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From cave paintings to selfies, artists have always found creative ways of expressing themselves. Now, with the Google homepage as their canvas, we’re asking students to do the same. Young artists can doodle with any materials to show what makes them unique, and the winner’s artwork will be featured on our homepage for a day.
For this year’s contest, students can create a doodle that tells the world “What makes me…me.” Kids have all kinds of things that make them unique, so they can use all kinds of materials to create their doodles, from crayons, to clay, to graphic design, even food and video games.

Students in grades K-12 are invited to take part in the 2015 Doodle 4 Google contest. Like all Google Doodles, each doodle must incorporate the letters G-o-o-g-l-e. One national winner will also receive a $30,000 college scholarship. The contest is open for entries from October 19, 2015 to December 7, 2015.

The contest is open for online and mailed entries until December 7, 2015. 
Students can work with any materials they want, but all doodles must be entered using the entry form. Parents and teachers can mail us the completed entry form or submit it online as a .png, .jpg, or .pdf. The contest is open for entries until December 7, 2015, so here's some information to help you get started now:
  1.  Download or print the entry form.
  2.  Doodle: Have artists create their doodles using any materials they want.
  3.  Write:
    1. Have artists write their 50-word statements.
    2. Fill out the rest of the required information and sign the entry form.
  4.  Combine:
    1. If the doodle wasn't created directly on the entry form, take a digital photo or scan of the doodle and combine it with the entry form.
    2. If you're submitting a digital entry, save the completed entry form as a .jpg, .png, or .pdf.
  5.  Enter the Contest:

Wizards and Witches take over the Hudson River walkway


Professor Magonigal, Luna Lovegood and Harry Potter
On most Saturday mornings the Hudson River Walkway is dotted with Runners and walkers out for some exercise. But this past Saturday the river walk made way for witches, wizards, ninjas and a host of other costumed kids and their parents. They came out for the Spooky Stroll a 3k Halloween themed walk to raise awareness and provide assistance to the Edgewater Community Food Pantry.
Jennifer Barry commented that
At pre-registration the Stroll had over 100 participants and had raised around five hundred dollars and collected canned food items to help stock the pantry for the winter.

This is the second year for the spooky stroll which is organized by Ms. Barry and Nancy Pollack both are teachers in the Edgewater School District. Last year, after the Avalon fire, the food pantry and The Holy Rosary Church were there to provide assistance to those displaced by the incident.

The Stroll starts and ends at City Place. Kids get a chance to preview their costumes, hang out with friends and pickup some early Halloween treats from tables setup along the route. At the last stop walkers receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes from sponsors including: Fleming's, Bareburger, Staples, The River Palm Terrace, Fitness Factory and McDonald’s.

Prior to the raffle Ms. Barry addressed the audience with a reading of an excerpt from Winnie the Pooh ending with a poignant  quote "A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey inside". She thanked the crowd for "filling their pot with honey".




Pictures from the Edgewater 3k Spooky Stroll

Not too Spooky Weekend activities 10-10-2015

Dinosaur and Train Show 
Oct. 10,11 & 12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
& Nov. 1st 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial
2610 Amawalk Road (Route 35)
Katonah, NY 10536


Bronx Zoo 
The weekend forecast calls for clear skies with a chance of mischief! Spend the long weekend with us in the Bronx during Boo at the Zoo!
Our Halloween festivities are in gear and we're giving pumpkin treats to our animals and winding through a hay maze to celebrate.

Get your spookiest costume ready and join us for a costume parade. You can pick up treats along the way, or stop by our creepy crafts station and create a mask to take home. Keep your eyes peeled around the zoo, some of our animals are celebrating the holiday with pumpkin enrichments!

On October 10 and 11, we'll have a special treat at the Jack O'Lantern Illumination. In celebration of the worldwide release of Goosebumps, in theaters October 16, 2015, put yourself inside an action-packed scene from the movie in a virtual reality adventure!

We have activities all weekend, including Columbus Day, so check the schedule and plan a trip!

Save 20% off your next Purchase at Barnes and Noble

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Well as a friend of Kidzense.com you will save 20% on that must have book. -Who doesn't like to save money.

