Looking for a Family Friendly Weekend? Check Out These Events

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? Maybe an event with the kids in tow or something just for the two of you? Or maybe you want to get out for some "me time." Patch and NJ Mom's Guide are here to hook you up.

Every week we'll be running NJ Mom's Guide's of weekend events around northern New Jersey. Check out this fun events and remember to check out NJ Mom's Guide for more information.

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Music Box
Venue: Lowes Home Improvement (various locations) Visit website
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 @ 10:00am
Cost: Free 
Description: This kit makes a great Valentine’s Day gift and is even more fun to build! Lift the heart-shaped lid and the music plays!
Why: A fun early morning craft for your early morning risers! 
Website: http://lowesbuildandgrow.com

"Parent’s Night Out"
Venue: Olympika Gymnastic Club 250 Sheffield St., Mountainside, NJ 
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Cost: $15/child
Description: Parents drop off your kids in the gym to play & learn the basics of gymnastics in a fun & safe environment. (ages 3 & up)
Why: Parents can have an evening out while kids get an evening to be with friends or meet new friends. 
Website: http://www.olympikagymnastics.com/ 
Phone: 908-514-0449

JUST FOR MOMS: Wine and Chocolate Pairing Tasting
Venue: , 1700 E 2nd St, Scotch Plains, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 10:00am–6:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Anyone over the age of twenty-one years old is invited to come and taste an exciting selection of dessert wines and truffles.  The tasting will be held at The Wine Warehouse.
Why: Truffles and wine? Great combo and a great opportunity to try out the latest samplings. Don’t forget to bring the girlfriends!
Website: http://www.bettyschocolates.com 
Phone: 800-858-2403 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Rick Cantor Band
Venue: Molly Maguires 1085 Central Avenue Clark, NJ  
Day & Time: February 12 @ 10:00pm 
Cost: Included when you dine
Description: Enjoy dinner and hear the sounds from a live band. 
Why: Great for a night out at the pub or dinner with hubby.
Website: http://www.mollymaguires.com/ 
Phone: 732-388-6511 

UNION COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SUNDAY, FEB. 13

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Public Skating
Venue: Union Sports Arena, 2441-A Route 22 West, Union NJ 
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 12:30pm – 2:00pm 
Cost: Admission (All sessions):  $ 8.00 Skate Rental:  $ 4.00
Description:  Drop in and enjoy Public Skating sessions. 
Why: Enjoy a day of skating with the family. 
Website: www.unionsportsarena.com 
Phone: 908-687-8610

A Farmer’s Year
Venue: Miller-Cory House 614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost: Adults – $3.00; Students- $1.00; children under four are free.
Description: Learn about a farmer’s year during a program that’s ideal for children.
Why: Kids get a close up view of farm life. 
Website: http://www.millercoryhouse.org/ 
Phone: 908-232-1776

JUST FOR MOMS: How to Paint like the Impressionists – Still Life
Venue: Visual Arts Center of New Jersey 68 Elm Street Summit, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 from 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: Members: $150.00 + $15.00 Lab Fee
Description: Learn how to paint with the palette of colors and brush strokes used by the Impressionists. Paint sunflowers, bowls of fruit, drapery and objects for still life set up. Learn the power and vibrancy of using complementary colors. Be inspired by the paintings of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet and other great masters of Impressionism.
Why: Admit it. In your secret heart of hearts don’t you long to pursue a creative endeavor? Take the risk today and explore the unlimited possibilities!
Website: http://www.artcenternj.org/ 
Phone: (908) 273-9121

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Annual Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea
Venue: Liberty Hall Museum 1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 from 12:00pm–3:00pm
Cost: $55/couple (reservations required)
Description: Spend the afternoon at Liberty Hall for a Valentine Day Tea.  Afterwards you will hear about the history and traditions of Valentine’s Day.  To end the day, there will be a historic couple’s fashion show.
Why: A lovely afternoon with your significant other!
Website: http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/about_us.html
Phone: (908) 527-0400

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Annie
Venue: Ridgewood Avenue School Auditorium, 235 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ
Day & Time: February 12 at 2 pm & 7 pm
Cost: $8 student / senior / $15 adults
Description: Gas Lamp Players presents the musical Annie
Why: The sun will come out tomorrow… 
Website: http://www.gaslampplayers.org/ 
Phone: 973-748-4702

