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Arts & Entertainment

Grab & Go for Kids: Cupcake Fest, Kidz Village, and More

Five great things to do with the kids (and dad!) this Father's Day weekend

It’s Grab & Go Kids Planner time!  Stuck for ideas to entertain the kids this weekend?  We’ve got you covered! 

Kidz Village – located just off Route 9 South – opened recently in Woodbridge and makes it’s first (and probably not last) appearance on the Grab & Go Kids Planner.  I went with a friend, her son, and most of his kindergarten class after their graduation and the kids were entertained for hours. 

Also on this week’s planner, we have a cupcake festival in Rutherford, the monthly drop-in arts & science workshops at Newark Museum featuring Victorian and balloons & bubbles themes, and a bunch of Father’s Day events, including a wallet-making workship at Lakeshore Learning Center in East Brunswick, and Father’s Day discounts and events at Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Space Farm Zoo & Museum, and a bunch of other places.  It’s going to be a busy weekend!

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As always, be sure to tell us if you think we forgot something.  And if you know of an event that deserves a mention in this planner in the future, be sure to add it to the calendar!

  • Cupcakefest 2011 at Lincoln Park Bandshell; 176 Park Ave., Rutherford; 201-460-3038; Price: FREE (Pet Shelter supply donation suggested); Saturday, 1-7 PM

Okay, it might not be the closest of events, but doesn’t it just SOUND like it should be pretty awesome?  Cupcakes (obviously), live local music, crafters, vendors, raffles, and a cupcake eating contest highlight the festivities of this unique festival.  The event is free to all, but because it’s supporting the John A. Bukowski Animal Shelter in Bloomfield, be sure to bring some pet food, supplies, or just a monetary donation to help out some pooches and kitties in need while you and the kiddies enjoy a sweet, cupcake-filled afternoon.

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  • Father’s Day Wallet-Making Workshop at Lakeshore Learning Center; 275 State Route 18, East Brunswick; 732-967-8585; Price: FREE; Saturday, 11 AM-3 PM

Yup, it’s Father’s Day weekend already.  Head over to Lakeshore Learning Center in East Brunswick (or, if you prefer, Hackensack or Cherry Hill) with your child age 3 and up for a free craft day.  Kids will get to make a personalized wallet for dad (there’s a picture on the website – it’s adorable).  Make sure to include a photo inside (and maybe a dollar for good luck) before you give it to dad on Sunday!

  • Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s Aquarium; 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach; 732-892-0600; Price: FREE (for dads, with purchase of child’s admission); Sunday, 10 AM-10 PM

Dads get in free at Jenkinson’s Aquarium on Sunday in celebration of Father’s Day – just pay the $6 child’s admission and dad gets to check out the sharks, turtles, seals, and other animals gratis.  This is just one of many Father’s Day events – there’s also Space Farm Zoo & Museum in Sussex, Excursion Train Rides in Whippany, a Father’s Day Hike in Ringwood, and a Father’s Day Stroll at the Great Swamp in Chatham (and probably many more I’ve missed – share your Father’s Day plans in the comments!)

  • Drop-In Art & Science Activities at Newark Museum; 49 Washington St., Newark; Price: FREE (with museum admission); Saturday, 1-4 PM

Every month Newark Museum offers drop-in arts & science projects for kids on Saturdays.  This month, the art project is Victorian Games, where kids can learn about Victorian times, play a Victorian parlor game, and create a book of games to play at home.  On the science side of things, there’s Bubbles and Balloons, where you can learn about and experiment the physics of balloons and bubbles – what makes them blow up, what makes the pop, and so on.

  • Kidz Village at Kidz Village, 507 King George Rd., Woodbridge; 732-826-8577; Price: $10 (children 2 and up), $6 (toddlers through age 2), FREE for infants and adults; Friday and Saturday 9 AM-9 PM, Sunday 10 AM-7 PM

No specific event here, but Kidz Village – a popular destination in Kenilworth – is finally open in Woodbridge.  The little ones will spend hours playing on the giant multi-level playground, shooting foam balls from the American Gladiator-style air guns in the Castle Room, playing video games in the arcade, and playing in grocery store, home, aquarium, and other themed rooms.  There’s even a pizzeria on premises for lunch, and to make sure you stay entertained, there’s massage chairs and WiFi for the adults.  Just make sure your kids have their socks on before heading down – they’re required to play on the playground.

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