MAKE A SPLASH WITH FIELD TRIP FRIDAYS AT ISLAND WATERPARK! GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXCLUSIVE PERKS, LIKE DISCOUNTED ADMISSION, MEAL VOUCHERS, ARCADE
AND MORE. IT’S THE ULTIMATE WAY FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS TO ENJOY ENDLESS FUN ALL IN ONE PLACE.
NJ KIDS produces this handy resource to help all our educators, PTA planners, camp directors, and youth recreation leaders. Please dive into a treasure trove of wonderful field trip destinations. Inside, you will find a diverse array of science, nature, theater, art, history and amusement programs. Thanks to our wonderful state which offers so much diversity, these are all great ideas for group team building fun.
It’s not easy to find venues or assemblies that cater to your specific group needs, but we always strive to deliver ideas with this annual printed guide to trips and assemblies. Please find many new fun-filled must-see venues to ignite curiosity and creativity. We’ve also spotted unique exhibits and upcoming performances and LIVE theater. It’s all here, ready for you to explore. Some will even come to your location!
This special edition is delivered straight to your mailbox once a year, but the fun doesn’t stop there. You can access the guide online 24/7, all year round, at www.njkidsonline.com/field-trip-guide. If you would like copies delivered to your school location, please email us with your full address, contact name, and phone number at admin@njkidsonline.com. We also produce themed enewsletters and web content throughout the year to keep you informed about these places. Log on to the website www.njkidsonline.com for more. Cheers to your future trips and thanks for picking this booklet up!
Happy Field-Tripping!
Sandra Leu & the NJ KIDS Team
NJ Field Trips & Assemblies Guide is an annual publication published by NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. We assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions, nor do we recommend programs, nor do we warrant the accuracy or reliatbility of any of the information contained in this book. Nothing herein contained may be reproduced in any mannerwithout written permission of NJ Kids Media Group, Inc.
We’ve found some great exhibits and shows that will take your students beyond the classroom.
Excursions to museums, science centers and nature preserves offer unique and interesting hands-on learning experiences bringing lessons to life. These unique exhibits are a great complement to classroom instruction, taking students outside to Interact, explore, exercise, and team build make learning fun and memorable. Use these ideas as a guide to incorporate into your lesson plan. Here are 25+ interesting ones that we found. Some activities are even free or really affordable, just use your imagination. Find more ways on www.njkidsonline.com.
Go on a Bird ID Trail!
Newest exhibit, located within the TNC forest, your group can enjoy a gradual pace down the path and search for each of 11 artistic avian elements that represent 9 native species. Follow bird feeders to find out which trail the rest of the birds are located. Along this special trail you will also find hidden metal bird silhouettes! Learn about species by scanning QR codes. How many birds you can find? Spot the real ones as you continue your journey along our trails. Trail is .4 miles and open daily. Tenafly Nature Center
the Butterflies!
Explore lush vegetation and tropical temperatures while observing an exhibition of 80 species of butterflies up close. The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium at the American Museum of Natural History offers a year-round experience inspired by the Museum’s beloved seasonal exhibit. American Museum of Natural History
Explore life-size cottages depicting classic fairy tales!
Escape to a magical forest at Fairy Tale Forest. The entire forest is an exhibit of classic stories. Among many attractions, find Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Seven Dwarfs, The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks & The Three Bears and more. Fairy Tale Forest.
Newest show, a special adaptation of Worlds Beyond Earth on the giant screen narrated by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o. Explore the dynamic worlds of our solar system and the unique conditions that make life on Earth possible. This immersive space experience runs through January 4, 2026. American Museum of Natural History
....continued on page 19
For a full lineup of SchoolTime performances, please visit njpac.org/schooltime.
Give your students the ultimate field trip during our 2025 – 26 season with one or more of our curated performing arts experiences at NJPAC.
Bullying and the Power Of Kindness
Oct 29 & 30 @ 10AM & 12:30PM
What does it take to stand up for yourself in the face of adversity and bullying?
Storyteller Dr. David Gonzalez shares fables, myths and tales from his own childhood.
Nov 12 @ 10AM & 12:30PM
Go on an exhilarating musical voyage through the blues, jazz, bebop, hip hop and electronic music, combining diasporic traditions for a sound that’s totally new.
Feb 9 @ 12:30PM
Based on the HBCU marching band tradition, this synchronized stage show supplies the full drumline experience: pounding percussion, blaring brass and dazzling dancers.
