apple Picker
You can always make your own with a 2 liter bottle of soda and a broom handle and some duct tape and scissors.

SODA X XX X BOTTLE 2 LITER OR 3
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BROOM XX HANDLE XX
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The Mohonk Mountain House

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:28:00 +0000

Sitting atop the Shawagunk ridge, The Mohonk Mountain House is a resort that calms the mind, stimulates the body, and awakens the soul. From the moment guests pass under the majestic Willows they are greeted by the site of the 267 Victorian Castle and transported to a place of natural beauty from the Lake in the Sky to the Cliffs that surround the lake to the View of the Hudson Valley.

Guests at the mountain house receive three delicious satisfying meals a day as well as afternoon tea and cookies. For Lunch we opted for the Outdoor cookout at the Granary. The Granary sits above the Swimming area of the lake and is BBQ style lunch along with full salad and dessert bar. There is also an ice cream and Sundae bar.
The main dining room provides a westerly view overlooking the Hudson Valley where diners are treated to a stunning sunset views.

There are plenty of activities to take part in including swimming, hiking, boating, and fishing. Additional guide led activities such as Mounting Biking, Rock Climbing, and Horseback riding are also available for an additional fee.

Sitting at the top of the Mountain is the Albert Smiley Memorial

tower. Those who climb to the top of the tower will be rewarded with spectacular views of the landscape outstretched below.

As a single parent I enjoyed the opportunity to share time with my daughter away from the distractions of everyday life. We enjoyed our time together be it out on the lake fishing or pedaling one of the paddle boats, building sand castles on the lakeside beach, hiking along the trails or just relaxing in one of the rocking chairs overlooking the lake while enjoying an afternoon treat.

Mohonk also has a Kids camp which provided me with some personal time. I was able to hike up the rock scrambles and the crevasse, get in a mountain bike ride, a trail run, and even a yoga class while my daughter made friends with the kids at Mohonk.
While walking into the dinning hall the first evening after Kids camp one of the kids called out to my daughter and asked if she was doing the kids swim that night. Throughout dinner We met a few more "friends". I think it's great the way kids just get together. They remember each others name and refer to each other as friends. "That's my friend Sara she like Ariel (from the little mermaid) just like me" is a common type of introduction.

The Kids camp is made up of 2 daily sessions as well as evening activities like the kids swim.
Kids are placed in groups according to age.
Activities are age appropriate but parents can limit activities that their child is able to participate in.

Parents can feel comfortable that their kids are safe and enjoying themselves while they engage in one of the many activities offered at Mohonk or they can decompress at Mohonk's full service Spa, or participate in one of the classes offered at the Mohonk fitness center including Yoga and Pilates.

Our stay at Mohonk was for two nights and 3 days and while short we were able to pack a lot of fun into our days and nights creating memories to last a lifetime. One of my favorites was at the campfire after we ate some smores my daughter snuggled up with me on a log bench and we just watched the fire and looked up at the stars for a while nothing being said but a moment shared.

The Great Wolf Lodge - An Indoor Waterpark in the Poconos

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:10:00 +0000

If you are looking for a fun place to go with the family for a special overnight or mini-vacation

Check out the Great Wolf Lodge located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

The centerpiece of the Lodge is an amazing indoor waterpark that houses 11 huge slides, 6 pools, a giant water fort, a lazy river and more.

While the Great Wolf's waterpark would provide enough entertainment for a days of water filled fun.

There is so much more including magi-quest, an interactive role playing game that will have your family exploring the Hotels halls for hours. to In Magi-quest Kids interact with a series of kiosks and a wand or compass to complete a series of quests and adventures.

Items can purchased and activated at that lodge's

magiquest store. ( Wand - $15.99 and up. Game - $12.99)

There is also an arcade with games that dispense tickets for prizes.

The prizes are reasonable, with 200 points we were able to claim a quite a few small prizes.

Another activity is the newly added Race Zone, where you can design and build your own remote control vehicle.

You get to choose from three different body styles, select the color of the vehicle and wheels. You even get to create your own drivers license.

After you build your car you can race it on their indoor race track. Along with your remote

control vehicle the Race Zone Package includes event tickets consisting of 3-4 races - $59.99 plus tax. There is also an option to rent a car and race time.

If you have younger children Enjoy the Nightly Pajama Story Time in the lobby following the Great Clock Tower Show.

If you have teens there is a special place for them too. The gr8_space features computers with Internet access, docking stations for ipods and mp3 players, as well as multiple gaming stations such as

Nintendo Wii, XBox360 & Playstation 3. Your teen can play games like Guitar Hero, Rock Band and sing some karaoke. There is also movies, snacks, music and videos.

If you want to unplug and relax a little the Lodge offers and full service Spa for Adults and Scoops which is a salon tailored for kids 4-12 with ice cream themed items like chocolate Brownie hand

cream and Strawberry Shortcake scrubs. As part of the service your child will be given a cool robe to wear during their spa treatment given a choice of colors and scents for their manicure, pedicure,or facial and afterwards they can head down to Bear Paw sweets and Eats for a free ice cream scoop.

