Things to Do with Kids from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 2020 – TAPinto.net

From Maple Sugar Demonstrations, Seussical, Groundhog Day, Super Bowl Sunday and more – there are many fun things listed below to do with your families and kids this weekend into next week. There are also some fun activities listed for adults.

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 British Swim School. #ThingstodowithKidsLivingston

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 email address.

Sign Up for Livingston Newsletter

Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust.

You have successfully signed up for the TAPinto Livingston Newsletter.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Open House Event to be Held at Meadowbrook Country Day Camp on Feb. 1 from 11 am – 1 pm (73 East Valley Brook Road, in Long Valley)

Meadowbrook Country Day Camp is inviting all prospective camp families to attend an Open House for an information session with the camp’s directors and Leadership Team. There will be an energetic heated bus tour of the campus. Tons of games and crafts will be offered for the children.

Paper Mill Playhouse Presents: Seussical Jr. on Feb. 1 at 2 pm at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp Dr.)

The Paper Mill Playhouse’s Children’s Theatre on Tour students will be performing Seussical Jr. at the Library. Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver. This is a drop-in event, no is registration required.

Maple Sugar Demonstrations at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center on Feb. 1 and 2 at 1-4:30 pm (247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township)

The trees are tapped, and the firewood is chopped – it’s maple sugaring season at the Great Swamp OEC. Come experience the process of maple sugaring from tree to pancake topping. Watch as the staff identifies, and taps maple trees and collects sap and make syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Taste-test different delicious syrups including syrup made at the Great Swamp OEC. Rain or shine. Fee: $4. Other dates: February 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, March 1, 7 & 8.

Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 at 11 am at The Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue West Orange NJ

Come see whether Essex Ed, the resident groundhog at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, sees his shadow or not. The event is included with Zoo admission.

A Winter’s Day on the Farm on Feb. 2 from 12 – 4 pm at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (73 Kahdena Road, Morris Township)

Join an exciting, outdoor family adventure to experience traditional farm life as it was in the early 20th century. Enjoy an open-air, tractor pulled wagon ride, meet the friendly farm animals, learn the importance of ice harvesting and what tools were used, and stop by the Visitors Center and create your own craft to take home. Warm-up in the cozy Farmhouse where seasonal foods are cooking on the wood-burning cookstove. Fees: $8 per adult, $7 per senior (65+), $6 per child age 3 – 16. FREE for children under-age 3. Friends members are half price.

Lunar New Year Celebration on Feb. 2 from 1-3 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

People of all ages are invited to enjoy stories, crafts, games and face painting to celebrate the year of the rat. The activities will be presented by High school students from the West Orange High School Chinese Club and Chinese Honor Society.

Intro to Sewing Workshop on Feb. 2 at 1 pm at A Sip of Art West Orange (235 Prospect Ave, West Orange)

Get ready to decorate for Valentine’s Day! In this fun workshop, you will learn the basics of sewing by creating a beautiful Valentine’s inspired pillow. This two-hour class is perfect for beginners as well as those who have some experience. All fabric and sewing machines will be provided. Come join the fun and make a beautiful Valentine’s Day inspired pillow. Workshop participants will have their choice of patterns. This is a great mother-daughter outing! Recommended for ages 7 and older. Fee: $45. Register here.

Creature Comforts on Feb. 3 at 4:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

People of all ages are invited to come and read with a trained therapy dog.

Lego Club on Feb. 4 at 4:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

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

Behind the Scenes Giraffe Tours, on Feb. 1 and 2 at 2 pm, at The Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue West Orange NJ (Tours will take place on Saturdays and Sundays in November 2019)

The Behind the Scenes ticket provides guests with a 30 – 45 minute Behind the Scenes Tour in the Giraffe Barn; a meet and greet the Giraffe Keeper; and admission to the Zoo for the day (for non-Zoological Society members). The tours are for people ages 6 and above. Register here. The fee is $50 a person.

FUN FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Sensory Storytime on Feb. 6 at 1:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Children ages 2-10, with autism, developmental challenges or sensory sensitivities and a caregiver are invited for some interactive storytime at the library.

FUN FOR LITTLE KIDS

Saturday Storytimes and Crafts on Feb. 1, at 10 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Children ages 0-5 are invited for stories and crafts on Saturday mornings.

Storytime and Activities Celebrating Elmo’s Birthday! On Feb. 1 at 11 am at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Step into Elmo’s world at B&N with a special birthday celebration. A Storytime followed by fun activity sheets, birthday crowns, and stickers to bring home will follow.

DIY Take Home Valentine Class from Feb. 3-7, All Day at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp Dr.)

Stop by the children’s desk to pick up a DIY Valentine’s Pack (while supplies last) that’s perfect for designing a Valentine’s Day card with your own unique design.

Storytime at Barnes and Noble on Feb. 4 and 6 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. 

Toddler Time on Feb. 4 at 10:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Toddlers ages 2 – 3 1/2 and their caregivers will be entertained by puppets, stories, songs, and fingerplay.

