New events and listings received after publication for the Kids Guide Calendar are listed below. Refer to the site index at left to look for upcoming activities by category and use the convenient links to access the most up-to-date information on exhibitions, events and activities. Email entries for HOT PICKS to kids@kidsguide.com or submit event using the form on the top menu bar.
recent openings
Open
Thru Aug 14
PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York, 212-535-7710. Original punk garments from the mid-1970s will be juxtaposed with recent, directional fashion to illustrate how haute couture and ready-to-wear have borrowed punk's visual symbols, with paillettes being replaced with safety pins, feathers with razor blades, and bugle beads with studs. Focusing on the relationship between the punk concept of 'do-it-yourself' and the couture concept of 'made-to-measure,' the exhibition will be organized around the materials, techniques, and embellishments associated with the anti-establishment style. Presented as an immersive multimedia, multisensory experience, the clothes will be animated with period music videos and soundscaping audio techniques.
Thru Aug 11
Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture
The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park W. at 79th St., 212-769-5100. Exhibition explores the complex and intricate food system that brings what we eat from farm to fork. With opportunities to taste seasonal treats in the working kitchen, cook a virtual meal, view rare artifacts from the Museum's collections, and peek into the dining rooms of famous figures throughout history, visitors will experience the intersection of food, nature, culture, health, and history—and consider some of the most challenging issues of our time.
Thru Jan 5, 2014
Whales: Giants of the Deep
The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park W. at 79th St., 212-769-5100. On loan from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which houses one of the largest whale collections in the world, this exhibition explores the latest in international research on whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and examines whale biology and the history of whaling in New Zealand. Rare specimens, life-size and scale models of whales common in the South Pacific, and ancient and contemporary whale bone treasures are on display. In the Whale Lab, visitors can listen to whale sounds, discover how scientist and amateur trackers identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean, crawl through a life-size replica of the heart of the blue whale—the largest living animal—and experience a re-creation of a sperm whale on the hunt for a giant squid. Videos examine the relationship between the people of the South Pacific and whales.
Thru Jan 5
Frogs: A Chorus of Colors
The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park W. at 79th St., 212-769-5100. Exhibition explores the diverse world of these complex amphibians by introducing visitors to their biology and evolution, their importance to ecosystems, and the threats they face in the wild through interactive stations and re-creations of natural habitats. Representing approximately 25 species from around the world, the frogs on display range in size from the tiny phantasmal dart-poison frog (which is less than an inch long) to the enormous African bullfrog (which can be as big as 8 inches in length).
new events
14, 21, 28 Jun
Junebug ArtFest
Main St., Metuchen, 732-548-2964. Held each Friday night in June from 6-10pm, Junebug ArtFest features a wide array of open air exhibits, interactive art events, open mic sessions, and live music performances.
14-15 Jun
Union County Bio-Blitz
Union County Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 908-789-3683. Begins 5pm Fri. through 5pm Sat. Naturalists, scientists and nature enthusiasts are invited to take part in this 24-hr. search for plants and animals living in Nomahegan, Lenape and Echo Lake Parks. Enjoy interactive, educational and live animal and plant displays and nature-related programs and/or join a team and help sample and identify animals or plants. Call to register or for more information.
15 Jun
Freckleface Strawberry the Musical
Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave., Montclair. 11am & 2pm. $18-$25. Based on the beloved book by celebrated actress Julianne Moore, this new musical makes its New Jersey premiere and brings audiences inside the book's pages with an inspiring story, contemporary score, and energetic choreography. For all ages.
16 Jun
Kelly Miller Circus
River Rd. Park, Bedminster, 908-234-2666. 2 & 5pm. Advance tickets adults $10, kids $6. One day circus for the whole family. Elephants, tigers, acrobats and clowns thrill the crowd. Camel and pony rides. Proceeds benefit Far Hils-Bedminster First Aid Squad.
NJ DisAbility Sports Festival
Hamilton Area YMCA, 185 Sawmill Rd., Hamilton, 856-857-5745. 12-4pm. $5. An all-age all-ability sports festival. Families and friends welcome. Learn, watch, play and have fun with sports like wheelchair/standing basketball, rugby, soccer, motor skills, dance, yoga, baseball, cycling/handcycling, kickball, vendors, crafts and more.
Father's Day Free Admission for Dad
World of Wings Butterfly Museum & Atrium, 1775 Windsor Rd., Teaneck, 201-833-4650. 10am-6pm. Adults $16, children $11, free admission for dads. All dads receive free admission in celebration of Father's Day.
