Field Trip List

If you use this - post a note or drop me an email - so I'll know it's used & worth continuing. If you're organizing an event, I'll help get the word out. To see a subset of the entries, use labels (from the list on the side). You may also want to view: Theatre List, Museum Exhibits and Weekend events. For most, if not all, of these events you can also order individual tickets and go on your own. You may need to make up a "school name" even for 2 or 3 tickets

1. February 3 - Mixed Media - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
   
   
2. Montclair Homeschool meetings at the public library moved to Thursdays. Next one is Feb. 3rd
   
   
3. S-weekend days starting 2/5, 2/12, etc., 10 am - 12:30pm, April thru ?, 2011, Alice in Wonderland Performance Workshop ((973) 263-7020 ), character development, scene breakdown and basic acting technique for children offered by The Women's Theater Co.Parsippany, NJ. $490
   
   
4. March 2 - Portrait Painting I - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
   
   
5. February 26 - March 5Colonial Williamsburgh (VA) Home Educator Days / Homeschooler Experience. Fall focus is on government & politics & ... For more info, visit their site or read the flyer. Next dates: September 10 - 25, 2011.
   
   
6. Skellig. March 3,4,8,9,10,11 11am; March 2 (4:30pm). New Victory Theater • 2 hours with Intermission. Based on the multi-award winning young adult novel, David Almond’s stage adaptation is a moving tale about family, friendship and the connections between us all. Contains some serious themes. Live music. Grades 4-8.
   
   
7. April 6 – Portrait Painting I - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
   
   
8. Apri l 11. Princeton free Lecture.Larry Gonick and Randall Munroe Larry Gonick, author of The Cartoon History of the Universe; Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd Topic to be announced.
   
9. April 6,7,8, 13,14,15, 11 am. Boom Town (Las Vegas) Circus at New Victory Theatre (NYC) • 90 minutes/No Intermission. Cirque Mechanics. A rollicking rodeo of colorful characters, crazy contraptions and astounding acrobatics. Rip-roaring cowgirls and dynamite prospectors defy gravity in this awesome aerial adventure, setting off a stampede of wild and zany events. Grades 2 - 12.
   
   
10. April 16-24 -National Park Week - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    
    
11. The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy Apr. 27, 28, 29* (10:30am) Apr. 27 (4:30pm), May 3, 4, 5, 6 (10:30am). Recommended for Grades: 3 to 8 at The Duke on 42nd StreetTheater (Buy tickets from New Victory Theatre) • 60 minutes/No Intermission. Two performers invite audiences into their tent to hear the story of Cheeseboy’s quest to find his missing parents. Enter a world of inventive storytelling and charming illustrations to sail sea and sky with Cheeseboy as he discovers what to do when his planet turns to fondue.Told through projections, shadow puppetry, illustrations and intricate tabletop sets. Bench seating. Maximum audience of 140.
    
    
12. May 5 Flags Homeschool Day (pre-register)
    
    
13. May 5 – Landscape Watercolor - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
    
    
14. Saturday, May 7 - History State Fair Historic Village at Allaire, Allaire State Park, Farmingdale, in Monmouth County. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    
    
15. June 9 – 3D Design- Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
    
    
16. June 21 -First day of summer - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    
    
17. September 24 -Public Lands Day - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    
    
18. November 11-13 -Veterans Day weekend - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    

You may want to read ahead - since certain events require you to commit & buy tickets before they are sold out.



ANNUAL HS events include:

• SPLASH, late November at MIT
• late Feb - early March & again in September:Colonial Williamsburgh, the 1700s living history museum in Virginia, traditionally offers Home Education Days. Spring 2010 had rates as low as $5 per day! (Expect to register at least 10? days in advance or be a "walk-in").
• Spring Art Show at Historic Speedwell
• Trenton’s Patriots’ Week celebration of Trenton’s role in the American Revolution (about December 26 - 31), tours, lectures, exhibits, all week. some free & some $. INcludes events like: At the Barrack's Museum, Trenton: Old Barracks Museum. Special Events "Patriot's Week" Located in downtown Trenton, next to the New Jersey State House, and is easily accessible. Parking information is provided by Trenton Downtown Association.
  
  
• February 26 - March 5: Colonial Williamsburgh (VA) Home Educator Days / Homeschooler Experience. Fall focus is on government & politics & ... For more info, visit their site or read the flyer. Next dates: September 10 - 25, 2011.