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Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Pumpkins - Corn Maze - Wine - and The Polar Express
At the Delaware River Railroad Excursions there are events for the whole family. Take a look at all the events we have taking place over the next three weekends, I am sure you will find something you will enjoy!
 See you on the railroad!
The Great Pumpkin Train

The Great Pumpkin Train  runs from October 3rd to the end of October, weekends.
Every train is "The great Pumpkin Train"in October!Take the Great Pumpkin Train to the Corn Maze or just for a scenic ride along the Delaware River! Ride our steam train through the beautiful fall landscape of Western New Jersey. Take the train to the pumpkin patch located in a little glade in front of the historic Carpentersville Lime Kilns dating from the 1700's. Once we arrive at the Pumpkin Patch  everyone is welcome to get  off the train and EVERY CHILD can pick their own pumpkin for FREE. For more family fun add the CORN MAZE & OLE' SUSQUEHANNA MINING COMPANY (for an additional charge)  experience  to your  Pumpkin Train ride!
PRICING:
Child Pumpkin Train $11.00
Adult Pumpkin Train $ 17.00
trains leave: ( 11 AM 12:30, 2 OR 3:30)
         CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
The OI' Susquehanna Mine

The original mine shaft is back in production. 
Come tour the grounds, listen to an interactive
history of the ol' Susquehanna Mine and pan for
real gem stones you can take home.
One person in each group  can "blow the mine"
and everyone can witness the mine shaft explosion.*
Gemstone Panning is a great activity for all ages.
Participants may find up to 11 ounces of gemstones
in a single bag which may include amethyst, rubies, rose quartz, emeralds, crystals, and an arrowhead.
All gems are of high quality and may be suitable for cutting, polishing, and mounting.
With every mine train ticker you will  receive one bag of  mining ore from  the
Ole' Susquehanna Mine.
Upon arriving at the mine site your guide will tell you the story of Sylas Smith and
how he found the mine and about his tragic death which left the mine
uncovered until this very year! Next you will walk over the the Ole' Susquehanna
mines operating sluice and learn how to pan for gem stones.
Once you understand how to pan give it a try and see if you can find some gems!
Fare includes Steam Train ride, mine history and instructions as well as one bag of
 mining ore guaranteed to contain 4 to 5 ounces of Gem Stones
Purchase your ticket for the great Pumpkin Train
and check the box to add the Mine  to your order!
Corn Maze

Come play the game where getting lost is half the fun!
To buy tickets visit the ticket office and purchase a steam train ride and choose the "Corn Maze" add on. Take the train to the maze where you can have a nice calm picnic lunch in our shaded picnic grove, visit the Susquehanna Mining Company ( for an additional fee) and play the corn maze game. You goal is to make it through each maze and finding each of the 12 check points!
The Warren County Winery Train

After a Steam Train ride along the Delaware and a short bus ride through rolling farmlands, you will arrive at Villa Milagro Vineyards(www.VillaMilagroVineyards.com) . 
There, you will learn how grapes are grown and made into
wine with a nice tour of the grounds.  Then you will have about one hour to sample their delicious wines and have an opportunity to purchase them at the source. Once that is done, they will
let you know when the bus has come back to pick you up
and bring you back to the train, so no worries about being left behind!
Once the bus drops you back off and you board the train again, it will begin to make its journey home... but not before passing the Ol' Susquehanna Mine! You are welcome to detrain at the Mine free of charge and spend as much time as you like relaxing in the picnic grove and then catch a later train home (trains come every hour and half). If you would like to enjoy your wine with a picnic, bring a lunch and relax at picnic tables in tree groves at the Ol' Susquehanna Mine/Corn Maze grove or at the station in Phillipsburg where you originally parked (please see our website for pictures of our groves at the mine/maze and at the station). The cost is $35 per person and it includes everything for a day filled with wine and fun! 
The Polar Express

Another day of Polar Express tickets will go on sale on October 12th at 6 pm EST.
Tickets will sell out fast 


Wine
Train & Historic House Tour
Oct 17th 
Ride back in time on the Delaware River Railroad Excursions behind steam locomotive #142.  The train will take you to just North of "Pinchers Point" along the Delaware where you will board a bus on a docent guided tour of three beautiful historic houses.  You will receive an informative brochure with plenty of information about the houses. After the house tour the bus will take you to Villa Milagro Vineyards for Hors D'orvres and wine tasting, then back to the steam train for your homeward bound trip to Phillipsburg.
Click here  to buy tickets

A review of Universal Orlando

My daughter and I just got back from our trip to Universal Theme Park in Orlando. This is our second year going and I am sorry to say our experience at the park was disappointing this year due to some ride quality and service issues.

