Barista Kids: Fun Maple Events in New Jersey in 2013

Sweet, Syrupy Fun: Maple Sugaring Events

BY Georgette Gilmore  |  Monday, Jan 28, 2013 8:00am  |                                

You don’t need to head north to Vermont for fresh maple syrup. The beginning of the maple sugar season is starting right here in New Jersey and runs through March.
Get the family bundled up and head outdoors to one of the following maple sugaring events and/or festivals. You’ll learn all about how to tap a tree and get to taste Jersey maple syrup:

Maple Sugaring Demonstrations
Who: All ages.
What: The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center is celebrating the maple sugaring season! Join the fun by attending one of the weekend tapping demonstrations and learn how to identify and tap maple tree, make syrup over a wood-fried evaporator, and taste different syrups!
Where: The Great Swamp OEC, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ.
When: Weekends throughout January and February. Check calendar here.
Cost: $3 per person. Call 973.635.6629 for more information.

Maple Sugaring
Who: All ages.
What: Witness how maple trees are tapped, learn about sap collecting methods from past and present, and experience the boiling process that produces NJ maple syrup. Take a one-half-mile walk to the sugar shack from the environmental center.
Where: Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
When: February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 / March 2, 3, 9, 10
Saturdays – 10 am, Noon, and 2 pm
Sundays – Noon and 2 pm
Cost: Call 908.766.2489 for more information.

Maple Sugaring
Who: Kids ages 4 – 12.
What: Tap a maple tree, collect sap, and make maple syrup. Return to the center for hot chocolate and sugar snacks.
Where: Essex County Environmental Center, 621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ.
When: Saturday, February 11 from 10:30 am – 12 pm.
Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers

Garden Discoveries at Van Vleck
Who: Ages 3 to 5 with an adult.
What: Join us at Van Vleck House & Gardens for an afternoon of discovery in and around the gardens. Each program will include a guided hike, hands-on activities and a story. Parents or caregivers must accompany each child.
Where: Van Vleck House & Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair, NJ.
When: Wednesday, February 27 (Maple Sugaring)
Cost: $7 per child who are friends of Van Vleck and $12 per child for others. No fee for accompanying adults. To register, call (973) 744-4752 ex.11 or email Michelle Wiessner.

Maple Sugar Festival
Who: All ages.
What: Excite your senses with maple syrup snow cones and taste tests. Take part in crafts, games, tree tapping demos, and more!  Join a “Hiking through Sugaring  History” walk to see how sugaring has evolved since it started with the Native Americans.  The entire family is sure to enjoy this fun filled day of sugary sappy goodness.
Where: The Great Swamp OEC, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ.
When: Saturday, March 2 from 12 pm – 4 pm.
Cost: $4 per person. Call 973.635.6629 for more information.

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