Weekend Events

Special or one-time weekend events. You can also check out my list of museums and centers open most weekends.of the Morris Area. (METC, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown; ... )

1. 11/26 - 12/21: Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green. Santa's Arrival and The Lighting of the Green Ceremony opens the month-long Morristown Partnership event beginning on Friday, November 26 at 6:30pm and every weekend through December 21st. Santa visits, photos, and goody bags, miniature electric train rides around the Green, hands-on holiday activities and entertainment every weekend, ice sculpting demonstrations, and thousands of lighted decorations on the Morristown Green and antique-replica streets lights. Free street parking from 12/13 through 12/24/2010!
2. 11/26 - 12/12. Oliver! Called the perfect "London Christmas Matinee," Charles’ Dickens’ "Oliver" will herald in the holiday season with performances Nov 26th through Dec 12th in the Sitnick Theatre of Lackland. The story of the orphan boy, Oliver Twist, who is swept into a band of pickpockets led by the wily Fagin in 19th century London is a perennial favorite with songs such as "Where is Love," "Who Will Buy" and "Consider Yourself." Lackland Center Sitnik Theatre, 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840
3. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.
• Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5 - Program — A Macculloch Hall Classic Christmas — See holiday decorations by the Garden Club of Morristown, Christmas exhibit and iconic Thomas Nast holiday images and enjoy special tours of the period rooms. Find unique gifts created just for the museum’s expanded holiday shop, including Thomas Nast Christmas cards, wrapping paper and ornaments, along with other traditional toys and unique stocking stuffers.
• Saturday December 4: Museum open from 12 – 5pm; at 2pm the talented children from the Community Theatre Performing Arts Company will perform a selection of holiday songs and carols. The Company is made up of students from throughout Morris County who use their talent to give back to the community, performing for non-profit and community groups all over the tri-state area.
• Sunday, December 5: Museum open from 12 – 5pm; from 2 – 4pm Sharlys Dugan of the acclaimed Dugan’s Hooligans will perform in the main gallery. Sharlys, 16, is an engaging and multi-talented performer. A three time Irish harp champion, she’s played with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, has her own solo CD, and is currently studying the concert harp. Be sure to join us to hear Sharlys perform holiday and classic favorites. General admission for Classic Christmas applies; members free.
  
• Exhibits: A Century of Family Life & Hearth and Home: Every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday through June 30, 2011 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
  
  
4. ongoing: Fosterfields Write On Program: Fosterfields is presenting this exciting new program that draws on the wealth of local history and focuses on those who interpreted and recorded it. Visit Fosterfields for a look at farm life in Morris County 100 years ago. Call for weekly programs. Throughout the year, farming, live–stock and domestic life demonstrations follow actual events documented in Charles Foster's 1901 farm journal. A shuttle bus is available to The Willows mansion for handicapped and elderly visitors on Sundays.
5. (move ahead of lots on Dec 4th & 5th)
   
6. Acorn Hall, the headquarters of the Morris County Historical Society, is an 1853 house remodeled into the Italianate Villa style in 1860. It is open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (closed December 26), and 1-7 on Friday, December 3, 10, and 17. Special events are planned throughout the season; call 973-267-3465 or see www.acornhall.org for details
• Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, December 3, 4 to 7 p.m. (Tours of Acorn Hall’s Victorian Christmas decorations and the stunning “Gowns” exhibit, Oakleaf Gallery Gift Shop with special discounts for members, Wine and cheese, Live music, Free gift with admission, Door prizes.
• Family Night, Friday, December 10, 4 to 7 p.m., Pictures with Santa. A free holiday photo card for every child, Tours of Acorn Hall’s Victorian Christmas decorations including the famous upside-down Christmas tree, Oakleaf Gallery Gift Shop with special discounts for members, Christmas carol sing-along, Hot cocoa and cookies, Door prizes,
• Wine and Wassail, Friday, December 17, 4 to 7 p.m.. Tours of Acorn Hall’s period rooms decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Wine and wassail, Live music, Oakleaf , Free gift with admission, Door prizes
• Current Exhibit: (Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday.) "Gowns: From Birth to Bedroom to Ballroom" showcases the varieties of “gowns” that define a woman’s life – christening, ball, wedding, dressing, and even nightgowns. Featuring more than two dozen garments from the Society’s costume collection, as well as loaned items, "Gowns" runs into 2011.
• 12/3-1/16. Acorn Hall. Victorian Christmas: Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Acorn Hall, a mid-19th-century Italianate mansion in Morristown, is celebrating a Victorian-style Christmas from December 3 to January 16 with lavish holiday decorations throughout its period rooms. The Hall’s famous upside-down Christmas tree, an homage to Queen Victoria’s 1860 holiday, will once again hang in the library. The Oakleaf Gallery gift shop will offer a delightful variety of ornaments, books, and gifts for young and old.
  
