What is your name?
Jack Turell
Where do you live?
Originally from California, now Teaneck
What are your top 5 activities?
#5: Van Saun County Park
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day out with your family or friends, I highly recommend checking out Van Saun County Park in Bergen County, New Jersey. Not only is the park absolutely gorgeous with its winding paths and serene ponds, but it also features a charming petting zoo where you can get up-close and personal with all kinds of animals. Plus, the train ride around the park is a fun and nostalgic experience that everyone can enjoy. Trust me, the lack of crazy lines and abundance of things to do make this local petting zoo a must-visit spot for kids and adults alike.
#4: American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall is the best! They have a nice aquarium for the family. They have animal rides, which are fun to ride around the mall for both kids and adults. The kosher food place is incredible with Bravos, Chickies, Cinnabon and much more! There are great theme parks there, too.
#3: Kaplen JCC
The Kaplen JCC is the perfect place for young adults with little kids who want to stay active and have fun together. JCC offers a pool that’s perfect for little ones. It’s especially great on hot days when you need to cool down. And, if you’re interested in a monthly membership, they also have day care services available so you can drop off your child and hit the gym or play some ball while they’re being taken care of. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
#2: Kids Empire in Paramus
This is the Staples Center version of Lily & Liam (see #1). The Kids Empire facility is massive, and it can get quite crowded on the weekends, but it’s definitely worth a visit. They offer mechanical cars for kids to drive, an insane state-of-the-art jungle gym, and toys. The slides are really exciting, and the mechanical machines are loads of fun. As a young parent, it can be a challenge to find places that are enjoyable for my child, and easy on my wallet, and me. These places don’t miss.
#1: Lily & Liam
This hole-in-the-wall, in Englewood, has everything. It has slides, ball pits, Legos, and all kinds of toys and trucks that your child will love. They play Disney music throughout, and it has a small and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. I can easily spend two hours there without realizing it, and it’s even a favorite of Nati Turell. It’s a must-visit spot for any young parent looking for fun and affordable playtime with their little ones.
What is your name?
Samantha (Friedman) Sherman
Where do you work/go to school?
Administrative assistant in the dean’s office at Lander College for Men
What are your top 5 activities?
#5: Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain is a great, simple family hike. The paths are simple and very doable for a family with young children. Pack a matzah sandwich, some potato chips and water and have a nice picnic when you reach the top as you look over the beautiful view. Bear Mountain is a great place to go hiking for a small family, a group of friends or even for a few families who have kids in similar age groups to hike together.
#4: New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is a medium-sized but fun-filled aquarium. Many of the exhibits have an indoor viewing area, so it is a great rainy day option as well. There are a variety of sea creatures to explore, a sea lion show, as well as 4D shows, which are great breaks for kids. After you finish the aquarium you can head over to the Coney Island boardwalk and enjoy the beach and rides while having a light brunch.
#3: Broadway Shows—All of Them
There are so many options for couples, friends, kid-friendly, and family favorites to see. Broadway is truly an all-encompassing experience. There is nothing like a good Broadway show. The characters and music truly bring the show to life! They have daytime and evening showings, which makes it great for families with kids or those who do not like to stay out late. Some of my favorites that are still on Broadway are “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Wicked.”
#2: Sloomoo Institute, Lower Manhattan
The Sloomoo Institute is a slime museum made for all ages. It is a fun experience for kids and adults who love sensory toys and games. Throughout the museum you enjoy different textures and colored slime as well as games and slime pits that you get to walk through. I love that the museum experience ends with everyone making their own slime that is customized to your liking including texture, color, scent and charms.
#1: IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course, New Haven
IT is a place for all ages. I went for the first time a couple of years ago, and I wish I had known about when I was younger. This indoor ropes course is a great activity, especially for a rainy or snowy day. They have a main ropes course for young children and adults as well as a mini course for toddlers. The main ropes course has not one but two zip lines, which I loved the most. They also have lockers for personal belongings, and you are allowed to bring in outside food, which is a huge plus during Pesach.
What is your name?
Aharon Weiden
Where do you work/go to school?
Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business
What are your top 5 activities?
#5: Zip Lining Ropes Course
I love activities that involve physical movement and exercise. In general ropes courses are meant for older kids or younger adults so just be careful who you bring, but it’s by far the best workout and the zip lining part is tons of fun.
#4: Aquarium
It’s great to hang out with family while going to touch and see the fish. Being indoors and having solid AC is a nice touch.
#3: Amusement Parks Like SeaWorld, Magic Kingdom
Now this is a hot take, but I love going on rides and seeing shows while I’m in Florida. It creates a fun family afternoon and great memories. The issue is the lines are awful and the sun can be draining, so just a heads up.
#2: Poolside Day
I don’t know many people who don’t enjoy sitting poolside, reading a book, chilling and relaxing with the family, while getting a tan. Really nothing better. Maybe a barbecue and baseball/football also while you’re at it. Just great vibes.
#1: Baseball Games
OK, so hear me out. If you love the game of baseball and are willing to spend your whole day there during Chol Hamoed: 1) We should be friends. 2) It’s just a fun, relaxing way to spend your Chol Hamoed day!
What is your name?
Miryam Ginsburg
Where do you work/go to school?
Health Recovery Solutions
What are your top 5 activities?
#5: Autobahn Race Track in the Palisades Center
This makes for a great day or night activity. Great to do with friends or family or on your own! Since it’s in the Palisades Center, it’s so convenient.
#4: Kalahari Resort and Waterpark in the Poconos
You can make it a day trip (only 90 minutes from Teaneck) or book for longer. There is so much to do, no matter your age or adventure level. Don’t worry about bringing kosher food because there’s a mini market in the hotel that has tons of kosher snacks and prepared kosher meals (think airplane food). Bonus: They also have some outdoor activities like a ropes course.
#3: Aquarium at the American Dream Mall
Such a cute aquarium to visit with kids or adults. And it’s great that it’s so close and convenient.
#2: American Dream Mall
In general, this mall is a great day activity as a whole. There is so much to do, and a lot of times there are events or activities that you can decide to join. My daughter just loves riding the electronic animals, which is not even an advertised activity on their site.
#1: Dave & Buster’s (in the Palisades Center or the Willowbrook Mall)
Dave & Buster’s is always a solid go-to for a fun time. You can spend an hour or several just playing games. Go on your own or with a group of friends. Either way, it’s a good time!
What is your name?
Eric Sorkin
Where do you work/go to school?
TABC
What are your top 5 activities?
#5: Bowler City
Bowling is fun for people of all ages and is a great friendly competition to take part in. I think bowling is a must on Chol Hamoed, especially if it’s raining.
#4: Hiking
There’s a trail for everyone of all different ages and skill levels to hike or even mountain bike on if that’s your thing. I love hiking because of the peace and quiet that comes with it. Just you and Hashem’s beautiful world.
#3: American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall has it all—mini golf, roller coasters, waterslides, and all the stores you could want to shop in. My favorite thing there is the water park.
#2: RPM Raceway
Pure adrenaline and joy is all you will feel while racing down the track at 50 mph. Their all-new 2,200-foot-long track with three levels of elevation will give you an experience to remember.
#1: Six Flags Great Adventure
Aside from having the tallest roller coaster in the world, Six Flags Great Adventure has some amazing calmer rides, but also some amazing crazy rides. Another plus is that NCSY has a great deal on Chol Hamoed to save your money while still having a blast.
