Toms River Mom

We’ve teamed up with Tara Romano to have a Kid’s Zumbatomic class! Join us. Details below!

Tara Romano – an excellent, local Zumba instructor, has offered to host a kids Zumbatomic class. Its for kids of all ages. It’s at The Baker League on Friday, January 20th. (1 South Main Street, 08756 – the big Plumbing Warehouse next to the brand new Planet Fitness). It starts at 4:15 PM and will last about 45 minutes.

Cost is $7 per kid – no registration fees!!

It’s not like throwing your kids into an adult dance class, this class is created FOR kids.
Try it out. If we get enough people, we can keep it up. The kids are going to love it!

RSVP on our Facebook page (TomsRiverMom) if you can – but you don’t have to. Invite your friends!

So, what to do.  It’s getting chilly and the kids are indoors more now.  So, instead of the park – we dance!  This is one I just found on Amazon – you can purchase the MP3 or any other kids song for less than a $1.  Of course, you can use any song or radio station and do the same thing.  I have also found Kids Public Radio (www.KPR.org) – it’s great!!

Or make some use of those musical birthday cards.  My 3 year old is usually in charge of the card  – and loves opening and closing it to make us freeze during the dance party.  Her belly laughs make it all worth it!

It’s no surprise that there aren’t a ton of ‘pick your own’ farms in Toms River, so we’ve branched out a bit.  For fun seasons like Fall, we’re listing the places we’ve found in Ocean County as well as those a little further out.  Hopefully it will be worth the drive during this beautiful time of year.   Please be sure to call ahead and make sure they have what you are looking for!  Some of these also have hayrides and Halloween fun, but we’ll post another article next month with those included.  The hunt is on!  Here is a link with all of the farms in the neighboring countys.  And here is another link with all of the PYO farms in NJ!

Krowicki’s Farm Market & Greenhouse
862 Rt. 539, New Egypt, NJ
(609) 758-1133
Open: Daily, April – Oct, 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Asparagus, sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelon, honey dew, apples, cauliflower, pumpkins, winter squash, blueberries, potatoes, strawberries, beans (Lima, string), peas, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, turnips, beets, squash, tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, onions, peppers (bell, fryer, hot), eggplant, plums, nectarines, cherries, apricots, bedding plants, vegetable plants, hanging baskets, potted plants, herbs
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, peaches, apples
Also Available: Straw for wholesale or retail, corn stalks, mums

DeWolf’s Farm
West Colliers Mill Road
New Egypt, NJ
609-758-2424 10

Pick Your Own: strawberries, blackberries, fava beans, apples, peas, snap beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables

Silverton Farm
1520 Silverton Rd., Toms River, NJ
(732) 244-2621
Open: May 15 – November 15, Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
Roadside Market: Fresh organic vegetables, berries
Pick Your Own: Pumpkins, strawberries, flowers
Also Available: Honey, eggs, cut flowers

Emery’s Berry Farm
346 Long Swamp Rd., New Egypt, NJ
(609) 758-8514
Open: March 27 – December 23, Daily, 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Organic berries & vegetables
Pick Your Own: Organic blueberries, organic raspberries, pumpkins
Also Available: Pies, turnovers, muffins, jams, jellies, gift baskets
NOFA certified organic

Hallock’s U-Pick Farm
38 Fischer Road
New Egypt, NJ
609-758-8847

Antonio Casola Farms & Greenhouse
178 Highway 34 & Schank Rd., Holmdel, NJ
(732) 332-1533
Roadside Market: Vegetables; nursery stock; bedding plants; hanging baskets; pottery
Pick Your Own: Vegetables; pumpkins; fall squashes; gourds; corn stalks; hay; straw; flowers
Also Available: Spring planting trips available for schools; corn maze; sun flower maze; hay rides for public, schools, groups; picnic area; special events; night-time haunted hay rides; horse-drawn trolley rides

Atlantic Farms
1506 Atlantic Ave. (Rt. 524) Wall, NJ
(732) 528-8680
Open: Daily, year-round, 9 am – 7 pm
Roadside Market: Broccoli; cabbage; cauliflower; cucumbers; eggplant; herbs; lettuce; melons; peppers (sweet, hot); squash (summer, winter); tomatoes; plum tomatoes; string beans; beets; carrots; sweet corn; onions; pumpkins; radishes; spinach; watermelon
Pick Your Own: Peppers; eggplant; tomatoes; squash; plum tomatoes; cut flowers; pumpkins; mums; hay straw; corn stalks; Christmas trees
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; hay rides during pumpkin season, Christmas, Easter; corn maze; petting farm, school and group farm tours; picnic area; equipment display; special events as advertised.

