Today is Earth Day, which coincides with Spring Break for many families in Millburn and Short Hills.  For parents wanting to celebrate Earth Day in child-friendly ways, here are a few ideas to keep the kids busy while teaching them a thing or two about the planet.   1.  Take a Bike Hike!  Forget the car! You can run errands while having fun and getting exercise at the same time.  Some possible destinations:   The supermarket.  Don’t forget to bring reusable bags. A drop box.  Make a donation of something used that can be recycled, such as old cell phones, electronics or clothing. The Hardware…

This weekend is all about getting out and enjoying nature!  The Annual Millburn Egg Hunt is at Taylor Park this morning.  The Environmental Center celebrates Earth Day, while Branch Brook Park will host Bloomfest.  For a bit of variety, the Summit YMCA is holding a Healthy Kids Day, and Morristown is having   Revolutionary Times Weekend, complete with historical re-enactments and demonstrations.  Read on for the details, and feel free to add your own suggestions in the Comments section. Annual Egg Hunt Where/When: Taylor Park, 78 Main St, Millburn; Saturday at 10am Why Go?  This popular event…

The Millburn area is hopping this weekend with kid-friendly activities!  From the bustle and excitement of the street fair, to the music of Anything Goes at the Middle School, to a Fun Run at the Cherry Blossom Festival - so much is going on, there will be no time for boredom!  Check out Patch picks below, and if you have a suggestion to add, put it in the Comments section to share the fun. Millburn Street Fair & Craft Show Where/When: Millburn Ave & Spring St, Millburn; Sunday 11am to 5pm Why Go? More than 150 crafters, artists, and vendors will line both sides of Millburn Avenue and Spring …

Not only will Mickey Mouse be at the Livingston Mall, but the Easter Bunny is coming to town, too.  This weekend promises fun for everyone with an animated short film festival, an indoor fossil dig and children’s theater.  And don’t miss the opportunity to teach the little ones about giving back — Running for Answers, a  race against Alzheimer's, is open to the entire family! Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade Where/When: Livingston Mall, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston; Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Why Go? This fun, interactive family event is hosted by Radio Disney and promises …

If you are not quite ready to hit the great outdoors with your kids this weekend, try a few of these things-to-do that are mostly indoors, but still great fun.  Should the sun decide to shine, start with the Essex County Environmental Center’s Nature Crafts with Children.  The other Patch Picks below are all safely indoors!  If you would like to share your own ideas, please use the Comments section. Nature Crafts with Children Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland; Saturday at 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Why Go?   Spring arrived March 21 and are we ready for the …

Every child has his or her own set of interests, and this weekend offers something for everyone!  If you have a budding scientist on your hands, check out Astro Day at the Morris Museum.  Your ballerina might enjoy Sleeping Beauty at Kean University.  Animal lovers will be entertained by the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater.  Read on for suggestions from Patch.  Feel free to add your own recommendations in the Comments section. 1.      Astro Day at the  Morris Museum Where/When: 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown; Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Why Go? The Morris Museum Astronomical Society will …

Oh, to be a kid again!  As this long winter draws to a close, there are so many exciting things for children to do!  This weekend offers rockin’ with Mr. Ray, partying with princesses, a Spring Safari, leprechaun crafts, and a hip-hop garbage dump.  And luckily, parents are welcome to tag along!  Below are this week’s Patch picks.  Feel free to add your own suggestions in the Comments section. 1. “Mr. Ray” Where/When: Community Congregational Church, 200 Hartshorn Dr, Short Hills; Saturday at 11am Why Go?  Ray Anderson, a.k.a. Mr. Ray, is the featured children’s performer at the Millburn Co-…

As the last few days of school vacation are upon us, perhaps a few fresh ideas for entertaining the kids are in order.  Below are some family-friendly events that you may want to try: 1. The Turtle Back Zoo Where/When: 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange; open daily 10am to 3:30pm Why Go?  Winter is a great time to see the elk, red panda and arctic wolves as they love the cold and are most active during this time. Pricing:  Adults $8  Children $6   Seniors $6   Under 2 Free 2. American Girl Tea Where/When: Parteaz, 1860 Springfield Ave, Maplewood; Friday at 11am Why Go? In honor of Black …

This week is chock-full of much-needed things to do with the kiddies while they are on winter break. From sewing projects and library stories to indulging your child's inner Picasso, you're bound to find something to keep everyone busy (and keep your sanity!) The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle FavouritesWhere/When: Papermill Playhouse; Saturday, 10amWhy Go: The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a universal favorite and kids will delight in the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's dazzling production.Price: $15 for Orchestra and $12 for Mezzanine Mediation for Teens (ages 11-16)Where/When: …

You'll need your dancing shoes this week with free banjo music at the South Orange Public Library and Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck rockin' Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel! Also, if you like chocolate (and who doesn't?), be sure to check out the Third Annual Chocolate Walk in Maplewood Village. And as always, our local public libraries offer fun, educational and FREE events for kids of all ages. Be sure to check them out! FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK Banjo Music with Dusty, Lucky and Pete!Where/When: South Orange Public Library; Thursday, 10 a.m. Why Go: These guys know how to get the party started …

Glad you clicked on our new Grab & Go Kids Planner! We've assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities and new places to try out with children. Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. Even if you disagree with our picks, let …