Kid-Friendly Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties & Events in Central NJ

Your mother probably told you to never look directly at the sun. However, skywatchers across the U.S. will be fixated on that big bright star on Monday, August 21st. For the first time in nearly 100 years we will experience a rare total solar eclipse across America. Although you have to be in the path to see the eclipse in totality, you and your family can still celebrate this astronomical wonder by attending a special Solar Eclipse program on the big day. Here is your guide to Kid-Friendly Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties and Events in Central NJ.

Note: Looking directly at the sun is unsafe. Anyone planning to witness the solar eclipse will need certified protective eclipse viewing glasses. Some of the venues below will provide protective eyewear and others request that you bring your own. Please visit each venue’s website for details.

2017 Kid-Friendly Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties & Events in Central NJ

Also See 2024 Family-Friendly Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties & Events in Central NJ

Bound Brook, NJ

Solar Oven making – (ages 8+)
Bound Brook branch – Children’s Program Tables
402 E High St., Bound Brook
Monday, August 21, 2017: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Get ready for the eclipse today. We will construct a solar oven that can be used to harness the energy of our amazing sun. We will test it out on Tuesday when the sun will be back in action.

Branchburg, NJ

Planetarium at Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg, NJ
August 21, 2017 at 1PM – 4PM
The public is invited to attend a free, safe viewing of the Solar Eclipse on August 21, from 1-4 p.m., at the RVCC Planetarium. Those attending will participate in the viewing outside the 3M Observatory, which is located next to the Planetarium. Bring protective eyewear or purchase at the planetarium for $2 each (limited quantities available per family, while supplies last).

Bridgewater, NJ

Watch the Solar Eclipse at Your Library
Bridgewater branch – Meeting Room ABC
1 Vogt Dr., Bridgewater
Monday, August 21, 2017: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Bridgewater library will be connecting to NASA TV to live stream the eclipse as it moves its way from Oregon to South Carolina.

Cranbury, NJ

The All-American Solar Eclipse
Cranbury Public Library
August 21, 2017 at 10AM
Be one of the first 20 people to get a free pair of glasses to view the solar eclipse between 10 and 1 o’clock. (Viewing in New Jersey begins at 1:22, with peak coverage at 2:44.) We’ll be live-streaming the event in the library! Get totally eclipsed by our special materials (books, movies, music) display.

Edison, NJ

Tweens: Solar Eclipse Sun Party!
Clara Barton Branch
141 Hoover Avenue, Edison, New Jersey 08837
August 21, 2017 at 2PM – 3PM
Open to: Grade 4 through Adult (grade you just completed)
Registration begins: August 1st (MUST REGISTER WITH CHILD’S OWN CARD)
On Monday, August 21st, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible in parts of the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. New Jersey won’t be in the direct path but will experience a partial eclipse of the sun (approximately 70 % of Sun’s covered area). Join us at the library as we watch the solar eclipse together (weather permitting). The library will supply protective viewing glasses and we’ll make an edible model of the sun that’s good enough to eat.

Ewing, NJ

Great American Eclipse Viewing
Mercer County Library System – Ewing Branch
61 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ 08628
August 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM
Ready to witness the rare event of a solar eclipse? Sign up to reserve your spot and eclipse viewer to see the partial solar eclipse that will be visible in our area. Eclipse starts approx. 1:20 p.m. Max eclipse coverage in our area begins at 2:45 p.m. Light refreshments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration required. Call 609-882-3148

Great American Eclipse Viewing
Mercer County Library System – Ewing Branch
61 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ 08628
August 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM
Storytime and Light Snack. Parents please sign up to reserve your child’s spot and eclipse viewer to see the partial solar eclipse that will be visible in our area. Eclipse starts approx. 1:20 p.m. Max eclipse coverage in our area begins at 2:45 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Registration required. Call 609-882-3148.

Highlands, NJ

Solar Eclipse Party at the Gateway National Recreation Area
Sandy Hook – History House No. 1, Fort Hancock Historic Post
August 21, 2017 at 1PM – 5PM
Rangers and astronomers will share with visitors how to safely enjoy the solar eclipse at History House No. 1, part of Fort Hancock. Protective glasses will be provided. This is a FREE event.

Hillsborough, NJ

Solar Eclipse – NASA Live Stream – (all ages)
Hillsborough branch – Conference Room
379 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough
Monday, August 21, 2017: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
View the total solar eclipse in our Conference Room as we connect to NASA TV to live stream the eclipse as it makes its way from Oregon to South Carolina.

Holmdel, NJ

Eclipse Viewing Party at Bell Works
Bell Works
101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733
August 21, 2017 at 1:15PM – 4:15PM
Join us on Monday, Aug. 21, beginning at 1:15 pm on the terrace for an eclipse viewing party. Hosted by Bell Works and sponsored by metroburb tenant Blue Blaze Financial Advisors LLC, tenants and community members are all welcome. Guests will receive a pair of special glasses that protect your eyes while viewing the eclipse (limited supplies available). (Eclipse Fun Fact: The last time Americans had the opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse was in 1991.) Beverages and light fare will also be available. The eclipse begins at 1:23 pm and will peak at 2:45 pm. Guests are welcome at any point during the eclipse event which will wrap up at 4:01 pm.

Manalapan, NJ

Solar Eclipse Viewing
Monmouth County Library – Headquarters
125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726
August 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Watch the Eclipse – live as it happens – from the safety of our auditorium, as we live stream from NASA. Special Glasses will be available for participants on a first come, first served basis.

Manville, NJ

Solar Eclipse – NASA Live Stream – (all ages)
Manville branch
100 South 10th Ave., Manville
August 21, 2017 1PM – 3PM
Watch NASA TV’s live stream of the solar eclipse as it makes its way from Oregon to South Carolina.