May 8 @ 12:30PM
Elegant, electrifying and marvelously athletic, this always dazzling company returns to NJPAC. As America’s premier modern dance company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is known for its vibrant fusion of modern dance, ballet and soul.
njpac.org/education.
connecting great kids with great camps
Traditional Day Camps • Sleepaway • Sports
Academic • Performing Arts • STEM • Adventure • CIT
RSVP & receive a gift at the fair
Sat, Jan 24: Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68. Elm Street, Summit, NJ
Sat, Jan 31: Bergen Town Center
Route 4 East & Forest Ave
Sun, Feb 1: Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair
Sat, Feb 7: Livingston YMCA
321 S Livingston Ave, Livingston
Sat, Feb 21: Morris Museum, Morristown 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown
Sun, Feb 22: Village of Ridgewood
131 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood (next to Library)
Sat, Feb 28: Edison (location TBA)
Ages 3 - 17
meet camp directors from all kinds of summer camps and programs
www.njkidsonline.com/camp-fairs
These excursions not only make education interactive and memorable but also encourage critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of subjects ranging from science and history to art and culture.
Actively participate, exploring acceleration, friction, and momentum to gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping everyday life. It’s 30 minutes of scientific discovery! Prepare to be amazed as we unlock the mysteries of motion and bring Newton’s three laws to life through captivating demonstrations and interactive experiments. Program runs April–June 2026. Da Vinci Science Center
The sky is literally the limit at this multifaceted outdoor art area which serves as a classroom for the appreciation of art and nature. Exhibits include Art Area, Gathering Area, Butterfly Garden & Waystation, Wildlife Area, Bird Watching Area, Picnic Area, Photo-Op, and see the famous “Stella,” a large blue dinosaur created by Monmouth County sculptor Jim Gary from a collection of auto parts. This space is open to families visiting for the day and can be customized as part of an educational tour for visiting groups from Spring through Fall. Monmouth Museum
Go on a Woodland Hike!
Hike around the NJ Botanical Garden and grounds to learn a bit about the plants and animals via an easy, child-friendly trail. Self-guided garden tours are also available. Great for budding photographers who want to find countless beautiful flowers, trees, plants, ponds and statuary to capture! New Jersey Botanical Garden
Explore Liquid Nitrogen
From September through March, explore one of the coldest substances in the universe—liquid nitrogen. 30 Minutes of Science Fun! The Da Vinci Science Center,
Explore Flight and Innovation!
Exhibits include the rocket engine that propelled the X-15 to incredible speed and height records and the first American hovercraft invented by Charles Fletcher. Visitors can also see aircraft, helicopters, airplane models, and other aviation displays. The museum’s custom-built “Fundamentals of Flight” interactive aerodynamics exhibit, funded by a
generous grant from Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, is now operational in the Great Room. Come and enjoy “Fundamentals of Flight” along with other new and recently refurbished exhibits! The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of NJ
Check out the Yogi Berra Museum featuring permanent and rotating exhibitions telling the unique story of Yogi Berra. Explore history, culture, science, and society within the larger context of baseball and sports. Visitors can learn about Berra’s life and legacy, connect with the history of the game, and experience interactive displays that bring baseball’s impact on society to life. Yogi Berra Museum
Explore the Parks and Connect with Nature!
Canoeing, farm tours, nature walks and rock climbing are just a few of the reasonably priced activities offered at the Monmouth County Parks system. All programs are led by Park System recreation
Explore the Rutgers Garden!
The beauty of Rutgers Gardens is on full display and nature is your classroom!
As the official botanic garden of Rutgers University, Rutgers Gardens has a rich horticultural history and is home to many fascinating plant cultivars. Attend a series of outdoor learning experiences and guided walking tours. Vsit the Rutgets Garden Student Farm which showcases an example of small-scale food production that is simultaneously ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable. Rutgers University
Investigate the Evolution of Computing!
See how computers evolved from the size of a classroom down to the size of your hand. Learn how apps were developed in the 1970s–1980s, discover inventions created right here in NJ, and explore the evolution of the microprocessor. This hands-on experience brings the history of computing to life for visitors of all ages. InfoAge Science & History Museum
Discover the Wonders Beneath the Waves!
Inspire the next generation of ocean protectors with unforgettable encounters and hands-on adventures. Children connect with the sea by meeting real creatures, exploring vibrant habitats, and uncovering the mysteries of the underwater world.
Sea Life
Discover Mason Outdoor Center!
Open from March to November, Camp Mason provides students with a rich experience-based learning environment, from an environmental education science program to an adventure based leadership experience. The outdoors is their classroom. Camp Mason Outdoor Center
Explore a Revolutionary-Era home!
