Things to Do with Kids from November 6 to November 12, 2019 – TAPinto.net

With school out for three days this week, your children may enjoy attending some Vacation Day Camps, the Monica + Andy Movement Class, the Little Explorers Fall Nature Program, Storytimes and so much more. Tweens and Teens might enjoy Learning to Play Dungeons & Dragons, Teen Gaming, participating in the Williams Sonoma Jr. Chef: Thanksgiving Helper – Side Dishes, learning about Beekeeping, Bow Drill Friction Fire, and so much more. There are also a few fun things for adults to try 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 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.

VACATION DAY CAMP

Forest Friends Camp on Nov. 7 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland)

Students in grades K through 3 are invited to come and learn about New Jersey’s forest friends by way of exploration, games and craft activities. They will be indoors and outdoors, so they should come dressed for the weather. The focus will be on bears, beavers, rabbits, squirrels and birds. Advance registration is required. Please call 973.228.8776. Fee: $75 per child.

Vacation Camp at A Sip of Art West Orange on Nov. 7 and 8 (235 Prospect Ave., West Orange)

No School! No Problem! A Sip of Art West Orange’s vacation art camp is OPEN for registration. Sign up Now! Space is limited! Register for 11/7 here. Register for 11/8 here.

All Day The Messy Artist Mini Camp (Ages 4-6) on Nov. 8 from 9:30 am – 1 pm (356 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ)

Do your kids have the day off from school? Don’t fret…Art is in session! Drop your little crafter off for a day of sensory station fun & art projects. Price includes snack and pizza lunch. Register here. Fee: $75/camper

All Day The Messy Artist Mini Camp (Ages 7-12) on Nov. 8 from 9:30 am – 1 pm (356 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ)

Do your kids have the day off from school? Don’t fret…Art is in session! Drop your aspiring artist off for a day of drawing, painting & crafting with our talented Fine Art instructors. Price includes snack and pizza lunch. Register here. Fee: $75/camper

Veteran’s Day: Sensory Art Open Play (Ages 18 mos. – 6 yrs.) on Nov. 11 from 2-5 pm (356 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ)

No school…or are you looking for an activity for after school? Drop into our studio for a few hours of Sensory Play on Veterans Day! Open studio allows your child free range to play at our most talked about sensory stations, including messy station, imagination station and sensory bin. This is a drop-in event, no registration necessary. Fee: $20 with grownup.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Santa’s Flight Academy from Nov. 7-Dec. 24 in Grand Court at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

The public is invited to come visit Santa at Santa’s Flight Academy, a personalized holiday adventure. Each visiting cadet receives a flight crew badge then, as an elite member of Santa’s flight crew, is fitted with a virtual flight suit. From there, the cadet partners with a helpful elf to inspect and power Santa’s sleigh using a series of interactive stations. The visit culminates with a snowfall dance party and, of course, time with Santa. Santa’s Flight Academy is free to all with a variety of optional photo packages to purchase. Each package includes a complimentary Lovepop card.

Behind the Scenes Giraffe Tours, on Nov. 9 and 10, 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.

Make a Veteran’s Keepsake Box on Nov. 9 at 10 am at Home Depot (902 Murray Rd, East Hanover, NJ)

In honor of Veteran’s Day, the public is invited to create this keepsake box perfect for holding treasured medals, ribbons, dog tags, military patches and challenge coins. They will use a circular saw and drill to build this 12” square box in just six steps. Participants will personalize their project with paint or stain before final assembly. Finally, they will attach the supplied hinges and closure pieces to protect their valuable mementos. The Home Depot Workshops are designed to provide a mix of associate led instruction, demonstration and some hands-on learning. Materials can be purchased to make your own project.

Stony Hill Farms – Corn Maze and Fun Park, open until Nov. 10, (15 North Rd, Chester, NJ)

Children will love this 10-acre corn maze as well as the barnyard board games, rope maze, tile maze, gemstone mining, and Noah’s Ark playground. U-pick apples and pumpkins are available on weekends.

