Things to Do with Kids from September 25-October 1, 2019 – TAPinto.net

There are some great activities happening this week into next including ROCKTOBERFEST in Millburn, Carl Brister’s 4th Annual Love+Unity Fest 2019 at the OSPAC, the 3rd Annual Luck O’ The Pup Pet Adoption at the Shillelagh Club in West Orange, a few mini-camps and more. There are also a few great activities for adults listed below.

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 ideas shared below, or just have a great picture of your kid(s) that you’d like featured, please send photos to jackie.eventscolumn@gmail.com. In addition, please send any events you’d like added to this column to the same address.

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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY…

World Wednesdays on Sept. 25 at 4 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

People of all ages are invited to attend this program featuring folktales, stories, and activities from around the globe, highlighting a different country, region and/or culture.

New Jersey’s Hawks and Other Birds of Prey on Sept. 26 at 1 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

The public is invited to participate in a New Jersey Audubon presentation on New Jersey’s Hawks and Other Birds of Prey. Guests will learn how to identify hawks, understand their unique characteristics, discover their migration journey and learn about ongoing research on hawk migration, populations and their relevance to the environment. There will also be an opportunity to study their features with an up-close look at several hawk taxidermy.

ROCKTOBERFEST Millburn on Sept. 28 starting at 9 am at Taylor Park

Music festival fundraiser featuring bands, Oktoberfest-inspired food and drinks, fitness classes, kid games/rides, and more! The day begins with fun run and arts and STEM hands-on expo. Sale of food and beverage all day. Biergarten. Retail vendors. Click here for details.

Carl Brister’s 4th Annual Love+Unity Fest 2019 on Sat 28 from 12 pm – 6 pm at OSPAC (4 Boland Drive)

Bring the family to #LoveAndUnityFest2019 for an afternoon of food, fun, and great music from many talented artists. Attendees will enjoy performances in rock, pop, jazz, R&B, gospel, Latin music, dance, alternative and more. Click here for details.

15th Annual Fall Family Festival at the Essex Environmental Center on Sept. 28 from 11 am – 4 pm (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

Come celebrate the autumn equinox at the Environmental Center. There will be fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy—hands-on nature games and crafts, canoeing, Native American life, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, food, and more. This a free event. Some items may be for sale.

3rd Annual Luck O’ The Pup Pet Adoption on Sept. 29 from 12 – 4 pm at The Shillelagh Club / Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh-Essex County (648 Prospect Ave, West Orange)

The public is invited to the 3rd annual multi rescue Pet Adoption Fair and food and supplies drive. Click here for details. Come out and meet dogs and cats available for adoption and bring a bag of dog food/cat food or supplies to show your support for our participating rescue organizations! Rosemarie’s Rescue Ranch Common Sense for Animals Distinguished Dobermans Rescue, Inc Meows Kitty Kat Rescue, Inc. will all be there with their adoptable pets. There will be plenty of family fun with food/drinks, 50/50, basket raffle and live music. As animal lovers and rescue advocates, we are very excited to host this event and hope to see you there. Proceeds will go directly to the rescues.

Behind the Scenes TBZ Animal Hospital on Sept. 29 at 2-2:30 pm at Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue West Orange)

The public is invited for a 30-minute Behind the Scenes Tour of the Zoo where they meet and greet one of TBZ’s Vet Techs. Hospital Tours are geared for older audiences. Those ages 6 – 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All members of the party must have a ticket. There are no photos permitted in the Hospital. Click here to register. Ticket includes admission.

4-H Young Gardeners Club on Oct. 1 from 4-5 pm (there will be one more session on the 8th) at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

Children in grades K to 12 are invited to participate in the The 4-H Young Gardener’s Club where they will learn things like how vegetables and flowers grow, where spaghetti sauce comes from, how to find a rainbow in a garden and more. Advanced registration is required. Please call 973.353.1337.

Bio Dome Garden Club on Oct. 1 from 4-5 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

Children ages 5 and up will get a hands-on experience and learn about growing plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They will make and take projects home. Advanced registration is required. Call 973.228.8776. Fee: $10 per child.