Scoops is not cheap with services ranging from $39 for a facial up to $79 for a mani/pedi combo.

With regard to price, the Great Wolf lodge can range from reasonable to quite expensive depending on what you do.

Here are some tips to help stretch your money while there:

1) Fill your room - Rooms are sized for 4-8 people .
The price for the room is the same if you have 2 people or the base capacity.

Park passes are provided for the base capacity of your room as well.
2) Bring Food for Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks. Skip the meal plan. Unless you can clean out the all you can eat buffet the meal plan probably doesn't make sense for those with small children.

Rooms come with a mini fridge, microwave and wet bar sink.

3) Change in your room for the water park and leave valuables somewhere safe. This will save you $10 a day for lockers

Items that you do bring to the waterpark (Flip flops etc..) can be left at by your beach chair if you are lucky enough to score one.

4) Limit additional fee based activities - If you pick one activity it should probably be magi-quest especially if you have kids under 13 years old. Magi-quest can take up to six hours to complete and is one of the more popular activities with lodge guests.

The Spa and Race Track are more expensive and occupy less time.
When we were at the Great Wolf Lodge they had an un-advertised promo that bundled the magi-quest and Race track activities for a discounted price.

There are various rooms types The Wolf Den Suite has a cave-themed area with a bunk bed. Kids can “rough it” with movies and Nintendo on their own 20" flat screen LCD TV. The main dining hall is outdoor themed with the booths being setup like outdoor dining tents.

The staff at the Lodge was very friendly and accommodating and made our stay even more enjoyable.

Bottom-line:

Kids will love the Great Wolf Lodge Water park, Activities, and rooms.
Parents need to be creative to make it a good time without breaking the bank.

Kids Mountain Bike Race - Saturday August 21st

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:18:00 +0000

The Hilltop Reservation in North Caldwell will host a kid’s bike race on Saturday August 21. The event starts at the North Caldwell sports field parking lot on Courter Lane and Mountain Avenue.

This is the first chance for most youngsters to try bike racing really close to home on a track specially created for this event.

There's open fire roads and winding single track through the forest. Spectator viewing should be exceptional.

Racing starts at 9:00am

$10.00 fee payable on site for each competitor and all racers’ parents must complete and sign a rider release application.

There will be a minimum of four age groups competing (grouped by grade in Fall 2010 school year):

K – 1st grade boys 9:00am, girls 9:05, 0.6 miles

2nd – 3rd grade boys, 9:20am, girls 9:25, 1.2 miles

4th – 5th grade boys, 10:00am, girls 10:05, 2.4 miles

6th – 8th grade boys, 10:45am, girls 10:50, 3.0 miles

Boys and Girls will race separately but some boys and girls age classes may be combined depending on number of competitors in the classes.

Top prizes will be awarded for 1st – 3rd positions and everyone receives and award recognition for competing.

Some reading suggestions for kids about bikes and racing

Gracie Goat's Big Bike Race (Barnsville Sports Squad)

Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen

Mike and the Bike

Mike and the Bike Meet Lucille the Wheel

Franklin Rides a Bike

Duck on a Bike

9 Foods Not to Give Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:18:00 +0000

9 Foods not to give your Kids: This article by By Joe Wilkes Shares some startling data about Childhood Obesity, common food choices, and healthier alternatives. Read this before you serve up your next meal.

HOMELESS: THE MOTEL KIDS OF ORANGE COUNTY

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:39:00 +0000

HOMELESS: THE MOTEL KIDS OF ORANGE COUNTY, premiering this Monday, July 26th explores the world of children who reside in discounted motels within walking distance of Disneyland, living in limbo as their families struggle to survive in one of the wealthiest regions of America. The parents of motel kids are often hard workers who don’t earn enough to own or rent homes. As a result, they continue to live week-to-week in motels, hoping against hope for an opportunity that might allow them to move up in the O.C.

For more information on the show: http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/homeless-the-motel-kids-of-orange-county

Despicable Me - Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:32:00 +0000

Universal Studios most recent animated release Despicable Me with the voice of Steve Carell as Gru, a super bad villain who just became number two when a new Villain named Vector steals one of the great pyramids has a lot heart as well as laughs.
Through the course of the movie Gru's character make the transformation from a self centered villain with aspirations of grandeur to a selfless parent who realize that raising a child is indeed a grand undertaking with countless rewards.
Along the way there are plenty of laughs from Gru's um.. Dog and his minions who slapstick comedy steals most scenes. The movie is predicable but well done. There are a few scenes of that may be inappropriate for children 4 and under.
The girls are adorable especially the little one who unbridled joy can melt even the "despicable one's" heart.

Easter Egg - Stay during the final credits for some additional fun with the minions

If you were on the fence about seeing Despicable me jump off and get to a theater you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll boo, you'll hiss, most of all you'll have a good time.