Family Nature Club: Nature Adventurers on Nov. 10 from 1-3 pm at the South Mountain Reservation and Reservoir View map

Where do all the animals go in the wintertime? Where did people go when those who lived here were nomadic? Walk the Turtle Back Rock trail to answer these questions, learn how animals build shelters, and build one of your own! This group goes NOT meet at the zoo – please park in the lot designated for Turtle Back Rock. Look for the Nature Adventurer’s sign along the road for assistance. Your Nature Play Leader, who will be wearing a green shirt and blue backpack, will be waiting near the trail in view of the parking lot. Please note that this location may change according to the weather or access concerns. Your Nature Play Leader will send an email to all participants up to 24 hours prior to the event if changes occur. Register for November Nature Adventurers here: CLICK ME

Santa Paws on Nov. 10 from 6-9 pm in Grand Court, lower level at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Grab your trusted canine companion, holiday costume encouraged, and head to the 18th annual Santa Paws. Have your dog’s holiday picture taken with Santa at Santa’s Flight Academy. Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, all dogs must be up-to-date on their shots and must either be on a leash or in a lightweight cage or pet carrier; owners will be responsible for their pets at all times; infants will not be photographed; please park on the JFK Parkway side of the shopping center and enter at the lower level entrance between Macy’s and The Cheesecake Factory.

Sensory Santa on Nov. 24 from 9-10:30 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Families with special needs are invited to Sensory Santa. This sensory-friendly holiday event allows families with all spectrums of special needs to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa in a comforting environment prior to public hours. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of this special audience. While visits with Santa are welcome and always free, Santa photo packages will be available for purchase. Space is limited and RSVP is required to attend. This Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience is held in partnership with Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks.

Angry Birds Universe: The Art and Science Behind a Global Phenomenon at Liberty State Park (222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ)

Come explore LSC’s newest premium exhibition, Angry Birds Universe: The Art and Science Behind a Global Phenomenon. Based on the popular games, the exhibition takes guests of all ages into the world of Angry Birds for interactive adventures, both physically challenging and mentally stimulating. Explore different concepts in science, tech, engineering, arts, and math in an extreme hands-on environment! Buy tickets here.

FUN FOR LITTLE KIDS

Monica + Andy Movement Class with the Little Moving Artist on Nov. 6 at 10:30 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Monica + Andy invites kids from ages 2-4 years to a Movement Class with The Little Moving Artist, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Get ready for the silliest, most energetic movement class around! Join The Little Moving Artist team in this 45 minute whimsical, imaginative movement class that incorporates dancing, imagery, music, sensory props and costumes. Your child will ice skate on paper plates, tap dance on bubble wrap, take part in an ultimate snowball fight, bug hunt, fly with superhero capes and wings, freeze dance, and more. They promise lots of smiles and happy exhaustion! Drop-ins: $10, Family: $15.

Storytime and Activities Featuring The Monster at the End of This Book and People in Your Neighborhood on Nov. 9 at 11 am at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Children and their caretakers are invited to participate in storytime and activities featuring beloved Sesame Street characters. First, follow along with Grover as he discovers The Monster at the End of this Book. Then, go on a tour of the neighborhood and find out what it’s like to be a postman, fireman, baker, dentist, and more!

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

Toddlers ages 12-23 months and caregivers are invited to enjoy this program that is developmentally designed for “waddlers.”

Baby & Me Storytime Featuring Cookie (Sesame Street Friends) on Nov. 10 at 11 am at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Caregivers and children 0-24 months old are enjoy hearing a book and participating in activities featuring sensory growth.

Storytime at Barnes and Noble on Nov. 7 and 12 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.

Little Explorers Fall Nature Program on Nov. 7 and 12 (see other dates below) 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— November 12, 19, at 10 – 11 am
Tots (age 3) – Thursdays— November 7, 14, 21, at 1 – 2 pm
Pre-K (ages 4-5) – Tuesdays — November 12, 19, at 1 – 2 pm OR Thursdays—November 7, 14, 21 10 – 11 am

Little Listeners Storytime, on Nov. 11, at 4 pm, at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp. Dr., Livingston, NJ)

Children ages 2-5 and caregivers will enjoy this drop-in class of stories, songs, and American Sign Language.

