March 2 always holds a special place on my calendar. On that day, in the year 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel — better known under his pen name Dr. Seuss — was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. As a child, I fondly remember reading his classics, and now I enjoy sharing them with my two sons. Here in New Jersey we commemorate the birthday of Dr. Seuss with special events including musicals, festivals and fun story times.
Classrooms celebrate March 2 as National Read Across America Day, an initiative created by the National Education Association. If you peek in during story time at your local bookstore or library, you’ll find a sea of children wearing striped stove top hats. Read on to find out more about some fabulous NJ events taking place in honor of Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss Family Festival
Where: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown
When: March 4 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (early access for families with special needs is from 10:00 am to 11:30 am)
Price: $10 for adults and $7 for children
Details: The Morris Museum hosts their annual Dr. Seuss Family Festival with fun activities for all ages. Kids can make crafts, mix up some Oobleck and listen to readings of Dr. Seuss classics by The Cat in the Hat himself. Plus, there will be performances of Seussology at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm in the Children’s Theatre (additional fee applies).
More info: www.morrismuseum.org or call 973-971-3700
Dr. Seuss Celebration Storytime
Where: Barnes & Noble, 319 Route 202/206, Bridgewater
When: March 2 at 11:00 am
Price: Free
Details: Commemorate the birthday of the wonderful Dr. Seuss at the Barnes & Noble of Somerville located in Bridegwater. Kids are invited to a special Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration Storytime. Enjoy readings from classic Dr. Seuss favorites as well as games and activities, including Dr. Seuss’s March Battle of the Books. Check your local Barnes & Noble store for other scheduled Dr. Seuss events.
More info: stores.barnesandnoble.com or call 908-526-7425
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Where: Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell
When: March 4 & 5 at 11:30 am
Price: Free
Details: Visit Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center for a free program in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The children are invited to enjoy story time and a create a special craft.
More info: www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-751-9453
Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown
When: March 12 at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm
Price: $12-15
Details: Get your tickets now for Mayo Performing Arts Center’s performance of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat. Watch as Dr. Seuss’ most beloved character, The Cat in the Hat, spends an afternoon with Sally and her brother, Thing One and Thing Two. The classic story will play out in front of you as The Cat in the Hat gets up to his tricks and brings a bit of an adventure to an otherwise boring day at home. Get your tickets today!
More info: www.mayoarts.org or call 973-539-8008
Dining with Dr. Seuss Week
Where: The Pop Shop, Collingswood & Medford locations
When: February 27 through March 3
Price: Varies
Details: Fans of Dr. Seuss young and old are invited to The Pop Shop for Dining with Dr. Seuss Week. The popular eatery has created a special kid’s menu for lunch and dinner, featuring Dr. Seuss-inspired creations. There will also be two Green Eggs and Ham breakfast celebrations, a new Dr. Seuss theme each day, storytime lunches, coloring sheets and movies and cartoons on the shop’s televisions. It’s an all out Dr. Seuss bash! Advance registrations are suggested. Customers are encouraged to bring books that will be donated to a local shelter.
More info: www.thepopshopusa.com or call 856-869-0111
Birthday Celebration
Where: Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
When: March 4 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Price: $12 for adults and $7 for children (ages 3-12)
Details: Jenkinson’s Aquarium celebrates Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with a special event. Kids of all ages can bring their favorite book to share during story time with The Cat in the Hat. Story times take place at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. Fun crafts are also included.
More info: www.jenkinsons.com or call 732-892-0600
The Lorax Play Along
Where: Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough
When: March 9 and March 11 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Price: $5 for children, adults are free
Details: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with The Lorax Play Along at Duke Farms! Hum like a Humming-Fish and barble like a Barbleloot during this interactive reading of The Lorax that is sure to be fun for the whole family. There will also be crafts following the reading.
More info: www.dukefarms.org or call 908-722-3700
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Al Ravenna / New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection (via Library of Congress)
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Morris Museum / Facebook
Barnes and Noble / barnesandnoble.com
The Pop Shop / Facebook
Jenkinson’s Aquarium / Facebook
Manasquan Reservoir / Facebook
Mayo Performing Arts Center / Facebook
Duke Farms / Eventbrite
