The weekend has arrived! There are plenty of fun things to do around town and beyond. If you’re looking for some family-friendly events, we’ve got you covered!
Watchung Booksellers (54 Fairfield Street, Montclair) will host a Saturday Morning Author/Illustrator Storytime on Saturday at 10:30 AM. This week’s book is Silly Daddy and the Bug by Julia Frankel. In the story, Silly Daddy races around town on a zany adventure to try to find a suitable home for a bug found in the house.
Just Kidding at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway 95th Street, NYC) will present Journey to Oz: A Wizard of Oz Story on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s original stories, this clever adaptation puts the audience front and center. Kids and their adults become a part of the cast in this interactive production, singing, dancing, and acting alongside professional actors. This show is suited for children ages 2-7. For families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, this performance features brighter lighting in the audience and lowered sound levels. Tickets are $17 and up ($14 and up for members). A special discount has been offered to Baristanet readers! Enter the code OZSPECIAL at checkout and receive a $3 discount off a single ticket.
Glen Ridge Public Library (240 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge) will host a Love My Library Open House from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday. Enjoy 3D printer demonstrations, a “craftivity” in the children’s room, a showing of Cars 3 at 2:00 PM with snacks, refreshments and raffles. Fines will be waived on overdue books as well.
Central Presbyterian Church of Montclair will host a free children’s concert from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM as part of their Second Saturdays at Central program. The Montclair Orchestra will present the family favorite “Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev, performed by Montclair Wind Quintet. The program will be narrated and will be accompanied by instrument demonstration and fun activities for children. All ages are welcome. Suggested donation is $10 per family.
Montclair History Center will host a Hearth Cooking for Kids program from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday. Kids will make breakfast on the hearth and enjoy the meal at the end. This program is for children ages 10 and up and space is limited. Registration is required to mail@montclairhistorical.org or 973-744-1796. Admission is $20; $15 for members.
Barnes & Noble at Clifton Commons (395 Route 3 East, Clifton) will host Paddington Storytime at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Over 50 years ago, a small bear set out on the adventure of a lifetime. Since then, Paddington has charmed readers around the world with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. Enjoy this beloved classic.
Also on Saturday, Michaels of Clifton (348 Route 3 West, Riverfront Center, Clifton) will host a Kids Club Snowman Page Marker workshop from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Children ages 3 and up can make a quick project. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Cost is $2 and includes supplies. From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, kids can also participate in a Clay Slime MAKEbreak, where all supplies are provided.
On Saturday at 2:00 PM, South Orange Performing Arts Center (1 SOPAC Way, South Orange) will host Mark Nizer 4D… The only live 3D show in the world! One of the greatest entertainment comedians and jugglers performing today, Mark Nizer’s skill and showmanship will amaze the audience. This show is suited for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $20.
On Saturday, enjoy the Family Gallery Programs at Newark Museum (49 Washington Street, Newark) at 2:00 PM. Through storytelling, music, movement, and/or sketching, families with children of all ages engage with the Museum’s diverse collections. New activities each week highlight a different collection. This week’s theme is Memory Drawing. Meet in the lobby. There are also self-guided programs available from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, drop in to the MakerSPACE program and experiment with the tools and materials of artists.
Jersey City Theatre Center’s Merseles Studios (339 Newark Avenue, Jersey City) will present the final performance of JCTC Kids Mishka: Stories from Around the World on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Mishka is a Scandinavian holiday story about a teddy bear that runs away from the house of a spoiled litter girl. He discovers the world as he walks through the forest, eventually giving up his freedom to stay with a sick boy. Tickets are $10 – $12.
Dinosaur Time Trek: Dragon Edition is coming to Meadowlands Expo Center (355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus) this weekend. Visit Time Trek Laboratories and travel to Jurassic times for a roaring, stomping, roam-through experience. Play all day in hands-on and interactive attractions designed for families. The exhibit is open for general admission on Saturday through Monday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Tickets are $14-19. Kids under 2 are free with paid adult admission.
On Sunday, at 3:00 PM, Just Kidding at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway 95th Street, NYC) will host another event this weekend, Stam-Pede. From lively Irish dance to innovative body percussion and from exhilarating tap dance to exciting Kathak, this impressive collection of companies offers something for everyone who loves the power and precision of percussive dance. This 90-minute performance is suitable for ages 2-7. Tickets are $17 and up; $14 and up for members.
Also on Sunday, the Drop-In Studio at Montclair Art Museum (3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair) continues between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Note that the Museum is closing early this week. The Helen & Bill Geyer Art Studio will be stocked with a range of art materials to explore with a seasoned MAM studio instructor. Open ended activities are designed to spark creativity in artists of all ages and abilities. This is free for members and included in Museum admission for non-members.
Rubin Museum of Art (150 West 17th Street, NYC) hosts Family Sundays. Drop into the Museum on Sundays between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM for casual art-making and free family-friendly activities for children and their accompanying adults. Designed for children ages 3 and up with accompanying adults, the art activities change monthly and connect with the art and ideas of the Himalayas. At 2:00 PM, enjoy the family exhibition tour and go on your own thematic gallery search.
For more upcoming events, check out the family friendly events on Baristanet Calendar.