Arts, Crafts and Some Outdoor Events

So once again, we bring you the Grab & Go Kids Planner. It's our weekly list of kid-friendly activities and places to try out. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.

As always, help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—if we missed anything, just leave us a comment letting us know!

Where/When: From 9:45 a.m. to 11:30am at the  in Chatham on Thursday, March 24.
Why Go: Because toddlers, ages 2 and 3, can learn about nature with walks, crafts and activities. This is a multi-week program.
Pricing: $55, pre-registration at 973-635-6629.

ABC and 123 Story Time
Where/When: At 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble in Morris Plains on Thursday, March 24.
Why Go: Because children can learn about letters and numbers with this free story time in the children’s section of Barnes & Noble.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 2 to 4 p.m. at the  in Chatham on Thursday, March 24.
Why Go: Because all ages can learn about spring peepers and wood frogs, by seeing them in the education center’s vernal pools.
Pricing: $3, with pre-registration required by calling 973-635-6629.

Where/When: From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the  in Morris Township on Thursday, March 24.
Why Go: Because children can paint their own egg carton tulip at this week’s open art workshop.
Pricing: $5 per child.


Where/When: 4 p.m. on Friday, March 25 and 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 at the .
Why Go: Because this piece of Russian folklore tells the store of Baby Yaga’s battle with her archenemy by using puppets, appropriate for children ages 5 to 10.
Pricing: $9 for museum members, $10 for non-members. Tickets are availableonline.

Where/When: From 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the  in Oak Ridge on Saturday, March 26.
Why Go: Children ages 1 through 5 can play games and listen to music or stories with their parents or guardians. To register, head to the church’s website, or call 973-697-2400.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at  in LakeHopatcong on Saturday, March 26.
Why Go: Because there will be unique items for sale, refreshments, and baked goods. Crafts of various types will be included.
Pricing: Free to attend, but tables are $30 each. To reserve a table, call 973-663-1933 or 973-601-3028.

Where/When: From 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 at .
Why Go: Because the walk is designed for families, regardless of childrens’ ages. Families can explore the trails and learn about animals and plants.
Pricing: $2 per person, ages three and older, pre-registration required at 973-334-3130.

Where/When: From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at  in Madison on Saturday, March 26.
Why Go: Because you and your child are fans of comics. Fred Van Lente, writer of such comics as Amazing Spider-Man and Incredible Hercules, as well as artist Ryan Dunlavey of Action Philosophers and Comic Book Comics will visit.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Morris County Library in Whippanyon Saturday, March 26.
Why Go: Because guitarists and guitar music lovers young and old can enjoy this performance by Sebastian Villegas and Stefan Lazarevic, which is open to all.
Pricing: Free.

Story Time and Curious George Visit
Where/When: At 3 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Morris Plains on Sunday, March 27.
Why Go: Because a costumed version of Curious George will make an appearance, and a story time will be held.
Pricing: Free


Where/When: From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 27 at .
Why Go: Because anyone 7 or older can explore Pyramid and see how the woodcocks try to attract potential mates.
Pricing: $5, pre-registration required by calling 973-334-3130.

Every weekday, 8:30 a.m. is "Mom's Time" on Patch, when we aim to bring you a feature useful to mothers and families overall. Monday is Moms Talk, when we pose questions about the issues facing moms in our community. Tuesday is the Grab & Go Kids planner, to help you find the best avenues for family fun nearby. Wednesday is Frugal Family, in which we hunt down deals to help you make the most of your family budget. On Thursdays, Great Escape offers local suggestions for how to get away from the day-to-day stresses of managing a family, even if just for a little bit. On Friday, we feature our Whiz Kids, showing off the great accomplishments of kids in our community (got a suggestion for Whiz Kids? See .)