🐑🚌 Springtime Adventures with the Grandkids! Sheep Shearing, Easter Fun and a Philly Day Trip You’ll Love

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

☀️Weather Watcher: Get ready for a mixed bag of spring weather this week! 🌤️ Today brings partly sunny skies with a high near 53°, but hold onto your hat — it’ll be breezy with gusts up to 31 mph! 🌬️ By Thursday, the sun takes center stage with a high near 59° and Friday warms things up even more with mostly sunny skies and a high near 65°, though there’s a 30% chance of showers late Friday night. 🌧️ Saturday stays mostly cloudy with another slight chance of rain and a springy high near 75°. Sunday wraps up the week nicely with mostly sunny skies and a comfortable high near 63°. ☀️ A little bit of everything this week—jacket in the morning, sunglasses by the afternoon, and maybe an umbrella just in case!

👀What’s on tap today:

• Easter adventures with the grandkids

• Real ID deadline is almost here

• Enjoy minor league baseball? Become a Silver Slugger!

Up first…

🐰 Hop into Spring! Easter Events for You & Your Grandkids 🌷

Looking to create some sweet holiday memories with your little bunnies? 🐇 Whether it’s egg hunts, bunny train rides, or festive parades, there’s an Easter event in New Jersey just perfect for a grandparent–grandchild outing. We’ve rounded up the best events happening across the state so you can pick the one that’s just right. 💕👵👴👶

📅 April 17–21

🎡 Celebrate Easter at Storybook Land
📍 Egg Harbor Twp, Atlantic County
A classic amusement park turns into an Easter wonderland with rides, egg hunts, and festive cheer.
🔗 storybookland.com

📅 April 18–19

🚂 Easter EGGspress at DiDonato’s Family Fun Center
📍 Hammonton, Atlantic County
Hop aboard the train and visit the Easter Bunny in this fun-filled adventure!
🔗 didonatofuncenter.com

🐣 Heaven Hill EGGstravaganza
📍 Vernon, Sussex County
Easter egg hunts, hayrides, and springtime fun at this scenic farm.
🔗 heavenhillfarm.com

🚂 Easter Bunny Express
📍 Flemington, Hunterdon County & Woodstown, Salem County
Ride the rails with the Easter Bunny aboard a charming vintage train.
🔗 blackriverrailroad.com
🔗 woodstowncentral.com

🥚 Ort Farms Easter Egg Hunt
📍 Long Valley, Morris County
Enjoy a family-friendly egg hunt on a beautiful working farm.
🔗 ortfarms.com

🐰 Bunny Visit & Egg Hunt at Hacklebarney Farm
📍 Chester Twp, Morris County
A peaceful country setting, perfect for a traditional egg hunt with photo ops galore.
🔗 hacklebarneyfarm.com

📅 April 18–25

🦙 Easter EGGStravaganZOO
📍 Middle Twp, Cape May County
Animals and Easter collide! Enjoy zoo visits, egg hunts, and spring festivities.
🔗 capemaycountynj.gov

📅 April 19

🐣 Easter Celebration at Historic Allaire
📍 Wall Twp, Monmouth County
Step back in time for egg hunts, historic demonstrations, and family fun!
🔗 allairevillage.org

🐰 Easter Eggstravaganza at G&G Stables
📍 Howell, Monmouth County
Pony rides, egg hunts, a petting zoo—and of course, the Easter Bunny!
🔗 G&G Stables Facebook

🥚 Essex County Spring Forest Egg Hunt
📍 Roseland, Essex County
An egg hunt in the woods? Yes please! Plus crafts and nature walks.
🔗 essexcountyparks.org

🥚 Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Hall Museum
📍 Union, Union County
A historic setting for a timeless Easter tradition.
🔗 kean.edu/libertyhall

🐥 Coombs Barnyard Egg & Veggie Hunt
📍 Elmer, Salem County
A charming event with egg hunting, veggie picking, and lots of smiles.
🔗 coombsbarnyard.com