On our first day at the park a third of the rides that we went on had a noticeable malfunction.
Where the ride stopped, lost sound and/or the visual was out of sync with the motion of the ride.
Some rides were not functioning at all. Fortunately we were there for multiple days and no ride was down for our entire trip. Spider man did experience issues four out of the five times we rode it. The last ride malfunction created a ride experience that was so frightening to my eleven year old that we left the park afterwards.

I had booked the Harry Potter VIP Experience which includes a breakfast at the Three Broomsticks and another at the Leaky Cauldron, a Shutterbutton's video where you get to dress up and act out in different Harry Potter Locales and Express Pass which allows you to skip regular lines at most attractions.

The Shutterbutton's experience was a lot of fun. The facilitator was friendly and really got us to ham it up and we have a DVD to commemorate our trip.

Almost all of the staff is pleasant however we had a bad experience at the three broomstick where I was trying to get the attention of one of the staff members. They looked right at me and kept walking. After getting up and searching I found another staff member who was helpful and polite.

We stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach resort which is a cool Retro 50's and 60's themed hotel.
They have 2 pools one with a lazy river and one with a water slide.
The Jack Lalanne fitness center was really great with a numerous displays it is like a museum within a state of the art fitness center.

Our room was at the far end of the hotel. I wished I had know the hotel was so expansive. At the end of the night walking down an endless corridor is not what you want. I recommend trying to get a room close to the main lobby. (Starlight, Castaway or Thunderbird) Also there was construction going on across the street from where our room was so we got a wake-up call every morning whether we wanted it or not. We walked to the Park a few times but it is about a mile away. Buses are available and run every ten minutes but I definitely enjoyed the convenience of being closer when we stayed at the Royal Pacific which was equally nice and had a few more dining options albeit a bit more sophisticated than the Cabana bay but still very kid friendly.

For Food and Drink the hotel has a Starbucks, a food court, Pizza Delivery to your room, a Poolside Bar and Grill at the Lazy river and a Bar at the Waterslide Pool.

Other entertainment includes a bowling alley, arcade,  movies by the pool, ping-pong, pool and beach games.

Universal Studios is an amazing place the re-creation of the world from the Harry Potter Book series is spot on. But Universal is competing with Disney not Great Adventure. My expectation is that they attend to all details not just the attractions. So in addition to amazing attractions they need to ensure consistent customer service and ride quality.

2014 Christmas Tree Lighting in New Jersey

Cliffside Park

Sunday November 30th

Cliffside Park Recreation will be hosting the annual tree lighting ceremony on the steps of Borough Hall on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 6:00 P.M.Please come join Santa and his friends as we light up the Borough Hall for the Holidays. Following the tree lighting, the characters will be on parade at the Fire House for all to meet.

Free pictures will be taken with Santa. Refreshments will be served.
Over 30 Characters including: Santa, Mrs. Santa, Minnions, Doc McStuffins, Jake the Pirate, Elsa, Clifford, Abbey Cadaby, Elmo, Cookie, Big Bird, Ernie, Dora, Pooh, Ninja Turtles, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Scooby, Buzz, Luigi, Cinderella, Nemo, and many many more!!


Nutley

Sunday November 30th

One of Nutley's oldest traditions – the annual Holiday Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting - will take place on 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30 with activities scheduled to take place inside and around the John H. Walker Middle School and the Park Oval.

"The annual holiday celebration is a wonderful community event bringing families and friends together to welcome in the holiday season," Mayor Alphonse Petracco said. "It is a great way to see our community
at its best."
Franklin Avenue will be closed between Chestnut and New Streets during the celebration. Chestnut Street between Franklin Avenue and Vincent Place also will be closed during the festivities.
The event also includes a return visit by Santa with his reindeer ready for photos with children available for purchase.
The celebration also includes live entertainment by Nutley musical groups

Edgewater 

Monday December 1st

The entire community is invited to share in the spirit of the holidays on Wednesday, December 1st at 7:00 pm, at the Holiday Tree Lighting at the beautiful and scenic City Place at The Promenade in Edgewater, New Jersey.

