Covenant Chapel - 9:30 AM
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Pier A Park - various times
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Ramsey Free Public Library - 10:30 AM
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
Barnes & Noble - 11:00 AM
Pier A Park - various times
DreamWorks Water Park - various times
Barnes & Noble Livingston - 10:00 AM
Hackensack 's Johnson Public Library - 10:00 AM
Adventure Aquarium - 10:00 AM
Pier A Park - various times
Westfield Garden State Plaza - various times
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Open Houses and Free Trial Classes: After-School Enrichment Options for NJ Kids
So we're back in school. We're packing lunches, going to PTA meetings. and overseeing homework. And we're probably starting to wrap our minds around figuring out some enrichment classes to fill in the gaps and/or add some sparkle to the process. Open houses and free trial classes make the hunt for great classes a little more do-able, which is why we offer this list of 10 great places that offer chances to try it out for free, either in the coming weeks or - in many cases - all year long. And for more enrichment options, check out our Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide.
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Kids Music Round Montclair (Montclair, NJ)
Get a free introductory class at this music and movement center for infant to toddlers in Essex County. To RSVP, call 347-604-6004. For more information, check out their website.
The Language Workshop for Children (Montclair, NJ)
One of the most popular and long-lasting language curriculums for kids, the Language Workshop offers a free trial class scheduled at your convenience. To RSVP, call 800-731-0830. For more information, check out their website.
Music and More with Kelly (South Orange, Millburn, Maplewood, East Hanover, NJ)
Singing, dancing and playing musical instruments with a caregiver are the activities; a free trial class is offered at all locations during any active session. To schedule your free trial class, email musictogetheradmin@gmail.com and for more information, check out their website.
Health Barn USA (Wyckoff, NJ)
Fun and healthy organic food growing and harvesting classes. This Mommy Poppins favorite has an Open House, Saturday, 9/13 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Free trial classes are as follows: Seedlings, ages 3-5: Tuesday 9/9 from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Sprouts, ages 5-7: Tuesday, 9/9 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. Harvesters, ages 8-12, Wednesday, 9/10 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. RSVP to info@healthbarnusa.com. For more information, check out their website.
92nd Street Y (Manhattan)
Sure, NYC, but it's the famous 92nd St. Y, so you're probably still going to make the trip. There will be a complimentary kid's private swim sampler September 14 from 1 to 4:30pm; enjoy a 15-minute complimentary swim evaluation with a certified instructor. Check out their website.
Kierson Farm (Flemington, NJ)
If you have a horse lover in the family, the wonderful Kierson Farm offers a free introductory riding lesson year-round. Call 908-391-5348 to schedule. For more information, check out their website.
Bergen PAC Performing Arts School (Englewood, NJ)
Free trial classes for new students in dance, theater and music will take place September 8 to 13. Call 201-503-8326 to sign up and check out their website for more information.
AlphaMinds Academy (Hoboken, Jersey City, NJ)
An enrichment program that provides students of all ages and abilities the chance to pursue academic interests in a fun, creative atmosphere offers new students a free first class. For more information check out their website.
Dance A Lot Ballroom Studio (Fair Lawn, NJ)
Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Foxtrot, Swing and Cha-Cha, and the first class is always free. For more information or to schedule your trial class, call 201-663-4336 or check out their website.
Preschool of Rock (Jersey City, Edgewater, Madison, NJ)
A Mommy Poppins fave, the Preschool of Rock offers a free trial class at the beginning of their fall semester. Check out the schedule for your preferred city here.
Shari Simpson
Shari Simpson has Anna Fader and Mommy Poppins to thank for learning to appreciate her own state. Before she started editing Mommy Poppins NJ, Shari dragged her spawn into NYC for any type of "culture"; now she knows all the good stuff to be had in New Jersey and is not so fast to hop on that PATH train. In her other life, Shari is a comedic playwright ("Maybe Baby, It's You", Dramatic Publishing, Inc.), a humor blogger ("Earth Mother just means I'm dusty"), and a freelance writer. She is mother to four (two human, two pug) and resides in Hoboken, where she can be found jogging along the waterfront or dragging her Brownie troop of 30 crazy little girls around town.
You can also follow Shari on Google+.
