Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in newark, NJ

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Northern Jersey

by Vanessa Druckman

April 14, 2009

Earth Day is coming up fast and it's really a holiday worth preparing for to make sure it makes an impact on your kids. There are many things that you can do to mark the day, to make sure it really registers with them. And the greatest part is that most of them are fun!

1. Plant a tree in your garden. This is planting season, so whether you're talking about a rhododendron bush or a new maple tree, get those shovels out and give your kids a chance to contribute to your landscaping. They'll be thrilled to track your new addition's progress even if they don't fully get how the new tree is helping to balance out the reforestation efforts in the world.
2.  Visit a local recycling plant. This is a great way to show your kids what happens to the garbage we throw out so carelessly. Seeing all those cans and bottles in one place will really make an impact on them.
3. Change your light bulbs and get your kids to help.
4. Save Gas. Try to not drive your car for the day. Walk or bike to school. Skip to the park.
5. Go Local. Visit a local farm to learn about how to help them and start buying locally.
6. Get Entertained. Watch March of the Penguins or Planet Earth.
7. Clean Up! Head to a local park and pick up trash for an hour.

But most easily of all, just enjoy being outside!  Read more...

The Liberty Science Center: A Great Place to Get Out of the Cold

by Vanessa Druckman

January 20, 2009

Although this winter has been particularly bad, last weekend was the worst, as the temperature hit zero on Saturday. I've already had to shovel my driveway four times since Thanksgiving! We enjoy the snow, the sledding and the snowball fights but it's already getting old, and we're on the lookout for places to have fun indoors. On the coldest weekend of the winter, I wasn't complaining as I  Read more...