Valentine’s Strawberry Shortcake Luncheon
Venue: Stories in Motion, 1874 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ
Day & Time: February 12 from 11:00am – 1:30pm
Cost: $25/child. Lunch included.  Registration required.
Description: Join Strawberry Shortcake as she shows you how to create your own original Valentines. Enjoy a Valentines project, stories, lunch, dancing and more!
Why: Mmm… What’s that yummy smell? Strawberries? Blueberries? Apples? Why yes, yes it is. It’s Strawberry Shortcake and all her friends in Strawberryland. You’re little girls will have a strawberry filled afternoon!
Website: http://www.storiesinmotion.org/updates.php
Phone: 973-313-1050

Circus Science
Venue: The Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ
Day & Time: February 12 from 10:30am – 4:30pm (Clowns at 11 am, 2 pm and 4:30 pm. Magic shows at 12:30pm & 3:30pm) 
Cost: Free with museum admission (Adults – $10; Children 12 & under $6) 
Description: Fun-filled day of circus activities: balancing clowns, face painting, treasure hunt, learn juggling techniques, plate spinning and much more. See clown shows and magic shows throughout the day. 
Why: What’s more fun than the circus? 
Website: http://www.newarkmuseum.org/ 
Phone: 973-596-6550 

Young Chef Classes – Be My Valentine
Venue: Kings Studio, 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ 
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 2:00pm -4:00pm 
Cost: $45 per pair 
Description: Learn how to create a special Valentine’s meal! On the menu is heart-shaped ham and cheese Panini, creamy baked pasta with 4-chese sauce, Linda’s favorite sour cream cookies, ornamental frosting, and Valentine punch. (ages 7-9 w/adult) 
Why: A great way for kids to make special treats for the ones they LOVE!
Website: http://kingswebsite.com/cookingstudio/index.cfm 
Phone: 973-258-4009  

JUST FOR MOMS
Neuro-Auricular Essential Oil Technique
Venue: Shakti Yoga & Living Arts, Shakti Ma, 1861 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 2:15pm–4:15pm 
Cost: $25 with your own oils, $35 without 
Description: This simple, yet powerful technique utilizes essential oils to fully awaken the brain & spinal cord, creating an environment that facilitates optimal health.
Why: An interesting session to learn more about this technique in holistic healing.
Website: http://www.shaktinj.com/workshops.htm#NATWorkshop 
Phone: 973-763-2288 

PARENTS NIGHT OUTCarolyn Dorfman Dance CompanyVenue: South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 Trenchard Pl, South Orange, N 
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 @ 8:00pm 
Cost: $25, $30 
Description: A Many-splendored thing – Carolyn’s Dorfman’s dances about love win hearts.
Why: Watch this form of art come to life through dance and movement. 
Website: http://www.sopacnow.org/388/carolyn-dorfman-dance-company 
Phone: (973) 313 ARTS

Jersey Sound – Valentine’s Day Dinner & Show
Venue: Essex Manor 41 Broughton Ave, Bloomfield, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Cost: $59/person
Description: Dinner, show, DJ & Dancing
Why: An evening just for mommy & daddy. 
Website: http://www.essexmanor.com/ 
Phone: 973-748-6590 

ESSEX COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SUNDAY, FEB. 13

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Celluloid Candy: A Wallace And Gromit Festival!
Venue:  Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 @ 3:00pm
Cost: $3 Kids; $5 Adults
Description: Enjoy a screening of 3 Wallace and Gromit shorts: A Matter of Loaf and Death, A Close Shave, and The Wrong Trousers.
Why: A great sugary substitute! 
Website: http://www.artsmaplewood.org/ 
Phone: (973) 378-2133

Tot Traditions
Venue:  Temple Sholom of West Essex, 760 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ
Day & Time: Sunday, February 13 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
Cost: Free. Registration required.
Description: Learn about Jewish holidays and traditions through songs, dance, crafts, holiday foods, games, and Hebrew language. 
Why: A great opportunity for kids to connect with their Jewish heritage, where they are introduced to a rich tradition of stories, of custom, and songs. 
Website: http://www.sholom.net/ 
Phone: (973) 239-1321 