This great family event will feature holiday music, live performances, prizes, give-a-ways and more. Attendees will have an opportunity to win one of 15 holiday cookie jars filled with store coupons, candy and gift cards, compliments of Hallmark, a two-week membership to Cando Fitness, a men's bracelet from Alain Jewelers, Ferry Tickets from NY Waterway, Gift cards for dinner at Fleming's Steakhouse and more.
There will also be a very special guest who will perform during the Tree Lighting event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring food for the local Holy Rosary Food Bank. Food may be dropped off during the Tree Lighting event.
For more information, call the Hallmark store at 201-840-8955.

Ridgewood

Fri, December 05, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood NJ
Tree Lighting
Live Entertainment and Tree Lighting Celebration


Sat, December 06, 2014
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood NJ
Santa is in Ridgewood-bring your list!

8:00am-10am Breakfast with Santa-The Office Beer Bar and Grill
10:00am Santa arrives at Columbia Bank* in his Fire Truck
10:30am FREE Movie at Bowtie Warner Theatre "Nightmare Before Christmas"

2:00-4:00pm Visit Santa at his house – Memorial Park @ Van Neste Square
Kilwins serving Hot Chocolate


East Rutherford 

Friday, December 05, 2014

East Rutherford Recreation presents the 2014 Holiday Celebration, with the tree lighting, on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., at Boro Hall Park. There will be refreshments, music and candy canes. Visit with Santa. Bring your camera.


Hoboken

Tuesday Dec. 9th,  begins at 5:00pm

In front of City Hall, 94 Washington Street, between. 1st and Newark Streets. Local school children and performers singing favorite Christmas songs. With Host and MC, Elvis the Elf and a special appearance by Santa Claus Special Prizes and Giveaways by radio station CBS FM  101.1

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Author, Jeff Kinney to Appear at the Wyckoff YMCA

Jeff Kinney author of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid THE LONG HAUL”

Fri., Nov. 7 from 3-4pm at the Wyckoff YMCA
Books, Bytes & Beyond In partnership with The Wyckoff Family YMCA Presents best-selling children’s author Jeff Kinney for an hour-long presentation and Q&A. Each attendee must purchase a ticket for this event.
Ticket includes a copy of Diary of a Wimpy kid book 9, The Long Haul. Autographed by Jeff Kinney.
100% of the Y’s share of the proceeds help provide assistance to families in need or medical crisis.
This is a presentation and Q&A ONLY. There will not be a meet and greet or book signing after.
Tickets: $15

First Annual 3K Spooky Stroll - A fundraiser for the Edgewater food pantry

Want to hear something really scary...One in six Americans face hunger. Suffering from insufficient nutrition - Not knowing where or when they will have their next meal.
 The United States ranks second in child poverty compared to other developed nations.
On Saturday October 25th you can help, by joining others in your community for a fun filled Halloween event. There will be Treats, face painting, Prizes and best of all the feeling that you are doing something to help those less fortunate.

The 3k Spooky Stroll will start at
City Place -225 River Road, in Edgewater NJ.

Registration begins at 9:00 am   Walk begins at 9:30 am
Cost: Adults $2 and one (or more) nonperishable food item          
          Children $1 and one (or more) nonperishable food item

COSTUMES ARE ENCOURAGED!
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Recommended non-perishable food Items:
  •     Peanut butter
  •    Jelly
  •    Canned Fruit
  •    Jar Sauce
  •    Pasta
  •    Tuna Fish
  •    Powdered Milk
  •    Cereal
  •    Soup
  •    Coffee
  •    Vegetables
  •        Macaroni and cheese

Please make sure food is not expired and avoid donating items packaged in glass.

Zoo Boo 2014


Zoo Boo at the Bergen County Zoo
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey

Trick-or-Treating in Zoo • Ghostly Storytelling • Magic Shows
and for the brave of heart there is the Eerie Express Train*

ADVANCED PURCHASE IS REQUIRED
Tickets go on sale October 1st, 9am at the Zoo; $6 each for 
ages 3 & up. Get your tickets early—this event sells out quickly!