FUN FOR KINDERGARTEN TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED KIDS

Little Bookworms, on Nov. 6, at 4 pm, at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp. Dr., Livingston, NJ)

Children in grades K-1 will participate in Halloween-based stories and a STEM activity involving the making of slime.

Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons (Gr. 5-8), On Nov. 7, from 3-5 pm, at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp. Dr., Livingston, NJ)

Kids in grades 5-8 are invited to join an introduction t0 Dungeons & Dragons class. D&D is a collaborative storytelling game in which each player controls a hero on an adventure. Players work together to solve puzzles and survive challenges. You might explore an ancient ruin, slay an evil monster, or investigate a crime. You and your teammates will rely on each other to accomplish these quests. Join us and learn how to play this fantasy roleplaying game. No experience necessary. Registration is required. Priority is given to Livingston residents. Register here.

Tween Gaming for Gr. 5-8, on Nov. 8, 3:30 – 5 pm, at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp. Dr., Livingston, NJ)

Tweens in grades 5-8 will play the Nintendo Switch games Smash Brothers Ultimate and Mario Kart on the big screen! No registration is required.

Williams Sonoma Jr. Chef: Thanksgiving Helper – Side Dishes on Nov. 9 at 10 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Kids ages 8-13 will learn how to whip up some crowd-pleasing side dishes that will wow everyone at the Thanksgiving table. They’ll be begging for seconds (and thirds). Please call (973) 467-3641 to reserve your complimentary spot.

Bakugan Demo Day on Nov. 9 at 2 pm at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

The public is invited to come and play, trade, and battle Bakugan! Plus, attendees will get exclusive giveaways, while supplies last.

Frog Pond Club on Nov. 12 at 4 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland)

This program for children ages 5 through 9 will uncover and discover ecosystem interactions at the frog pond. They will explore with nets, magnifiers and microscopes to investigate what lives at the pond and learn from a naturalist what can be done to protect and conserve the pond inhabitants. Advance
registration, is required. Call 973.228.8776. Fee: $10 per child per session.

FUN FOR TEENS

Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons (Gr. 5-8), On Nov. 7, from 3-5 pm, at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp. Dr., Livingston, NJ)

Tween Gaming for Gr. 5-8, on Nov. 8, 3:30 – 5 pm, at the Livingston Library (10 Robert Harp. Dr., Livingston, NJ)

Tweens in grades 5-8 will play the Nintendo Switch games Smash Brothers Ultimate and Mario Kart on the big screen! No registration is required.

Williams Sonoma Jr. Chef: Thanksgiving Helper – Side Dishes on Nov. 9 at 10 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Bow Drill Friction Fire on Nov. 12 at 6:30 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland)

Adults and children ages 14 and up are invited to come and try this primitive skill. Participants will learn to select proper wood, how to carve a set, and the form and technique that will prepare them for
success. Advance registration is required. Call 973.228.8776. Fee: $10 per child, $12 per adult.

Essex County Beekeepers Society on Nov. 12 at 7 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland)

Adults and children ages 12 and up are invited to learn about beekeeping from the Essex County Beekeepers Society. The ECBS, a chapter of the NJ Beekeepers Association, is dedicated to teaching new beekeepers how to manage their bees and helping experienced beekeepers to do it better. If you think you might be interested in keeping honeybees and would like to explore what’s involved, you’re welcome to join us! The group will meet in Garibaldi Hall. Please call Michael Frey at 973-239-3434 for topics and details. The monthly meeting location may change from time to time. Fee: $10 per child, $12 per adult, free for ECBS and NJBA members.

