Things to Do with Kids from October 2-8, 2019 – TAPinto.net

There are tons of activities happening this week into next. You can participate in the Essex County South Mountain Reservation Family Campout, take the kids to the Livingston Fire Department Open House, Run for Zach at Rock Spring Golf Club, take in The Ant and the Grasshopper: A Yom Kippur Puppet Show, sign up your kids for the William Sonoma Junior Chef Haunted House Decorating Class and more. There are also some Oct. 9 holiday camps listed below, so you can sign up ahead of time.

For adults, you might want to take the Pink Lips Challenge, drink up at the Ales ‘N Tails Oktoberfest Fundraiser, attend the Teresa Giudice and Emily Liebert book signing, learn about the Climate Crisis: How Eating Sustainably Grown Foods Benefits Our Body and Our Planet and more.

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.

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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.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Celebrate the Big Draw with Free Art Sessions at the Apple Store from Oct. 1-31 at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

From October 1–31, join free at Apple art sessions at Apple Short Hills and take part in the world’s biggest drawing festival – The Big Draw. Get hands-on with iPad and Apple Pencil to draw, paint, and more. Check times for upcoming sessions here: apple.com. Call (973) 467-4890 for details.

World Wednesdays on Oct 2 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.

Chess Club on Oct. 3 at 4 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Players of all ages and abilities welcome.

West Orange Farmers Market on Oct. 5 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. There will be nearly 60 vendors, many of which cater to children with crafts, products, and books.

Fire Plane Kids Workshop at Home Depot on Oct. 5 from 9 am to 12 pm at The Home Depot (902 Murray Rd., East Hanover)

In honor of Fire & Safety Month, kids are invited to come and let their imaginations soar as they build a fire plane. With a little help, they will learn to use a screwdriver to connect everything needed to become airborne. Participants will be able to attach the wings, landing gear, adjust the tail fin, decorate the propellors with stickers and will be ready to fly. All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. Students will be able to get to keep their crafts. They will also receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin, while supplies last. Register here.

Back to School Color Dash on Oct. 5, All Day, at Colgate Park (Cherry Street & Franklin Ave
West Orange)

The public will enjoy attending the Back to School Color Dash.

Essex County South Mountain Reservation Family Campout on Oct. 5 – 6 (Rain dates: Saturday, Oct. 12th and Sunday, Oct. 13th)

Families are invited to camp at Summit Field of South Mountain Reservation. This activity-rich outdoor experience will gently immerse participants in nature and provide tools so that they can comfortably take the next steps toward further exploration on their own. The programs is tailored for children ages 4-12. Families will enjoy guided family hikes, nature programs, information about safety, music and games. Guests are invited to bring food for dinner or use the grills provided for that extra yummy experience. They will also enjoy the evening campfire with songs and storytelling, and s’mores! Participants will roll out of their tents early on Sunday for a sunrise yoga session. Breakfast and
coffee will be provided. This event is co-sponsored by the South Mountain Conservancy and Essex
County Parks Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The 2016 event won an award
for Special Event Programming by the NJ Recreation and Park Association. Note: Equipment will
not be provided. Those interested in inquiring about camping equipment options should email
familycampout@somocon.org. For more information, click here.

Livingston Fire Department Open House on Oct. 6, from 1-5 pm at the LFD Headquarters Station (62 S. Livingston Avenue)

The Livingston Fire Department will hold its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House this Sunday. The Open House will include food, fire safety/prevention demonstrations and displays by the Fire Department, and the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Fire Safety Trailer. Sparky the Fire Dog will also make an appearance! All ages are welcome. All donations collected will benefit the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Burn Unit.

Behind the Scenes TBZ Animal Hospital on Oct. 6 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.

Sfernandez Printmaking Workshop on Oct. 6 from 2-4 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Participants will learn how to create images on a plate that will be transferred to paper through monoprinting and the use of a portable printing press. Different color inks will be used to draw on the plates to make beautiful compositions. Each person will take home one finished print. Participants will celebrate the Hispanic month exploring the different traditions of their cultures through art-making.

Run for Zach on Oct. 6 at 4 pm at Rock Spring Golf Club (90 Rock Spring Road West Orange)

Let’s Run for Zach and raise awareness and make WEST ORANGE a suicide-free zone! Sponsored by the West Orange Suicide Advocacy Coalition

4-H Young Gardeners Club on Oct. 8 from 4-5 pm at the Essex Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

This program for children in grades K to 12 will provide answers to questions like these and more: Have you ever wondered how vegetables and flowers grow; Where does spaghetti sauce come from; and, How can you find a rainbow in a garden? Advanced registration is required. Please call 973.353.1337.

HOLIDAY MINI CAMPS

Animal Adaptations I and II Mini Camp at the Zoo on Oct 9 and 14 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Zoo

Children ages 5 to 10, with a school holiday on the 9th and/or 14th, are invited to participate in one or both Animal Adaptations I and II mini camps at the Zoo. Campers will discover some amazing adaptations that allow animals to survive and thrive in their environments. For information call 973-731-5800 ext 103 or email mhunt@parks.essexcountynj.org. Register here.