*Train runs from 6:30-9:30pm each night; not recommended for young children. 
Train tickets cost $5.00 for all riders.
For more information call 201-262-3771 ext.110

Dates:
Friday, October 24th 6:00 - 9:00pm
       and
Saturday, October 25th 11:00am - 2:00pm and 6:00 - 9:00pm
(Rain Date: Sunday, October 26th)



Bronx Zoo - Boo at the Zoo
Safe, family-friendly activities include: Jack O ‘Lantern Illumination – Creatures of the Night walkthrough experience; 3-D Pumpkin Carving Demos and Displays, Broadway Cast Member Appearances; Costume Parade, Music, Magic, Crafts, and MORE

Boo at the Zoo festivities run FIVE weekends beginning Saturday, Oct 4 and include Columbus Day and Halloween

Oct. 4-5, 11-13, 18-19, 25-26, 31, and Nov. 1-2

New York – Sept. 8, 2014 – Boo at the Zoo: Dragons and Dinosaurs is returning to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and it may be the last time to check out the Dinosaur Safari: Mysteries Revealed experience before it becomes extinct. This year’s Boo at the Zoo activities are themed around the zoo’s lifelike animatronic dinosaur experience and real-life dinosaurs in the komodo dragon exhibit at Zoo Center.

Boo at the Zoo: Dragons and Dinosaurs is presented by Canon and will begin on Saturday, Oct. 4 and will run for five full weekends including Columbus Day and Halloween. All attractions and activities will embrace the spirit of the season while highlighting wildlife and conservation. Annual favorites including the hay maze, pumpkin carving demos, costume parades, music, magic and more will return with some additional Halloween surprises.

An eerie walk-through experience – Jack O ‘Lantern Illumination – Creatures of the Night – will take over the exhibits in the former World of Darkness creating a one-of-a-kind illuminated Halloween display. Broadway cast members from plays including Pippin, Motown, Cinderella, On the Town, and the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe will make special appearances. Entertainment will include original musical revue Carnival of Extraordinary Animals and encore performances from magician David Levitan and musical group Gigi and the Lend me a Hand Band

All Boo at the Zoo activities are included with the price of admission with the exception of Dinosaur Safari and the Jack O’Lantern Illumination; both are included with the Total Experience Ticket.

Visit www.bronxzoo.com for a complete schedule of dates, performances and activities.

Get a premium Family Membership save $20 if you apply by Sunday October 5th



Family Halloween Camp In: Mystery at the Museum
Friday, October 17, 2014
Explore the Center. Navigate our exhibits and theaters. Solve a crime?!
A priceless artifact has been stolen from the Science Center and we need your help to solve the mystery. Everyone is a suspect and the clock is ticking… We need to find out whodunit before bedtime.
Work with our Police Commissioner to interview suspects, process clues, and track down the culprit. Conduct microscopic investigations, analyze soil samples, and solve a ransom note puzzle.
Keeps your eyes and ears open as you enjoy our exhibitions and shows because clues may be revealed throughout the night!
The cost is $60 per person, which includes our Mystery at the Museum program and:
  • Open admission to all exhibit galleries
  • An evening snack and light breakfast
  • A movie in the nation’s largest IMAX Dome theater
  • An eye-popping RealD 3D movie
  • Live science demonstrations
  • An LSC Camp In patch that allows you to return to LSC free for one year
Call 201.253.1310 for more information and to register.

Your Science Center, Your Night!

In appreciation of your support, we open our doors exclusively to our members on Member Nights. Visit the Science Center after hours on these special nights and explore your favorite exhibits. Enjoy special themed programming, activities and reduced film tickets prices.
Member Night:  October 24, 2014 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Join us for Halloween Science Fun!  Costumes Welcome! 
Trick or treat around the Center, try some spooky experiments, and dance with princesses, ghosts, and superheroes at our annual members’ Halloween party.
Exhibits open from 5:30 to 9:00 pm, Activities run from 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Cafe Skylines open from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Movies (IMAX) Movie tickets are $2.50 each and may be purchased onsite or in advance by calling 201.253.1310:
Scheduled Activities:
  • Tesla Lightning Show:  6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 pm.  Limited space.  Free but ticket needed.  Tickets distributed on a first-come first-served basis in PSE&G Court.
  • Dance the night away at the Bug Ball with DJ Dave
  • Trick or Treating stations – bring your own bag!