C. Casola Farms
489 Rt. 520 E., Marlboro, NJ
(732) 946-8588
Open: Apr. 1 – Dec. 25, 9 am – 7 pm
Roadside Market: Sweet corn (July – Nov.); vegetables; melons; strawberries; pumpkins; full line of vegetables & produce
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; pumpkins
Also Available: Flowers; bedding plants; hanging baskets; hay; straw; Christmas trees; nursery; greenhouse; Sept. and Oct. hay rides, pony rides, corn maze

Sunny Acres Pumpkin Patch
Burlington Path Rd., Cream Ridge, NJ
Phone: (609) 758-7817
Open: October
Roadside Market: Pumpkins, Squash
Pick Your Own: Pumpkins, Gourds, Winter Squash, Mums, Cornstalks
Also Available: Hay rides to the pumpkin patch. Indian Corn, Gourds, Mums

Wemrock Orchards
300 Rt. 33 W., Freehold, NJ
(732) 431-2668
Open: Year-round, Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5:30 pm
Roadside Market: Produce; fresh fruit
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; blackberries; raspberries; pumpkins; gourds; Mums; cornstalks; Indian corn
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; fresh baked pies; cider; cider donuts; hay rides through the apple trees and haunted orchards; corn maze in fall; hot air balloon launches; beautiful scenery; winery & wine tasting; gift shop; fresh flowers; mums; bedding plants; Christmas wreaths & blankets; gourmet jellies; school tours; Morning on the Farm Summer Camp Tours

Lee Turkey Farm
201 Hickory Corner Rd, East Windsor, NJ
(609) 448-0629
Open: May – Dec., Mon – Sat. 9 am – 6 pm, Sun. 2 pm – 6 pm
Roadside Market: Apples, cucumbers, cabbage, fruits, vegetables
Pick Your Own: Apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, beans, peas, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, eggplant, peppers, broccoli, pumpkins, other vegetables, flowers
Apple Varieties: Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap
Also Available: Hay rides; walking tours; corn maze; oven-ready turkeys

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, NJ
(609) 924-2310
Open: Year-round, Daily, Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Various fresh fruits & vegetables
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, cherries (sweet, sour), blackberries, peaches, pumpkins, flowers
Apple Varieties: Braeburn, Cameo, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Jonamac, Jonathan, Liberty, Macoun, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Suncrisp, Stayman/Winesap
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook, cider, pies, donuts, fresh-made bakery items, dairy items (cheese, milk, eggs, etc.), salsa & chips, jams, jellies, glazes, spring garden plants & herbs

Conte Farm
299 Flyatt Rd., Tabernacle, NJ
(609) 268-1010
Open: Mid-April – Thanksgiving, 8 AM – 6 PM
Roadside Market: Apples, pumpkins, vegetables
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, apples, peppers, peas, lima beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, vegetables
Apple Varieties: Empire, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, Red Delicious
Also Available: Cider, pies, retail market, bedding flowers, hanging baskets, bakery, fruit baskets

Emmons Dairy
201 Pointville Rd., Pemberton, NJ
(609) 894-2305
Available: Harvest time Pumpkin picking and hay rides; all year Jersey Fresh milk; goats milk; petting zoo; farm tours

Johnson’s Corner Farm
133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ
(609) 654-8643
Open: Daily, 2 weeks before Easter – Christmas Eve, 8 am – 8 pm
Roadside Market: Strawberries; sweet corn; peaches; nectarines; sweet cherries; apples; pumpkins; cantaloupes; popcorn; peanuts
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; sweet corn; peaches; nectarines; sweet cherries; apples; pumpkins
Also Available: Farm-baked pies; pot pies; sandwiches; salads; dips; ice cream; Italian ice; donuts; cookies; candy; quiches; soups

Robson Farm Market
505 Monmouth Rd., Rt. 537, Wrightstown
(609) 758-2068
Open: April – December, Daily
Roadside Market: Asparagus, strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, green beans, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pumpkins
Pick Your Own: Strawberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins – with hay ride to pumpkin patch
Apple Varieties: Braeburn, Crispin, Empire, Fugi, Gala, Golden Delicious, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Rome, Stayman
Also Available: Bedding plants, flowering hanging baskets, nursery stock, ornamental fall items, poinsettias, grave blankets, wreaths

Russo’s Orchard Lane Farm
310 Extonville Rd., Chesterfield, NJ
(609) 259-3684
Open: Daily, May – Dec., 9 am – 5 pm
Roadside Market: Apples; fruits; vegetables
Pick Your Own: Strawberries; blackberries; peaches; nectarines; peas; apples; raspberries; pumpkins; bush limas
Apple Varieties: Cortland, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap
Also Available: Jersey Fresh Cooks cookbook; cider; candied apples; jams; jellies; hay rides; educational school tours in spring & fall; corn maze; call for information

Mattia Fitness is a personal training and group fitness studio located on Fischer Blvd. in Toms River. Throughout the summer of 2011 we will be promoting our “Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities” program by donating a portion of our proceeds to local schools. It is our goal to raise awareness about the importance of health and fitness and the positive impact it has on our children, families, and community.