Mini-Camp at Hoop Heaven on October 9 from 9 am -1 pm (125 Algonquin Parkway, Whippany)

The camp will consist of skills, drills, contests, and games. Campers should bring their own lunch or can buy pizza. Fee: $65 full day. Register here. Call 973-884-4667 for information.

FUN FOR LITTLE KIDS

Tiny Toddlers Storytime on Oct. 2 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 Moving Artist Class at Monica + Andy on Oct. 2 from 10:30-11:15 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 superhero capes and wings, freeze dance, and more. Drop-in fee: $10; Family: $15.

Storytime at Barnes and Noble on Oct. 3-8 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 (see 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— October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 10 am to 11 am
  • Tots (age 3) – Thursdays— October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21 1pm to 2pm
  • Pre-K (ages 4-5) – Tuesdays — October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19 1pm to 2pm OR Thursdays— October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21 10 am to 11 am

Books n’ Babies Storytime on Oct. 3 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.

Musical Storytime with Guitar Joe on Oct. 3 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.

Storytime and Activities Featuring A Night at the Bookstore: A Barnsie & Noble Adventure on Oct. 5, at 11 am at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Barnsie loves living alone in the bookstore and quietly reading at night, but all that changes when noisy, messy Noble moves in. These two set off on adventures Barnsie never saw coming. Can these two find a way to get along? Activities to follow, plus, guests will receive a coupon from the Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4.

Children’s Frozen Event on Oct. 5 from 11 am to 12 pm at Indigo at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills) and online

Children are invited to come and dress up as their favorite Frozen character and join Indigo for a winterly sing-along and a frosty craft, then strike a pose as they play a game of freeze dance.

The Ant and the Grasshopper: A Yom Kippur Puppet Show presented by Wonderspark Puppets on Oct. 5 from 2-2:40 pm at the Livingston Library (10 Robert H Harp Dr, Livingston)

Enjoy this highly interactive puppet show! Wonderspark Puppets will perform two classic Aesop’s Fables with the theme of forgiveness – ‘The Ant & The Grasshopper’ and ‘The Lion & the Mouse’ – the original moral stories that teach while entertaining. During this entertaining performance, attendees will learn the four seasons, bout the power of kindness, and how to forgive others.

Baby and Me Storytime Featuring Zoo (Peek-a-Flap Series) on Oct. 6 at 11 am at Barnes and Noble at the Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston)

Caregivers and children 0-24 months old are invited to participate in Baby and Me Storytime. They will hear a book and participate in activities featuring sensory growth. Guests will also get a coupon for a $2 off a grande Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte.

Terrific Toddlers Storytime on Oct. 8 at 10:30 am at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

Children ages 2 – 3 ½ and their caretakers will enjoy puppets, stories, songs and fingerplays.

Preschool Storytime on Oct. 8 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

Haunted House Decorating Class: William Sonoma Junior Chef Class on Oct. 5 from 10-11 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

This class for kids ages 8-13 will be fun and spooky! Participants will assemble a gingerbread mansion and decorate it as they please. Then they can take the bewitching creation home and show it off for Halloween. Cost of $30 per child includes a Haunted House Kit. Please call (973) 467-3641 to reserve a spot.

Creature Comfort: Practice Reading with a Therapy Dog on Oct. 7, from 4:30 – 5:15 pm at the West Orange Library (46 Mt Pleasant Ave, West Orange)

In this program, kids have a chance to practice their reading skills by reading to friendly therapy dogs.

Frog Pond Club on Oct. 8 from 4-5 pm at the Essex Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

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

Schedule:

  • Tuesdays: October 8, November 12, December 10
  • Wednesdays: October 16, November 20, December 18

 FUN FOR TEENS

Dungeons and Dragons: A Teen Club on Oct. 4 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!

Haunted House Decorating Class: William Sonoma Junior Chef Class on Oct. 5 from 10-11 am at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

This class for kids ages 8-13 will be fun and spooky! Participants will assemble a gingerbread mansion and decorate it as they please. Then they can take the bewitching creation home and show it off for Halloween. Cost of $30 per child includes a Haunted House Kit. Please call (973) 467-3641 to reserve a spot.

Essex County Beekeepers Society (ECBS) Meeting on Oct. 8 from 7-9 pm at the Essex Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

The ECBS, a chapter of the NJ Beekeepers Association, is dedicated to teaching new beekeepers how to manage their bees and to helping experienced beekeepers to do it better. Those interested in keeping honeybees, ages 12 and up, who would like to explore what’s involved, are welcome to participate. Call Michael Frey at 973-239-3434 for topics and details. Monthly meeting location may change from time to time. Fee: $10 per child, $12 per adult, free for ECBS and NJBA members. Schedule: Tuesdays —October 8; November 12; December 10.

FUN FOR ADULTS

Take the Pink Lips Challenge from Oct. 1-31 at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills) and online

Here is a fun way to remind your loved ones to get their mammograms! Take the Pink Lips Challenge at home or stop by the Selfie booths in Grand Court or in the lobby of the Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center. Take a picture with your pink lips in the lipstick of your choice. Blow a kiss to someone you love by sharing your post on social media, tagging them, and remind them it’s #TimeToMammo. And most importantly, schedule your mammogram here.