Monroe, NJ

Solar Eclipse Party
Monroe Public Library – Program Room
4 Municipal Plaza
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831
Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at 2:30 p.m.
All ages welcome. Come watch the 2017 Solar Eclipse with us! Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis; please take a number at the Youth Services Desk (numbers available 30 minutes prior to program start). Registration is not required.

North Brunswick, NJ

Solar Eclipse Informational Video & Activities (all ages)
North Brunswick Public Library
880 Hermann Rd, North Brunswick, NJ
August 14, 2017 at 10AM – 12PM
Drop in any time between 10am-12 noon to watch a short informational video clip about the solar eclipse and some activities. Registration not necessary.

Decorate Solar Eclipse Cupcakes (ages 12 – 18)
North Brunswick Public Library
880 Hermann Rd, North Brunswick, NJ
August 17, 2017 at 10AM – 11AM
Drop in between 10 – 11AM to decorate a cupcake with icing and an oreo cookie. Registration not necessary.

End of Summer Party & Eclipse (all ages)
North Brunswick Public Library
880 Hermann Rd, North Brunswick, NJ
August 21, 2017 at 1PM – 4PM
Don’t miss the party! We will have popcorn, cotton candy, pucker candy, ice cream & drinks. Kids will enjoy the Circus Train Interactive Inflatable, spin art, arts & crafts & lawn games. We will also have a special guest star and will hand out solar eclipse glasses to view.

North Plainfield, NJ

Solar Eclipse Party
Somerset County Library System – North Plainfield branch – Program Room
6 Rockview Ave. North Plainfield
Monday, August 21, 2017: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Want to watch the solar eclipse of 2017 but don’t have a good view or the weather isn’t what you hoped?? Join us as we live stream the solar eclipse! We’ll have snacks and beverages available to enjoy while you watch.

Solar Eclipse Make & Take (Ages 4-8)
North Plainfield branch
6 Rockview Ave. North Plainfield
Monday, August 21, 2017: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
A total eclipse of the sun is here and we want to celebrate it! Measure how far we are from the sun and then make your own solar eclipse to take home with you.

Old Bridge, NJ

Total Eclipse of the Sun Celebration
Old Bridge Public Library
August 21, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come join us as we celebrate the total eclipse of the sun with scavenger hunts, activities and crafts for all ages. All participants will receive certified solar eclipse viewing glasses!

Piscataway, NJ

Total Solar Eclipse NASA Livestream
Piscataway Public Library
Kennedy Main Mtg Room
August 21, 2017 at 10:30am to 2:30pm
On Monday, Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will cross the entire United States for the first time since 1918. Fourteen states across the country will experience more than two minutes of darkness in the middle of the day! Drop in to see NASA’s livestream of the total solar eclipse from locations around the country!

Plainsboro, NJ

Plainsboro Library Eclipse-O-Rama 2017
Plainsboro Public Library
August 21, 2017 at 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
We’ll teach you how to safely observe this astronomical marvel as we discuss superstitions of the past regarding eclipses and play Eclipse Trivia! Coloring sheets will be available for smaller children inside our Science Center. Free eclipse glasses will be provided at the event for Plainsboro residents!

Princeton, NJ

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Palmer Square
40 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ
August 21, 2017 at 1PM – 4PM
Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and we will provide the protective glasses and snacks at this three-hour Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. Princeton is not in the path of totality, but there should still be a good show. Astronomers from Princeton University’s department of Astrophysical Sciences will be there to provide eclipse education and answer questions.

Princeton Junction, NJ

Solar Eclipse Viewing (All ages)
Mercer County Library System – West Windsor Branch
333 N. Post Road, Princeton Jct., NJ 08550
August 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The West Windsor Branch will be having a special viewing of the solar eclipse! Solar eclipse glasses will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.
1:22 pm – Partial eclipse begins
2:44 pm – Maximum coverage of eclipse
4:00 pm – Partial eclipse ends

Shrewsbury, NJ

Kids! Family Fun Special: Partial Solar Eclipse Event
Monmouth County Library – Eastern Branch
1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
August 21, 2017 at 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Join us in a story, special craft, and a chance to view this amazing event. Attendees will receive a special pair of viewing glasses! Story and craft portion will last about 30 minutes, then sit back and enjoy the view, eclipse is expected to last about 2 hours or more. Snacks, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. All ages welcome. Registration is required, in person, by phone or on-line. Parents, please register each child using your email and phone contact info. Children’s Dept. 732-683-8980.

South Amboy, NJ

Solar Eclipse Party
Sadie Pope Dowdell Public Library
100 Harold G. Hoffman Plaza, South Amboy, NJ 08879
Activities, FREE eclipse glasses & live eclipse streaming via HDTV!

South River, NJ

See the Eclipse Safely!
South River Public Library
August 21, 2017 1PM – 2PM
We are having an eclipse viewing at the South River Library! We will provide home-made safe viewing devices, and you can see this event. Due to the placement, the United States will not have this perfect opportunity again for 600 years!

Warren, NJ

Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Warren Township branch – Meeting Room
42 Mountain Blvd., Warren
Monday, August 21, 2017: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Come to the library to view the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States since February 1979.

Woodbridge, NJ

Check Out the Great American Eclipse!
Woodbridge Public Library – Main Library
August 21, 2017 at 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
1 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
On August 21, 2017, NJ will experience a partial solar eclipse. Drop by the Main Library’s Meeting Room for live streaming coverage of what is being called the Great American Eclipse. While supplies last a limited number of solar glasses, funded by the Woodbridge Library Foundation, will be distributed. Limit 1 per family. We’ll also have some simple handouts available. Come share the eclipse with us! Due to high demand we can only distribute solar eclipse glasses to Woodbridge residents.