In addition to our adult program, we currently offer Zumba classes for children (ages 4-8) and tweens (ages 9-13) and will soon begin to offer kids’ bootcamp (ages 6-13). The days of the week of these classes and times are flexible to meet the needs of parents. The classes are pay-as-you-go, and cost $10 per class. For every class a child attends, Mattia Fitness will donate $2 to his/her school.

Separately, Mattia Fitness is offering Family Zumba on the J. Street beach in Seaside Park. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Although this is not part of the fundraiser, it is a great way to start the day and spend time together as a family. These classes are offered every Friday morning at 7:30, and can be purchased at either Mattia Fitness or the Seaside Park Recreation Department.

For more information please contact us at 732-415-2122 or e-mail at mattiafitness@yahoo.com.

Fisher-Price Recalls to Repair Little People Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagons due to Laceration Hazard

This recall involves the Fisher Price’s Little People® Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagon model number P8977. The product includes a red wagon with a yellow handle, multi-colored plastic blocks and a dog figure. The model number is located on the bottom of the wagon. “Little People® Builders” is found on a label on the side of the wagon and “Fisher Price” is embossed on the handle. Wagons with green handles are not included in this recall.

TRMom.com is continuing on with a fun tradition for the kids of Toms River, we’re hosting the Second Annual Toms River Trike-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  It will be held at Jake’s Branch Park on Sunday, May 22nd.  It will be for kids who trike (or bike, or skate board, or scooter)  - if you think your child is able to ride around in a circle for a few minutes (as long as you want him/her to) then he/she can participate!  The course is around .2 of a mile.

HOW IT WORKS:

Each child participating will need to raise money, which you will bring with you to the event or raise online.  There are two ways you can do it.

1. You can click here to sign your child up online to email sponsors for donations. The first 100 kids to register online will receive a trophy, courtesy of Oriental Trading and Julie & Kate’s Grandpa!
2. You can just show up and donate some money to St. Jude’s at the registration table.  We’re hoping for $10 pp, but whatever you can donate would be very appreciated. Checks should be written out to “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

ALL money raised will go directly to St. Jude’s.  

The track will be open for the participants from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Races will start at 10:00 am and every half hour until noon.  Come with your friends & have some fun.  There is a fantastic playground with park benches as well as a nature center (a la Cattus Island) to enjoy with a cool tower at the top.  They have picnic tables set up and use their charcoal grills if you want to.  So bring your soccer ball, baseball, kite, picnic basket and sunblock — it’s going to be a great day! Even dogs are allowed – but kept on a leash please! There will also be a Fire Truck there for the kids (and adults!) to climb on!

Once again, Kiddy Parties has been very generous and will be donating the Dora and Boots costumes. They are a HUGE hit with the kids and create some great pictures. Beachwood Bicycles is donating a adult sized tricycle for Dora to ride!!

As a very special treat this year, Snazzy Jazzy Faces will be doing face painting!  Purchase a ticket at the registration table for $2 (that will also go to St. Jude’s), and your child can get his/her face painted after the race!  They will be at the park until 12:45pm, so make sure your kids get in line in time. We are SO excited!!  They are the best face painters around and we are so excited that they will be joining us!

Raffles are:
Gift Certificate to Bounce-U
Tickets to a Blue Claw’s Game
Tickets to the Planetarium at Ocean County College
Gift Certificate to Color Me Mine in Toms River
Tickets to the Arts and Community Center Shows at OCC
Gift Basket from Carolyn at Pampered Chef
Gift Basket from Noah’s Ark Workshop
Tickets to the Garden State Discovery Museum
Gift Certificate for a Free Cake from Mrs. Walker’s Ice Cream Shop
Gift Certicate for The Strand Theatre
Gift Certificate to the Marquee Movie Theatre
DIRECTIONS: Parkway South to Exit 80. Stay to the LEFT at the exit. At the T Stop, turn LEFT. It’s up about a mile or so on the RIGHT. Once in the park follow signs for the ball fields.

You can RSVP on the Fan Page on Facebook (TomsRiverMom.com)

I haven’t bought much from this brand because it tends to be very (very) expensive, but it is still pretty popular and worth sharing! I know this brand has some really great looking tantem strollers, but apparently they also have clip-on chairs. Unfortunately, the clip-on chairs are not too safe according to the CPSC.

Click here for info.

Spring is coming, which means the ladybugs are coming too!! And what kids don’t love ladybugs! Here are a few more crafts and fun ideas for you to do with your kids with ladybugs!!

Here are fun ladybug crafts at DLTK
More from Enchanted Learning
More from Everything Ladybug
More from Family Crafts
And more from Family Fun.