West Orange Farmers Market on September 28 from 9 am to 2 pm at 80 Main Street Parking Lot (North End)

Guests will enjoy fresh produce, local eggs and honey, artisanal cheeses, delicious baked goods, fresh juice, local flowers, vegan goods, upcycled crafts, lunch options, and much more. This week’s theme is Touch a Truck! There will be nearly 60 vendors, many of which cater to children with crafts, products, and books.

FUN FOR LITTLE KIDS

Storytime at Barnes and Noble on September 25 and Oct. 1 at 10 am at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Children 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.

Tiny Toddlers Storytime on Sept. 25 at 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.

Little Explorers Fall Nature Program on Sept. 26 from 10-11 am at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland) 

This child-caregiver class uses stories, walks, and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each week, a different nature or science topic is covered. Advance registration and payment are required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $12 per child/session

Schedule:

  • Toddlers (age 2) – Tuesdays—September 10, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 10 am to 11 am
  • Tots (age 3) – Thursdays—September 12, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21 1pm to 2pm
  • Pre-K (ages 4-5) – Tuesdays — September 10, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 1pm to 2pm OR Thursdays— September 12, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21 10 am to 11 am
     

Books n’ Babies Storytime on Sept. 26 at 10:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Children up to 24 months and their caregivers will enjoy a morning class that includes stories, songs, and rhymes to introduce babies to language skills.

Lactation Group Drop-In Clinic at Monica + Andy on Sept. 26 at 10:30 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

The public is invited to Monica + Andy’s Lactation Group Drop-in Clinic. This breastfeeding clinic with Aliza Sternberg will provide guests with assistance for baby’s latch, a scale available for weight checks, a forum to ask questions, or just a chance to connect with other breastfeeding moms. Aliza is an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), certified lactation counselor (CLC) as well as a certified breastfeeding specialist (CBS). Cost of $20 per person; check, cash, or Venmo accepted; no appointment required.

Musical Storytime with Guitar Joe on Sept. 26 from 4 pm at the Livingston Library (10 Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston)

Join Guitar Joe for a magnificent medley of music and storytelling: songs, picture books, puppet shows, dance parties, multimedia presentations, drum circles, egg-shaker jams, and so much more! For children ages 2 to 5 years, and their caregivers. No registration required.

Saturday Storytimes on Sept. 28 at 10 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Children ages 0 – 5 and their caregivers will listen to stories and work on a craft.

Storytime and Activities Featuring How I Met My Monster on Sept. 28 at 11 am at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Ethan is sure his parents are playing a prank on him when he finds a note under his bed calling for a monster meeting. Soon, five colorful monsters are competing to become his favorite, but which one can win his affection by making him fall asleep the fastest? Activities to follow, plus, get a coupon from the Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4.

Rick Riordan Demigod Day Event on Sept. 28, at 2 pm at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Calling all Rick Riordan fans! Celebrate your favorite book series with activities featuring a scavenger hunt, a secret code postcard, and more! Plus, get a giveaway poster (while supplies last), and a coupon from the Café for a $4 Flatbread with any Café purchase.

Baby & Me Storytime Featuring Dinosaur Dance! And Boo (Peek-a-Flap Series) On Sept. 29 at 11 am at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Baby & Me Storytime continues for caregivers and children 0-24 months old. During the program, guests will enjoy hearing a book and participating in activities featuring sensory growth. Caregivers will receive free a Starbucks tall, hot or iced coffee or a coupon for a $2 off a grande Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte.

Lego Club on Oct. 1 at 4 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Kids of all ages are invited to come build with Legos and make new friends.

Terrific Toddlers Storytime on Oct. 1 at 10:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Kids ages 2-3 ½ and their caregivers are invited to come and enjoy puppets, stories, songs, and fingerplays.

Preschool Storytime on Oct. 1 at 11:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Children and their caregivers are invited to come and enjoy interactive stories, songs, and games.

FUN FOR KINDERGARTEN TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED KIDS…

Fractivities (STEM workshop with an artistic twist) on Sept. 27 from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland)

Children ages 6-10 are invited to visit the Essex Environmental Center while some schools are closed in
observance of Rosh Hashana for a STEM workshop with an artistic twist. Guest instructors from redemestudio.com will be teaching students about patterns, fractions, and fractals in a nature-inspired art project. Like all fractals, a tree grows by repeating a simple process. Participants will use a simple model of an apple tree to play with fractions and create our own fractal art design. Advance registration is required; call 973.228.8776. Fee: $12 per child.

