12/16 tuesday

Uptown Dance And Play Program - class combining dance techniques from jazz, ballet and hip-hop in a child friendly atmosphere. 3:30 - 4 PM and 5 - 5:30 PM, at Uptown Playaround, 3562 Route 27, Kendall Park, NJ. An experienced instructor will show children how to use their energy in a safe and effective manner. Participants learn to keep the rhythm, boost confidence and keep those muscles moving while having fun. FREE with admission or FREE for members. Preregister. Call 732-955-2005, or visit www.uptownplayaround.com.

Men’s Open Court Basketball - 8 - 10 PM, at Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan’s Lane, North Brunswick, NJ. Please use the Main Entrance. Fee, FREE to members. Call 732-297-0696, or visit www.BnaiTikvah.org.

Arts & Crafts - a different project is presented each week. 10:30 AM - noon or 3 - 4:30 PM, at Little Scoops, 1121 Route 34, Aberdeen, NJ. Fee, preregister. Call 732-566-0404, or visit www.littlescoops.com.

StoryTime - children’s literary program. 10:30 AM, at Barnes & Noble, 240 Route 22 West, Springfield, NJ. FREE, preregister. Call 973-376-8544, or visit www.bn.com or www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Nature Scenes of Monmouth County - art exhibit depicting nature scenes from throughout Monmouth County. Open during regular park hours (8 AM - 4:30 PM), at Historic Walnford (just off 195 - Exit 8, traveling west; Exit 11, traveling east), Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ. The show features works by county artists. Historic Walnford showcases over 200 years of Monmouth County’s past. Sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System. Continues through February 22, 2009. Admission and parking: FREE. Call 609-259-6275, or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com (TTY/TDD #711).

Peter & The Wolf - a very special holiday event presented by Works and Process at the Guggenheim. This is a brand new special collaboration between the visual and the performing arts presenting Sergei Prokofiev's charming children's classic in a way this beloved story has never been presented before. 4 & 5:30 PM, in The Peter B. Lewis Theater at the Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street, Manhattan, NYC. Renowned fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi will narrate, New York City Opera’s Music Director George Manahan will conduct the prestigious Juilliard Ensemble, 2008 Miami Art Basel Designers of the year and legendary Brazilian design duo Campana Brothers will create a specially designed set and MacArthur Prize winning Jennifer Tipton’s lighting will bring the story to life. The story brings 30 minutes of suspense... including a happy ending, and allows the young and young-at-heart to learn and remember the various instruments in the orchestra. After the performance, the audience will be able to view the artwork up-close with the artist. Fee. Call 212-423-3587, or visit: www.worksandprocess.org.

12/17 wednesday

Computer Tots - an innovative technology-based class which opens up a new world of computer programming, art and science for ages 2 1/2 to 7 years. Ages 3-4 at 4 - 4:45 PM, and Ages 5-7 at 5 - 5:45 PM, at Uptown Playaround, 3562 Route 27, Kendall Park, NJ. A fun, interactive program. 4 week sessions. Trial class FREE with entry. Preregister. Call 732-955-2005, or visit www.uptownplayaround.com.

Weekly Stitch-In - sponsored by The Princeton, NJ Chapter Of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. 7 - 9 PM, at Princeton Windrows, easily accessible from Route 1 off College Road West, Princeton, NJ. Contact: PrincetonEGA@aol.com or Marianne at 732-828-8608.

Israeli Dancing - a session designed for beginners and those who may be "rusty," led by Nurit Brown. 7 - 10 PM, in the gym/all-purpose room at Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegan’s Lane, North Brunswick, NJ. Open to everyone, regardless of gender or age. Soft sole shoes are required. FREE. Call 732-297-0594, email nuritbrown@yahoo.com, or visit www.BnaiTikvah.org.

Wednesday Evenings at the Zimmerli - an opportunity to relax, meet new friends, listen to music, and take part in special programs. At the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton Street in New Brunswick, NJ. The museum will remain open until 9 PM. Complimentary snacks will be provided and light food/beverages will be available for purchase. Members, and Rutgers faculty, students, and staff attend FREE. Call 732-932-7237, or visit www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu.

Motivational Book Discussion Group - an opportunity to explore positive thinking themes of success and happiness in business and life. 7 - 8:30 PM, in the Quiet Study Room at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ. Today group participants will discuss the book “Happiness is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life” by Sylvia Boorstein. This work emphasizes the need for caring about others without resenting the interruption to your focus on yourself. Copies of the featured book can be requested at the Information Desk. Call 732-329-4000 x7286.

“Mommy & Me” Story Time - literary fun! 10 AM & 2 PM in the kids section of Borders Books & Music at Time Warner Center (shopping, dining and entertainment destination), Columbus Circle, Manhattan, NYC. Visit www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com.

Drumthwacket Holiday Open House - an opportunity to enjoy spectacular seasonal decorations by New Jersey's finest garden clubs. 11 AM - 2 PM, Drumthwacket, the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey, Route 206, just south of Princeton, NJ. The mansion was built in 1835, and is sited on land that witnessed the Princeton battle of the American Revolution. Olden House, the 18th century birthplace of Drumthwacket's original owner, will also be open. Visitors may stroll through the stately home at their own pace and marvel at the decorations created this year. The 2008 theme is Peace on Earth and each club will interpret their room with elegant natural garden materials. Official Garden Club of New Jersey judges will actually decide which room wins the first prize, but all visitors may participate in the vote for the People's Choice! Garden clubs participating this year are: Bayberry of Brielle, Bridgewater, Essex Fells, Hunterdon Hills, Mount Laurel, New Providence, New Vernon, Spring Lake, Trowel Club of New Brunswick and Westfield. Parking on site. Handicapped accessible. Preregister, donations encouraged. Call 609-683-0057, or visit www.drumthwacket.org.

