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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Sleepy Hollow Halloween Events 2013

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY (Sept. 5, 2013) — Halloween season in Sleepy Hollow Country kicks off in force on Saturday, Oct. 5, opening night of the tri-state area’s largest fall events.

Continuing for 25 selected evenings through Nov. 11, The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze® is the Hudson Valley’s biggest all-ages Halloween extravaganza. A small team of artists comes together to carve more than 5,000 jacks, many fused together in elaborate constructions such as life-size dinosaurs and eight-foot-tall working jack-o’lanterns-in-the-box, all lit up throughout the wooded walkways, orchards, and gardens of historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Also making its debut at this year’s Blaze is the Museum of Pumpkin Art, the first ever exhibition space devoted to sculptural works inspired by (but not made from) pumpkins. (Book now only a few weekend tickets left)

Washington Irving’s macabre tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow inspires Horseman’s Hollow, a 13-night interactive haunted attraction at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., recommended for ages 10 and up. Stocked with professional actors and state-of-the-art special effects, Horseman’s Hollow has a high fear factor.

Irving’s ‘Legend,’ recommended for ages 10 and up, brings the master storyteller Jonathan Kruk into the historic, candlelit interior of Sleepy Hollow’s circa-1685 Old Dutch Church, where for 13 evenings he offers a dramatic re-telling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow accompanied by live organ music.

The Legend Behind the ‘Legend’ is a new, daytime experience at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown, N.Y. that highlights the author of the famous story.
Tip: There is food onsite but we recommend that you pack a picnic lunch and some snacks. Make sure you have your camera lot's of photo opportunities.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization which owns and operates the historic sites that host these events.

Ticket and date information
For Blaze, Horseman’s Hollow, and Irving’s ‘Legend,’ admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket.

Blaze dates are Oct. 5-6, 11-14, 17-20, 24-31, Nov. 1-3, 8-11. The first reservation is 7 p.m. on Oct. 5-6 and 6:30 p.m. for the other dates. Tickets are $16 for adults ($20 on Saturdays), $12 for children 3-17 ($16 on Saturdays), and free for children under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members.

Horseman’s Hollow dates are Oct. 5-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, Nov. 1-2, with the first reservation at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($25 on Saturdays). Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are Oct. 5-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, Nov. 1-2. Seating is very limited, and there are three performances each evening on the hour, beginning at 5pm (6:15pm Fridays). Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for children under 18. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Legend Behind the ‘Legend’ takes place Wednesdays-Sundays in October, plus Columbus Day Monday, with the first tour at 10:30am. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children 3-17, and free for those under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Details: The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, which drew more than 80,000 visitors last year, features more than 5,000 illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns. Elaborate single-pumpkin carvings and huge multi-jack o’lantern constructions are professionally lit throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas.

Favorites such as the Undersea Aquarium and walk-through Tunnel O’ Pumpkin Love are joined this year by new installations including Venus Pumpkin Traps, an enormous sea serpent, a brontosaurus, and a pterodactyl. The brand new Museum of Pumpkin Art is the first ever exhibition space devoted to sculptural works inspired by (but not made from) pumpkins. The Museum of Pumpkin Art is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Also new this year is Blaze: The Soundtrack Volume II. Building on the success of last year’s soundtrack, Historic Hudson Valley teamed up with professional musician, radio personality, and Halloween fanatic Richard Christy to create a second volume of all-original music, selections of which will play throughout the event. The soundtrack is available as a CD at the event and also a digital download from iTunes and Google Play.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists who carve. In addition, more than 1,000 volunteers help scoop and light the pumpkins. Blaze artists will be carving on site during the event. The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze Shop offers a full bounty of Blaze-specific merchandise including hats, notepads, games, T-shirts, magnets, caps, mugs, and jewelry. Café Blazé, by Geordane’s of Irvington, will offer culinary treats including soup, veggie chili, muffins, pumpkin cookies, and cider.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

Details: Horseman’s Hollow
Horseman’s Hollow, a haunted experience in the heart of Sleepy Hollow, takes the tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to its darkest extremes. Historic Philipsburg Manor transforms into a terrifying landscape ruled by the undead, the evil, and the insane, all serving the Headless Horseman himself.

