Hudson County Neighborhood Guide

When a Jewish teenager turns 12 or 13, they’ll sometimes have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. (‘Bar’ for a Jewish boy; ‘Bat’ for a Jewish girl). A Bar or Bat Mitzvah marks the transition from child to one who makes more mature, adult-like decisions.  Thus, in Jewish tradition, a boy or girl who becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is now morally and ethically responsible for his or her decisions and actions. Sometimes, a celebratory party will follow the ceremony and that party is also called a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The religious ceremony is usually held at a temple, and the party is usually held at the temple’s event space or another location—of course, every family celebrates differently. Five top-notch New Jersey event planners and party experts weigh in on new trends in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs…and ways to keep the whole family stress-free during this exciting time.

Well, Mommy Poppins has given you the skinny on birthday parties from ice cream bashes to museum shindigs and now we're chatting about at-home fun, beginning with yesterday's party vendors that come to you. And many moons ago, before I decided that having a party at a bowling alley was the easiest birthday party known to man, I used to throw really fun, theme-y birthday parties for my kids at home and I'll let you in on a few things I learned.

Yes, another installment in the "are they ever in school?" saga; a number of Northern NJ school districts are closed for President’s Week from February 20 - 24. If you're anticipating the cabin fever already, never fear! Just check out some of these great day camps and activities to keep your kids busy and you sane. And if you don't find what you're looking for here, check out our Winter Fun Guide.