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The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation  |  150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456  |  973-835-2160

Owned and operated by the Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

​4 PROGRAM THEMES to choose from

  1. Overlook Observation Hike - hike to an overlook on our private trails, with our educators pointing out cool things along the way.
  2. Stream Seeking Exploration - into the stream we'll go, to search for and learn about the critters that inhabit the Blue Mine Brook flowing through our property.
  3. Nature Adventure Games - our recreation field and forest are the perfect spots for active nature-themed games.
  4. Insect Investigation - kids will love searching for and learning about bugs and their habitats.​


DETAILS

  • Maximum number of children is 20.
  • We recommend parents/guardians wait in the pavilion during the 1-hr guided program. Up to 4 adults/parents (max) may accompany the group during the program at no additional charge.
    • If additional parents would like to participate in the guided program, please let us know when making your reservation so we can schedule additional staff and advise you of the added fee.
  • Ages: The 1 hour program is suitable for ages 5 and up.
  • Nature party packages are 2 1/2 hours total and include:
    • 1 hour educator-led program for the kids (program will start at the beginning of your reserved time)
    • 2 1/2 hours total in the pavilion (i.e. refreshments and presents)
  • The pavilion has 6 picnic tables, overhead lights, patio heaters for cold weather, and outlets.
  • Restrooms: located in the lower level of the main building. An accessible bathroom is also available on the main floor.
  • Parking: party guests may park in the outer lot on Snake Den Rod, or they may drive in through the outer gate and park near the main brick building. No parking is allowed near the pavilion.
  • ​Parents are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time to setup and decorate. Please check-in at the main brick building when you arrive.​​
  • ​Tips for your educator are not required, but always appreciated!
  • Memberships are tax-deductible and have year-round benefits. Not sure if you are a current member? Contact Us and we'll let you know - OR JOIN/RENEW NOW!

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PRICE

$225 - Current Weis Members ("Basic Family" $60 level & above)
$265 - Non-Members

​Payment is due at the time of booking. Your reservation is not guaranteed until payment in full is received. See below for cancellation policy.


PARTY DECORATIONS & REFRESHMENTS

  • ​Our Center is committed to modeling environmentally friendly practices. We respectfully ask that you use as few single-use disposables as possible. Please make every effort to use environmentally-friendly items that have minimal packaging and/or are made of recycled or recyclable materials. 
  • Decorations are welcome! In order to align with our eco-conscious initiative, we suggest banners, signs, tabletop centerpieces, streamers.
  • NOT permitted: balloons (latex and mylar can be harmful to wildlife), silly string, noisemakers, piñatas or poppers containing confetti, rice, loose glitter.
  • You may bring refreshments or have them delivered by a caterer. There is no refrigeration or oven available.
  • Alcoholic beverages and smoking are NOT permitted anywhere on the Center's property, including the parking areas. 
  • Please bring paper products (napkins/plates/cups) and utensils. 
  • Parents are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time to setup and decorate.
  • Amplified music and generators are not permitted without approval.


​PARTY CLEANUP

  • ​We can supply trash bags for your garbage AND recycling, which MUST be separated before disposal.
    • Recycling includes aluminum/tin/glass cans, bottles & jars; cardboard & paper; #1-#7 plastics.
  • Dispose of your bags in the dumpsters in the fenced-in enclosure near our main building; recycling on the left, trash on the right.
  • Do not leave trash or recycling in the pavilion or any other area.
  • Parents are asked to leave the space in the same condition as they found it. Please check for wrappers, pieces of gift wrap/ribbon, and other party remnants before departing.


CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • $35 processing fee applies to refund requests.
  • Refunds (less the $35 fee) will be issued for cancellations requests received at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • No refunds for cancellations less than 2 weeks in advance.


RESCHEDULING

  • No charge to reschedule with at least 2 week's notice.
  • If you reschedule with less than 2 week's notice, an additional $35 fee will be due - and must be paid prior to the event.​
  • In case of steady rain or inclement weather, program may be rescheduled at no additional cost.

NATURE PARTIES

Seasonal Programs: (2 1/2 hrs)
In addition to the programs listed above, we also have some great options for special seasonal programs.

February-March: Maple Sugaring!
90 minute program - includes a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, tree biology, the history of tree tapping, and some of the many things sap is used for. Then we'll visit our tapped trees to learn how to tap, collect and taste sap, then see how the evaporator works. We'll finish with a blind syrup taste test in the covered pavilion (with heaters).

  • Option to purchase local organic syrup if you like (cash/Venmo).
  • Ad additional 1 hour after the program in the covered pavilion (with heaters) or the main building for your refreshments and celebrating.
  • $390 Current Weis Members ("Basic Family" $60 level & above); $430 Non-Members


October: Pumpkin Chunkin!
90 minute program - includes time to choose and carve or decorate a pumpkin (depending on age), then each participant will take a turn launching their pumpkin from our mighty trebuchet to see how far it flies!

  • We supply the pumpkins to carve, decorate and launch (1 per participant), tools for carving, and markers for decorating.
  • And additional 1 hour after the program in the covered pavilion for your refreshments and celebrating.
  • ​Max 20 program participants, 40 person total (including family and friends)
  • $390 Current Weis Members ("Basic Family" $60 level & above); $430 Non-Members


Swimming: at the adjacent Highlands Natural Pool can also be included during Jun-Sep weekends (Jul-Aug weekdays) for an additional fee. Let us know if you are interested in including a visit to the pool in your party package.