Bernards Ridge Edition Sept/Oct/Nov 2019

The Piano Workshop at Chester SUPER COOL WITH KIDS 415 State Route 24, Suite B, Chester 908-955-3022 www.thepianoworkshopatchester.com director@thepianoworkshopatchester.com Director: Mark Weisman • Private Lessons in Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin & Woodwinds • In-Home Lessons Available FIRST LESSON FREE TRIAL All of our teachers have degrees in music or education related fields. We match students to the right teachers based on skill level, objectives & learning styles. We support National Piano Guild, Music Educators of NJ, MusicFest, Russian Piano Competition, Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild and Jazz Foundation of America. Registration for Fall Now Open! Lessons Begin Sept. 4th Now Offering Violin Lessons! Fun Adventures at Governor’s Island By: Jill Stolz If you are looking for something a little different and adventurous to do with your children, but don’t want to travel too far, consider rid- ing the ($3) ferry from South Street Seaport to Governor’s Island. There you will find an urban oasis that has been turned into a giant play- ground for children and adults alike, as well as a space for recre- ation, art and learning. Let’s begin with the playground first, appropriately dubbed “Adven- tures at Governor’s Island,” located on the island’s hill. There you will find the Flywire Zip line, a 300-foot zip line that travels 20 mph, offer- ing riders unobstructed views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Kids of all ages will love Slide Hill, which includes a 57-foot slide, NYC’s longest, among the four to choose from. A giant, 3,600-foot maze, climbing chal- lenge walls and a splash park round out the multitude of adventures. On the weekends, The Yard allows children over age 6 to enter a kids-only space filled with loose materials such as cardboard, rope, wood, tires, plastic, fabrics and more “junk” for them to create pirate ships, hideouts, helmets or whatever their imaginations lead them to. Friendly facilitators are on hand to provide tools and assis- tance as the children are allowed to create their own environment. Figment NYC provides interac- tive art installations and rotating exhibits on the Parade Ground (the island’s largest open green area.) Several permanent art installations are located throughout the island. There is also an artist-designed 18- hole miniature golf course, custom tree house and a walk-through pavilion to explore. Bike rentals are available (or you can bring your own on the ferry) as well as quadracycles or 6-person surreys to explore the park and its seven miles of paths. Free kayak rentals are available at the Down- town Boathouse at Pier 101 on Saturdays through September 14th. If all of this activity is making you tired, look no further than Hammock Grove, a 10-acre green space with 50 red rope hammocks suspended above the grassy grove. For an overnight experience, Collective Retreats, a glamping hospitality group, has set up camp on the western side of the island. During the warmer months, there are concerts, movies, yoga classes, group runs and art exhibits to take part in. The annual Jazz Age lawn party, held twice each sum- mer, is a highlight event. You can bring your own picnic, reserve a grill and picnic table for your group, or grab a bite from the mul- tiple vendors at the Liggett Terrace Food Court, the ethnic eateries or indulge in sweet specialty treats. Two restaurants, Island Oyster and Taco Vista, are located near the ferry landing and open through August. Enjoy your visit to Governor’s Island where you can quickly escape your routine and have a fun day of adventure and family time! theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 18 back to school