By Liz Johnson
It’s that time of year when the bad weather and early evenings have kids crawling the walls, looking for things to do. If you’ve heard the refrain “I’m bored” too often, here are a few ideas to keep your kids busy and happy until spring.
Hunterdon Art Museum
7 Lower Center St., Clinton
908-735-8415
Is there a budding artist in your home? Then it’s worth looking into the various art classes and workshops hosted by the Hunterdon Art Museum, which has classes on printmaking, painting, paper marbling, cartooning, working with clay, fiber arts, sculpture – you name it. For more information, click here.
Hunterdon County Library
314 Route 12, Flemington
908-788-1444
Learn how to make maple syrup, take part in a “maker space” event, build a Raspberry Pi computer, listen to stories or write your own, trade Pokemon cards, build Legos, learn to play chess or perform fun science experiments at Hunterdon County libraries. For a full roster of events, click here.
Hunterdon County Arboretum
1020 Route 31. Lebanon
908-782-1158
If your kids are nature enthusiasts, take part in the myriad of programs offered through Hunterdon County’s Park and Recreation Department. From crafts to hikes to workshops that address environmental issues, the department has a range of programs to keep kids busy until spring. Check them out at this link.
Chirp Workshop
25 Fulper Road, Flemington
908-307-6726
chirpworkshop.com
Spend some family time with your kids by attending a Chirp workshop. Whether it’s a Mommy and Me Paint and Tea or Daddy Date Night, the event will surely go down as a lasting memory at this Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Children’s Party.
Next Level Sports
426 Case Boulevard, Flemington
(908) 824-7242
www.nexlevelsports.net
If your child is a diehard fan of the American Ninja Warrior television show, then check out Next Level Sports Ninja obstacle course. Drop in classes are offered throughout the week and weekend. Cost start at $15 per child.
Bounce City
176 Route 202, Ringoes
908-777-0080
www.aerozonenj.com
Jump, climb or slide, Bounce City’s – formerly Aerozone – open bounce is a great way to get out of the house and exert that pent up energy on rainy or cold days. The facility also has an arcade. Socks are required.
Northlandz
495 Route 202, Flemington
908-782-4022
www.northlandz.com
Northlandz is in the Guinness Book of World’s Records for being the world’s largest model railroad with more than 8 miles of track and hundreds of tunnels and canyons reaching 3 ½ stories high in a 52,000-square-foot building. It also boasts a 94-room dollhouse. Open 7 days a week.
Flemington Baseball & Softball Academy
47 Maple Avenue, Flemington
908-751-5425
fbasportsonline.com
America’s favorite past-time doesn’t have to wait until spring. Spend a day at the batting cages with your kid, working on technique or just expending up all that pent up energy.
Black River and Western Railroad
108 John Ringo Road, Ringoes
908-782-6622
blackriverrailroad.com
After a reading of The Little Engine that Could, take a ride on a real locomotive courtesy of Black River and Western. The railroad often hosts Cabin Fever parties with cookies and hot cocoa included in the ticket price. Check out the Web site for details.
Flemington Ice Arena
426 Case Boulevard, Flemington
908-237-1423
flemingtonice.com
It may not be cold enough to skate on your favorite pond, but don’t let that stop your family from ice skating this year. Flemington Ice has open skating sessions and offers lessons. It’s a great way to spend the day.