In response to my posting of Fun Things to Do with Grandchildren in New Jersey, Part II, Ocean - Warren Counties, I received the following comment from Ms. Steele, Ocean County Tourism Bureau, that I’d like to share with you:

If grandparents in Ocean County are expecting visits from their grandchildren, they might want to check out our website http://oceancountytourism.com to see what’s happening that week.  Also, in Barnegat Light, there are two great activities for older grandchildren 1) climb Old Barney (grandparents can see the view from the top at the bottom via video cam and 2) a behind the scenes dock tour at Viking Village Friday mornings at 10 am - reservations necessary, but free, at 800-292-6372 and a new nautical museum (Museum of NJ Maritime History) in Beach Haven -did you mention Surflight’s kids’ shows (meet Cinderella up close and personal after the show) and ShowPlace Ice Cream Parlour variety shows for the price of a sundae - also at the Music Man in Lavallette (same concept).

Today my granddaughters, daughter, Poppy, and I attended Your Child Today Ultimate Family Expo held at the Poland Spring Ritacco Center in Toms River. Em, 2 years old, slept through most of it, but K, 6 1/2 years old, was busy enjoying the activities during the 3 hours we were there. Children were admitted free with donations of items to be sent to our troops overseas. Admission was $5 per adult and with that we each received an arms length of raffle tickets. We also received a card to fill with colored stickers obtained by visiting the vendors’ exhibits. With a completed card, we were able to submit it as an entry to win one of four children’s bikes. Shore Amusements provided inflatibles for the children to play on - a giant slide, an 80 ft. obstacle course, and a bounce house. There was face painting, balloon sculpture, sandart, spinart, and miniature golf. Emily woke up in time to golf and create a spinart masterpiece before it was time for us to leave. Their mom was also able to have laminated child identification cards made by the Sheriff’s Department for each of the girls.

Today’s Your Child Today Ultimate Family Expo was a great source for my Fun Things to Do with Grandchildren in New Jersey category. Keeping with the theme of the event, most of the vendors that attended offer family oriented, children’s services. The following is a list, in alphabetical order, of those I met today: 

Candy Bouquet, Brick
Wonderful Candy Bouquets, Gourmet Chocolates, Specialty Gifts, Party Favors
Customization Available
www.candybouquet.com

Fun Factory NJ Home Parties, Beach Haven
Arts and Crafts for Everyone!
Parties at Fun Factory coming this summer!
www.lbifunfactory.com

Innovative Celebrations
Themed Parties for Any Budget
Your Place or Ours
848-333-5193
www.innovativecelebrations.com

Kidems Wheelsox, Brick
Save Your Floors!
Great Invention by a Mom
Sox for Riding Toys
www.kidemswheelsox.com

Kids Connect USA, Toms River, Highland Park
“Socializaton the Natural Way”
Autism-PDD-ADHD
www.kidsconnect.com

Ocean County Library
Ages 0 - 11 +
Calendar of Events
www.theoceancountylibrary.org

Rhythm Dojo
Enrich Your Life with Rhythm
Fitness, Drumming, Workshops, more
www.rhythmdojo.com

Smarty Paints, Manahawkin
One Stop Party Fun
609-489-0006

Sparkle Divas Spa, Brick
Opening Summer, 2008
A Little Divas Paradise
A Spa and Salon for Girls
www.sparkledivaspa.com

Sue’s Point of View
Photography by Sue Gerard
Children & Family Portraits, Home or Location
Will Cover Any Occassion or Event
www.suespointofview.com

The Game Lounge, Toms River
Console Gaming Center
Private Birthday Parties
www.thegameloungenj.com

The Whole Child
Parenting Coach
In-Home Parenting Service
Effective behavior management techniques
www.the-wholechild.com

Yosi,  Island Heights
Family, Children, School, Library, Fundraising Concerts
Nationally Renowned
Can be heard on XM and Sirius Satelite Radio
Visit Yosi’s website to see where he will be performing next
www.YosiMusic.com

Young Chefs Academy, Toms River
A Cooking School 4 Kids
Birthday Party Packages
Individual and Series of Classes Available
Memembership Rates Offer Discounts and Rewards
Mini “Camp” Sessions During School Breaks
www.youngchefsacademy.com

and more…

Goodie Bags for Kids’ Parties
www.partybagstogo.com

Send a Teddy Bear wtih a Personalized Message!
www.giftingbear.com

Fundraiser Craft Show
Sat. April 19, 12 - 3
Corner Simpson & Van Sant Avenue
Island Heights
Select Crafters
Portion of proceeds to benefit two students invited to attend Junior National Leaders of America Conference in Washington, DC this summer