JUST FOR MOMS: Proof
Venue: Nutley Little Theatre 47 Erie Place, Nutley, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 @ 2:00pm 
Cost: General Admission $15.00; Seniors/Students $13.00 
Description: This intimate family drama set in the world of academia explores the grey area between madness and genius: how does one provide “proof” of one’s ownership of ideas, of sanity, of love? On Broadway, Mary Louise Parker of “Weeds” fame played the lead role of Catherine, the brilliant mathematician’s daughter who may have inherited his madness as well.  The cast includes Gus Ibranyi of Bloomfield, Alex Oleksij of Nutley, and Liz Samuel and Emily Rees, both of Montclair.
Why: Drama that describes the world of mathematics, love, life and loss using the mathematical theorem. 
Website: http://www.nutleylittletheatre.com/ 
Phone: 973-667-0374 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Maplewood Village Chocolate Walk
Venue: Village Wine Shop, 163 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 11:00am–4:00pm
Description: Spend the afternoon shopping and dining in Maplewood Village.  Just follow the pink and brown balloons to explore everything the Village has to offer and enjoy chocolate treats along the way.
Why: A decadent way to spend the day.
Website: http://www.maplewoodvillagealliance.wordpress.com
Phone: 973-762-4556 

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
Venue: Museum of Early Trades & Crafts Main St & Green Village Rd, Madison, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Cost: Adults $5.00 Children (6 and over), Students, Seniors (62 and over) $3.00 Members, Children (5 and under) Free
Description: Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. 
Why: Great idea if you are looking for a fun family day together.
Website: http://www.metc.org
Phone: 973-347-2982, ext. 12

Chocolate Festival at Morris Museum
Venue: Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011, 11:00am–4:00pm
Cost: $10.00/adults $7.00/children $7.00/seniors – children under 3 are free
Description: Enjoy a day of chocolaty fun at the 3rd Annual Chocolate Festival. 
Why: Indulge in a day of chocolate.
Website: http://www.morrismuseum.org
Phone: 973-971-3700

Superhero Breakfast
Venue: Imagine That! 4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park, N.J
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 @ 9:45am
Cost: Child- $13.99/ Adult: $10.99 (Price includes breakfast).
Description: Meet superheroes and find out how they help to save the planet. Eat breakfast and then stay to play in the museum. Capes, masks, and costumes are welcome.
Why: This superhero breakfast will be packed with extraordinary & superhuman powers!
Website: http://www.imaginethatmuseum.com/
Phone: 973-966-8000

JUST FOR MOMS: And The World Goes RoundThe Songs of Kander and Ebb
Venue: Parsippany Playhouse Parsippany Community Center 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Cost: $18; Senior (65 & over) $15; Students (21 & under) $12
Description: This glittering revue features unforgettable gems from throughout their incredible career in theatre, film and television, spotlighting songs from “Cabaret” “Chicago” “New York, New York” “Funny Lady” “Kiss Of The Spiderwoman” and more.
Why: Off Broadway right here in New Jersey!
Website: http://web.me.com/baked/Womens_Theater_Co./Welcome.html
Phone: 973-316-3033

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: I Love Your, You're Perfect, Now Change
Venue: Mayo Center for the Performing Arts 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 @ 8 pm
Cost: Prices vary, visit website for details
Description: Off-Broadway’s longest-running hit takes a comically musical joyride through the jungle of the modern-day mating game, revealing everything you’ve secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers and in-laws but were afraid to admit!
Why: Watch as the actors undergo the trials and tribulations of being single, dating, marriage, loss, and heartbreak.
Website: http://www.mayoarts.org/
Phone: (973)539-8008

MORRIS COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SUNDAY, FEB. 13

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: The Theater

The Wizard of Oz
Venue: The Historic Palace Theatre Route 183, 7 Ledgewood Avenue Netcong, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 @ 4:00pm
Cost: Children-$14/ Adults – $18
Description: See Dorothy travel through Oz with Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin man, and the Cowardly Lion.
Why: “Close your eyes and tap your heels together three times. And think to yourself, there’s no place like home.”
Website: http://growingstage.goes.com/
Phone: (973) 347-4946

Oliver!