🎠 Brookhollow’s Barnyard Egg Hunt
📍 Boonton, Morris County
A low-key, animal-loving day of fun for younger kids.
🔗 brookhollowsbarnyard.com

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt
📍 North Wildwood, Cape May County
Community fun and sweet treats by the shore!
🔗 northwildwood.com

📅 April 19–20

🚂 Easter Bunny Train Ride
📍 Phillipsburg, Warren County
Chug along on a scenic Easter-themed ride with photo ops and sweet surprises.
🔗 877trainride.com

🌼 Bunny Trail Spring Festival
📍 Princeton, Mercer County
Crafts, treats, and a festive bunny trail through the park!
🔗 princetonnj.gov

🎢 Easter Egg Hunt at Diggerland
📍 West Berlin, Camden County
Dig into a construction-themed egg hunt at this one-of-a-kind amusement park!
🔗 diggerlandusa.com

📅 April 20

🎨 Smithville Easter Parade & Art Walk
📍 Smithville, Atlantic County
A double feature: adorable Easter outfits and local art vendors.
🔗 colonialinnsmithville.com

💃 Cape May Easter Fashion Stroll
📍 Cape May, Cape May County
Show off your Sunday best and enjoy the pageantry by the sea.
🔗 capemay.com

👗 Jenkinson’s Annual Easter Parade
📍 Point Pleasant, Ocean County
Beachside parade, festive flair, and tons of family fun!
🔗 jenkinsons.com

🐣✨ Whether you’re hunting for eggs, hopping on a train, or just sharing laughs and jellybeans, these events promise memory-making magic with your grandkids. Enjoy every moment! 💗

📰 This Week in Aging News

Timely headlines and helpful reads for older adults and retirees

Tariffs Are Paused: Here's What Retirees Should Stock up on Now: President Trump's massive China tariff is still in place, but others have been paused for 90 days. That gives retirees a window to stock up on some goods. Kiplinger, April 10.

Knee Replacement Recovery Time: What You Need to Know: Wondering what recovery is really like after knee replacement surgery? HealthDay News, April 6.

Hearing Loss Could Predict Heart Failure: An older person’s hearing might be a harbinger of heart health, a new study says. HealthDay News, April 10.

Helping Someone with a Hoarding Disorder Takes Time and Patience: First instincts can be unhelpful, counterproductive and — sometimes — even harmful. Next Avenue, April 9.

Retired and Worried About a Recession? Six Ways to Prepare: Retirees can plan for a near-term recession with a range of strategies, from small investment changes to significant lifestyle hacks. Kiplinger, April 10.

🕵️‍♀️ Did You Know… Medical Identity Theft Is on the Rise?

Medical Identity Theft is the Medicare Fraud of the Month for April — and it’s something every senior should know about! 👵👴

What is it?
It’s when someone steals your Medicare number or health info to get medical services, equipment, or even surgery — and sticks you with the bill. Yikes!

Red flags to watch for:

• You get a bill for a treatment or device you never had

• Insurance says you’ve hit your benefit limit… for a condition you don’t have

• A debt collector calls about medical charges you don’t recognize

• Your medical records suddenly list the wrong blood type or test results

How to protect yourself:
🔐 Treat your Medicare card like a credit card — don’t share it with strangers
🛑 Avoid “free offers” from people you don’t know
🛍️ Only get supplies from trusted sources
📋 Regularly check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or EOBs for anything fishy

If something doesn’t look right, report it! Call the Senior Medicare Patrol Helpline at 800-333-4374.

💡 Stay sharp and protect your health and your wallet!

✈️ REAL ID Deadline Coming Up? A Passport Works Too!

