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

First Places to Spot Spring Blossoms

by Vanessa Druckman

April 07, 2009

Was I dreaming today when snow showers pelted me at school pick-up? It was too painful to be a dream as these were no puffy cotton like snowflakes that melt like a cold kiss upon your cheek. These were angry, hail-like flakes, whipped at me with gusts of arctic wind. Note to self: too early to banish my winter coat to the hall closet.

Regardless of today's freak weather, spring is definitely in the air. Daffodils and tulips are showing hints of color, and a few bushes of forsithia have begun their bright yellow fireworks. My kids are also showing serious signs of spring fever with an excess of energy that's difficult to channel. Long spring walks are the perfect way to let them run loose and blow off some steam. Here is a list of some great local parks to spot spring blossoms and revel in the rediscovery of the great outdoors:

• The Celery Farm in Allendale. At this 107-acre freshwater woodland preserve, you'll not only see spring blossoms, but you'll also spot many species of local birds returning to roost. Arm your little Dora or Diego fan with some binoculars and you have an adventure on your hands. The preserve is really a long loop around the pond, a great afternoon walk that will take you between 40 minutes to an hour, depending on how carried away your little explorers will get with their foraging.
• At the James McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff is the place to go for some serious spring blossoms. Every spring, over 25,000 daffodils burst into bloom on the grassy slopes near the parking lot. It's a stunning location for some spring shots of your children in their Easter best. After admiring the flowers, you'll be able to run on a circular path through the 81-acre property and observe various caged animals along the way.Call ahead for their schedule of activities as they frequently run wonderful guided walks and other seasonal classes and events.
• In a few weeks, the rhododendrons and azaleas of the Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair will be a sight to see. Up until May 1, they offer a Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuarpre-K garden discovery program every Wednesday from 1:15 to 2pm. The grounds are open every day from 9 to 5 and admission is free.
• If birds are more your passion than blooms, the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary in Short Hills is the destination for you.They offer a comprehensive menu of classes from mommy and me toddler classes to one day special events for elementary aged kids on topics such as Hoos Hoo in the Owl World and Slimey Slime and Gooey Goo: Concoctions from the Kitchen.

Five Ways to Enjoy Central Park

by Vanessa Druckman

October 15, 2008

Many people don't realize how much there is to do in Central Park . It's much more than just a park. There's fun for the whole family and it comes in many different forms. 1) Water Fun - You can rent a row boat by the hour and boat around the boat basin. You'll see ducks, fish, and take in the many other boaters. After you're done, have some lunch at the excellent boat basin caf. 2)  Read more...

The Little Green Thumb

by Vanessa Druckman

October 12, 2008

My kids love dirt. If I don't put them to work in the garden, they'll use it as a big sandbox, digging up worms and stones and creatively placing them on the driveway. It works out much better for all of us if I include them in my gardening projects. When we're not hard at work reseeding the lawn or planting impatiens, I have a few field trips up my sleeve to satisfy their gardening urges:  Read more...

Top 5 Things To Do Outside in Northern New Jersey when the Weather Clears

by Vanessa Druckman

October 08, 2008

After a few days of rain, the house is a mess and the kids are overflowing with nervous energy. The minute the sun gives us a little ray of hope, we are all out the door, ready for an outdoors adventure. Depending on how exhausted I am after being cooped up in the house too long, there are a few places I like to head to. The easiest place is the Ridgewood Duck Pond . There's a lot to do  Read more...