Raising Readers on Feb. 4 at 11:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Children ages 3 1/2 – 5 and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs and games.

Little Explorers Winter Nature Program for Kids ages 2 to 5 (See schedule below) at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland) 

Children love to explore nature and observe all the natural wonders around them. Participants will take magnifiers and their imaginations into the wooded wetland to investigate what winter means to the forest plants and animals around the Environmental Center. Participants should come dressed for the weather since they will be spending time outside. Advance registration is required. Please call 973.228.8776. The fee is $12 per child/session.

See schedule below:

Toddlers (age 2): on Tues., Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 (10 to 11 am)

Tots (age 3) on Thurs., Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 (1 to 2 pm)

Pre-K (ages 4-5) on Tues., Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 (1 to 2 pm) OR Thurs., Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 (10 to 11 am)

Tiny Toddlers Ages 12-23 Months on Feb. 5 at 10:15 am at the Livingston Library (10 Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston)

Toddlers ages 12-23 months will enjoy stories, songs.

Books n’ Babies Storytime on Feb. 6 at 10:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Infants up to 24 months and caregivers will enjoy stories, songs and rhymes introducing babies to language skills.

Musical Storytime on Feb. 6 at 4 pm at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp Dr.)

Kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers will enjoy a Guitar Joe medley of music and storytelling including songs, picture books, puppet shows, dance parties, multimedia presentations, drum circles, egg-shaker jams, and so much more!

FUN FOR KINDERGARTEN TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED KIDS

Kids Heart String Valentine’s Day Art Project on Feb. 1 from 9 am to 12 pm at Home Depot (902 Murray Rd, East Hanover)

You will create a loving memory with your child at our Heart String Art Workshop. As you help your child piece together the symbol of Valentine’s Day, they will develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. Celebrate the moment as your child makes a unique keepsake. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Harry Potter Book Night on Feb. 6 at 7 pm at IndigoKids at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Wizards are invited for some Potter pandemonium with activities inspired by the Triwizard Tournament.

FUN FOR TEENS

Dungeons and Dragons: A Teen Club on Jan. 31 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! 

Williams Sonoma Technique Class: Instant Pot Express on Feb. 2 at 11 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

For the ultimate Asian-style dinner at home, Test Kitchen cooks used the most popular recipes to develop savory, timesaving starters that help you make the most of your Instant Pot. In this complimentary class, you’ll make General Tso’s Chicken with Garlic Scallion Rice. Call to register: (973) 467-3641.

Sew it! Teen Sewing Workshop on Feb. 5 at 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Sewing Teacher Ellen Brown will run a fun sewing program at the library! Teens will make their own sleep masks inspired by the creations of Ruth E. Carter, the award-winning costume designer who worked on the movie Black Panther.

FUN FOR ADULTS

Williams Sonoma Wellness Series Technique Class: The New Juice on Feb. 6 at 6:30 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Want to form healthier eating habits? Come create flavorful and healthy fresh juices, smoothies, slushies, cocktails, and more. The cost of $50 per person includes a credit toward the Breville 3x Bluicer Pro. Call to register (973) 467-3641.

Gentle Yoga & Love Poetry Workshop on Feb 2 from 10 am to 12 pm at A Sip of Art West Orange (235 Prospect Ave, West Orange)

Gentle Yoga is a way to gain higher levels of flexibility, a happy spine, and a chilled-out central nervous system. You will be led through yoga poses that will release tension in the neck and shoulders, hamstrings, lower back, and basically any other body part that is wound up too tightly to let you slip into a state of stillness. While you are in this state of stillness, you will be immersed in beautiful words of love poetry.  Afterward, you will create your own booklet for your own thoughts or doodles. Light refreshments will be served. Please arrive 15 min before the event and remember to bring a yoga mat. The class will be led by certified Yogi and artist Anjanette McGrath! Register here.

HAVE FUN CELEBRATING THIS NATIONAL HOLIDAY!

Super Bowl Sunday is on Feb. 3

There are many ways to celebrate Superbowl Sunday with your kids, from going to a party, hosting a party, cooking some delicious treats and more.

Did you know:

  • Eight million pounds of guacamole is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday
  • 14,500 tons of chips are eaten along with that guacamole
  • Of the top 10 most-watched American television programs of all time, nine of them are Super Bowls
  • The Super Bowl is measured in Roman numerals because a football season runs over two calendar years
  • Over 700,000 footballs are produced annually for official NFL use and 72 of them are used for the Super Bowl
  • Click here for more Super Bowl facts from kidzworld.com

Tips for Celebrating Super Bowl Sunday with Kids…

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 Jan. 31, 1865 — The Confederates appointed Robert E. Lee as their Commander in Chief.
  • On Feb. 3, 1959 – Rock singers Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash.
  • On Feb. 6. 1935 – The board game Monopoly first went on sale.
  • On Feb. 6, 1971 – Astronaut Alan Shepard hit three golf balls on the moon.