Summer Activities In Essex County: Butterflies, Yoga, Music, Zoo-Vies

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Summer has arrived in Essex County, and there are plenty of things to do if you want to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

Butterfly lover? You may be interested in a visit to the “Butterfly Tent Safari” at the Essex County Environmental Center, 621B Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Here’s what to expect, according to a news release from the county:

“The Butterfly Tent Safari is an interactive display where visitors can observe hundreds of butterflies while walking through a tent. The usual program has been modified to promote social distancing: appointments are required, and visitors must wear face coverings.”

Admission to the Butterfly Tent is $8 per person and free for children 1 year and younger. It will be open from Saturday, July 15 to Saturday, July 29 at the following days/times:

• Mondays to Fridays from noon to 3 p.m.
• Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Closed on Sundays

For information about the Butterfly Tent Safari or to book a time slot, call the Essex County Environmental Center at 973-228-8776.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN ESSEX COUNTY

The Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs recently announced a monthlong schedule of free activities to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month.

Dubbed “Wellness on the Waterfront,” the lineup includes yoga demonstrations, concerts, movies and arts and crafts, which will take place throughout July at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange.

“National Parks and Recreation Month is the perfect opportunity to highlight the beauty of our open spaces, the importance of recreation facilities and the positive impact they have on our wellness and quality of life,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“The area overlooking the Orange Reservoir provides a beautiful and unique spot to host a diverse lineup of activities to exercise, entertain and inspire you,” DiVincenzo added.

Wellness at the Waterfront is sponsored by The Essex County Parks Foundation and The Zoological Society of New Jersey. For more information, call 973-731-5800, ext. 506 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.

Here’s what is on tap this summer.

YOGA

On Monday evenings, there will be Yoga for Adults. Classes are suitable for beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners. Bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably. Meet in the Clipper Pavilion next to the paddle boat area on Cherry Lane. Classes are held rain or shine. Yoga for Adults will be held as follows:

• Dates: Mondays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31; August 7
• Times: 6:30 p.m.
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ

FREE CONCERTS

On Tuesday evenings, elevate your visit to the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex with Jammin’ in July, a free series of concerts at the Clipper Pavilion. Take in a new sound every week, starting at 7 p.m. at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Clipper Pavilion on Cherry Lane in West Orange.

Jammin’ in July will be held on the following dates:

• Tuesday, July 11: West Orange Community Band
• Tuesday, July 18: Maplewood Concert Band
• Tuesday, July 25: Pat Prebor
• Tuesday, August 1: The Uptown Boogie Band
• Tuesday, August 8: Pat Prebor
• Tuesday, August 15: The Uptown Boogie Band

ZOO-VIES

On Wednesday evenings, bring a lawn chair and enjoy “Zoo-vies,” a free series of summer blockbuster movies under the stars on the rooftop of the Turtle Back Zoo Parking Garage. Participants are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. Admission is free and the deck will be open for seating at 7 p.m. The movies will be shown at dusk. Refreshments will be for sale. Rain will cancel the presentation. Zoo-vies will be shown on the parking deck, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange.

Seating begins at 7 p.m.; movies begin at dusk. The location is the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Parking Deck, Top Floor, 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange.

This year’s Zoo-vies schedule includes:

• Wednesday, July 5 – Disney Nature’s Oceans
• Wednesday, July 12 – Madagascar
• Wednesday, July 19 – Luca
• Wednesday, July 26 – Godzilla vs. Kong

WORKOUT

On Thursday evenings, join the group and get in shape with a “Full Body Workout.” This exercise class will be held as follows:

• Dates: Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange

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