Venue: Brundage Park Playhouse 2 Bungalow Ln Randolph, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 @ 2:00pm
Cost: $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for children under 12 and Seniors.
Description: Oliver! is loosely based on the Dickens novel, Oliver Twist, and tells the exciting and engaging story of the orphan who first becomes a thief, then is united with his rich grandfather, only to fall under the clutches of those who wish to use him for their own fortunes.
Why: A wonderful way to see this familiar story presented in such a theatrical way.
Website: http://brundageparkplayhouse.org/
Phone: 973-989-7092

JUST FOR MOMS: Glasswork Art
Venue: Glassworks 151 South Street Morristown, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 from 12:00pm – 6:00pm (public hours)
Cost: Project prices range from $15-$120 and include glass fragments and clear glass base only.
Description: Glassworks Studio is a “make your own”, do-it-yourself, glass art studio specializing in fused (kiln formed) glass.
Why: Relax. Create. Enjoy. (By yourself or bring your fellow mommy friends)
Website: http://umakeglass.com/index.html

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Valentine’s Day Dance
Venue: Nash Dancenter 10-12 Emery Avenue Randolph, NJ Phone:
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 from 3:00pm – 7:30pm
Cost: $20/person
Description: Join us for ballroom/latin social dancing! Wear red!
Why: Learn the dance of love!
Website: http://nashdancenter.com/
Phone: 973-328-7979

JUST FOR MOMS: Jazz Brunch with Bryan Beninghove and Saul Rubin
Venue: Skinner’s Loft 146 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ
Day & Time: February 12, 2011
Cost: Visit website for menu options
Description: Every Saturday enjoy brunch accompanied by great jazz music!
Why: Begin your weekend and relax with friends, enjoy a savory brunch and music.
Website: http://www.skinnersloft.com/
Phone: 201-915-0600

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Saturday Valentine Weekend Dinner Cruise
Venue: Spirit Cruises of New Jersey 80 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Day & Time: February 12, 2011 boarding time 7:30pm Cruise: 8:00pm -11:00pm
Cost: $87.90/person (please visit website and/or call to make reservations)
Description: Make a romantic memory aboard the vibrant and festive Spirit and treat the one you love to a bountiful buffet, engaging DJ entertainment, dancing and strolls beneath the stars. On our warm and cozy climate-controlled decks, this special day will be everything you dreamed of, and more.
Why: Dinner, great entertainment, see beautiful views and get away from it all for just a couple of hours!
Website: http://www.spiritofnewjersey.com/
Phone: 866-483-3866

HUDSON COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SUNDAY, FEB. 13

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Cabin Fever 2011
Venue: Hoboken High School 800 Clinton Street Hoboken NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 from 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Performances include: Puppetonia, Music Together, Mile Square Theatre, Mimi Kids Yoga, Polka Dot, Hudson Dance and Movement, Preschool of Rock and Garden Street Music all lead by our emcee Polka Dot.  Activities include: Mimi Kids Yoga, M. Avery, Surya Yoga, Romparoo, Be Vocal, Rachel Evans Face Painting, Boo the Clown, The Drum Den, Super Soccer Stars, Cooktivity, Little Gym and more.
Why: Here’s the cure for your Cabin Fever Blues.
Website: http://hobokenfamily.com/

JUST FOR MOMS: A Sweet History of Hoboken
Venue: Hoboken Historical Museum 1301 Hudson St. Hoboken, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 from 12:00pm-5:00pm
Description: Hoboken as a confectionary powerhouse since the mid-19th century
Why: Telling the history of a community through its gastronomic traditions
Website: http://www.hobokenmuseum.org/
Phone: 201-656-2240

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Valentine's Day Bodywork for Couples Class with Wine and Cheese Tasting
Venue: Zentouch 702 Clinton St, Hoboken, NJ
Day & Time: February 13, 2011 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: $195/couple including Wine & Cheese Tasting
Description: Learn simple and effective techniques of working on the body of your loved one. This bodywork class will emphasize mutual support and enhanced sensitivity for both giver and receiver. Learn how to ease tension and stress with techniques on the back, neck, hands and feet. A wine and cheese tasting will conclude this one of a kind event.
Why: Do something different than the usual flowers or chocolates on Valentine’s Day
Website: http://www.zentouch.org
Phone: 201-417-8077