Try Out Some Fun Activities Before Summer Ends!

 

July 26, 2023

This Week: REPTILES IN THE SUN July 27 Discover which snakes and turtles are enjoying the summer sun here at the Great Swamp. Take a walk on the trail to see who's around and meet our LIVE turtle, Fluffy! Find out more. Cost: $8 per person. Preregistration is required.   ACTIVE SENIOR HIKE July 27 Join our group of active seniors for a guided hike on the trails of Pyramid and Turkey Mountains. These moderate level hikes are on rocky, even ground with some steep sections, so experienced hikers are preferred. Make new friends and hike the best trails in NJ? Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome too. Click here to find out more. Cost: $7 per person. Preregistration is required.   SATURDAY BLOOM TOUR July 29 Discover the history behind the gardens and grounds of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in this guided tour. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather.  Check it out! Cost: $15 per person. Preregistration is required.   SNAKES IN THE SWAMP FOR LITTLES July 31 Learn all about the slithery reptiles that call the Great Swamp home with a fun activity, a story, and a walk. Learn more here. Cost: $7 per child. Preregistration is required.   FAMILY PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT: 90 DEGREES August 1 – August 31 Grab your family and your camera and test your finding skills on this photo scavenger hunt that will take you to the coolest -- and the shadiest -- parts of the Arboretum. Click here for more! Cost: $10 per family or group of 6. Preregistration is required.   POND LIFE EXPLORATION August 1 Come explore the amazing creatures that live in the pond! We will focus on the bugs, snails, and worms that often get overlooked as we dig in the mud and take a closer look at them! Wear clothing for getting wet or muddy. Learn more here. Cost: $7 per child. Preregistration is required.

Summer Camps: LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS? WE STILL HAVE SOME SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS AVAILABLE! “Branching Out!”: EAT - Campers will find their gardens are full of all kinds of bounty and after tending their plots learn all sorts of new ways to eat and enjoy food straight from the garden. The Wild Things: Slime, Scales, Feathers & Tails - Discover the amazing animals of New Jersey by searching for them on the trails and meeting LIVE resident animals that call the nature center home. Take hikes, play games, and so much more! Woodsy Walkers - Introduce your kids to the nature camp experience. Little campers, accompanied by an adult, explore the trails and a variety of natural history topics with stories, games, walks, and activities. Wild Explorers - Spend each day of camp on a different adventure around northern New Jersey. Swim in a lake, hike the trails, and more! Finish the week with a campfire and roasted marshmallows! Click it out here!

Look What’s Coming: RUN OF THE MILL August 13 Spend the day working alongside Cooper Gristmill's Master Miller and develop the skills to have the run of the mill! Each month our group will take on new challenges and learn a different aspect of the milling process. Find out more! Cost: $10 per family. Preregistration is required.   PIG-A-PALOOZA August 19 Celebrate the summer! Take a wagon ride down to the farm to meet and greet our newest piglets. Afterwards find a spot on the great lawn to enjoy the movie Babe with your family. FREE popcorn included with admission. BYO blankets and lawn chairs. Check it out! Cost: $10 per person. Preregistration is required.   1ST ANNUAL OLD MILL JAMBOREE August 20 We cordially invite you to the 1st Annual Old Mill Jamboree. Over 100 years ago, the Cooper Gristmill was used as a dance venue for the residents of Chester. This year, we renew the tradition dancing to old timey tunes along the scenic Black River. All ages welcome! Click here for more info. Cost: $5 per person. Preregistration is required.   FRANTIC FUN RUN 5K & 1-MILE FAMILY RUN/WALK August 20 Join us at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm for a Frantic Fun Run like no udder! Lace up your running shoes and hoof it to the starting line for an exhilarating chip timed 5k race through picturesque farmland. But don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about our little calves-in-training! Gather the whole herd for our 1-mile family fun run/walk and trot along at your own pace. Holy cow - there’s more! Registered participants will receive a farm-tastic race shirt and a free pass to come back and visit the farm. The deadline for t-shirts is July 31st so be sure to register before then! Not in the area? We have you covered! Sign up for our virtual option and run (or walk) the race wherever you please. Learn more here. Cost: $30 per person. Preregistration is required.   EXPRESSIONS OF NATURE: CALL FOR ARTISTS September 17 Stroll through the gardens and meet local artists recreating the beautiful scenery through their art. Learn about their techniques, motivations, and styles. Artists display a variety of their works for viewing and purchase. Find out more! Cost: FREE. To apply as an artist, call 973.326.7601.