Five Jewish Link readers recommend their top five Chol Hamoed activities

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Name: Eytan Kirschenbaum

Institution: TABC

Top 5 Activities

#5 Activity: DreamWorks Waterpark

Reason: I’ve been there many times and it has never gotten old. Going on Pesach is fun for the whole family.

#4 Activity: Day pass at JCC

Reason: For just the price of $15 a person, you can enjoy the basketball courts, indoor/outdoor pools, racquetball, gym, etc. You can stay all day.

#3 Activity: Hershey Park

Reason: It’s a little far so plan accordingly. Well worth the drive, not being able to eat the delicacies at Hershey is tough but the rides make up for it.

#2 Activity: Hike

Reason: The tri-state area has so many hiking gems. Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain, Palisade Interstate State Park, etc. If the weather is nice, it’s a beautiful way to get out.

#1 Activity: RUN FOR THEIR LIVES

Reason: Being a running enthusiast myself, I can’t name a better activity. Getting good exercise while advocating for the immediate release of our brothers and sisters in Hamas captivity.

Name: Judy Berger

Jewish Link Bronx Westchester Connecticut Community Editor

Top 5 Activities

#5 Activity: Little Island

Reason: Anyone who has driven down the West Side Highway and witnessed the construction of this park must go check it out. Little Island is a public park, located in Hudson River Park, where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River.

#4 Activity: Hyde Park in Dutchess County, New York

Reason: If you like to tour beautiful old historic homes, then Hyde Park is the place to go. Known as the hometown of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, in Hyde Park you can tour the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Isaac Roosevelt, and Frederick William Vanderbilt. Hyde Park is also the home to the main campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

#3 Activity: Fort Montgomery

Reason: Fort Montgomery is a great spot for history enthusiasts. It was the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River. Visitors today can tour the remains of the 14-acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Hudson.

#2 Activity: The Harry Potter Exhibition

Reason: The Harry Potter Exhibition is located on 34th Street across from Macy’s. Fans can see wands, robes and magical artifacts from the movies. There are many interactive activities such as brewing potions, casting spells and playing Quidditch. It is fun for Harry Potter fans of all ages.

#1 Activity: The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path

Reason: If you like to walk and have amazing views, the bridge path is a great way to spend the day. This 12-foot path is located on the northern side of the westbound span and features six scenic overlooks, interpretive displays and public art across its length. Both the Westchester and Rockland sides have a landing that offer amenities including Welcome Centers, interactive displays, public art and restrooms. The path is open seven days a week 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.. It is approximately an 80-minute walk one way.

Name: Binyamin Bixon

Workplace: Law Office of Michael Pressman

Top 5 Activities

#5 Activity: The Highline

Reason: This elevated walkway stretching from Hudson Yards through downtown Manhattan is a must-see. A beautiful walk in nice weather that exhibits amazing architecture, sculptures and artwork throughout the walk as well as scenic areas for picnics as you walk through the buildings and get a different perspective of the city.

#4 Activity: The FRIENDS Experience

Reason: If you are a fan of the show “Friends” then you will love this museum. It is filled to the brim with props from the show, some interesting background information, and also a few interactive areas for some great photos. If they’re selling kosher for Pesach drinks, then don’t forget to grab a coffee at Central Perk.

#3 Activity: New York Botanical Gardens

Reason: Springtime is the best time to go see the flowers bloom at the Botanical Gardens. There are many beautiful sites and you can choose to hike all over the park or take trams if you’re not up for long walks.

#2 Activity: Spyscape

Reason: This interactive museum highlights and informs you on practically everything that made espionage so cinematic. The puzzle challenges you face as you go through each exhibit make you feel like you’re in training and you walk out feeling like James Bond.

#1 Activity: Escape Rooms

Reason: Escape games are super fun to do with friends/family as you solve creative and complex themed puzzles within an hour. There are some amazing room themes that really get you immersed in the experience and the time limit adds to the thrill.

Name: Aaron Wruble

Workplace: Hulu

Top 5 Activities

#5 Activity: The Portal

Reason: This new attraction located at the Flatiron will visually link New York City and Dublin, Ireland. Linking the two cities in real-time visual bridge.

#4 Activity: Global Entry

Reason: I know this isn’t really an activity but the U.S. is raising the price in October of this year. Most credit cards cover the fee and you never need to pay for TSA Precheck ever again. Bonus Tip: if you go to the U.S. / CA border you can get NEXUS instead for only $50.

#3 Activity: Whitney Biennial

Reason: This art show happens every two years and is meant to survey American art for this specific point in time. The theme is “Better Than the Real Thing” and is meant to reference the impact AI is having on the world.

#2 Activity: Field of Light

Reason: Spanning more than six acres from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, just south of the United Nations, is an immersive public art installation that incorporates 17,000 low light spheres.

#1 Activity: Cherry Blossom season in Central Park

Reason: These flowers are only in bloom for two short weeks so make sure you head to Central Park before they are gone. Go to https://www.centralparknyc.org/cherry-blossoms for more detailed information.

Name: Hannah Greenberg

Work/School: Landers Touro College for Women in Israel

Top 5 Activities

#5 Activity: Van Saun Park and Bergen County Zoo

Reason: I love the zoo and would love to go there all the time. All the different animals are so cool to see, and it’s especially inspiring to witness all of Hashem’s creations! Make sure to ride the train that takes you on a tour of the zoo. It truly is a great activity to go to during chol hamoed.

#4 Activity: Escape the Room NJ

Reason: My family did the Englewood location one Pesach and we had the best time! We even did the scary version, and despite the jump scares, it was the best activity! Definitely recommend!

#3 Activity: Hershey Park

Reason: Hershey Park is my all-time childhood theme park! The rides are truly spectacular, offering thrills that cater to both adrenaline seekers and families alike. I love just walking around the Hershey store and seeing the delicious candies being sold. Great activity for family and friends.

#2 Activity: Deal Beach

Reason: I chose Deal Beach because I love the beach! Also, a matzah and cream cheese sandwich, with the view of the beach, is a perfect day in my book!

#1 Activity: Six Flags Great Adventure

Reason: I rank #1 Six Flags Great Adventure because it is a classic go-to chol hamoed activity! The rides are amazing and a great activity with friends and family. I love seeing so many different people I know there and getting to ride Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world!