22-23 Jun
Festival de Aibonito, Puerto Rico
Camden Children's Garden, 3 Riverside Dr., Camden, 856-365-8733. 1-4pm. Enjoy the beauty of tropical plants inside the Plaza de Aibonito, Puerto Rico. This colorful cultural celebration includes Hispanic arts and crafts, games, Puerto Rican activities and delicious tropical fruit. The festival is part of Camden's Parada San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist parade).
23 Jun
Firefly Festival
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, 609-924-2310. 4-9pm. Free admission, $5 crafts. Enjoy an evening of nature, music, wagon rides, outdoor fun and firefly hunting. Celebrate fireflies by making your own wings, bug boxes and antenna. Schafer's Gymnastics demonstrates the "Art of Flying" with moves through a mini-obstacle course. Enjoy live music by Miss Amy and her Big Kids Band. Pam's Firefly Tent offers grilled chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob, pie, apple cider, donuts, cookies, apples and more. Pony rides and wagon rides through the farm and orchards will be available all evening.
Fairy Day
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 E. Hanover Rd., Morristown, 973-326-7603. 1-3pm. $30. Families are invited to celebrate the 7th Fairy Day and build a home for these visiting wee folk. Greet the fairies with music and fairy snacks, and learn which plants and trees attract them. All supplies, such as bark, branches, lichens, mosses, feathers, stones and leaves are provided, or bring your own as long as it's natural. Fairies shun man-made materials. All the fairy houses are on display through the end of July. To see photos of previous Fairy Houses or to get ideas for your own house, visit website. Rain date June 30.
ongoing events, advance tickets, open for registration
Kafka Farms
901 Valley Rd., Watchung, 908-405-8038. Riding camp for ages 5-14 features lots of horseback riding, horse care, swimming, archery, crafts, fun games on horseback, waterslide, horse and carriage ride, camel rides and horse show. 9am-3pm. Mon.-Fri.
Shaolin Kung Fu & Tai Chi
50 Mount Bethel Rd., Warren, 908-988-0779.
Strengthen body and mind. Classes for kids, adults and seniors: Chinese Kung Fu, Shaolin Cardio, Tai Chi and Meditation. Call for a free trial class and special trial period deal: 6 classes for $60.
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in the Parks
Concerts in the parks in June...
June 20: Pier A Park in Hoboken (Free concert!)
June 23: Giralda Music and Arts Festival in Madison (fundraiser)
June 28: Branch Brook Park in Newark (Free concert with fireworks!)
June 29: Goffle Brook Park in Hawthorne (Free concert!)
June 30: Mercer County Park in West Windsor (Free concert with fireworks!)
June 27: Music at Moorland in Far Hills (fundraiser)
Ongoing
Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuaries Little Naturalists Program
11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. Nature-based program features a story, mini-hike, outdoor activity and craft. For children ages 2-4 yrs.; children must be accompanied by their parent or caregiver. 9:30-10:30am. $7 per child, $5 per child member NJ Audubon.
May 30
RIver Explore.
23 Jun
Fairy Day
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 E. Hanover Rd., Morristown, 973-326-7603. 1-3pm. $30. Families are invited to celebrate the 7th Fairy Day and build a home for these visiting wee folk. Greet the fairies with music and fairy snacks, and learn which plants and trees attract them. All supplies, such as bark, branches, lichens, mosses, feathers, stones and leaves are provided, or bring your own as long as it's natural. Fairies shun man-made materials. All the fairy houses will be on display through the end of July. To see photos of previous Fairy Houses or to get ideas for your own house, visit website. Rain date June 30.
26 Jun
Autism-friendly performance of Disney's The Little Mermaid
Paper Mill Playhouse, Brookside Drive, Millburn, 973-376-4343; 973-379-3636. 4pm. Paper Mill Playhouse will alter the theater environment to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space for all families at this special show of their main stage production of Disney's The Little Mermaid.
2013-2014 season announcements
See the Music & Dance and Theatre categories for selected children, family and adult events and use the convenient links to access complete season calendars and find newly added events. 2013-14 season announcements will be posted below as new seasons are released over summer 2013.
Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St., New York, 212-903-9600.
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton, Morristown, Englewood, Red Bank, 800-ALLEGRO.
Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Dr., Millburn, 973-376-4343.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, 973-408-5600.