7. METC, Madison, NJ: Crafting Chocolate: A Delectable Trade, Saturday, December 4th 1 PM - 4 PM, Join local chocolatiers for a delicious chocolate filled afternoon. Participants will tour around the Museum, meet each chocolatier and learn about their chocolate making process, while sampling some. Limited amount of tickets sold. Pre-registration strongly advised; call 973-377-2982 x14. Admission is $10 for non-members and $5 for Members.

8. 12/4-5. Handcrafted Holidays: Crafters Trunk Show and Stickley Museum Open House highlight handcrafts and offer guests an old-fashioned holiday welcome, craft demonstrations, and more, amid festive period decorations. The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, 2352 Route 10 West, Morris Plains, NJ

9. 12/4 - 12/12. Gingerbread Wonderland. This December marks the 19th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland. Guests, young and old, marvel at the creativity, skills and sense of optimism that characterizes this charming and ecumenical exhibit of over 200 edible structures. Past year’s “gingerbreads” have included models of Notre Dame cathedral, Hanukah menorahs, Japanese temples, Chinese pagodas, European castles and neighborhood sweet shops. Groups of 8 or more must make a reservation by calling at 973-326-7601. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 E. Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960

10. METC, Madison, NJ: Chocolate Shoe Workshop, Sunday, December 5th 2 PM - 5 PM Join artist and educator, Rachel Prager as she leads a tasty shoe-making workshop. Using nothing but chocolate, participants will create a life-size chocolate shoe and learn how to decorate it using various techniques. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by Monday, November, 29th; call 973-377-2982 x14. Admission is $30 for non-members & $25 for Members.
11. 12/5. Ride on the Whippany Railway Museum's SANTA CLAUS SPECIAL.The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland and return allows riders time to enjoy the Spirit of the Season and the merriment on the train. Santa Claus makes his way through the train and visits with every child onboard. Santa's train crew follows along, giving the kids a special gift from Santa. For full details and ONLINE TICKET ordering, visit the website: www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net or call: 973-887-8177.
    
    
12. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, December 11th, 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
    
    
13. METC, Madison, NJ: Dragon Tales Pajama Party, Friday, January 14th, 5 - 6 PM, Everyone is invited to a Dragon Pajama Party at the Museum. Come ready for bed, make some dragon crafts and meet dragon puppet "Hermione..." as she recites some of her favorite dragon stories. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12. $3 admission/ person.
    
    
14. Jan. 15: 10 am: Flint and Steel, Wick House at Jockey Hollow.Come and learn how to start a fire they way they did before matches and explore how important and necessary these two materials were during the Revolutionary War.
    1:30pm Feeding the Army: Why didn’t the army have enough to eat during their encampment here? Join us around a warm hearth as we explore the reasons why local farmers weren’t feeding the army.
    
    
15. METC, Madison, NJ: Pre-Groundhog Day: Tuesday, February 1st 4 PM - 5 PM. Pop-up to the Museum and celebrate Groundhog Day with an afternoon of ground hog theme activities. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended. Call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person.
    
    
16. February 4th,8pm New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: HMS Pinafore. Gilbert and Sullivan’s delightful comedic tale about overblown nationalism, personal ambition and forbidden love amongst the social classes of British society and the Royal Navy. The Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
17. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, February 12th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
18. METC, Madison, NJ: Colonial Cooking Contest, Saturday, February 26th 10 AM - 5 PM. Research a historic recipe, cook it and enter it in the Museum's 2nd annual Colonial Cooking Contest. Participants are asked to use a recipe from Early American times (cookbooks and recipes are available at the Museum) and make it as close as possible to the original recipe. Dishes will be judged and awards will be granted.
    
    Children's (12 and under) & Family division will take place at 10am. The adult division will take place at 2pm. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by Friday, February 18th. Call 973-377-2982 x14 to register or for more information. $5 registration fee (includes Museum admission) and Regular Admission for all others.
19. METC, Madison, NJ: Happy Birthday Widget! Monday, February 28th 4 PM - 5 PM. You are invited to celebrate our mascot, Widget the Beaver's birthday. Join us at the Museum for an afternoon of fun beaver activities and birthday goodies. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person.
20. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, March 12th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join the Education staff at the Museum to celebrate the Tooth Fairy. Story telling, tooth care information and crafts will take place. Advance registration required; call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
21. METC, Madison, NJ: Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Thursday, March 31st 4 - 5 PM - Friday, April 1st Regular Hours. Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll for a sleepover on Tuesday, March 31st. Enjoy a snack and story time with your toy and then tuck them in to spend the night at the Museum. Come back on Wednesday, April 1st between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm to pick-up your stuffed animal, make a craft and find out what mischief they have gotten into during the night! Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person(includes both day's activities).
22. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, April 9th 1 PM - 3 PM, Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
23. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, May 14th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
24. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, June 11th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
25. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Ice Cream Social. Saturday, July 9th 1 PM - 3 PM. Cool off from the hot summer sun at METC's annual Ice Cream Social. Make your own ice cream sundae and participate in the numerous games and activities taking place, while you explore our current exhibit. Drop in any time between the hours of 1-3 pm to participate. Advanced registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x14 for more information. $3 for Members & $5 for Non-Members.

