Things to Do with Kids from May 8 to May 14, 2019 – TAPinto.net
From Mother’s Day activities a carnival, plant sales, storytimes, music, craft-making and cooking activities – the second week in May looks to be a lot of fun! If you are looking to participate in fun activities and more this week, please enjoy this list of Things to Do with Kids in and around town, brought to you by The Goddard School in West Orange.
Note: If you attend any of these events, partake in any of the craft or cooking ideas shared below, or just have a great picture of your kids that you’d like featured, please send photos to jackie.eventscolumn@gmail.com.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY…
Kiwanis Karnival 2019 on May 8-11 from 6-11 pm at E. Northfield Rd., in Livingston
The public is invited to the annual Kiwanis Fair in Livingston for rides, games, food and fun!
The schedule is: Tuesday – Thursday: 6-10 pm; Friday: 6-11 pm; and Saturday: 2-11 pm. 2019 Ticket Prices: 56 Tickets –- $50.00 (Best Value); 20 Tickets – $25.00; and 1 Ticket – $1.25. NOTE: Rides require 3-5 tickets per person. Credit Cards are accepted for purchasing tickets; Carnival Games are Cash Only. Saturday is hand stamp day: Pay one price and ride all day! All proceeds from the carnival are donated back to the community! ARC Day Morning (for people with special needs) – is on May 11 from 11 am to 1 pm –- during ARC Day, the park will be closed to the public and open only to special needs guests and their families. This event is open to all special needs guests and is not restricted to Livingston residents.
Frog Pond Adventure on May 9 from 6-7:30 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)
This “rrribbettting” program for families will take an up-close look at our pond ecosystem. Participants will search out and identify the life found in the pond through magnifying glasses, microscopes and field guides. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $30 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $10 per child, $12 per adult.
Mother’s Day Annual Plant Sale on May 11 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens (474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair)
Stop by the Rutgers Master Gardener’s annual plant sale for a wide variety of annuals, perennials, ornamentals, shrubs, small trees, tomatoes and herbs. Admission is FREE but plants will be for sale. For more details, call 973.228.2210 from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 2pm.
Mommy & Me Friendship Bracelets on May 11 from 11 – 11:45 am at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)
Children ages 4 to 9 are invited to celebrate mom by creating nature-inspired, matching diffuser bracelets! Did you know essential oils can help children stay calm and focused? Jenn Forino, founder of plusoils.com, will teach a kid-friendly, mini-workshop on how essential oils can be powerful tools for overall health and wellness. Each child will make a set of diffuser bracelets (one for themselves and one to give mom on Mother’s Day). Additionally, each child will receive a roller bottle of therapeutic-grade essential oil, diluted so it is safe for them to apply to their diffuser bracelet. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $25 per child/adult participant
Mother’s Day Craft at IndigoKids on May 11 from 11 am-12 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Show Mom how much you appreciate her with a handmade craft at IndigoKids.
Macy’s DIY Mother’s Day Cards on May 11 from 11 am – 5 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
You’re invited to a Crayola Create It Yourself (CIY) event in Story, Level One. Take the CIY network offline and discover how to turn your favorite colors into your favorite new artwork. At this hands-on workshop, artists of all ages will create Mother’s Day memories one melted masterpiece at a time.
Glenn Weber and Students of the New Jersey School of Percussion on May 11 from 3-5 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)
The Afro-Cuban Percussion and the Rhythms of Cuba will hold a presentation on many of the percussion instruments developed in Cuba. The development of Cuban music has had many influences. Two of the major influences came from Africa and Spain. By the end of the presentation, all attendance will have a better understanding and appreciation for this wonderful contribution to the music world.
92nd Anniversary Live Music Celebration on May 11-12 from 4-6 pm at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens (474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair)
Come celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens with live jazz music from Duke Lukic Trio, lemonade and cookies! Weekends during Iris Bloom Season.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens on May 12 from 12-2 pm at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens (474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair)
Enjoy the day with Mom at Presby by treating her to ticketed music and Box Lunch event. A live jazz concert will be held on the porch. Chairs on the lawn will be available, visitors may also bring picnic blankets if they prefer. Contemporary American Impressionist Lisa Polombo will be showcasing her painting in the Walther House living room and Bloom Room Gift Shop from 1pm-2pm, where irises will also be on sale. Lunch will comprise a gourmet sandwich (vegetarian, turkey, roast beef), lemon square dessert, gourmet chips and a choice of drink. Purchase tickets online or call 973-783-5974. Lunchbox ticket is $20.00. Tickets are limited.