Take a guided tour and hear the fascinating stories and legends that make Liberty Hall one of New Jersey’s most treasured historic homes. Plus there’s an exquisite arboretum and gardens highlighting an artistic array of historical horticulture, including some of New Jersey’s oldest trees. Liberty Hall
EMBARK
Volume 13, No.1
Published by
NJ KIDS MEDIA GROUP, Inc. PO Box 542, Roseland, NJ 07068
TO ADVERTISE: advertise@njkidsonline.com 973.303.3027
NEXT DEADLINE: February 10, 2026: Digital Campaign
EVENT LISTINGS: Submit events to: njkidsonline.com/events
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DISTRIBUTION & COPY
For additional copies, email us at admin@njkidsonline.com.
This publication covers NJ State and is mailed directly to schools, camps, recreation departments, libraries, scouts, and other group organizations. The Digital ebook is emailed to subscribers throughout the year and can be found online.
NJ Field Trips & Assemblies Guide is an annual publication published by NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. We assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions, nor do we recommend programs, nor do we warrant the accuracy or reliatbility of any of the information contained in this book. Nothing herein contained may be reproduced in any manner without written permission of NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. Copyright 2025/2026 NJ Field Trip & Assemblies Guide.
Field Trips & Assemblies 2025/2026
Bring the thrill and excitement of extreme sports to your school. Dialed Action Sports events for youths are thrilling and motivational entertainment programs. Perfect for school assemblies, summer camps and youth organizations. They can custom-tailor with a positive message for your students.
Dialed Action Sports has delivered over 10,000 performances to date to schools, youth organizations and camp groups. These performances deliver the excitement of the X-Games, with jawdropping skills performed by their team of professional athlete-role models. Not only does their BMX shows offer the live “WOW” factor but, they also deliver a positive and impactful message for your group that will leave a lasting impression.
See ad on page 7
The Marsh Critter Discovery Walk is a great way to introduce nature as it’s surrounded by waving grasses and shallow waters. Spot tall egrets, soaring ospreys, migrating geese, chattering gulls or even baby turtles hatching! After the trail, step inside the aquarium to meet local marine life up close—fish, sea stars, urchins, crabs, horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins, and even an octopus. The Wetlands Institute
Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge consists of 171 acres of protected “Green Acres” Pinelands habitat including a pine/oak uplands forest and cedar swamp. There are about 3 miles of trails where you can take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the interpretative signs around the lake or you can embark on a longer one into the forest. Keep an eye out for the many exciting plants and animals that call Cedar Run home. Will you spot the rare pink lady slipper, the teeny-tiny bugeating round-leaf sundew, or maybe hear the banjo-like call of the Northern green frog? Trails are well-marked along sandy terrain and vary in length to be familyfriendly (just be sure to be on the lookout for the Jersey Devil!).Woodford Cedar Run
The Animal Welfare Association has programs to help people of all ages learn to understand and care for animals while fostering compassion, respect, and empathy for all living things. You can explore the connection between pets and people, learn about important animal issues and their impact on society, and gain a solid understanding of basic animal safety. Programs also focus on strengthening the
human-animal bond, giving underserved children the chance to experience the unconditional love of animals, and cultivating compassion and kindness in future animal advocates—all through fun, hands-on learning experiences.
Animal Welfare Association
The kitchen takes center stage as the largest and warmest room in the 18th and 19th-century home, traditionally managed by the women who kept the fires burning and the family fed—the original Housewives of New Jersey! Exploring these historic kitchens reveals the stories of women’s lives and the evolution of cooking and household management. By examining the kitchen, visitors can trace changes in society, family life, and diet, particularly as New Jersey grew and industrialized, offering a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of the past. In the Kitchen, at The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
It’s a museum, sculpture garden, and Level II Accredited Arboretum framed by nature on 42 picturesque acres. You’ll discover hundreds of contemporary sculptures outdoors plus rotating exhibits in six indoor galleries. There’s more than 300 sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists positioned on meticulous landscaping complemented by thousands of exotic trees and flowers.
Visit the Marquand Park Children’s Arboretum set on a 17-acre park, home to 140 tree species from around the world.
Some trees in the parks are the largest of their kind in New Jersey. They offer a variety of recreational and educational experiences situated in the center of Princeton. They have seasonal family programs. Marquand Park
Explore the Children’s Adventure Garden
Kids can always find something fantastic to explore at Children’s Adventure Garden inside the New York Botanical Garden. Pique their interest in plants at our new pop-up across from the Native Plant Garden, where the Garden’s Teen Explainers are eager to share seasonal activities, hands-on programs like crafts and potting up plant seedlings, and other familyfriendly events throughout the year. New York Botanical Garden
Field trips provide students with unique opportunities to learn, explore, and engage with the world around them. These excursions not only make education interactive and memorable but also encourage critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of subjects ranging from science and history to art and culture. Whether observing wildlife, experimenting in a science lab, or stepping back in time, field trips inspire a love of learning that lasts long after the visit ends.