See more at the Morristown Tourism Board's Morris_county_calendar_of_events

Future/Annual:

1. Annual New Jersey Meadowlands Festival of Birding: one weekend in mid-September: Folks of all experience levels from around the state and region will come together to share their interest and knowledge of birds in a variety of venues in the Meadowlands. The Meadowlands contains over 8,000 acres of valuable wetland habitat, and is home to over 280 bird species. As in past years, the Festival is comprised of two days of activities including walks, eco-cruises, paddles, indoor workshops and presentations led by some of the area’s most accomplished and respected birders. Breakfast and lunch & keynote expected on Saturday.
   

   2009 Admission was $40.00 for people 18 and over & children 9 and under are not permitted to attend – sorry! The Festival of Birding is organized by Hackensack Riverkeeper and NJ Audubon, and is sponsored by the NJ Meadowlands Commission. www.hackensackriverkeeper.org

2. late March, Saturday. 10 am - 5pm, Annual Astronomy Day at the Morris Museum
   
   
3. late November, Saturday. 10 am - 5pm, Mineral Day at the Morris Museum

Theatre List

Theatres offering "school time" shows

Or go straight to the few New York theatres listed.

New Jersey

Keane Stage at Keane State University in Union County offers "on school time" shows, mostly at their Wilkins Theatre. Much of the 2009-10 schedule was for elementary school age.

Ramapo College also offers quite a few shows listed online and on Field Trip Lists.

State Theatre of NJ in New Brunswick has school-time performances for students through high school. They will only accept ticket requests from groups/schools - so get your friends together and perhaps make up a name. (At the same time I heard a rumor that maybe if you call the day before for a couple of seats and they have them. . .).

Mayo Community Theatre in Morristown has released their “school year” schedule. For more detail on their & other shows, see Community Theatre's Explorations Through the Arts at http://www.mayoarts.org/genre_explorations.htm. Make your show reservations now. For details and information on theatre policy, contact them directly.

Bickford Theatre, Morris Museum in Morristown has "Intermission Programs", Educator Programs, and (every spring) discussions with Holocaust Survivors. Not all of their shows are listed on Gryphon Academy.

Growing Stage Theatre (Netcong, NJ) : Lyle The Crocodile (February 19 to March 28, 2010, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00pm). Peter & The Wolf (APril 17 - May 23, 2010). Call (973) 347-4946 for advance Group and School Matinee information. They offered 4 shows for "on school time" performances during the 2007 - 2008 season. (It was 3 shows for pre-K - 4th grade and a "history show" for recommended for grades 3 - 8.)

Paper Mill Playhouse (http://www.Paper Mill.org/visit/directions.php , Millburn, NJ) has “on school time” information. Their 2009-10 events were all for elementary students. Tickets $7.50 and $8.50 ,depending on seating. Shows at 10 am and 12:30 pm. Study guides will be available. Shows approximately 1 hour in length. There are lunch places and a Coldstone Creamery nearby for after the show. Tickets for their Fall series were on sale from September 5^th, and their Spring series usually goes on sale in November. They also have Children's Programming on selected weekends throughout the year (http://www.Paper Mill.org/stage/childrenstheatre.php ).

NJ PAC (Newark, NJ) has "school time" performances listed at: http://www.njpac.org/load_screen.asp?screen=education_schooltime0607

Shakespeare Theatre (Madison, NJ) has their 2010 schedule posted.

• The Taming of the Shrew June 2 - 27,
• Arms and the Man, July 7 - August 1
• The Servant of Two Masters, June 23 - August 1
• The Caretaker, August 11 - 29
• All's Well That Ends Well, September 15 - October 10
• The Lion in Winter, October 20 - November 14
• I Capture the Castle, December 1 - January 2

Peak Performances at Montclair State, $15/seat
Prudential Center, Newark
McCarter Theatre, Princeton
IZOD Center (Continental Airlines Arena) (Meadowlands?)
Bergen Performing Arts Center
South Orange Performing Arts Center also has "on school time" performances. Look under "education".
PNC Bank Arts Center,
Two Rivers
Berrie Center at Ramapo College
Shea Center at William Paterson University
Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank

New York
Only a few of the shows from Brooklyn College or New Victory in NYC are listed in the main Field trip list. Check them out yourself for more.