Parents Anonymous - support group. 10 AM - noon, at the Family Support Organization of Burlington / Mercer Counties, 3535 Quakerbridge Road, IBIS Plaza Office Suites 400, Hamilton, NJ. Participants can freely share their questions, concerns, problems and solutions about parenting in a safe and supportive atmosphere. FREE, preregister. Call 609-586-1200.

Fan Yang’s Gazillion Bubble Show - featuring Guinness World Record Holder Ana Yang. 2 PM, at New World Stages Theatre at 340 West 50th Street, Manhattan, NYC. This is the first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry. The show's spellbinding grand finale floods the theatre with an incredible laser display. Children and adults of all ages are sure to be amazed, mystified, and enchanted by this blending of art and science. Tickets from Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com. Visit www.gazillionbubbleshow.com, or www.newworldstages.com.

12/18 thursday

Gymnastics Play Program - a fun, structured class teaching basic gymnastics skills. 3:30 - 4 PM and 5 - 5:30 PM, at Uptown Playaround, 3562 Route 27, Kendall Park, NJ. The class features parachute games, obstacle courses, and jumping galore. Participants will practice proper stretching and strength gaining exercises, acquire great hand eye coordination and learn balancing techniques. FREE with admission or FREE for members. Preregister. Call 732-955-2005, or visit www.uptownplayaround.com.

Adventure Thursdays - a different theme every week (sports day, spa day, camp day, etc.) At Little Scoops, 1121 Route 34, Aberdeen, NJ. Fee, preregister. Call 732-566-0404, or visit www.littlescoops.com.

Kids Yoga - a fun class which includes body strengthening and toning to increase flexibility, focus and concentration. At Little Scoops, 1121 Route 34, Aberdeen, NJ. Fee, preregister. Call 732-566-0404, or visit www.littlescoops.com.

Kids / Family Bingo Night - fun and prizes! 7 - 8:30 PM, at Little Scoops, 1121 Route 34, Aberdeen, NJ. Fee, preregister. Call 732-566-0404, or visit www.littlescoops.com.

Dinner with Santa - 5 - 8 PM, at The Pop Shop (retro diner/soda fountain), 729 Haddon Avenue in Collingswood, NJ. Participants may bring cameras and wish lists. After meeting with Santa, each child will receive a treat and a coupon for $1 off any item on the Squirts menu. There will be caroling sing-alongs throughout the night. No purchase is required to meet with Santa. The Pop Shop is a collection location for Toys for Tots so kids are encouraged to bring a donation when they come to visit Santa and throughout the holiday season. Call 856-869-0111, or visit www.thepopshopusa.com.

StoryTime - children’s literary program. 10:30 AM, at Barnes & Noble, 240 Route 22 West, Springfield, NJ. Plus, a special “Pajama StoryTime” at 7 PM. The evening program is a “pajama party,” with stories, songs and special surprises! FREE, preregister. Call 973-376-8544, or visit www.bn.com or www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Family of Friends - a weekly playgroup (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays) sponsored by a nonprofit mothers network. 10 AM - noon, at the Raymond Dwier Center in Groveville (minutes outside of Hamilton), NJ. The facility is equipped with a playroom, changing table and restroom, and a playground. Craft supplies are available. All moms and (healthy) children ages newborn - 6 are welcome! Please check to confirm location and time. Call 609-581-2100 or www.njfof.org.

Byron Cage: A Joyous Gospel Holiday - concert with special guest Maurette Brown Clark. 7 PM, at NJ Performing Arts Center, One Center Street in Newark, NJ. An energetic, joyful celebration filled with gospel classics, seasonal favorites, and plenty of inspiration. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Fee. Call 888-GO-NJPAC or visit www.njpac.org. (TTY: 877-886-5722) Family concert information: 973-624-3713.

Fan Yang’s Gazillion Bubble Show - featuring Guinness World Record Holder Ana Yang. 2 & 7 PM, at New World Stages Theatre at 340 West 50th Street, Manhattan, NYC. This is the first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry. The show's spellbinding grand finale floods the theatre with an incredible laser display. Children and adults of all ages are sure to be amazed, mystified, and enchanted by this blending of art and science. Tickets from Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com. Visit www.gazillionbubbleshow.com, or www.newworldstages.com.

12/19 friday

Historical Exhibit - a colorful new exhibit which provides a broader context for what people can see at this authentic, turn-of-the-century living history farm, maintained by the Monmouth County Park System. 1 - 3 PM, at Historic Longstreet Farm, Longstreet Road, Holmdel Park, Holmdel, NJ. The exhibit - which includes plenty of photos and artifacts - explains the architecture, tools, farm buildings, transition to modern agricultural methods, and place of the Longstreet Family in the larger community. On permanent display. Made possible with funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission, the Friends of the Parks, and a private donation. Call 732-842-4000 (TDD/TTY# 711), or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.

Free Fridays At The Aquarium - the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) New York Aquarium is now offering FREE admission every Friday from 3 PM until closing. The New York Aquarium provides an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family. Friendly walruses, amazing sandtiger sharks, amazing jellyfish, playful sea otters, and spectacular sea lions are among the hundreds of species of the more than 8,000 animals that welcome visitors every day of the year. Closing times vary seasonally. Call 718-265-FISH, or visit www.nyaquarium.com or www.wcs.org.