Haunted house professional Lance Hallowell leads a crew of award-winning makeup and costume designers and a 40-member-strong cast of experienced actors to create an immersive, interactive, pleasantly terrifying experience, with state-of-the-spooky-art special effects.

Custom built set pieces and period-correct costumes help orient the experience in Philipsburg Manor’s traditional time period of the mid-1700s. Lighting is by Emmy award-winning designer Deke Hazirjian of New York City Lites.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow.

Details: Irving’s ‘Legend’
Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk offers a dramatic re-telling of Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, featuring the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and Katrina Van Tassel. Flavored with live spooky organ music by Jim Keyes, Kruk’s storytelling takes place in the historic, candlelit setting of the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow. The circa-1685 stone church is across the street from Philipsburg Manor, where visitors will park. Performances last about 45 minutes.

Details: Legend Behind the ‘Legend’
During October, Sunnyside celebrates its connection to Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Tours of Irving’s home – a colorful blend of architectural styles – will showcase numerous objects related to Irving’s famous story. Visitors on Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy a shadow puppet performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and experience one of Irving's spooky tales on a walk through the woods. Sunnyside is on West Sunnyside Lane, off Route 9 in Tarrytown.

Montclair - Playground at Edgemont Memorial Park

This Playground is in the center of Montclair NJ on Valley Road and is one of our favorites. The Playground area is gated, and has a soft rubberized surface. The benches allow for adequate supervision without being a hoverer. There are a number of twisty sliding Boards and things to climb. These will challenge your child physically, stimulate them mentally, and inspire their imagination. In addition to the Playground Edgemont Memorial Park has a great bike path, a large green, and a huge pond with fountain.(in the winter if conditions are right, skating is permitted)
Just North of the playground is a CVS, Starbucks, Movie theatre, and a host of other shops and restaurants. This playground is great place to let of a little steam between errands or for a full afternoon of activities.

Palisades mall in Nyack NY

Our visit to the Palisades Mall in Nyack NY offered a lot more than shopping and a food court.

Best 4th of July Celebrations in New Jersey for the whole family

Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day later, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

American's still celebrate the anniversary of our independence with parades,fairs and family get-togethers but the most synonymous activity with the fourth of July has to be our fireworks. For years elaborate displays have delighted Americans young and old. This year will be no different. On the East coast the Macy's Fireworks display is the pinnacle of all fireworks displays with more than 40,000 fireworks expertly synchronized to a 25 minute score including many standards and pop favorites.

Two of the best places to view the fireworks from are aboard the Intrepid. We did this last year and although it is pricey $160/ GA ticket the Intrepid offers a great view (provided you find your seats early enough to be at the front of the deck and an amazing backdrop for the fireworks.

The NYC waterway also offers a host of cruises for both families and couples with some packages including full buffet and open bar as well as DJ's on-board.

There are also a number of free or less pricey vantage points to get a great view of the fireworks from in New Jersey along the river in West New York and  Weehawken (You will need to get out early or use public transportation to get around because parking is will be almost non-existent also be prepared for an hour or more exodus out from any of the paid parking spots. I shot this video from the Riverwalk in West New York.

NYC isn't the only place celebrating independence day and the fourth isn't the only day to get out for the celebrations on Monday July 2 the town of Wayne NJ will be hosting its Annual fireworks extravaganza with clowns and magic acts for the kids. 

Also in New Jersey is the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration beginning at 9:00 am with the flag raising followed by the parade at 10:00 am and finishing up the day with fireworks (Gates open at 6:00 pm)

Be sure to check out previous years Fourth of July tips and Articles from Kidzense