Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Mother's Day Weekend May 12 & 13: Train Day, Dragon Dances, History Fair, Bats & More!

5/10/12 - By

It's our day, Moms! Hang out with the ones that you love, relax or perhaps spend the weekend on the baseball and soccer field like some moms we know (me). For those of you that are getting out and about this weekend you'll have lots to choose from: there are National Train Day events, a free Mother's Day concert or some kiddie rock by Justin Roberts, and even a Dragon Dance at Turtle Back Zoo.  And you can find a listing of all NJ activities for kids in our Event Calendar.

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Saturday May 12

Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair (Titusville, NJ)
Oh, kids these days are just so lucky! If they had cool fairs like this when I was young, I might have actually LOVED (and learned a lot more about) history. This award-winning fair at Washington Crossing State Park from 11am - 5pm (rain or shine) is a fun-filled adventure into New Jersey’s past with living history demonstrations, military re-enactors, tours, exhibits, period music and dance, and historical organizations and museums from around the state. Activities also include “Levram the Great”, the Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre, a visit from Martha Washington, the GPS Heritage Cache Challenge, historical games and the “Are you as Smart as a 4th Grader?” game. FREE admission. $5 parking fee per car. 609-737-0623.

Dragon Dances: Yee's Hung Ga International Kung Fu Association (West Orange, NJ)
Come out to Turtle Back Zoo to see "Shu", their new Komodo Dragon, unveiled last week (my kids were thrilled to be able to get a first glimpse).  To celebrate and welcome this latest addition, the Zoo will have special dragon dances from 11am - 2pm performed by Yee's Hung Ga International Kung Fu Association.  Free with zoo admission of $10 Adults/ $7 Children. 973-731-5800.

National Train Day (Statewide)
Although it may sound like  just another Hallmark holiday, National Train Day actually marks the 143rd anniversary of the creation of the nation's first transcontinental railroad! National Train Day celebrates train travel and the ways trains touch the lives of people across America.  Train stations and other venues across the country, host activities and exhibits that highlight the past, present and future of trains and travel. The Morris Museum in Morristown will be hosting a family event from 12-4pm  where you can visit their model railroad gallery and decorate a golden spike and make a train conductor. $7/child; $10/adult. Other venues participating throughout the state are the Toy Train Emporium in Cherry Hill, Black River Railroad Station in Flemington, Reading Blackwood Railroad Station in Sewell, Franklinville Railroad Station or the Whippany Railroad Museum.

Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Nap Time Players in Concert (Princeton, NJ)
Have a blast with your family at this kiddie rock concert at the McCarter Theatre . His seven CDs are in heavy rotation in our house. Your kids are sure to enjoy his latest release Jungle Gym. 11am. $16 per ticket. 609-258-2787.

Family Fun Day (Madison, NJ)
Head on over to the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts from 1-3pm for an afternoon of family fun and craft activities. You'll also enjoy visiting their Spinning Tales exhibit and learning how fabric was made "back in the olde days". Free with museum admission of $5 for adults, $3 children 6 and older, children 5 and under FREE. 973- 377-2982.

Basically Bats (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Here's your chance to learn all about the only true flying mammals, often misunderstood and feared rather than appreciated for their prowess as our best natural insect predators. A single bat can consume approximately 600 insects per hour and I'm all about less insects in my space! Class includes our famous bat quiz, power point, and lecture about bat ecology, as well as a field walks to look for these elusive nocturnal creatures. $9 per person. Pre-register in advance at 908-766-2489.

MASS Ensemble (Branchburg, NJ)
This FREE outdoor concert on the lawn at The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College at 8pm will remind you that you don't always have to go into NYC to see unique performance art and music! MASS (Music, Architecture, Sonic, Sculpture) Ensemble is an internationally renowned performance group that combines unique musical sculptures and site-specific installations with traditional instrumentation, creating an unforgettable multi-sensory theatrical experience. Bring your lawn chairs and experience The Earth Harp, “The World’s Largest Stringed Instrument,” which places the audience inside its golden strings which span 50-1000 feet in length. 908-725-3420.

Sunday May 13th

Mother's Day Concert (Montclair, NJ)
An ensemble from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra offers a selection of tunes to please Mom and all the family. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful grounds of Van Vleck House and Gardens. 1-3pm. FREE.

Mother's Day Sunday (Morristown, NJ)
Bring the family over to the stately Macculloch Hall Historical Museum from 1-4pm for an afternoon of children’s activities and crafts. You'll also enjoy a tour of their gorgeous garden 2:45. Free for Moms. Adults $8, Seniors $6, Students (over 12) $6, Children 6-12 $4. Under 6 FREE. 973-538-2404.
 
The Sunday Sampler Series: Tap Team Two Company - Hoofing in America (Princeton Junction, NJ)
Children and grown ups will want to get up and dance when the dancers of the Tap Two Company create unbelievable percussion with their feet at the West Windsor Arts Center! This performance will be showcasing Irish, African, hip-hop and house rhythms, two "hoofing" dancers pay homage to virtuoso performers, King Rastus Brown, Bill Bojangles Robinson, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, John Bubbles and more. Be prepared to learn a few basic steps and dance in their debonair footsteps. 3pm. $12 adults, $6 Children. Call 609-716-1931 to reserve seats.

Mother's Day at the Aquarium (Point Pleasant, NJ)
Celebrate Mother's day with your family at Jenkinson's Aquarium--all Moms are free with a paid child admission! It's a great way to sneak in a beautiful day at the beach (and perhaps some boardwalk treats too!) 10am-5pm. Adults $10, Children 3-12 $6, Children under 3 FREE. 732-899-1659.

Mother's Day Celebration (Far Hills, NJ)
The lilacs are in bloom at Willowwood Arboretum and make a splendid backdrop for that special family photograph. Enjoy staff-led tours of the lilac collection and the grounds. Complimentary refreshments are provided and a limited number of unusual lilacs are available for purchase. 12-4pm. FREE. 908-234-1815.
 

Don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar.  And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar  to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.

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