Let us know about a venue that we don’t know about! Email us at sandra@ njkidsonline.com
Voted the #7 Renaissance Faire in the country by USA TODAY for 2025, it’s an immersive, interactive and affordable learning experience! Bring your students and be “Edu-Tained” about days of yore, as charming characters cheerfully connect the past to the present in the most engaging of ways.
History comes alive with William Shakespeare, the Three Musketeers, the Duke & Duchess of Northumberland, peasants, blacksmiths, and a viking village. The medieval village is home to dozens of real-life artisans including blacksmith, and merchants of handmade fashion, weaponry, and hand-made craftmanship.
Uniquely engaging entertainment includes a four-horse joust tournament, a human chess match, and shows with singing, dancing, comedy, magic, fire-breathing, aerialists, sword fighting, and more- all within a 16th century village of highly trained interactive villagers using strictly olde English dialect.
Lunch under a festival tent with a wide selection of delicious, freshly prepared food options (lunch bag is allowed). With free bus parking, and only $18 per ticket with free chaperones, it’s also priced like old times compared to other field trip options. Conveniently located off Rts. 295, 130, 206, and the NJ/PA Turnpikes. Book your school’s visit at NJRenFaire.com, or email education@njrenfaire.com.
Take a Trip to the Theater! Performances, concerts, LIVE theater
Ongoing: Various planetarium shows such as To Space and Back, OnWorld, One Sky, The Great Solar System Adventure!, EXO: Are we Alone? and more! @ New Jersey State Museum
Ongoing: Gazillion Bubble Show @ New World Stages Stage Two, NYC
Ongoing: Planetarium Shows such as Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote; Laser Monster Mash, The Sky Above, The Skies Over Hogwarts, and more! @ RVCC Planetarium
Oct 23 - The Vampire Circus, A Cirque Spectacular @ NJ PAC
Oct 23-26 - New Jersey Symphony
Family Concert: Disney’s Fantasia in Concert @ Morristown (10/23), Red Bank and New Brunswick (10/26)
Oct 25 - Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! @ bergenPAC
Oct 24 - The Vampire Circus @ State Theatre
Oct 25 - Sleeping Beauty, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine @ NJ PAC
Oct 26 - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Show @ bergenPAC
Nov 8 - Discover Rhapsody in Blue, New Jersey Symphony @ NJ PAC
Nov 15 - the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show @ bergenPAC
Nov 14 to Nov 22 - Antigone @ Kean Stage Wilkins Theatre
Nov 21 - Ninja Kidz! Live on Stage: Infinite Possibilities @ bergenPAC
Nov 21, 10AM On School Time - Antigone @ Kean Stage Wilkins Theatre
Nov 23, 3PM - Twilight in Concert @ NJ PAC
Nov 23 - Wicked Sing-A-Long @ State Theatre
Nov 29, 8PM - The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight @ NJ PAC
Nov 29 - Blippi: Join The Band Tour @ bergenPAC
Nov 30 - A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage @ bergenPAC
Nov 30, 3PM - An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies @ NJ PAC
Dec 4-5 - New Jersey Ballet The Nutcracker @ bergenPAC
Dec 5, 10:30AM - Jersey Nutcracker @ Kean Stage School-Time
Dec 6-7 - New Jersey Symphony: Elf in Concert @ NJ PAC and Red Bank
Dec 12, 13 - Nimbus Dance - Jersey Nutcracker @ NJ PAC
Dec 12-27 - NJ Ballet’s The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony @ MayoPAC
Dec 12, 13 - Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ State Theatre New Jersey
Dec 14 - A Christmas Carol @bergenPAC
Dec 18 - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Live Conversation with Chevy Chase and movie screening) @ NJ PAC
Dec 18, 19, 20, 21 - The Nutcracker @ State Theatre
Dec 19-21 - New Jersey Symphony Holiday Tradition Handel’s Messiah
Feb 1, 2026 - Curious George @ bergenPAC
Feb 4, 2026, 10AM - From History to HipHop @ Kean Stage School-Time
Feb 7, 2026 - 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration @ NJ PAC
Feb 22, 2026 - Wizard of Oz on Ice @ bergenPAC
Mar 7, 2026 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone In Concert @ NJ PAC
Mar 15, 2026 - The Cat in the Hat Live on Stage @ bergenPAC
Mar 21, 2026 - Dog Man The Musical @ bergenPAC
April 24, 2026, 10AM - Hare & Tortoise @ Kean Stage School-Time
May 29-31, 2026 - New Jersey Symphony: Star Wars:The Last Jedi in Concert