Fall/Early Winter Mini Camp at the Zoo on Sept 30, from 9 am to 4 pm Fall/Early Winter Mini-Camp Themes at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

Children ages 5 to 10 with a school holiday on the 30th are invited to participate in a mini-camp at the Zoo. The theme is Jump into Fall. Campers will enjoy a full day of animals, zoo tours, games, and environmental stewardship. They will learn how some animals prepare for the long winter ahead. For information call 973-731-5800 ext 103 or email mhunt@parks.essexcountynj.org.

Super Science Stories! on Sept. 30 from 4-4:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Kids in grades K-3 are invited for elementary science storytime where they will think like scientists and enjoy stories sprinkled with science-themed activities.

Lego Club on Oct. 1 at 4 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Kids of all ages are invited to come build with Legos and make new friends.

 FUN FOR TEENS…

Teen Game Night on Sept. 25 from 7-8:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Kids in grades 6-12 are invited to enjoy a fun evening of video games, board games, and more.

Dungeons and Dragons: A Teen Club on September 27 from 3:15-5:15 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

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 role-playing, storytelling, on-the-spot strategic thinking, math skills, problem-solving, and teamwork all rolled into one!

FUN FOR ADULTS…

Williams Sonoma Cookbook Club: Bobby at Home on Sept. 25 from 6:30 – 8 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Welcome to Bobby’s, where powerhouse flavors rule the day. In his most personal cookbook yet, Bobby shares over 165 bold, approachable recipes he cooks at home for family and friends, along with his well-earned secrets for executing them perfectly. In this fun class, a Williams Sonoma Culinary Specialist will share a few favorite recipes from Bobby Flay’s new book, Bobby at Home. With Bobby by your side, cooking at home just got a lot more exciting. Cost of $45 per person includes a copy of Bobby At Home. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (973) 467-3641 to register.

Justin Francesco Dinspechin ‘Pages of Perception’ Art Reception on Sept. 28 from 1-3 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

The public is invited to an art reception featuring Justin Dinspechin, a mixed media artist whose work explores the subconscious mind through automatism via paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The work itself draws influence from varied sources such as Cubism, Graffiti, Abstract Expressionism and even Pre-1970’s cartoons as well as elements of architecture and the life of one in a consumerist society. These concepts are blended together in a way that allows the viewer to explore and see what they see in the images provided.

Williams Sonoma Technique Class: Coffee Lab on Sept. 29 at 11 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Truly good coffee starts with the world’s finest Fair Trade Certified™ coffee beans, which is what they’re using in new Williams Sonoma Coffee Capsules. This exciting class will showcase the new capsules by making decadent Affogato and lattes! Cost of $25 per person includes new Coffee Capsules. Class size is limited. For more details and to reserve your spot, please call (973) 467-3641.

Indigo in Conversation: Amanda Lovelace and Trista Mateer on Oct. 1 at 7 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Join award-winning authors Amanda Lovelace and Trista Mateer as they read poetry from their latest books, To Drink Coffee with a Ghost and Aphrodite Made Me Do It. An audience poetry reading, Q&A and book signing to follow. This event is free and open to the public; individuals must have purchased one copy of either book to be in the book signing lineup; proof of purchase required from Indigo; seating and signing line-up will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; and candid and posed photos are allowed.

HAVE FUN CELEBRATING THIS NATIONAL HOLIDAY…

National Homemade Cookies Day is on Oct. 1

Who doesn’t love a warm homemade cookie? There are many ways to celebrate Homemade Cookies Day. In fact, baking any kind of cookie will do whether you use prepackaged dough or bake some from scratch. Bake some with your kids, or surprise them with some you baked just for them.

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 Sept. 25, 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female Supreme Court Justice.
  • On Sept. 26, 1014 – The Federal Trade Commission was established.
  • On Sept. 26, 1789 – The U.S. Postal Service was founded.
  • On Sept. 30, 1902 – Rayon was patented.
  • On Sept. 1, 1959 – The Television series The Twilight Zone premiered.
  • On Oct. 1, 1971 – Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida.