7 Kid-Friendly Things To Do This Week

It’s the start of a new year, and there’s plenty of fresh and fun things to do with the fam this week. Spend the afternoon unplugged at one of the Outdoor Afternoons at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, head to the shore to collect shells on a guided Winter Beach Walk in Manasquan, or stock up on artisan foods and produce at the Winter Farmer’s Market in Morristown.

Psst! We love seeing your social-distancing New Jersey adventures. Be sure to tag your photos with #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured in our round-up next week.

Wellness Wednesday: Lyrical Dance Class with Isio-Maya
January 6th at 7:30PM
Start the year off right and get everyone grooving in this virtual dance class. Featuring ballet and jazz, try all different styles of dance as you listen to powerful music. Taught by Isio-Maya, who studied at Harlem School of the Arts and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, this class will leave everyone feeling inspired and accomplished.
Free
NJPAC
Virtual

Outdoor Afternoons at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
January 6th and 7th from 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Give your kids a hands-on lesson in nature as they explore Cedar Run’s 171 acres. For two hours, kids will be in small groups, unplugged from their devices, and be able to get some fresh air and real-world learning following guides and exploring the trails and grounds of the refuge.
$12 per family for members, $15 per family for non-members
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
4 Sawmill Road
Medford

Morven Museum & Garden Festival of Trees
January 6th-10th, from 10AM – 4PM
If you missed the Festival of Trees showcasing decorated trees and mantles placed throughout the museum—now is the time to gather the family together and see it before Christmas 2021. Combined with outdoor displays and elegant lighting, it’s sure to keep the holiday spirit going and lends support to the museum for this annual tradition.
$10 per person
Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton St
Princeton

Meet The Author: Dan Gutman
January 7th from 1PM – 1:45PM
Budding readers and fans of “My Weird School” series (and parents too) will want to turn on the laptop to tune in to New York Times best-selling children’s book author Dan Gutman. He’ll give kids an inside look at the series, read a chapter from an upcoming book, lead a story writing exercise, and answer questions, to inspire young writers and readers. 
Free
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Virtual

The Astronomy of 2021
January 7th from 5PM – 6PM
Crack open the laptop to learn about the exciting astronomy events coming up in the year 2021. A planetarium presenter from the Liberty Science Center will give viewers a sneak peek on Facebook LIVE at what’s happening in space this year—learn about the supermoon in April, the partial solar eclipse in June, and other events that’ll keep your family eagerly watching the skies. Questions are welcomed and encouraged. 
Free
Liberty Science Center
Virtual

Monmouth County Park System Winter Beach Walk
January 8th from 11AM – 12:30PM
Did you know winter is one of the best times to go shell collecting? Bundle up the kids and head to the beach to take a guided walk led by a park system naturalist. Make sure you bring a bucket to collect some natural treasures you can’t find anywhere else.
Free
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area
391 3rd Avenue
Manasquan

Grow It Green Morristown: Winter Market
January 10th from 10AM – 1PM
Shop local and safely by heading to this outdoor winter market that features a one-stop-shopping space of prepared foods and artisan products. You’ll find a great selection of homemade soups, crunchy pickles, chocolates, hand-poured candles, alpaca knits, maple syrup, and more. After, check out the museum, where kids can get an up-close look at the Mega Model Train Gallery and learn about NJ dinosaurs in the Earth Science Gallery. 
Free
Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morristown