Buy your Polar Express Tickets Early

Every Year it's the same thing Christmas rolls around and I see an Advertisement for the Polar Express Train. But then I go to purchase them and they are all sold out... well not this year. Tickets Go on Sale in August and sell out quickly so book early while they are available.

BUY YOUR POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS EARLY!
ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT FOR THIS OFFER!
IF YOU PURCHASE DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY  ABLE TO BUY
 POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS
ONE DAY EARLY


Buy Polar Express Tickets One Day Early BEFORE The General Public.
 Last year our Polar Express trip in Phillipsburg, NJ sold out in just 12 hours. To reward our loyal customers that frequent our trips, we are making it easy for you to buy your 
Polar Express tickets before the general public.
If you purchase Dinosaur Train tickets 
    you will be allowed to purchase Polar Express tickets before the General Public on July 31st at midnight. They go on sale to the general public August 1st at midnight and
sell out by noon that day. 
When you go to order tickets on the 31st of July, the site will ask you for your last name and your order number ( six digit number starting with 0). Once you enter these, the system will verify your Dinosaur Train order, and allow you to buy Polar Express tickets one day early, before the general public. 
Many of you would be buying Dinosaur Train tickets anyhow, and this is our way of saying THANK YOU!
Dinosaur  Train
August 16,17,23,24

Roar...take a ride back to the Jurassic Period on the Dinosaur Train™!
Patterned after the hit PBS Television cartoon series, families take an adventurous ride to the Nature Trackers Activity Area where they explore, play and learn about life science, natural history and dinosaurs. Guests will meet their favorite T-rex, Buddy, find real fossils and dig for dinosaur bones! There is also music, giant dinosaurs and merchandise!
BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS NOW
Buy Tickets

Bronx Zoo Run for the Elephants 5k

Yesterday was my girlfriends Birthday we had our kids this weekend so we tried find something to do that would be fun for all of us while marking the occasion.
We had heard about the Bronx Zoo 5k. We asked them if they wanted to do a run to help the elephants and spend the day at the Zoo they were up for it in theory (although neither of them have ever run/jogged more than a mile).
The event itself was well organized and the course was great especially for 1st timers most flat with a few slight inclines and declines. You run through the Zoo so along the way we passed some of the animal enclosures. The animals seemed more active early in the morning with the zebras running around to check all the runners out. After the run there were free refreshments and snacks which were really welcome. There were also quite a few sponsor including(Ikea, BMW, and Modells) who had tents setup with great giveaways and enough supply's for all the runners. The t-shirt we got was really nice as well. Most of the shirts I have received at other runs generally go into the drawer and never get worn. I will wear this one which will continue to raise awareness.
 After picking up our swag we went back to the car to drop off our stuff and get ready to go back into the zoo. Admission and member discounts were granted to all participants. The weather was great and although we had run earlier it wasn't until later in the day that we really felt tired and a little sore.

We are planning on doing next years event and hopefully a few more 5k's this year my girlfriends daughter is already asking to do another my daughter might need a little convincing.

Upcoming 5k's in New Jersey

All Aboard the Polar Express - Storytime


On Friday, December 10th at 7:00 pm, all Barnes and Noble stores are holding a Polar Express Party, highlighted by a special reading of the holiday classic. Of course hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Halloween Celebrations at the Liberty Science Center


Members Night Thursday, October 24, 2013; 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Join us for Halloween Fun! 
Spooky experiments, trick or treat and dance the night away at our Halloween celebration for members. 
Costumes Welcome!
Please RSVP at rsvp@lsc.org to let us know how many adults and children will be attending.
Our doors open at 5:30 pm for members going to the Cafe (which is open until 7:30 pm).
This evening’s benefits include free parking, $2.50 movie tickets and 10% discount at the Cafe and the Store.  Because our Halloween event has been well-attended in the past, please limit guests.  All guests will be charged $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.
Special Activities include:
  • Trick or Treat - treats and bags given out while supplies last.  Supplies are limited.
  • Arts & Craft Station:  make some eye-popping crafts
  • A Bloody Mystery:  Help us test samples found at a crime scene to determine if the mystery splotches are blood
  • Dance Party – join DJ Dave as he gets the party going
  • Mystery Boxes:   What’s inside?  Reach inside to find out!!
Movie:     Great White Shark in IMAX at 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 pm
All movie tickets are $2.50 each and may be purchased onsite or in advance by calling 201.253.1310