Central Park Sandbox Program

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:38:00 +0000

Central Park Sandbox - July 12 through August 20, 2010

For children ages 3-8 years old and accompanying adults. No advance registration needed. All programs are FREE. Inclement weather will cancel these events.

Rock out in your favorite Central Park playground at free Sandbox Programs featuring dance, music and stories!
Now in its 21st consecutive summer, these Sandbox Programs happen in 15 different playgrounds.

Sandbox Dance: Mondays & Tuesdays, 11:00 am
Learn some new moves from a professional dance instructor as you feel the rhythm of musician Michael Wimberly's live African djembe beat at Sandbox Dance programs, co-presented by the Museum for African Art.

July 12: Heckscher Playground (W/C 63rd Street)
July 13: Bendheim Playground (East 100th Street)
July 19: Adventure Playground (West 67th Street)
July 20: East 96th Street Playground
July 26: Billy Johnson Playground (East 67th Street)
July 27: Spector Playground (West 85th Street)
August 2: Diana Ross Playground (West 81st Street)
August 3: East 110th Street Playground
August 9: Wild West Playground (West 93rd Street)
August 10: Heckecher Playground (W/C 63rd Street)
August 16: Safari Playground (West 91st Street)
August 17: Pat Hoffman Friedman Playground (East 79th Street)

Sandbox Music: Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 11:00 am
At Sandbox Music programs, you'll accompany live brass instruments with your own percussion rhythms under the guidance of professional musicians and educators from Central Park Brass.

July 14: East 110th Street Playground
July 15: Billy Johnson Playground (East 67th Street)
July 16: Spector Playground (West 85th Street)
July 21: West 110th Street Playground
July 22: Mariners' Playground (West 84th Street)
July 23: East 96th Street Playground
July 28: Rudin Family Playground (West 96th Street)
July 29: Wild West Playground (West 93rd Street)
July 30: Diana Ross Playground (West 81st Street)
August 4: Heckscher Playground (West/Central 63rd Street)
August 5: Bendheim Playground (East 100th Street)
August 6: Bernard Playground (East 108th Street)
August 11: Spector Playground (West 85th Street)
August 12: Diana Ross Playground (West 81st Street)
August 13: Billy Johnson Playground (East 67th Street)
August 18: Mariners' Playground (West 84th Street)
August 19: Adventure Playground (West 67th Street)
August 20: Wild West Playground (West 93rd Street)

Sandbox Stories: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 2:00 pm
Hear stories about goblins, shoemakers, witches, princesses, fools and much more at Dan Kitrosser's hilarious Sandbox Stories performances.

July 13: Safari Playground (West 91st Street)
July 14: Rudin Family Playground (West 96th Street)
July 15: Adventure Playground (West 67th Street)
July 16: Pat Hoffman Friedman Playground (East 79th Street)
July 20: Bendheim Playground (East 100th Street)
July 21: Rudin Family Playground (West 96th Street)
July 22: Heckscher Playground (West/Central 63rd Street)
July 23: Safari Playground (West 91st Street)
July 27: Diana Ross Playground (West 81st Street)
July 28: Mariners' Playground (West 84th Street)
July 29: Pat Hoffman Friedman Playground (East 79th Street)
July 30: West 110th Street Playground
August 3: Spector Playground (West 85th Street)
August 4: Billy Johnson Playground (East 67th Street)
August 5: Adventure Playground (West 67th Street)
August 6: East 110th Street Playground
August 10: Spector Playground (West 85th Street)
August 11: West 110th Street Playground
August 12: Bendheim Playground (East 100th Street)
August 13: Bernard Playground (East 108th Street)
August 17: West 110th Street Playground
August 18: East 96th Street Playground
August 19: Rudin Family Playground (West 96th Street)
August 20: Bernard Playground (East 108th Street)

For more information call 212-860-1370.

Save 20% on Season Pass to NYC Zoos and Aquariums

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Last summer we went to the Bronx Zoo and NYC Aquarium we had a great time at both and plan on going again. This year we are going to take advantage of the family membership.

Now through May 31st you will get $20.00 off the premium membership so instead of paying $154 for 2 adults and 1 child you will pay only $134.

Included in that price you will receive

FREE admission for two adults and children in their household up to age 18 to the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens Zoos
4 FREE parking passes for the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium
FREE unlimited access to Bronx Zoo attractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Children's Zoo, Butterfly Garden, Zoo Shuttle, and Bug Carousel PLUS the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium 4-D Theaters
FREE admission for one additional guest or child caregiver
FREE updates on zoo activities and events withMembers' News and Members' E-News
Invitations to exclusive Members-only events
10% discount at select gift shops and restaurants at the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium and Central Park Zoo
Discounts on Education programs and courses
Priority entry for Members—no long lines!

If you plan to attend the NYC Wildlife parks this year then this is an offer too good to pass up

Register here and print you membership card and parking passes online