Brooklyn College Schooltime schedule. Advance sales (payment due 6 weeks before the show) $6 per seat, $7 for day of the show. If you have any questions or to purchase tickets call 718-951-4600 x25, Monday - Friday, 10am to 4pm. Study Guides should be posted on their site before the shows. Getting to Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center

NYC's New Victory has wonderful shows (http://www.newvictory.org/shows.m), and has welcomed homeschool groups for years. I have heard only good about their workshops http://www.newvictory.org/events.m - you may want to pick a show day so you can do that as well.

Carnegie Hall
Avery Fisher Hall
New York State Theatre
Broadway Theatre In Manhattan
Off-Broadway Theatre in Manhattan
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Joyce Theatre
Dance Theatre Workshop
P.S. 122
New York City Center

and in PA:
Limmel Center, Philadelphia
Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia

To return to New Jersey theatres with school time performances listed.

Places to go - keeping HS fresh

When did you last take a hike, visit a zoo, planetarium, or your favorite museum?

Are you getting outside enough? Many zoos are open 362 days of the year. Or look for a class on Environmental Education Places. Check out your County Parks programs (or the Morris County, NJ calendar). Or a bird sanctuary?

Pretty spur of the moment: Ice skating or roller skating rink, miniature golf, or try a museum with a new exhibit, one you have never been to, or somewhere you have not visited recently. Have you thought of these museums?

• Morris Museum (visual and performing arts, natural and physical sciences, and humanities museum, Morristown);
• Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (Madison);
• Montclair Art Museum (Montclair);
• Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms (Parsippany, NJ), April 1 - November 16:

  Wed. to Fri. - Noon to 3:00 p.m. (with tours: 12:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.) and weekends yer-round.

• Liberty Science Center (directions);
• Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 East Hanover Ave, Morris Township 973-326-7600, open daily 9 am - 4:30 pm
  
• Zimmerli Art Museum (Rutgers, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick) across the street from the (limited hours, but both are and convenient to the train station);
• The NJ Museum of Agriculture (North Brunswick, they also have educational programs at $185 for 25 students);
  
• Newark Museum (art & science with hands on exhibits, Newark); or
  
• Franklin Mineral Museum (Franklin)?
• Guided Tour of the Willows, Historic House at Fosterfields, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown 973-326-7645. Tours 1 pm, Wednesday - Friday and on weekends at 1 pm & 3 pm.
• Lake hopatcong Historical Museum, Hopatcong State Park, Route 80, Landing 973-398-2616. free admission
• Dover History Museum House, 155 West Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ 973-366-06329, only open Sundays 1 - 4pm
  
• Whippany Rail Museum. open mostlyweekends, but call first.
  

and these zoos:

• Bronx Zoo, NY
• Bergen County Zoological Park (Van Saun Park Zoo), Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ, 201-262-3771
• Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 973-731-5800/5801(open virtually year-round)
• Space Farms Zoo & Museum (218 Route 519, Sussex, NJ. 07461, Phone: (973) 875-5800, website: http://www.spacefarms.com/)
• Cape May County Park & Zoo: 364 days a year! 10:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
  (closing at 3:45 p.m. during winter hours) 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
• Johnson Park Zoo, River Road, Piscataway, NJ 732-745-3900
• Lakota Wolf Preserve, 89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia, NJ, 877-SEE-WOLF, Wolf Watch program presented Twice Daily (Summer Hours) - 10:30 and 4:00. Fall & Winter (Standard Time) Twice Daily - 10:30 and 3:00. No Appointment required on weekends. Call for Reservations for Monday through Friday.
• Cohanzick Zoo, Bridgeton City Park, Bridgeton, NJ, 856-455-3230 ext. 242 or 277

or these . . .

• New Jersey State Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 609-365-3300, 800-616-5297
• Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT
• Sterling Mines (Ogdensburg)?
• a Sculpture Garden?

for Crafts:

• Glassworks (Morristown)
• Brushes and Bisque (Denville)
• Plastermania, 534 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ, 201-991-2229 or 1-800-748-4496

Advance Planning Required:
NY Sun Works - (perhaps as much as a year!) arrange a trip to their sustainable energy/hothouse barge.

mostly for the younger crowd:

• Community Children’s Museum, 77 East Blackwell, Dover, NJ 973-366-9060
• Discovery House, 152 Tices Lane, East Brunswick, 732-254-3770
• New Jersey Chldren's Museum, 599 Valley Health Plaza,
  Paramus, NJ201-262-5151
• The Jersey Shore Children's Museum, Inside the Shore Mall, Eg Harbor Township, 609-645-7741

More in NY:
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor:
Website: www.thepurpleheart.com

phone: 1-877-28Honor
374Temple Hill Road
{Route 300}New Windsor NY

Contest List

All of these contests and competitions should be open to homeschoolers. If you discover that one is not, please let me know. (Homeschool Buyers Co-op also has a e list of scholarships & contests for members. It is free and confidential to join.**)

Ongoing contests:

1. Year 20 (2008-09) of the USA Mathematical Talent Search has started at www.usamts.org. The postmark deadline for Round 1 solutions was October 14, 2008.
   
