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M-SO Message Board » Please help... » Archive through June 6, 2006 » Archive through February 28, 2006 » Is there a children's museum anywhere close to Mwood? « Previous Next »

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Twokitties
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Username: Twokitties

Post Number: 389
Registered: 8-2004
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 10:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

thanks.
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cody
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Username: Cody

Post Number: 943
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 10:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Morristown Museum on Columbia Turnpike is a reasonably-sized museum that had a children's area when my kids were small enough to go there.
I don't know what the current exhibits are, but you might be able to call them and see.

There's also a train museum in Whippany off of Route 10, but I have never been there.

The Newark Museum is also very interesting, depending on the ages of the children in question.

Two other museums that are close are the Museum of Early American Trades and Crafts (Madison, I believe) and the Montclair Museum on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. You could probably check them out on line to see if they have any children's programs or exhibits.
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Tom N
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Username: Tjn

Post Number: 77
Registered: 3-2005


Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 11:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is one in Paramus.

http://www.njcm.com/
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papayagirl
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Username: Papayagirl

Post Number: 500
Registered: 6-2002


Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 11:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There's also Imagine That in Florham Park. It's called a children's museum, but to me it's more of an indoor playspace with lots of things to do and see. It's about a 15-20 minute drive.

http://www.imaginethatmuseum.com/
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Pdg
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Username: Pdg

Post Number: 530
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 11:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The NJ Children's Museum - link posted by TomM - is also a hands-on indoor play place - quite similar to Imagine That, but my kids always liked it better for some reason.

Maybe the indoor helicopter, or the huge sandbox, or the musical instrument room including full drum set, or the American Indian room with T-Pee and cave...
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ess
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Username: Ess

Post Number: 1201
Registered: 11-2001
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 2:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Of course, if you want to expand the definition of "close to Maplewood", there is the Children's Museum of Manhattan, on West 83rd Street. That's a fun museum.

If you want to expand the definition even further, then the Brooklyn children's museum is also a great destination.

Both have lots of hands on activities.

Otherwise, the museums noted above are fun choices for young children.
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susan1014
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Username: Susan1014

Post Number: 1377
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 3:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I believe there is also a children's museum on Staten Island, as well as one in East Orange (haven't tried either).
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Joan
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Username: Joancrystal

Post Number: 7062
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 4:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Turtleback Zoo is very nearby. They have exhibits and activities for kids as well as the more traditional animal displays.
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Kristen Williamson
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Username: Kris219

Post Number: 173
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 4:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

NJ Historical Society in Newark is awesome for kids...they have great educational programsand exhibits. Check out what they have to offer on their site http://www.jerseyhistory.org/
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C Bataille
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Username: Nakaille

Post Number: 2466
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 5:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://http://www.njcountyfamily.com/editorial/whatsfun/museums.htm

This site has lots of listings but look especially for the Jersey Explorer Museum in East Orange on Dodd St. We went there for a 5 or 6 year old's birthday party and were impressed.
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CageyD
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Username: Cageyd

Post Number: 615
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 8:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Another vote for the Staten Island kids museum. Having gone to many, many museums for kids, it is the best one I've found.
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ess
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Username: Ess

Post Number: 1204
Registered: 11-2001
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 8:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Actually, I have been to the Staten Island one as well. It IS a great kids' museum.

The good thing about the NY museums is that they are bigger, and there is lots to do and see, so the drive is worthwhile.
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Innisowen
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Username: Innisowen

Post Number: 1603
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 11:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

While not a museum, the Liberty Science Center in Port Liberty, Jersey City, has so many interesting displays and high-touch attractions that almost any child will find interesting.
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cppkqp
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Username: Cppkqp

Post Number: 102
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Although I've heard good things about the NJ Children's Museum in Paramus, a good friend who went there recently told me that they do not allow strollers in the museum.
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Wendyn
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Username: Wendyn

Post Number: 2743
Registered: 9-2002


Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Imagine That does not allow strollers as well, thank god. Both Imagine That and NJ Children's get horrendously crowded on weekends. You couldn't move if people brought their strollers in.

Liberty Science Center is closed for renovations I believe.

A lot of the appeal depends on the age of the child. Imagine That, Jersey Explorer and to a certain extent NJ Children's in Paramus all cater to the toddler/preschool crowd. Anyone over the age of around 7 would probably be bored. Although I think NJ Children's had more interesting things for (slightly) older kids. Jersey Explorer has limited hours, check their website. Nice and quiet though.
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Meandtheboys
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Username: Meandtheboys

Post Number: 3100
Registered: 12-2004


Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Liberty Science Center is indeed closed for renovations, and is actually located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

FWIW, Port Liberte is a private community.
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Wendyn
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Username: Wendyn

Post Number: 2744
Registered: 9-2002


Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh and I will reiterate what was said before, Imagine That, NJ Children's and Jersey Explorer are more play zones than museums. All have some historical/educational learning type material, but since they cater to a younger crowd they really revolve around play. My kids (5 and 2) love all three.

Also, check out the American Museum of Natural History...lots to see for the young uns and adults! And many preschoolers enjoy art museums as well (Moma, Guggenheim, etc)...at least for short visits. Just be prepared to say "don't touch" about a zillion times.

Further afield the Franklin Institute in Philidelphia gets rave reviews (I haven't been there in 30 years but it was cool then!). I think they have recently upgraded their exhibits. My kids are a bit young I think but it is great for elementary aged kids.
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C Bataille
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Username: Nakaille

Post Number: 2470
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Franklin Institute IS wonderful. We went for our daughter's 9th birthday last year and she begged to go back ASAP, which we did in November. But, it is a hike. The first time we took trains but Amtrak is prohibitive for such a short ride and NJ Transit/Septa is s-s-l-l-o-o-w-w-w! We drove the second time and parking was no problem right there.
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BGS
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Username: Bgs

Post Number: 650
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Newark Museum is where my Mom took us all the time when we were little. You should call there and find out what is going on for children...they also have a planetarium and are located very close to Rte. 280.

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