Mother’s Day Art Spa on May 12 from 12-5 pm at the Newark Museum (49 Washington Street, Newark)
Newark Museum and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey invite the public to celebrate Mother’s Day with soothing and mindful spa-inspired experiences referencing select objects in the Museum’s collection. A specially-catered selection of light refreshments will be available. Highlights to include: Dueling Pianos – a live musical battle between two pianists performing songs celebrating women; Chair massages and aromatherapy; Nail art designs inspired by objects from the Museum’s collection; Learn the latest makeup techniques in beauty demos led by a professional makeup artist; and learn the latest self-care trends in a multimedia presentation. Program will also include MakerSPACE Drop-ins; gallery tours; planetarium shows; and more.
IN THE SCHOOLS…
The Lion King, Jr. on May 10-11 at 7 pm at Edison Middle School (75 William St., West Orange)
Take the kids to the theater for a fun showing of The Lion King, Jr. Tickets $5 at the door. For additional information, call 973-669-5360
FUN FOR LITTLE KIDS…
Tiny Toddlers Storytime on May 8 10:15 am at the Livingston Library (10 Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston)
Stories, songs, and fun for tiny toddlers ages 12-23 months! This program is developmentally designed for “waddlers.” Drop in, registration is not required.
Spanish Stories Storytime on May 8 at 4 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)
Come and listen to stories read in Spanish. This program is great for Spanish speakers and Spanish learners of all ages! Ven a escuchar cuentos en Español. Para todas edades de hispanohablantes y personas aprendiendo Español!
Baby Open Play on May 9 at 10:15 am at the Livingston Library (10 Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston)
An open play session for newborn to 23-month-olds and their caregivers.
Storytime at Barnes and Noble on May 9 and 14 at 10 am at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)
Your kids will embark on an exciting adventure as they are introduced to some of your childhood favorites, as well as some you may not have heard before.
Babies and Books Storytime on May 9 at 10:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)
Infants up to 24 months and their caregivers are invited to partake in a fun storytime session where they will enjoy books, songs and rhymes, while being introduced to language skills.
Little Moving Artist Class at Monica + Andy on May 9 and 10 from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Bring your little ones, ages 2-4, to participate in a Movement Class with The Little Moving Artist. Children will enjoy this whimsical and imaginative movement class that incorporates dancing, imagery, music, sensory props and costumes. Children will ice skate on paper plates, tap dance on bubble wrap, take part in an ultimate snowball fight, bug hunt, fly with super hero capes and wings, freeze dance, and more. Drop in fee: $10.
Rockness Pop Up Family Jam at Monica + Andy on May 9-18 from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Bring the little ones to a Popup Family Jam with Rockness Music, where charged with energy, the stage disappears during shows and everyone is a part of the action. The children participate in sing-a-longs, movement, educational activities and dramatic play.
Terrific Toddlers Storytime on May 9 at 11:30; May 14 at 10:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)
Children ages 2 to 3 ½ and their caretakers will be entertained by puppets, stories, songs and fingerplay.
Storytime at IndigoKids – May 9 and 14 at 11 a.m. at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Your kids will be thrilled when you take a break from shopping at the Short Hills Mall and stop by IndigoKids for storytime.
Mother’s Day Craft Event on May 11 (All Day) at Pottery Barn at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Kids will be able to color and decorate a sweet magnetic frame as a gift for Mom/Grandma.
Special Storytime Children’s Event at Barnes and Noble on May 11 at 11 am at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)
Kids will love hearing a B&N storytime specialist read In a Minute, Mama Bear, by Rachel Bright, a story where Mama Bear decides to throw the to-do list out the window and spend the day playing and relaxing in the park with baby Bella Bear. They find that sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, they can still have a whole lot of fun. Attendees will receive a coupon from the B&N Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!
Storytime at Pottery Barn on May 14 at 11 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Take a breather from shopping and treat your little ones to a weekly storytime session at Pottery Barn that includes readings, activities and more. Those who become Pottery Barn Book Club Members will receive a special surprise after attending five events.
