Check Out How to Keep the Kids Entertained this Weekend

Welcome to another edition of the Woodbridge Patch Grab & Go Kids Planner – we bring you five can’t-miss things to do with the kiddies this weekend, and get all the pertinent information in one spot.  St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and there are tons of Irish activities for the whole family this weekend.  But just in case you’re not feeling particularly green, we’ve got a few other fun things to check out with the kids as well.

As always, be sure to tell us if you think we forgot something.  And if you know of an event that deserves a mention in this planner in the future, be sure to add it to the calendar!

• The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at the Garden State Exhibit Center; 50 Atrium Dr, Somerset; 800-210-9900 ; Price: $9 (Children under 12 free); Friday/Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

250 vendors displaying and selling crafts such as pottery, jewelry, and photography, gourmet food sampling, interactive demonstrations, and of course, live music and children’s entertainment highlight the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Somerset.  Children’s entertainment includes participatory costumed storytelling and a 15 foot tall grandfather clock that’s really a time machine!

• Magical Mermaid Princess Event at Little Scoops; 9 North Union Ave, Crandford; 908-497-7090; Price: $28 (pre-registration required); Sunday, 11 AM - 12:30 PM

Activities at the Little Scoops ice cream parlour for the Magical Mermaid Princess Event include a princess performance, prince and princess etiquette class, stories, picture opportunities, a chance to ask a princess about castle secrets, and of course – ice cream. 

• Traditions of Ireland at Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University; 1003 Morris Ave, Union; 908-527-0400; Price: $10 (reservation required); Saturday, 10-1 PM

You and your child will work together to create a leprechaun centerpiece at this workshop at the historic Liberty Hall Museum on the campus of Kean University.  $10 covers all crafts per child.  What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a centerpiece you and the little one make together?

• Pirate Adventure Day at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts; 9 Main St, Madison; 973-377-2982; Price: $5; Saturday, 2 PM

ARRRRR!  An afternoon of pirate activities awaits ye!  Pirate participants can get their faces painted, make a paper parrot and official pirate hat, and get a treasure map to search for hidden booty throughout the museum.  Stories and snacks (with gold coins!) round out the afternoon’s activities.

• 38^th Annual Woodbridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at Woodbridge High School, downtown Woodbridge; 908-720-8073; Price: free; Sunday, 1:30 PM.

And of course, it wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day in Woodbridge without the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.  The parade steps off, as always, from Woodbridge High School at 1:30 PM and proceeds through the streets of Woodbridge, ending in front of city hall.  Expect over 80 marching units, including traditional Irish Pipe bands and marching bands from all three of the Woodbridge high schools, Irish-themed floats and displays, community, civic, and sports associations, and many more at this annual Woodbridge township staple.