Too Much Screen Time? Fun activities to do as a family!
Now that the weather is nicer, it makes it possible to get out of the house as a family and off those screens! Family outings promote togetherness and the opportunity to expose your child to new places and experiences. This helps promote your child’s brain growth, learning and provides cultural development. Here are some fun & enriching activities to get out and try!
Essex County Parks: Essex County boasts some of the most beautiful parks in the state. They feature lakes for fishing or just viewing wildlife, butterfly gardens and state of the art playgrounds. Get out to a park new to your family and see all there is to enjoy. Try picnicking, or bring paper and pencil for your young artist and allow them to draw the beautiful scenery.
Do a Nature Study– Go for a walk or a hike, along the way see how many different types of birds you and your child can find. What about insects? Take pictures of the wildlife you see on your phone. Go home and research your favorite creature together for more in depth learning. Make your own “nature book” by drawing or putting photos in an album and descriptions of what you learned about the animals.
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park: Has your child ever seen a waterfall? You don’t have to travel far to amaze them with these natural wonders. Beautiful waterfalls can be seen at Paterson Great Falls National Park in Paterson, NJ.
The Turtle Back Zoo: Located in West Orange, NJ- the Turtle Back Zoo offers a day full of wonder and learning with exhibits ranging from bears to big cats, from giraffes to alligators all available for your child to explore. The zoo is easily accessible via public transportation.
Local Museums: There are museums located in nearby Newark and Montclair that will provide your child with endless opportunities to broaden their world and appreciation for art. The Newark Museum of Art offers May Family Saturdays- filled with fun activities for kids and free with admission (adult admission-$10, kids-$8.00). The Montclair Art Museum also holds free activities for children on Saturdays. Adult admission to the MAM is $15.00; kids are free.
There’s so much to get out to see and do. Broaden your child’s horizons and have fun as a family too!