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There’s plenty to do with your preschoolers this month since Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Check out these Thanksgiving crafts, activities, and ways to give thanks for more seasonal goodness.
Spend some time November 1-5 at DePiero’s Farm Stand and Greenhouses in Montvale and hit the pumpkin patch. There’s face painting, a bounce house, hayrides, hay maze and more to entertain the young crew. Don’t forget to taste some apple cider donuts and freshly-pressed apple cider to complete the experience.
Annual LEGO Night and Magic Show
Hit Hasbrouck Heights Library for a free show on November 3. The annual LEGO Night also features magician Steve Woyce. There’ll be toys and illusions, which are sure to keep your little ones occupied.
The Caboose Mystery with Steve the Magic Conductor
Join Steve the Magic Conductor at the Franklin Township Library in Franklinville on November 4 to help search for clues and solve a mystery during this train-themed family magic show.
Celebrate Mexico’s Día de los Muertos at the Princeton Shopping Center on November 4 with strolling mariachis, sugar skull decorating, face painting and more. Teach your children about this cultural holiday and how these traditions honor those who’ve died.
Head to Dewy Meadow Village in Basking Ridge on November 4 for some free quality time with the family. There’ll be music, events, food, drinks and over 40 vendors to peruse.
The entire family can stroll along the beautiful trails at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on November 5 and get their steps in by walking all the way to Lenape Park. Race your mini-mes and watch their little cheeks flush with excitement.
Cinderella at the New Jersey Ballet
You know your kids will love watching this classic fairytale performed on stage. The sets, costumes and original narration (so kids can follow the story) are great moral entertainment for your whole crew. Don’t miss this performance on November 5 at the Centenary Stage Company in Hackettstown.
Dog lovers won’t want to miss this canine comedy stunt show. Visit Sammie the Talking Dog and witness cool tricks with frisbees and tightropes. Mark your calendar for November 5 at the MPAC in Morristown.
Make an appointment for your preschooler on November 11 to learn about dental health at the Cranford Library. Learn from a dental hygienist who will read tooth-themed books, introduce kids to tools and sing songs about brushing techniques.
Fly over to the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of NJ at Teterboro Airport from November 11-12 for a chance to plop your little one in the pilot seat. There will be rare planes, helicopters and trucks on display, too.
Science at the Schultz House: Magnetic Experiments
This month’s family fun event at the Schultz House in Montclair is stuck on magnets. On November 12, kids can experiment with static electricity and magnetization, while adults can learn about the evolution of electricity from the 1800s.
Thanksgiving in the 18th Century
The Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield will be throwing a special event on November 12. The Museum will prepare a colonial Thanksgiving dinner on the open hearth and the little ones can learn about early American manners, place settings and other tabletop traditions.
Starting November 17, check out the Turtle Back Zoo every Friday-Sunday for a beautiful light display. There’ll be over 50 winter and animal characters waiting to greet you.
Tot Tours: A Chemistry Mystery
On November 17, head to the Morris Museum in Morristown for a surprise chemistry exploration in the BASF Kids’ Lab. Each child will receive a backpack with lab goodies inside, too.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Enchant your little ones on November 18 at SOPAC with a visit to the Enchanted Forest. Featuring actors and puppets, this classic fairytale retelling is the perfect way to kick off winter and your kids will be thanking you.
Ice Cream Princess Character Breakfast
On November 18, make sure your family is at Gabriel’s Fountain in Martinsville for a breakfast fit for royalty. There’ll be meet and greets with your kids’ favorite characters, so make sure you bring their autograph books and a charged phone for pictures. Children are encouraged to dress their best and each will be adorned with a magical keepsake to take home.
Thomas the Tank Engine: PJ Storytime
Come in your pajamas for a fun storytime about Thomas the Tank Engine at the Warren County Library in Hackettstown on November 27. After listening to stories watch Thomas & Friends: Holiday Express while drinking hot chocolate. Registration is required.
Thomas and Friends—Explore the Rails
Hit the Liberty Science Center for more quality time with your tot's favorite tank engine! This program introduces children to science, technology, engineering and math through fun activities and play. Kids can climb into Thomas’ cab and take the controls, make repairs to Percy in the Sodor Steamworks shop, dress up like a conductor, play at the Tot Spot and so much more.
Van Cortlandt Manor’s annual Blaze event is an annual tradition. Walk through a historic 18th-century riverside landscape with huge jack-o’-lantern displays. These pumpkins are carved into the most amazing displays: The Statue of Liberty, a 20-foot Pumpkin Carousel, a giant Sea Serpent and more. You’ll never look at pumpkin carving the same way and neither will your kiddos, so make sure to grab tickets before they sell out.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Every Friday through Sunday, take a train ride with your Polar Express fans through millions of lights in Hammonton. Stop by Santa’s workshop and meet the man in the red coat before strolling through the holiday village.
Pop by the Montclair Art Museum every Sunday for a range of artwork and activities designed to spark your little artist’s creativity. Work with studio instructors to design a masterpiece worthy of being hung on the fridge.