Five community members share their top five winter break activities!
Meira Gorlin
Location: Teaneck
Work/School: Aizer Health
Top 5 Activity: Going to the movies
Going to the movies is always such a fun experience for me! The last three movies I saw in theaters were Wicked, Barbie and Mission Impossible, and each one was unforgettable in its own way. There’s something magical about sharing laughs or gasps with the audience, and being completely immersed in the story. I also appreciate being able to see a movie right away and not having to wait for it to come out on streaming.
Top 4 Activity: Doing something musical
I love finding activities that involve singing and dancing because they let you express yourself in such a genuine way. Whether it’s singing your heart out at Karaoke 21 in Fort Lee, following the choreography of Just Dance, going to a Broadway show, or experiencing the thrill of a live concert at the PNC Bank Arts Center, the energy of the crowd, the excitement of hearing your favorite songs live, and the unforgettable memories created make musical moments truly special.
Top 3 Activity: Game room
Game rooms are awesome because they offer a variety of activities that combine lighthearted competitive fun. Whether you’re playing card games, board games, bowling, air hockey, darts, table tennis or pool, they’re the perfect place to unwind and have a good time- especially on a rainy day. Sadly, the place I used to go to all the time has closed down, but I’m excited to check out Play Hoboken and see what it has to offer!
Top 2 Activity: Ice skating/Roller skating
Ice skating and roller skating are so much fun for me because they’re all about letting go—both literally and figuratively. I can relate to the nervousness of clinging to the wall at first, but once I let go, there’s nothing like finding my footing, gliding across the rink and even laughing through the occasional wobble and fall. Some of my favorite spots are Roller Magic in Perth Amboy and ice skating at Central Park—it’s always an unforgettable experience!
Top 1 Activity: Going to a Photo-op
I love Photo ops, because they let me capture unique and memorable moments with friends and family in front of incredible backdrops. My favorite ones include The Museum of Ice Cream and the Alice in Wonderland pop-up in the city, Flower Escape in Queens, and the Tilt Museum at the American Dream Mall. They were all so vibrant, making it easy to pose, laugh and document experiences I’ll treasure forever. Looking back at those photos always brings a smile to my face!
Nathan Hakakian
Location: Los Angeles
Work/School: Bank of America
Top 5 Activity: Vessel at Hudson Yards
The Vessel at Hudson Yards is a must for anyone visiting New York City for its striking architectural design, incredible views and unique interactive experience. You can climb the 154 spiral staircases, shop or enjoy the city skyline view.
Top 4 Activity: Little Island in NYC
Visiting Little Island is a fantastic (and free!) experience for anyone seeking a beautiful, serene escape while still being in the heart of Manhattan. Located on the Hudson River at Pier 55, Little Island is a unique and vibrant park that offers a variety of attractions and activities including seasonal attractions, strolling the park and art exhibitions.
Top 3 Activity: One Vanderbilt in NYC
Visiting One Vanderbilt is a must for those seeking breathtaking views, cutting-edge design and a truly unique experience. One Vanderbilt is home to Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, it offers immersive experiences like skyline glass floors, where you can literally stand on glass panels that look straight down, adding an exhilarating element to the visit.
Top 2 Activity: Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park Winter Village offers a magical and festive experience, especially during the winter season. There are a number of fun activities such as ice skating and exploring the shops at the Holiday Market.
Top 1 Activity: Knicks Game @ MSG
A New York Knicks game at MSG is a thrilling experience that combines sports, entertainment and the unique energy of one of the world’s most iconic arenas. The energy is second to none and the Knicks are great!
Zahava Ginsberg
Location: Woodmere, currently living in Springfield
Work/School: Child Life Specialist in RWJ Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
Top 5 Activity: Pet stores
I love watching the different animals at pet stores, from playful dogs to colorful birds in flight. My husband will not let me get a pet, so this is a good second!
Top 4 Activity: Mall walking
Mall walking is a great way to get exercise without worrying about the weather. I also enjoy exploring the stores and planning what I might want to buy.
Top 3 Activity: Pottery painting
Pottery painting is a wonderful way to express my creativity. I often think I’ll use what I make, but the pieces usually end up as charming decorations on my shelf.
Top 2 Activity: Movies
Watching movies is always an enjoyable experience, especially in theaters with reclining seats. It makes the outing even more comfortable and fun.
Top 1 Activity: American Dream Address
I love shopping for clothes for my entire family at American Dream. They have a great play area for the kids, keeping my husband and son entertained while I shop. I also appreciate the selection of Jewish books and the availability of constant minyans, so my husband never complains that I’m taking too long.
Chloe Feder
Location: Englewood
Work/School: Special ED teacher
Top 5 Activity: Broadway show
I like going into the city and planning a day around seeing a show. I usually go out for dinner beforehand and like to walk around Times Square.
Top 4 Activity: American Dream- Nickelodeon’s Universe
The American Dream is amazing for a rainy day, they have so much to do. You can spend so many hours and never be bored. If you don’t like rides you can head over to It’s Sugar for a sweet treat.
Top 3 Activity: Long Branch, NJ
I usually go down to the shore in the summer but the winter is also nice! They have tons of kosher places and activities to do in Pier Village, like bowling and arcades. It is also nice to walk on the boardwalk even if it is a bit chilly.
Top 2 Activity: Snow tubing/ skiing at Campgaw
Snow tubing is a great alternative for people who don’t want to ski. My friends were scared at first but we ended up having a blast! Campgaw is a good place to start out.
Top 1 Activity: Mohonk Mountain – hiking
Mohonk mountain offers day passes and has some great hiking. The grounds are so pretty and it’s a beautiful place to walk around. Driving through New Paltz is really nice and they have a cute town and a Chabad.
JZ Mershon
Location: Teaneck
Work/School: Yeshivat Frisch
Top 5 Activity: Ice Skating
I’ve been ice skating ever since I was a little kid. It’s also not hard to find a local ice rink, I can bring all my friends, and it’s an awesome experience every time I go.
Top 4 Activity: Movies
Going to the movies is a great place to go when you’re looking for some sit-down entertainment. I love going with my friends and family and sometimes I feel like I really am a part of the movie.
Top 3 Activity: Go Karting
I love Go Karting because it creates a competitive and fun environment. Feeling the wind in my face going 50 miles an hour, and an intense adrenaline rush leaves you with an unforgettable experience with your fires and family.
Top 2 Activity: Going to Sports Games
I am a huge sports fan and whether it’s a major league or minor league sports game, I’m always looking first for a thrilling and competitive environment.
Top 1 Activity: Water Park Resorts
I love a good time at the water park. My favorite thing to do at water parks is probably going on the countless water slides available but there are also so many other fun things that they have to offer. I’ll go any time I have the chance because It’s an awesome, exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
