Inexpensive Things For The Kiddies (Trenton, East Brunswick: 2009, house, theatres)

[ATLater]

Hello all,

now that we're nice and settled in East Brunswick my partner is looking for things to do with the kids ages 4 and 7, especially the 4 year old because she doesn't go to school. She is born in November and missed the age deadline for school age children.

In ATL there were always programs that were either free or discounted at certain times, like the zoo was half off on Wednesday mornings or the movie theathers showed old cartoons at 8am on Monday, the library had character readings with Clifford and the Cat in the Hat.

I doubt I will find as many free things here but anything relatively inexpensive so they can get out a few times a week would be nice. My daughter has states several times that her old house had more to do and I don't know about you but a bored 4-year old is not what I want to see after working all day.

Thanks

[juliann1977]

I'm sure the East Brunswick library does a story hour for preschoolers--every library with which I'm familiar does. You can also do them in surrounding towns like Sayreville, Old Bridge, etc... Sayreville does both a music hour and a story hour for young kids, and they are fantastic.

And don't underestimate the fun a playground holds. There are so many parks in and near EB. If your wife wants to take a drive, the Dorbrook Recreational area in Colts Neck is great. There is a regular playground, as well as a splashground that is open in the summer. My daughter absolutely loves that splashground.

[hrjersey]

You might want to join a local internet parents group. They often know of all the fun things to do. The one here in Ocean County meets at the play area in the mall, the book store, and in the summer there are free or very cheap movies once a week. Also in the summer they will meet at the pool or a park or a Splash Pad. With spring approaching there will be Strawberry picking which although not free, sometimes you only have to pay for what you pick.

[NJgirl2009]

I ditto Dorbrook park and also Thompson Park in JAmesburg is great. Its on a lake, has a deer conservation area where you can feed the deer. They also have a few other animals. They also have a few playgrounds. Also there are a few toddler play places during the day that have open playtime for a decent price. Check out party gym on rte 9 or Bounce U in Englishtown.

[bdylsal]

Everytime I go to Barnes & Noble in Princeton in the afternoon, I have to leave because someone's decided to have a kiddie concert. Bothers me 'cause then I can't study, but I'm sure your kids would love it.

[DailyJournalist]

Take her to the Please Touch Museum, she will love it. It isnt to far from your location.

Please Touch Museum: Homepage

[njplay]

Originally Posted by NJgirl2009

I ditto Dorbrook park and also Thompson Park in JAmesburg is great. Its on a lake, has a deer conservation area where you can feed the deer. They also have a few other animals. They also have a few playgrounds. Also there are a few toddler play places during the day that have open playtime for a decent price. Check out party gym on rte 9 or Bounce U in Englishtown.

I just got this recommendation today from a mom about Thompson Park, can't wait to visit. My website on playgrounds doesn't have much in your area, but we did post Dorbrook, here's the link, we take lots of pictures:

Your complete guide to NJ Playgrounds » Colts Neck

[Lusitan]

I think TurtleBack Zoo has a free day ... Tuesday maybe?

In the summer parks and a community pool (not sure of East Brunswick has one) are all you need to keep the kids happy :-)

During the winter, try swimming classes at the YMCA.

[tahiti]

A lot of theatres during the summer will have a free movie day - not first runs (maybe 1 year old?), but you can't beat it.

[lwnj]

Staten Island Zoo is free Wednesday after 2 pm.

You can also subscribe to the Princeton Kids newsletter (e-mail). It's not right in EB, but it lists many free events. Go to princetonkids.com

Or go see a minor league baseball game - Trenton Thunder, Somerset Patriots...