Summer learning loss is a widely talked about reality where students lose between one and two months of academic knowledge (depending on the subject) during their time off from school every summer. Many studies have suggested that summer school and literacy programs significantly help to prevent this loss of learning, but these options aren’t viable for every parent. The next best thing is something that is conceivable for every parent, regardless of your schedule or budget over the summer: getting involved and remaining hands-on with your child during these summer months.
Fortunately, there are endless activities available right here in New Jersey that will keep your child stimulated, learning, and having fun during these summer months! We’ve highlighted just a few below for your educational summer bucket list:
Education Beyond the Classroom
From museums to planetariums and observatories, there are dozens of places where you and your child can learn about the history of this world and beyond. Some planetariums even have interactive shows, but it’s worth noting that some may require reservations.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium
Located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, this is the largest planetarium in New Jersey. The space seats 150 visitors in specially-designed reclining seats that can transport the audience to any astronomical destination. The planetarium offers something for everyone. With both traditional sky and laser programs, it is the only planetarium of its kind in New Jersey.
Morris Museum
Located in Morristown, the Morris Museum serves as the epicenter of art, science, culture, and history in Morris County. Aside from a variety of exhibitions, performances and collections on display, the museum boasts a permanent collection of more than 40,000 objects ranging from rocks and minerals to model trains. The museum even houses one of the country’s largest collections of mechanical musical instruments and automata.
The Longo Planetarium
This planetarium has a unique location inside of the County College of Morris. This new planetarium seats 91 people. In addition to the new interior and new seating, it also boasts a new sound system, new lighting and an exciting gallery of space images to enjoy. The location offers public shows on select weekends, so check the schedule ahead of time.
Newark Museum
New Jersey’s largest museum hosts 80 galleries of collections, a planetarium, and hands-on art and science exhibits. Located on Washington Street in Newark, this location strongly believes that their art and science collections have the power to educate, inspire and transform individuals of all ages, and the local, regional, national and international communities that they serve.
Liberty Science Center
Located in Jersey City, LSC focuses on three basic topics: health, environment, and invention. With four floors and hundreds of hands-on exhibits in twelve galleries, admission also includes free extras such as live science demonstrations, hands-on labs, and a variety of daily activities.
Emerge Yourselves in Underwater Adventures
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
With a waterfront location right on Point Pleasant Beach, this aquarium offers exhibits ranging from Atlantic and Pacific sharks to coral reefs, as well as daily opportunities to watch the penguins and seals be fed. Since 1991, Jenkinson’s Aquarium has dedicated itself to the education, conservation, and superior care of a diverse collection of life from aquatic habitats.
Adventure Aquarium
At Adventure Aquarium in Camden, it’s shark week year round! Not only is this aquarium home to the world’s largest collection of sharks on the east coast, but the new Shark Bridge exhibit allows you to walk just inches above Sand Tiger, Sandbar and Nurse sharks along with other animals on a unique V-shaped rope suspension bridge — the longest bridge of its kind in the world. You can also learn about the journey of sea turtles at an aquarium known for hands-on and interactive touch exhibits.
Get in Touch with Nature
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
This 8,000-acre Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in New Vernon was declared a national natural landmark in 1966. To this day, the 1.2 miles of trails are home to deer, fish, foxes, frogs, and over 200 species of birds.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum offers 13.5 acres of natural beauty, including historic and contemporary gardens, and 6 acres of woodland forest. Whether you are interested in gardening, hiking, art, bird watching, community involvement, or a place for quiet contemplation, the arboretum has something for you. This area has served as a historic public garden, education resource, and non-profit conservancy for over 40 years.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
If you’d like an educational activity that’s a little more active, the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area on Boonton Ave in Montville is a 3 mile hiking trail that offers plenty of alternate routes. This hike offers a wide range of geological and ecological experiences throughout the rugged trails, fields, forests, rock outcroppings, and wetlands. The highest point in the park is 934 feet with a magnificent view of the New York City skyline.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Philadelphia Zoo
Up for a day trip? The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest zoo, located in the newly designated Centennial District. Aside from being known for a multitude of rare and endangered species, the zoo also features an award winning children’s zoo with child friendly gates, ramps, family restrooms, and more.
Cape May County Zoo
This 200-acre park features walking paths, playgrounds, biking paths and tennis courts. With over 550 animals from 250 species, there are activities that can last the family throughout the day. Plus, this zoo has the added benefit of being completely free!
The Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange recently celebrated an important anniversary — 50 years! In addition to its new sea lion exhibit, Turtle Back offers a mini train ride and a Treetop Adventure with zip lines and a rope course. In fact, they even offer a monthly nighttime tour so you and the little ones can see the nocturnal activities of the animals! Check out everything else this zoo has to offer, as outlined by New Jersey Family!
It’s scary to think that a survey from the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) confirmed that teachers are spending a significant amount of time re-teaching material due to summer learning loss. Whether you spend a day exploring nature first hand, learning about new species of animals, or you end up spending a night under the stars, there is something each and every parent can do to keep young minds sharp throughout those summer months.