The May 7th REAL ID deadline is fast approaching, but travelers may be surprised to learn that a valid passport can be used as an alternative for domestic air travel. 🙌

While the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office does not issue REAL IDs, they do make it easy to apply for a passport at two convenient locations in Monmouth County:

📍 Clerk’s Office in Freehold
📞 Call (732) 431-7324 for an appointment
📍 33 Mechanic Street, Freehold

📍 Monmouth County Connection in Neptune
📞 Call (732) 303-2828 to schedule
📍 3544 Route 66, Neptune

For hours, required documents, and payment details:
🔗 Visit the Clerk’s passport info page

A passport is not only a great backup for REAL ID — it’s your ticket to future travel adventures! 🌍🧳

⚾ Swing Into Savings: BlueClaws’ Silver Sluggers Program for Seniors! 🧢

Baseball season is here, and the Jersey Shore BlueClaws are ready to welcome fans back to ShoreTown Ballpark! Seniors 60+ can enjoy the action with the Silver Sluggers Club, featuring discounted tickets, free meal vouchers (hot dog, chips, & soda 🍔🥤), and flexible ticket exchanges.

Choose from:

• 5-game plan: $70

• 10-game plan: $135

Plus, enjoy Silver Sluggers Sundays, where seniors eat free and have chances to win fun perks like throwing out the first pitch!

📞 Call 732-901-7000 (option 3) or visit BlueClaws Silver Sluggers to join the fun today! 🎉

🚌 Let’s Go! Day Trip to Philly with Monmouth County Parks

Saturday, May 3 | Explore History, Art & Food in the City of Brotherly Love

Looking for a springtime getaway without the hassle of planning? Hop aboard with the Monmouth County Park System for a full day of exploring Philadelphia! 🏛️🌆

🗺️ Your adventure kicks off with a 75-minute walking tour of iconic historic sites (think Liberty Bell and Independence Hall!), followed by free time to wander the art museums, grab a Philly cheesesteak, or dive into the local culture.

🚌 The luxury motor coach departs from Thompson Park in Lincroft at 9:15 a.m. and returns around 6:15 p.m. Rain or shine, it’s happening!

🎟️ Cost: $85 per person — includes round-trip transportation, walking tour tickets, and a cheerful Park System volunteer guide.
🎫 Note: Extra tours or museum entries may require separate tickets, but many National Park sites are free or just a few bucks!

👉 Preregistration is required!
🔗 Register online here or call 732-842-4000, ext. 1
📞 For hearing impaired, dial TTY/TDD: 711

So dust off those walking shoes and get ready to discover Philly in a whole new way!

🐑 Wooly Wonders & Old-Time Fun!

Perfect Spring Outing with the Grandkids
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
📅 Saturday & Sunday, April 26 & 27 | 12–3 p.m.

Calling all grandparents! 🧓👵 If you're looking for a sweet and educational outing with the grandkids, this one’s a winner! Head to Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel for the Monmouth County Park System’s Wool Days & Sheep Shearing Weekend — a charming peek into farm life of the 1890s.

🐏 Watch live sheep shearing using traditional blades — just like they did over a century ago!
🐕 See incredible herding demonstrations by Gene Sheninger and his clever collies.
🏡 Step into history at the Holmes-Hendrickson House (built in 1754!) and learn how wool becomes fabric with live carding, spinning & weaving demos by the Monmouth County Historical Association.

🚌 Shuttles between the two historic sites will be available, making it super easy to explore both!

📍 Location:

• Longstreet Farm – 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel

• Holmes-Hendrickson House – 62 Longstreet Road, Holmdel

🆓 Free fun for all ages! No registration required.

🐣 Tip: Bring your camera—there’ll be lots of adorable photo ops with the sheep!

🔗 Learn more at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com

That’s a wrap for this week! 🎉Thanks for spending time with us! 💕 From Easter egg hunts to old-timey sheep shearing fun, spring is in full swing here in Jersey. 🐣🐑🌸 Whether you're heading out with the grandkids or just soaking it all in, we hope you make some sweet memories. Until next week — keep smiling and enjoy the season! ☀️💐

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See you next week!

P.S. Want to hop into some Easter fun? 🐰 Don’t miss our adorable Bunny Butt Cake recipe—it’s as sweet as it sounds! Perfect for baking with the grandkids and guaranteed to bring giggles, frosting-covered fingers, and a whole lot of joy. 💕🍰🐣

Get the recipe here.