   
2. Amazing Kids has their own list of contests.
   
   
3. Freshi Flix Contests: The next generation filmmaker (kids 18 and under). Current contests involve kids entering video's/short films and storyboards. Various prizes and deadlines.
   
   http://www.freshiflix.com/events/view_contests.php

4. Ranger Rick Photo Contest for anyone 13 or under can enter, with a parent's or guardian's written permission. Every three months, one winner will be featured in Ranger Rick magazine and on the Ranger Rick website. The winning photographer also will receive a Certificate of Recognition and 5 copies of the magazine displaying his or her prize-winning shot. (deadlines: January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31) For details, entry form & address for entry:
   http://www.nwf.org/kidZone/kzPage.cfm?siteID=3&departmentId=80&articleId=956

January/February deadlines:

1. NEW: Improving the Lives of Children Essay Contest: "The New America Foundation's Workforce and Family Program is announcing a contest for high school seniors to provide their views on the best way to improve the lives of America's young people. New America will be offering $2,500 to the student who best answers the question, "You have just been elected the President of the United States. What is the most important thing you will do to improve the lives of America's children?" Deadline: Feb 20 deadline.
   
   
2. NEW: For 5th Graders only: Enter the 2009 Species on the Edge Art and Essay Contest Today. Contest Opens November 1, 2008 and closes January 31, 2009. See the web site for all the details: www.conservewildlifenj.org/teacher/species/edge.html
   
   
3. January and February registration for Math League Math Contests for Grades 4 through 8, and Algebra 1 students. Over 1 million students from the United States and Canada participate in Math League Contests each year. Every contest has questions from different areas of mathematics. The goal is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems. Many students first develop an interest in mathematics through problem-solving activities such as these contests. Schools compete in statewide or multistate league competitions.(annual, High school registrations were due October 15, 2007) Contest problem books, $12.95 each; contest registration ~$30 per grade.
   
   
4. Kids' Science Challenge: Contest for third- to sixth-graders has 4 unique divisions: flavor science, water quality, skateboard engineering and the search for life in outer space. Students propose an original question, problem, or experiment that relates to one of those four areas. Entries are judged in each field of science or engineering and the most original will win the grand prize for that field – a visit with the scientist or engineer to work with them to turn their ideas into realities, along with possible appearances in Kids’ Science Challenge videos and Pulse of the Planet radio programs. The contest site also has updates, games, biographical information about the scientists, research hints, and teacher and parent resources. Children can enter individually or as a team. Entry deadline is January 31, 2009. Find the list of prizes, curriculum & online activities at kidsciencechallenge.com. Free hands-on science kits to the first 1000 entries.
   
   
5. NEW: The 2008-2009 NEUROSCIENCE FOR KIDS Drawing CONTEST is now open! Click for full details. Drawings must be done by hand using pencils, pens, markers, and/or crayons. Feel free to use words in your drawings. Be creative! ENTRY FORMS (use either one): ENTRY FORM (PDF) | ENTRY FORM (WORD) Entries will be divided into four groups based on age:
   
• If you are in Kindergarten to Grade 2: Picture about "My brain helps me ________."
• If you are in Grades 3 to 5: Picture should be about "Brain Fitness: I keep my brain healthy by ______."
• If you are in Grades 6 to 8: Picture should be about "My brain is like a _______ because _________." (Special hint: drawings that compare the brain to a computer, book or robot usually do NOT win.)
• If you are in Grades 9 to 12: Picture about "Brain research is important because________."
• To enter the drawing contest, mail your completed entry form with your drawing to: Dr. Eric H. Chudler,Department of Bioengineering; UWEB E/O, Box 355061, 1705 NE Pacific St, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5061. Do NOT send your entry by email. Entries must be received by February 1, 2009, and cannot be returned.
  
  
6. National Junior Classical League Creative Writing: this contest allows members to demonstrate their writing talents via an essay of about 1000 words on a classically related theme or situation. Deadline: mid-February 2009.
   
   2009 Topic: Tell the story of an Olympic hero. Create a fictional Olympic athlete and tell their story. It may be set during the Greek or Roman period of the Olympic Games, but NOT the modern Olympics. Make sure to research the details of the ancient Olympics and cite your sources.
   
