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July 2026 View as Webpage

Title heading image with the statement: Welcome to Generational Gems.

It's Been Hot, But the Kids Need to Get Outside!

We sure have had our share of heat waves already, haven't we.

But, the kids need to get out and about to help expend all that pent-up energy. So, below we've provided you with a few ideas how you can safely take advantage of the warm summer weather and let the young ones enjoy themselves.

You might find that you're having some fun too!

With Care and Support,

Ms. Shirley

Project Director, Grandparents and Kinship Care Project

Resources

Autism-Inclusive Swim Lessons

The City of Newark hosts dedicated Children with Autism swim lessons at the ⁠John F. Kennedy Aquatic Center. Held on Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, these specialized sessions provide a welcoming environment designed to help neurodivergent youth learn essential water safety and swim skills at a comfortable pace. To learn about active session schedules, specific facility rules, and municipal enrollment steps, families can click here to visit the City of Newark Aquatics Portal.

Essex County All-Access Playground

For outdoor playtime, the region boasts structurally inclusive green spaces designed for children with physical and developmental disabilities. The nearby Watsessing Park All-Access Playground, heavily upgraded by the county, features entirely rubberized safety surfacing, wheelchair-accessible ramps, a seated merry-go-round, and specialized adaptive platform swings. This space allows children of all mobility levels to play comfortably alongside their peers. To find detailed park directories, universal design features, and layout details, readers can ⁠click here to explore the MommyPoppins Essex County Playgrounds Guide.

Upcoming Events

Free Outdoor Movies at Turtle Back Zoo

The Essex County Zoo-Vies Series is hosting completely free outdoor movie nights each of the last two Wednesday nights in July. Held at the ⁠Essex County Turtle Back Zoo picnic grounds, admission to the screenings are entirely free of charge for families and children of all ages. The films begin promptly at dusk, making it a perfect mid-week summer evening outing under the stars. To check the remainder of the seasonal lineup on July 22 and 29, cancellation policies, or park venue rules, readers can click here to explore the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Education Guide.

FEATURED LEARNING:

Supporting Students, Families, and Educators Through School Transitions

When a school closes or a major program shifts suddenly, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Students feel the disruption, families lose stability, and educators face new communication challenges.

This webinar explores how communities can respond together — pivoting, preparing, and supporting students through unexpected transitions.

Tuesday, August 18, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Online

To register for this Lunch & Learn workshop presented by the New Jersey Family Engagement Hub at SPAN, click here.