FUN FOR ADULTS

Baby Sign Language at Monica + Andy on Nov. 7, at 12 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Join Monica + Andy for an intro class on baby sign language with Meghan Warshauer, on Thursdays from 12 – 1 p.m. Jump start communication with basic American Sign Language through a fun combination of music, books, and engaging activities for baby. Caregivers will learn to help babies express their needs before they are able to convey them verbally. This program will teach signs for both daily routine and fun things that motivate baby to communicate. Sign language accelerates verbal development, strengthens cognitive skills, reduces frustration and tantrums, increases self-esteem, and enhances child-caregiver bonding. Get ready to learn, have fun, and make new friends.

Williams Sonoma Technique Class: Thanksgiving Starts Here – Carving 101 on Nov. 7 at 6:30 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Knowing how to carve your Thanksgiving Turkey is an essential part of planning your Thanksgiving meal. In this class, they’ll teach you everything you need to know to carve your turkey and then, you’ll take home a beautiful new carving set to use at home. Cost of $70 per person includes a Williams Sonoma Carving Set. To reserve your spot, please call (973) 467-3641.

Williams Sonoma Technique Class: No Fail Pumpkin Pie on Nov. 10 at 11 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Perfect pies start with a no-fail recipe for Pumpkin Pie that will have everyone raving. They’ll share tips and tricks for making the perfect pie using the Pumpkin Pie with No-Shrink Crust recipe. Cost of $30 per person includes an Emile Henry Pie Dish. To reserve your spot, please call (973) 467-3641.

Williams Sonoma Technique Class: Today Show Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 13 at 6:30 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Williams Sonoma has teamed up with the TODAY Show to create a delicious Thanksgiving menu – from the starters and side dishes to the turkey and dessert! Enjoy an exciting class showcasing recipes from some of your favorite TODAY Show personalities. The complimentary class includes the new TODAY Show Thanksgiving Guide to take home. To reserve your spot, please call (973) 467-3641.

Williams Sonoma Technique Class: Thanksgiving in an Instant on Nov. 14 at 6:30 pm at 6:30 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Want to learn how to use your Instant Pot to make crowd-pleasing side dishes for Thanksgiving? This is the class for you! You’ll be making Zesty Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Herbed Baby Potatoes that are a cinch to make with the best-selling Instant Pot. Cost of $30 per person includes the Comfort in an Instant Cookbook. To reserve your spot, please call (973) 467-3641.

HAVE FUN CELEBRATING THIS NATIONAL HOLIDAY

National Young Readers Day is on Nov. 12

Young Readers Day is a special day to recognize the joys and benefits of reading. This is a great chance to encourage young children to learn to read. You can celebrate in many ways including reading some favorite books together at home, going to the library, going to the bookstore or reading together at any other location that you find amenable to spending some time with your little ones reading. You can let your children pick a favorite book or share one of your favorites with them. You can also take some books out of the library, find some favorites or new ones at home, or buy some new ones to enjoy together. And, you can also help reinforce the messages of the books you read by doing related crafts or cooking a related treat. One thing is for sure, no matter how you celebrate – sharing the joy of reading with your children will be a lot of fun!

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 Nov. 6, 1860 – Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States.
On Nov. 7, 1874 – Cartoonist Thomas Nast depicted the Republican party as an elephant in a cartoon in Harper’s Weekly.
On Nov. 8, 1889 – Montana became the 41st State.
On Nov. 8, 1933 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the Civil Works Administration to help create jobs for millions of workers unemployed during the Great Depression.
On Nov. 9, 1927 – Giant Pandas were discovered in China.
On Nov. 10, 1775 – The United States Marine Corps was created.
On Nov. 10, 1951 – Direct dial telephone service was first available coast to coast.
On Nov. 10, 1969 – Sesame Street premiered on PBS television.
On Nov. 10, 1975 – The Edmund Fitzgerald and its entire crew was lost during a storm on Lake Superior.
On Nov. 11, 1620 – 41 Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower signed a compact calling for a “body Politick” just off the Massachusetts coast.
On Nov. 12, 1981 – The space shuttle Columbia was launched for the 2nd time. This was the first time a space vehicle was used more than once.