   
7. The Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Award Program is the Guardian Life Insurance Company's annual initiative designed to reward the enterprising spirits of girls ages 12 to 18. Guardian awards prizes to 15 girls who demonstrate budding entrepreneurship; are taking the first steps toward financial independence; and make a difference in their schools and communities. Prizes totaling $30,000 are granted to three top winners and 12 finalists each year, to further their entrepreneurial pursuits or save for college. The 2009 Award Program runs September 1, 2008 through February 27, 2009. www.guardianlife.com/womens_channel/girls_going_places/girls_going_places.html

May/June deadlines:

1. Molecular Frontiers Institute is accepting questions from youngsters 12 to 18 years old for the Molecular Frontiers Inquiry Prize. You must log in at the MoleCules Club to submit questions. Prizes will be awarded to the 20 boys and 20 girls who submit the best questions about molecular science. Submissions usually due in early May.

TBD:

1. as of 8/5, no details on whether homeschoolers can compete. Poster and Essay Contest – Theme: “Foods of My Family.” Area teachers will receive mailers with instructions for their students and information about the Key Ingredients exhibit. The essay is a food-oriented oral history project. Students will interview a family member to find out their memories of food, cultural associations, the significance of a specific food, etc., and write down the recipe. Recipes will be added to the website. Younger students will draw their impressions. Teachers will also be provided with the resources available on the Key Ingredients website.

   The winners will receive gift certificates to local restaurants. Posters and essays will be on display at the County Library and Acorn Hall during the exhibit and posted on the Key Ingredients website.
   

2. What are the Laws of Life? the core values that we take with us wherever we go and whatever we do: "You are only as good as your word." Honesty is the best policy. " "To have a friend, be one." The Laws of Life Essay Contest challenges young people of all ages to discover for themselves the values that will guide them throughout life. Get your community involved in the Laws of Life contest - run one! Right now the only NJ site I see is Plainfield. While most contests take place in high schools, programs have been started for kids of all ages, from elementary school to college. For students: some questions to consider as you begin to think about your laws of life essay:
   
   • Describe an event from which you learned a lesson "the hard way."
   • Who is someone you admire? What are three qualities that you admire about that person?
   • Who has been really important in your life in helping you learn your values? How?
   • What could you change about yourself to become a better person?
     

** - If you homeschool your children, at any level, I recommend looking into the many benefits of the Homeschool Buyers Co-op. I use their purchasing power of a group the most and have seen deals for resources that I could never buy as an individual – at any price. However, you can also print an ID, use their lists of curriculum, money saving tips, and ... contests and scholarships too. Instead of supporting the local PTA, you can buy an "Entertainment Book" from them and have homeschooling get some benefit.

Morris Museum

Morris Museum (Morristown) . See the new wing they've finished. Click for directions.

2008 - 09 "On School Time" shows include: Usually at 11 am & 1:30, For $10.00 for non-members, $8.00 for groups of 20 or more. (They also have discussions with Holocaust survivors every spring - different sessions for middle and high schoolers.)

• Dr. Doolittle : Signstage On Tour, Monday, February 16, 2009, Ages 5-13, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm. The classic doctor who talks to the animals told in a unique way. The stage is filled with the movement of hands and bodies yet every word is spoken to make sure all audience members, both deaf and hearing, don't miss a thing.
  
  
• A Dancing Storybook Adventure : Dance Innovations, Saturday, March 21, 2009, Perfect for the Entire Family!, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm, probably $10
  This magical dance journey revisits three beloved children's stories, THE LION KING, HAPPY FEET, and THE WIZARD OF Oz as they "Ease On Down The Road" through jungles and ice. Artistry, numerous dance styles (from Tap to Ballet to Modern) and performers of all ages make this show Perfect for the Entire Family!
  
  
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe : Marionette Players, $7/seat, Pre-K - 4th grade. Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 10 & 12:30; Wednesday, April 1, 2009,10 & 12:30; Thursday, April 2, 2009, 10 & 12:30; Friday, April 3, 2009, 10 am only.
  Also (for $10/seat) Friday, April 3, 2009 4:00pm, Saturday, April 4, 2009, Ages 4-10
  Live actors and marionettes perform this endearing and exciting C. S. Lewis classic. Three children discover an old wardrobe in an ancient house that transports them to the bewitched land of Narnia. Only the children can break the spell with some help from Mr. & Mrs. Beaver and Aslan the Lion.
  

• DANCIN’ WITH THE HONEY BEES,Clifford Wright-Sunflower, $7/seat,
  Thursday, May 21, 2009, 10 am & 12:30, Grades: 1-6. Clifford Wright-Sunflower is a master beekeeper and environmentalist. Aided by an eager volunteer from the audience dressed in beekeeping equipment, Clifford demonstrates the precision of a beekeeper working a beehive. He transforms the entire audience into a working hive. With bodies busily buzzing about in the functional dance of the beehive, children learn first-hand about the delicate and complex balance of the bee colony. After the honeybee dance, children are divided into smaller groups to visit with an observation hive of bees, to make a beeswax candle and, most importantly, to share bee fears, experiences and questions.