Preschool Page Turners Storytime – May 14 at 11:30 am (West Orange Public Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange, NJ)
Bring preschool-aged children for an interactive fun time of stories, songs and games.
Adventurous Storytime at Monica + Andy on May 14 from 12:30-1 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Shop till you drop and then stop in at Monica + Andy with your little ones to enjoy a few fun and interactive reads from some favorite children’s books. Free event.
FUN FOR KINDERGARTEN TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED KIDS…
Elementary Science Storytime on May 13 at 4 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)
Kids in kindergarten to 3rd grade will learn to think like scientists, while hearing stories sprinkled with science-themed activities.
Bug Club on May 14 from 4-5 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)
Children ages 6 to 10 are invited to participate in the Bug Club, which is devoted to children who want to explore the wonders of insects through field walks, games, stories and crafts. Advance registration, payment is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $10 per child per session.
FUN FOR TEENS…
Teen Comic Book Club on May 8 at 6:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)
Children in grades 6 – 12 are invited to come and discuss their favorite books (perhaps bring some received on Free Comic Book Day), comics, graphic novels, movie adaptations and styles of art – and work a project.
Dungeons and Dragons: A Teen Club on May 10 from 3-5 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston)
Teens ages 13+ are invited to join a Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) adventure! Epic quests await teens who join the DnD club at the library! DnD features roleplaying, storytelling, on- the-spot strategic thinking, math skills, problem solving, and team work all rolled into one!
FUN FOR ADULTS…
Williams Sonoma Technique Class: Keto Meal Prep on May 8 from 6:30-8 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
It’s not always easy to eat healthy, homemade meals on the ketogenic diet. In Keto Meal Prep class, you’ll discover that a little planning and prepping go a long way toward making keto-friendly meals a part of your weekly routine. Cost of $30 per person includes a copy of Keto Meal Prep. Class size is limited. For more details and to reserve your spot, please call (973) 467-3641.
Mother’s Day Beauty and Blooms at Nordstrom on May 9 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)
Treat Mom (or yourself) to a floral event at Nordstrom’s Mother’s Day Blooms and Beauty Event. Create a floral centerpiece spilling with Spring blooms just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day. Registered guests will also receive a relaxing hand massage compliments of Jo Malone London. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased in advance.
HAVE FUN CELEBRATING THIS NATIONAL HOLIDAY…
Mother’s Day is on May 12
Mother’s Day gives people a day to celebrate the special women in their life. Celebrations run the gamut from family get-togethers and brunches to calls and cards for those living further away. Gifts can be story bought, tickets to events/shows, handmade cards/gifts or even homecooked meals. No matter how you celebrate, anything heartfelt will do! To celebrate Mother’s Day, check out one or more of the events listed above or perhaps try a craft or recipe from the sites below.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY…
The next time you sit down for a family dinner, toss out some of these facts to spark a lively and informative family conversation. After dinner, look up some of these dates and facts and explore the historical moments as a family.
- On May 8, 1794 – The U.S. Post Office was established.
- On May 8, 1945 – V-E Day, Germany signed an unconditional surrender.
- On May 8, 1952 – Mad Magazine hit the newsstands.
- On May 8, 1980 – The World Health Organization announced that Smallpox was eradicated worldwide.
- On May 9, 1886 – The syrup for Coca Cola was invented by Atlanta Pharmacist John Styth Permerton.
- On May 9, 1899 – The lawnmower was patented.
- On May 9, 1926 – Americans Richard Boyd and Floyd Bennett became the first people to fly over the North Pole.
- On May 10, 1969 – The first color pictures of Earth from space were sent back from Apollo 10.
- On May 10, 1994 – Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.
- On May 11, 1916 – Einstein presented his Theory of General Relativity.
- On May 11, 1951 – Jay Forrester patented computer core memory.
- On May 12, 1792 – The flush toilet was patented.
- On May 13, 1965 – The Rolling Stones recorded Satisfaction.
- On May 13, 1970 – The Beatles movie “Let it Be” premiered.
- On May 13, 1983 – “Mr. October,” Reggie Jackson became the first major league ballplayer to strike out 2,000 times.
- On May 14, 1607 – A party of settlers led by John Smith establish the first permanent English settlement in New World at Jamestown Va.
- On May 14, 1973 – The first U.S. space station, “Skylab” was launched.
- On May 14, 1998 – The last episode of Seinfeld aired.