Kids’ Nature Fest: Mammal Mania

Grades 1 – 4.

Spend a day off from school learning about our furry friends, mammals. Games, crafts, hiking, LIVE animals, and activities make for a fun way to learn.

• Date:
  Thursday, November 8
• Time:
  9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location:

  Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township.

• Cost:
  $50 per child.
• Contact:
  Preregistration is required. To register, 973.635.6629.

Plant-stravaganza! Turn Over a New Leaf

Grades 1 – 4.

On a day off from school, spend time with nature’s giants. Look at changing leaves, view plant cells in a microscope, make a leaf portrait, take a hike to find as many leaf shapes as you can, and much more. Dress for the weather, and bring a nut-free lunch.

• Date:
  Friday, November 9
• Time:
  9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location:

  The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 Hanover Ave, Morris Township.

• Cost:
  $50 per child.
• Contact:
  Preregistration is required. To register, 973.326.7601.

NJEA Holiday Mini-Camp: Recipes for Adventure-Cooking on the Open Hearth

****** SOLD OUT ******Ages 6 – 13

Hungry for fun during the NJEA break? Cook a full meal on the hearth, and learn about food production and the importance of nutrition in the early 1800s.

• Date:
  Friday, November 9
• Time:
  10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Location:

  Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Ave., Morristown.

• Cost:
  SOLD OUT
• Contact:
  Preregistration is required. To register, call 973.285.6537, e-mail or mmcfarlane@morrisparks.net.

Apple Cidering

The perfect fall family tradition! Make delicious, homemade apple cider using an old-fashioned, hand-cranked cider press, and learn fun facts about the amazing apple. Best of all, enjoy the fruits of your labor, and sample the fresh cider.

Saturdays & Sundays: October 28, November 10, 11, 24 & 25

• Date:
  Saturday, November 10—Sunday, November 25
• Time:
  1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.
• Location:

  Great Swamp OEC, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township.

• Cost:
  $3 per person age 3 & up.
• Contact:
  973.635.6629.

2018 Tree Symposium

Join us as we welcome Professor Tom Ombrello, Willowwood’s Superintendent of Horticulture, John Beirne, Dr. Neil Hendrickson, and Author William Bryant Logan for a multi-faceted look at the critical members of our ecosystem, trees. Learn about the roles trees have played throughout history, important information on pests and diseases threatening the landscapes, the intimate relationship between trees and people, and so much more. Please bring a bag lunch.

This program is sponsored by The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

• Date:
  Saturday, November 10
• Time:
  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location:

  The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.

• Cost:
  $40 per person.
• Contact:
  Preregistration by November 3 is required. To register, visit arboretumfriends.org.

Thanksgiving Harvest Home & Armistice Observance

Experience a historic farm-style Thanksgiving holiday! Help prep dinner at the farmer’s house, enjoy a leisurely wagon ride, and visit the friendly farm animals. Speak with a historical reenactor, and honor U.S military personnel and veterans during a special program recognizing the 100th anniversary of U.S. involvement in WWI.

• Date:
  Sunday, November 11
• Time:
  12 noon – 4 p.m
• Location:

  Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morris Township.

• Cost:
  $8 per adult, $7 per senior (65+), $6 per child age 4 – 16, and $4 per child age 2 & 3. FREE for children under age 2. Friends m
• Contact:
  973.326.7645.

Pokémon of the Great Swamp

All Ages.

Gotta Catch ‘Em All! Learn how to draw legendary Pokémon creatures, and compare them to the wild animals of the Great Swamp. Discover their unique adaptations and abilities to survive.

• Date:
  Wednesday, November 14
• Time:
  4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Location:

  Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township.

• Cost:
  $5 per person age 3 & up.
• Contact:
  Preregistration is required. To register, 973.635.6629.

Paranormal Evenings at Historic Speedwell

Ages 16 & Up.

Experience the phenomenon known as ‘ghost hunting,’ led by Island Paranormal Society, a group of experts with over 20 years of paranormal experience. Join an investigation of the historic 1790s Vail House while learning the different methods and equipment used to contact, confront, and communicate with the other side.

Click here to register.

• Date:
  Saturday, November 17
• Time:
  7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Location:

  Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown.

• Cost:
  $45 per person. All programs are rain or shine, no refunds.
• Contact:
  Preregistration is required. To register, visit the link above. For more information, e-mail Agizzi@morrisparks.net.

Holiday Workout Walk

Ages 18 & Up.

Get moving after the holiday weekend with an early morning walk on the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center trails.

• Date:
  Monday, November 26
• Time:
  8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
• Location:

  Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township.

• Cost:
  $3 per person.
• Contact:
  Preregistration is required. To register, 973.635.6629.

Gingerbread Wonderland & Craft Show

A candy lover’s dream, now in its 27th year! Marvel at the creativity and skill displayed at this festive and charming exhibit featuring 150+ edible masterpieces crafted by local schools, scout troops, and families. With past creations from Hogwarts, to enchanted gardens, pirate ships, and Santa’s Workshop, this is a must see for all ages. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite! This event is sponsored by The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

Monday – Thursday & Weekends: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Complete your holiday shopping with ease at the 9th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland Craft Show. Check out local artists and crafters’ beautiful and affordable handmade creations, perfect for that special person on your list.

Craft Show is Weekends Only: December 1, 2, 8 & 9 – 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Date:
  Friday, November 30—Sunday, December 9
• Time:
  Monday – Thursday & Weekends: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fridays: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Location:

  Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.

• Cost:
  $2 per person gains entry to both the Holiday Craft Show and Gingerbread Wonderland. Children under age 2 are FREE.
• Contact:
  973.326.7601. Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation.

Civil War Christmas

Travel back in time and experience the holidays during the Civil War-era. Learn how soldiers prepared food, built winter huts to keep warm, and wrote special letters home to loved ones. Visit the historic Vail House to read actual letters from Union troops and admire the simple, yet elegant period decorations. Attend an Officer’s Ball to enjoy fiddle music, dancing, and festive costumes.

• Date:
  Saturday, December 1—Sunday, December 2
• Time:
  Saturday: 12 noon – 5 p.m. & Sunday: 12 noon – 4 p.m.
• Location:

  Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown.

• Cost:
  $7 per adult, $6/senior, $5 per child age 4 – 16, FREE per child age 3 and under.
• Contact:
  973.285.6537.

Baby and Me Hikes

Calling all new parents – it’s time to get outside! Put your baby in a backpack, and explore one of many wonderful Morris County area trails on select Tuesdays in December. All adults are welcome to join.

December 4 – Scherman Hoffman, Bernardsville.
December 11 – Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, Chester Township.
December 18 – Patriots’ Path, Mendham Township.

• Date:
  Tuesday, December 4—Tuesday, December 18
• Time:
  9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• Location:

  See description.

• Cost:
  $2 per adult.
• Contact:
  Preregistration is required. To register, 973.635.6629.