Summer 2008 Shows were mostly in July, and mostly for the under 12 year old crowd. They sell out fast.

Other 2008 - 2009 shows were:

• The Kazoobie Kazoo Show : Rick Hubbard Producers, Inc., Friday, November 7, 2008, Ages 3-13, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm. Exceptional fun with music, laughter, and of course…kazoos. The finale features the entire audience as members of the grand kazoo band!! Everyone leaves the show humming with their own personal kazoo.
  
  
• Einstein Alive! (Marc Spiegel) : Tuesday, December 2, 2008, $7/seat, 10 am & 12:30 pm, Grades: K - 5. Marc Spiegel brings Albert Einstein to life! Professor Einstein talks about his life, his difficulties in school, and the "adventures" within his mind. He speaks about his fame and what it means to be a theoretical physicist. Professor Einstein uses song and audience participation to show what "strange" motion is and what the terms "relative" and "frame of reference" mean.
  
  
• Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble : by Unity Community Center, Saturday, December 27, 2008, Ages 4-adult, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm. Unique drum beats and traditional African costumes and acrobatics celebrate the beginning of Kwanzaa, the annual festival of family, community, culture, and peace.

2007-2008 On school time SHOWS included
these which may be annual:

1. PSA - A Discussion with Holocaust Survivors(Morris Museum, Morristown), Middle School discussion - April 1,2,16 & May 7. High School Discussion April 15.
   
   
2. Organizing -Dancin' with the Honey Bees, Clifford Wright-Sunflower, Grades: 1-6, Morris Museum (Morristown), Tuesday, May 13, $6 per seat (museum tickets not included), 10 a.m show (or go to the 12:30 show on your own.)
   

Classes for Educators

Who offers seminars for educators? (Their primary audience is teachers with no childcare issues so seminars might start at 9 a.m. on a weekday, be patient with them!) At least:

• Morris County Parks (Register for 2008-09 workshops),
• Montclair Art Museum Educator Resources
  
• Morris Museum (Morristown),
• Mayo Community Theatre (Morristown),
• Liberty Science Center,
• New Jersey Astronomy Center at Raritan Community College,
• Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum (Brunswick, listing, For more info. call 732.932.7237, ext. 615. Brunswick)

all offer seminars for educators. Also check out Project WET Education for Teacher NJ Training Schedule. It includes a Project WET training date at the Morris Museum (Morristown, March 2008).

* Montclair Art Museum Educator Resources, including Teacher Programs & Workshops FREE For High School & College Educators, Call (973) 746-5555 ext. 213 to RSVP; or email tours@montclairartmuseum.org Earn 2 hours of Professional Development credit for each session. Join us for a special evening for teachers of grades Pre-K through college. Come view the exhibitions, enjoy light refreshments and learn how the Museum can be a valuable resource for your class.

* Morris Museum offers courses from $30 to $85 (for a 2-day training) as well as $10 "open house tours" They also have School Loan and Outreach Education, including items and collections that can be borrowed by educators.

* Mayo Community Theatre has $30 professional development seminars on topics, including theatre in the classroom, bringing history alive, and on Shakespeare - or get one free if you book "class trips" to their "on school time shows" (not those by Arts Power).

* Liberty Science Center offers periodic Teacher Impact Workshops (usually $8 each for 10 am - 2 pm) and monthly Teacher Connections (Saturdays, 9 am - noon; $139.00 for yearlong membership; $60.00 per session). Teacher Impact Workshops for 2007 included topics like: Nervous Systems and Behavior, Weather or Not, and The Science of Sound. Teacher Connections topics have included:

• Our Hudson Home, June 7, 2008: Learn about estuary wildlife, the relationships between nature and humanity, and how human choices and actions affect the ecological health of the Hudson River. ...

* New Jersey Astronomy Center at Raritan Community College Courses for teachers – NJACE offers workshops to help teachers increase their students’ understanding of difficult astronomical concepts. "At our workshops teachers DO the activities while presenters MODEL true inquiry based learning. We don’t lecture to teachers. Teachers will walk away with lots of resources, an increased understanding of astronomy, increased confidence to teach it, and a binder full of hands-on inquiry-based activities they can do tomorrow in their classroom. All workshops are limited to the first 20 registered participants!

For more information and registration forms for NJAC courses, click on the workshop name or contact Theresa Moody at 908-526-1200 x 8942 or email tmoody@raritanval.edu or visit their site to see all their workshop dates! They also offer summer institutes.