April GO List: The Best Things To Do With NJ Kids This Month

3/28/13 - By Shari Simpson

Our monthly GO! List has quickly become one of Mommy Poppins NJ's most popular features, probably because wise New Jersey parents like to plan ahead. We carefully choose 8 to 10 of our absolute faves for the upcoming month, and April is full of festivals, special shows, one of our favorite exhibits that's drawing to a close, and flowers, flowers everywhere. Happy Spring and GO, New Jersey!

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Casey Carle's Bubblemania (Englewood, NJ)
Casey Carle is super-duper famous, appearing all over the world, on The Discovery Channel, and just happens to the bubble consultant to Cirque du Soleil, which sounds like a perfectly wonderful job. Now, pre-eminent bubble artist Casey Carle brings his act to BergenPAC, loaded with visual comedy, quick wit and big band music, not to mention big beautiful bubbles. Sunday, April 7 at 1pm and 3pm. $17/person. 201-227-1030.

Daffodil Day at Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Summit, NJ)
If you've never been to the lovely Reeves-Reed Arboretum, this would be a great introduction. Enjoy a fun-filled day of revelry to celebrate the arrival of spring. As part of RRA's music residency program this year, kids can create original haikus set to music and performed by Rose and the Nightingale.  For the more adventurous types, skilled instructors will provide lessons in archery and an introduction to the ancient art of falconry.  And the little ones can participate in spring-themed games, nature crafts, and the Flower Fairy and Woodland Elf parade through the Daffodil Bowl. Bruce Lorenz, professional photographer, will be on hand to take family photos.  Food and refreshments will also be available.  An open air market featuring farm to table specialties will be on site.  Registration is not required. Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 11am to 4pm. Free for members, $10/Non-members. 908-273-8787.

The Curious George and Avatar Exhibits at Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ)
They've been on our GO list every month, because they are so so fun and special, and their time is drawing to a close (exhibits end in early May). Your younger kids will love the Curious George exhibit, which is so bright and cheerful and fun, presenting key concepts in science, math, and engineering, and activities which help kids to learn like George, through direct experience and problem solving. Your older kids will groove on the Avatar exhibit where they can create their own avatar, learn the Na'vi language, and virtually enter the world of Pandora. May we say "so so fun and special" again? I think we may. Free with museum admission.

Opening Day at Sesame Place (Langhorne, PA)
We're sort of partial to Sesame Place because my kids could spend all day on Nets'n'Climbs, the three-story ropes structure. Opening Day is Saturday, April 27 from 10am to 8pm, and hopefully it will be warm enough for both dry and wet fun (the water rides). Of course, everyone's favorite furry Sesame Street friends will also be making their grand entrance into the park. $59/person. 866-464-3566.

The 36th Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival (Newark, NJ)
One of the top cherry blossom festivals in the entire country, Newark's two week shindig (April 6 - 20) features the Cherry Blossom 10K Run on April 7, the Children’s One-Mile Fun Run/Walk on April 20, the Cherry Blossom Challenge Annual Bike Race on April 6, weekend trolley tours, and the Essex in Bloom Photo Workshop Series and more. The highlight is Bloomfest, which includes Japanese cultural demos, live music, children’s activities, a craft marketplace, food and more. Bloomfest will take place on April 14 from 11am to 5pm at the Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center. Bloomfest is free, check prices for individual events. 973-268-3500

Earth Day 2013 (Jersey City, NJ)
There are certainly many Earth Day celebrations in NJ, but this Liberty State Park festival is our favorite.  The event will be held for Hurricane Sandy relief this year, as the storm caused damage in the park last October. A 5K family run and walk begins at 10am. Click here to register. The Earth Day Fair and Kid’s Kingdom run from 11am to 4pm. If you feel the cabin fever taking over, join the fitness and fun! Saturday, April 20. 201-915-3440.

The Girls of Liberty Hall--A Children's Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show (Union, NJ)
Imagine a luncheon of scones, finger sandwiches, sweet treats, lemonade, iced tea and sherbet punch on real china while watching a fashion show of reproduction historic children's clothing from colonial times through early 20th century, plus a dress-up tent, games and prizes. My girly nature is shivering with delight. Saturday, April 13 from 1pm to 3pm. $25/person, reservations required, call 908-527-0400. 

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater (Englewood, NJ)
If you've never seen a cat do the parallel bars, you're in for a treat. This world-famous family show features an amazing cast of housecats, dogs, parrots, geese and mice. Gregory Popovich has rescued these animals from shelters all over the country and has transformed them into Las Vegas stars. If you're not convinced yet, take a moment to watch the funny video here. Popovich has been featured on The Tonight Show, David Letterman, in USA Today and People Magazine. Saturday, April 27 at 7pm. $29-59. (201) 227-1030. Purchase tickets here.