Family Friendly Groupons

Ice cream! Planet Swirl in Whippany has a deal - $7 for $14 worth of ice cream, $14 for $30 worth of ice cream, or $85 for a birthday party package that covers up to 10 kids.

Learning Kids Academy in Montville offers kids' art & academic classes, or 4 weeks of piano class. Their deal is 4 sessions for $39, or 4 45-minute piano lessons for $69.

Haunted Scarehouse in Wharton looks like fun for older kids, or even a parents' night out. Options vary, but the lowest price is $42 for admission for 4 redeemable on select days in Sept-Nov.

Jump On In Boonton has a deal - 10 sessions for $49 or 15 sessions for $59.

Eagle Martial Arts in Boonton is selling summer camp deals (go figure): $69 for 1 week or $119 for one week, for 2 kids. Hours are 8:30am-5:30pm, with snacks provided (no lunch).

Sesame Place offers admission packages for families or groups from sizes 2 people to 5. Packages start at just $81.98 for 2.

ImagineThat! Children's Museum in Florham Park has admission for 2 for $11, or admission for 4 for $20.

5 Weekday Recipes I'm Trying

I have some go-to recipes, but lately I am looking for more slowcooker options, so I can spend more time overseeing homework and less time in front of the stove.

We are also watching carbs, but you can easily add rice or potatoes, to finish off the meal. We normally enjoy a fresh garden salad with dinner.

Here's what I'm going to cook this week:

Monday: Easy Low Carb Italian Wedding Soup

Tuesday: Slowcooker Lemon Pepper Chicken

Wednesday: Turkey Picata (not a slowcooker recipe; trying to mix it up a little)

Thursday: Easy Tilapia with wine and tomatoes (again, not slowcooker, but looks fast!)

Friday: Savory Sage Vegetable and Sausage Soup

5 Days of Weekend Fun

Where did the weekend go?

Thankfully, there are plenty of weekday activities to look forward to:

Monday: Toddler Trek "Going Nuts" at the Great Swamp in Chatham from 10am-11am
Tuesday: Lunchbox Ideas at ShopRite of Wharton from 11am-2pm. Demonstrations of how to create a healthy lunch to go for your kids.
Wednesday: Mechanical crafts at Historic Speedwell in Morristown from 2pm-4pm.
Thursday: Kitchen, garden and handiwork from the olden days at Fosterfields in Morristown from 3pm-4:30pm.
Friday: Free Starbucks for Moms at Kidnetic from 9:30am-12pm, with paid child admission.

There are many more activities this coming week. Check out the calendar page. Be sure to double-check prices and availability with the events themselves, before hitting the road.

Today! Mommy & Me Cooking Class at ShopRite of Parsippany

Today from 1:45pm-2:45pm ShopRite of Parsippany is having a Mommy & Me Cooking program, which will be conducted by their in-house dietician, Tara. 

This is for children ages 3, 4 and 5.

The class is limited, so call ahead to see if there is still availability. The cost is $10 and you can 973.335.2625 for registration and details.

Morristown Mayo Community Theatre Upcoming Kids Shows

	Angelina Ballerina Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Young Angelina sets out to be to be the star dancer she's always dreamed of becoming in this musical based on the popular books and TV series. Ages 4-10
	Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Dan Zanes creates irresistible grooves from exuberant traditional songs and smart, inventive originals that make for an all-ages dance party. Elizabeth Mitchell delivers homespun renditions of great songs by everyone from Woody Guthrie to Bob Marley that transfix both children and parents. Ages 3 and up
	Fancy Nancy: The Musical Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 When it comes to being fancy, Nancy believes more is better. From her tiara to her sparkly shoes, she's out to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy. Ages 4-12
	Pinkalicious Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 A girl finds herself in a colorful predicament after her indulgence in too many pink cupcakes causes a severe case of Pinkititis! Ages 4-12
	The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 4 pm Tickets: $12  Follow the wonderful adventures of a tiny caterpillar as he progresses to a butterfly in this delightful tale based on the book by Eric Carle. Plus other tales, including "Little Cloud" and "The Mixed-up Chameleon." Grades K-3: Literature, relationships Ages 5 and up
	Are You My Mother? Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 4 pm Tickets: $12  Baby Bird emerges from her shell alone and embarks on a whimsical adventure to find her mother in this musical based on the popular book. Grades K-3: Curriculum: Literature, Values, Family Relationships Ages 3-8
	Erth: Dinosaur Zoo Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Take a journey back to prehistoric times and meet an amazing selection of dinosaurs that come alive through incredible puppetry as children get to interact with these marvelous creatures in an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience. Grades 2-8: Curriculum: Science, biology Ages 5 and up
	The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and The Hare Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $12-15 Lightwire Theater uses dazzling visuals, black light effects, music and choreography to literally bring these two classic children's tales into a new and brilliant light. Ages 4-8
	Sid the Science Kid – Live Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm Tickets: $15-30 As seen on PBS Kids! Join Sid and his friends as they discover the excitement and curiosities of the world with you! With mysteries to explain and wonders to discover, Sid and his friends set off on a fun-filled day of excitement and adventure, asking curious questions and finding cool answers. Ages 2-6
	New Jersey Ballet: Cinderella Sunday, Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm Tickets: $15-20 The classic fairy tale comes to life with lavish sets and costumes, performed with New Jersey Ballet's original "storyteller" narration so little children follow the story. Ages 4 and up

Go to the Mayo Center website for tickets.

Family-friendly Groupons In & Around Morris County, NJ

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes: 51% off tickets were $75, now $37.
• ImagineThat! Children's Museum in Florham Park: 50% off, now $11 admission for 2, or $20 admission for 4.
• PowerPlay Gaming in Denville: Lasertag, Splash, or Airbrush Tattoo Parties starting at $69.
• The Melting Pot, Whippany: 50% off, makes dinner for 2 $47.50 or dinner for 4 $95. Includes salad, cheese fondue and assorted entrees.

Sunday Activities for Families & Kids

There are a number of activities to participate in on Sunday and you can check them all out, along with details regarding the posts below, on my calendar page.

Here are the highlights:

Sunday
1pm-3pm: Beets Me! Cooking demonstration at Frelinghuysen Arbortetum.
1pm-3pm: Stitch & Sew, sewing demonstration at Fosterfields Farm in Morristown showing handiwork of the 20th century.
1pm-2pm: Swampy Summer Sights family hike at the Great Swamp to look at end of summer plants & animals.