Community Corner
A Flurry of Valentine-Fueled Events for the Family
Here's your weekly guide to what's going on in the area for families.
This week, there's birding, Harry Potter, and a chocolate festival. What a week! Indeed, your weekly guide includes all the best family activities and events coming up locally and within reasonable striking distance.
Look for the kids’ planner each Thursday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—just add them to the comments box. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!
—Montclair Art Museum Park Bench
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Where/When: Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, on Wednesday Feb. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Why Go: Mingle with other parents and small children, tour the museum, enjoy storytelling, and do art projects natch! This is also a prime opportunity to check out the Mapplethorpe exhibit currently on display.
Find out what's happening in Bloomfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Pricing: Free with adult admission to the museum.
—Get Your Game On at the Belleville Library!
Where/When: Belleville Township Public Library and Information Center, 221 Washington Ave, Belleville, Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: Kids can play all kinds of games, including classic board games and cards as well as Wii.
Pricing: Free! Like most wonderful public library events.
—Gas Lamp Players Presents Annie the Musical
Where/When: Ridgewood Avenue School Auditorium, 235 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, on Friday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Because Annie bets the sun will come out tomorrow, and we really need it here.
Pricing: Students and Seniors $8/Adults $15. Tickets may be purchased the week of the show at the theater box office from 6 – 9 p.m., two hours before each performance, or online here.
—Circus Incognitus at the New Victory Theater
Where/When: New Victory Theater, 229 West 42nd Street, New York City, on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., Feb. 12 at noon and 5 p.m., Feb. 13 at noon and 5 p.m.
Why Go: Be entertained and amused by an acrobatic variety show with Charlie-Chaplin like antics. The show stars circus legend Jamie Adkins (Cirque du Soleil). Circus Incognitus is recommended for ages 4 and up.
Pricing: Ranges from $9 to $25 for members and $14 to $38 for nonmembers (based on seating).
—Harry Potter Night! For kids ages 6 to 12 at the Geyer Family YMCA
Where/When: The Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Ave. Montclair, on Friday, Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Why Go: All the quintessential Harry Potter trappings will be on hand—a Quidditch World Cup, house sorting, magic classes and more! Robes and wands optional.
Pricing: $25 per member and $35 per nonmember. Call 973-783-7640 to register or for more information. Hurry, very few spaces left!
—Birding Field Trip at Hatfield Swamp courtesy of Essex County
Where/When: 901 Bloomfield Ave, West Caldwell, on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Why Go: Spend the morning searching for birds and other lingering fall migrants in our area. Meet at the parking lot of Marshall’s in West Caldwell, near the corner of Bloomfield and Passaic avenues.
Pricing: Fee: $6 members, $8 nonmembers. Call 973-228-8776 for more information.
—Valentine’s Celebration at Oakeside Cultural Center
Where/When: Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center, 240 Belleville Ave., Bloomfield, on Sunday, Feb. 13 at noon.
Why Go: Children will enjoy Valentine-themed snacks, participate in games, arts and crafts and will receive a goodie bag to take home—all in the surroundings of the beautiful historical Oakeside mansion. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pricing: $12 for each child; $10 for each adult. Reservations are required. Call 973-429-0960.
—Circus Science at the Newark Museum
Where/When: Newark Museum, 49 Washington St, Newark, on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Why Go: Participate in hands-on activities and discover the amazing science that makes circus performances famous. Enter to Win Guest Clown Appearance (be part of the circus at the Prudential Center). One lucky winner (age 14 or older) will get a chance to experience the circus from a very unique perspective—as a clown!
Pricing: Free with suggested museum admission: Adults $10, Children 12 and under $6. Includes choice of one clown or magic performance. Call 973-596-6550 for more information.
—Annual Chocolate Festival at the Morris Museum
Where/When: The Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd. Morristown, on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Well, for starters it’s free and it involves chocolate. Some of the cocoa-fueled events taking place include: chocolate tasting, chocolate making demonstrations, a chance to decorate both the Morris Museum's chocolate mascot and the museum's chocolate community art project. Kids can also make a heart-shaped finger puppet and learn about chocolate for a healthy heart—with Atlantic Health professionals.
Pricing: Did we mention it’s FREE!?? Call 973-971-3718 for more information.
—Story Time With Miss Elaine at Watchung Booksellers
Where/When: Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield Street Watchung Plaza, Montclair, on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Why Go: Little ones ages 2 and up get treated to stories and songs with Miss Elaine and you get an excuse to go peruse this favorite neighborhood bookstore.
Pricing: Free