Adult Learn to Ride Bike Class on Oct. 3 from 5:30 – 7 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

Adults who never learned how to ride a bike in their youth are invited to join the TransOptions’ Bike Right Learn to Ride adult class to learn to ride in a safe, easy and effective way. Using this “balance first” method, TransOptions instructors will temporarily remove your pedals to help you get rolling on two wheels. Participants will learn the basics of balancing, starting, stopping, and steering a bike, as well as proper helmet fit and adjustment. Participants should bring a helmet and a bike (without training wheels) in good working order. Advance registration is required. Call 973.228.8776. Fee: $12 per adult.

Indigo in Conversation: Teresa Giudice and Emily Liebert on Oct. 3 from 7-8 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Join New York Times bestselling author and The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice along with bestselling author Emily Liebert as they discuss their latest books, Standing Strong and Pretty Revenge. An audience Q&A and book signing to follow. The 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; candid and posed photos are allowed.

Climate Crisis: How Eating Sustainably Grown Foods Benefits Our Body and Our Planet! On Oct. 3 from 7-8:30 pm at the Essex County Environmental Center (621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland)

Adults will enjoy this free sustainable farming class about where they will learn methods that must be resource-conserving, socially supportive, commercially competitive and environmentally sound. Topics to include, “Is organic meat and produce better than sustainable foods?” This talk, given by Sandy Williams, of Field Goods, will explore many of the problems and questions related to our nation’s broken food system, including climate change and the healthcare crisis. Climate change may seem insurmountable, but individuals can make a meaningful difference. Find out how! Advance registration required; call 973.228.8776.

Ales ‘N Tails Oktoberfest Fundraiser on Oct. 5 from 6-9 pm at Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue West Orange)

The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is hosting an Ales ‘N Tails festive evening benefiting the Essex County Parks Foundation. Guests will enjoy the live Oompah Band and will sample dozens and dozens of seasonal brews from around the corner and around the world. In addition to traditional music and dozens of drinks to sample, there will be local craft and food vendors on site. Tickets now on sale. Take a look at what you could be sampling — ales n tails vendor map 2018. Only guests ages 21 and over will be permitted. All guests must have a valid ID and possess a ticket. Ales ‘N Tails Oktoberfest will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, patrons and vendors will be able to access indoor/ covered space. All sales are final. No refunds. All guests are required to drink responsibly. Guests needing assistance will be helped to find a safe ride home.

Halloween Skull Cake Decorating Williams Sonoma Technique Class on Oct. 6 from 11 am to 12 pm at the Short Hills Mall (1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills)

Participants will learn to make and decorate ghoulishly cakes that are perfect for Halloween. Culinary specialists share favorite tips and techniques as guests prepare and sample great dishes, with recipes to take home. The Skull Cake Pan makes it easy to create half-a-dozen mini skull cakes. The cost of $40 per person includes Mini Skull Cake Pan. To reserve a spot, please call (973) 467-3641.

HAVE FUN CELEBRATING THESE MONTH-LONG HOLIDAYS

This week, instead of providing information on a special day, I thought I’d highlight a few month-long celebrations. This way, you have all month long to plan some related activities. I included a few suggestions for each below.

October is:

  • Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
    • Celebrate by visiting a shelter, volunteering at a shelter, donating to a shelter or adopting a shelter dog.
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
    • Get a mammogram (see Short Hill Malls activity above in the For Adults section, spread awareness, volunteer at a cancer center or visit a sick friend.
  • Computer Learning Month
    • Buy a computer, rent one, learn new programs online or take a local class.
  • Cookie Month
    • Bake some delicious cookies with your kids or for your kids. Many of my previous articles include links to great recipes.
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month
    • Volunteer at a shelter, help a friend/victim, read articles or spread awareness.
  • International Drum Month
    • Buy a drum, learn to play the drum, see a concert or read up on the history of drums.
  • National Diabetes Month
    • Get tested, read articles, spread awareness or try making a diabetes-friendly recipe.
  • National Pizza Month
    • Go out for pizza, take some pizza home, try new toppings or cook your own pizza with your kids at home.
  • National Vegetarian Month
    • Learn about eating less meat or cook a vegetarian meal.
  • National Popcorn Popping Month
    • Pop up some popcorn at home and watch a movie, buy some popcorn at the local movie theater, buy some differently flavored popcorn/flavor some yourself and have a taste-off with your family to see which is the best flavor.
  • Seafood Month
    • Buy some seafood at the local farmer’s market or food store, try a new recipe and cook up some seafood at home or order your favorite type of seafood at a local restaurant.

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 Oct. 2, 1950 – The Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schultz first appeared in newspapers.
  • On Oct. 5, 1921 – The World Series was broadcast on radio for the first time.
  • On Oct. 6, 1889 – Thomas Edison showed the first motion picture.
  • On Oct. 6, 1967 – The first Physician’s Assistants graduated from Duke University.