Halloween Camp In: Sleepless Slumber Party

October 25, 6:00 pm – October 26, 9:00 am

Celebrate this spooky time of year with our first-ever family Halloween Camp In!

Explore Liberty Science Center under the cover of darkness! With exclusive film showings, engaging activities and the chance to sleep in our exhibits! Brain dissections, slimy snacks, and a scary “campfire” story time await you (there’s a not-so-scary story time, too) along with some other special activities and shows.

Nipping your Noggin: Brain Dissection

The human brain is so complex that doctors and scientists still don’t know what some parts of it do. Let’s investigate a sheep brain for clues. Put on our mad scientist lab coat and let the mayhem begin!

From Pen to Ink: Squid Dissection

The ink in our pens is a mixture of water, dye, and oils. But what is squid ink made of? Squids are a diverse and abundant species in the ocean that varies in pattern and color. Explore the anatomy of a these complex sea creatures before they end up as calamari!

Monster’s Alive: Nature of the Beast

After traveling to Egypt, Transylvania, and the Black Lagoon, we have proof that Hollywood’s most famous monsters are real! We’ve captured them and they are ready to be displayed at Liberty Science Center. Join renowned monster hunter Carl Denham in this live-action spectacle. How is the Wolfman really like a butterfly? Is the Creature from the Black Lagoon a cousin of the salamander? Marvel at the true nature of beasts up close and in person!

Dead or Alive: A Zombie Autopsy

Little research exists on zombies despite their recent popularity in film and television. Scientists around the world have tried to uncover the mystery of these creatures. Do zombies live? Do their organs mutate? Can they return to human form? Learn the cutting truth we take a look at their real organs!

Brainless Artifacts

Vampires and ghosts don’t really exist, but skeletons do! Take a look at our real bones and see if you can identify them. They might be bones you know!

Pumpkin Chunkin’

Ever carved a pumpkin that didn’t look quite as you thought it would? Let’s cut them up instead! Join us in examining the anatomy of a pumpkin.
Call or email Mary McDonald to reserve your spot today: 201.253.1214, mmcdonald@lsc.org. Mention code “SPOOKY” to receive a special discount.

Bergen County Zoo Boo Information 2013

Zoo Boo tickets are on sale right now at the Bergen County Zoo
Tickets are moving fast so try to get there today or tomorrow.
Tickets for Zoo Entry are $6 per person. This includes Trick-or-Treating, A Magic Show and Spooky Story Time.

The Erie Express Train Ride is an additional $5 and requires advanced purchased tickets as well.

Bergen County Zoo Boo Times are Fri: 6 to 9pm;
Sat: 11am to 2pm and
6 to 9pm.(these sessions are 100% kid friendly)

Erie Express Train Ride Times. 6:30 to 9:00 PM on both Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th
Not recommended for Young Children or those easily scared.

The Bergen County Zoo is Located at 216 Forest Ave in Paramus NJ
For Additional Information and ticket Availability Call 201-262-3771 ext 113 or email BCZooDirector@yahoo.com

Halloween in Salem - Witches and Pirates and Ghosts Oh My!

One of the things that makes Halloween so much fun is being scared. Not Night of the Living Dead or the 6th Sense scary, more Like Scooby Doo Spooky. Nothing conjures up spooky images like Ghosts, Witches, and Vampires. These are classic spooky icons put them within a historical backdrop and you have the ultimate spooky setting.


With this in mind my daughter a I took the four hour drive up to Salem as part of our Halloween Celebrations.
Salem is a quaint New England waterfront village steeped in history. A history with witches and pirates. Some of the towns famous "haunts" are said to be well um..haunted among them the Hawthorne hotel (As seen back in 2007 on Ghost hunters.

Our trip consisted of visiting a few of the many museums and exhibits that are open year round. Including the Witch Museum, Witch History Museum, the Witch Dungeon, and the Pirate Museum (A nice way to break up the All things Witchy)

We also enjoyed a tour of Salem on one of the Red Trolleys. Our guides were informative and entertaining. The great thing about the Trolley tours is that you can buy a ticket for the day. This allows you can get on or off at any of the 13 stop points in Salem throughout the day. If you have small children (who may not have the attention span for a 45 minute trolley tour) You can use the trolley to get from place to place and learn about Salem while you ride in smaller 5-15 minute segments.

We had Lunch at Fountain Place on both days of our stay The waitress was really nice, the food was good, it was priced reasonably (12.00 for 1 adult and 1 child) and restaurant was decorated for Halloween. Fountain Place is directly across from where the 1st Salem Church was and the "Fountain" which is the site of a spring that dates back to the 1600's

The museums are probably too scary for really young children but my brave 5 year old seemed fine with everything and had a great time.
In general the museums are there to provide facts about the history of Salem and the 13 months of hysteria during which time the witch hunts that took place in New England in 1692.

The Witch History Museum – Starts with a brief history of the Events that took place in 1692. Q&A with the presenter followed by a walking tour through Exhibits narrative presentation in the basement of the museum. This was the least scary of the Exhibits but walk through is dark.





The Witch Dungeon - Begins with a presentation which talks about the conditions and treatment of those accused of being a witch followed by a re-enactment of the one of the trials, followed by a walk through of a re-created dungeon.This Exhibit is a bit more scary than the the witch History Museum.




Pirate Museum - Great tour (We showed up early and had a private tour so it was edited a bit for my 5 year old)
This tour tells the story of New England's many pirates including Notorious pirate captains, such as; Kidd, Blackbeard, Bellamy and Quelch Pirates make up a large part of Salem's colorful past. Many were said to have buried there treasure in the nearby Lynn Woods. And a ship carrying millions in Spanish gold was found of the coast in about twenty feet of water. Our guide was up to the part and relayed his script with both charisma and some humor.

Salem Witch Museum
- The tour begins with a recorded presentation told in an ominous voice with erie music, lighting and sound effects.So this is definitely not for the easily scared. After the Presentation you are taken on a guided tour with both a live presenter and pre-recorded segments.The guided tour is not scary at all and dispels some misconceptions about witches ending with a segment on current day wiccans.The tour also points out other times in American history where fear has lead to persecution of it's citizens such as the McCarthy Hearings of the 1950's.

Old Burying Point Cemetery - The oldest cemetery in Salem, and the second oldest known cemetery in the country, started in 1637. It is located on Charter St. next to the Witch Trials Memorial and contains many famous individuals such as Jonathan Corwin and John Hawthorne, who were Judges in the Salem Witch Trials, Samuel Bradstreet who was a Governor of Massachusetts and many more interesting historical figures. There are currently 347 entries for this cemetery.


There are many places to shop and browse in the town center there are shops where you can purchase candles, incense, crystals, and herbs to perform your own spells.
If your not too magickal but a magician in the Kitchen stop in at Pamplemousse which is located on the pedestrian mall. Pamplemousse has latest kitchen gadgets, specialty gourmet foods, fine boutique wines and local and European craft beer.

During the Halloween season there are many activities, performances and Attractions to experience. Visit haunted happenings for a complete schedule.

Bed and BreakfastsAmelia Payson House16 Winter Street, (978) 744-8304
Built in 1845 for Amelia and Edward Payson, 16 Winter Street is one of Salem's finest examples of Greek Revival Architecture. Elegantly restored and beautifully decorated, each room is furnished with period antiques and warmed by a personal touch. A continental breakfast consisting of fresh fruit and home baked breads is served family style over friendly conversation, and provides your hosts the opportunity to share with their guests much information about their historic city and all its Witchcraft mystique.

Other Sites to visit:
The House of the Seven Gables (1668) is a Colonial mansion in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as the title of a novel written in 1851 by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The house is now a non-profit museum, with an admission fee charged for tours.

Pickering Wharf - A harbor side Village with Shops, Restaurants, Attractions, and Events.


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