Chol Hamoed dates: Thursday, September 23, through Monday, September 27Chol Hamoed dates: Thursday, September 23, through Monday, September 27Please enjoy The Jewish Link’s guide to activities, attractions and events for the family to enjoy during Chol Hamoed. Remember to take note of any changes in COVID regulations prior to your visit.

New Jersey

Turtle Back Zoo

See animals from all over the world, including giraffes, kangaroos, penguins, Komodo dragons, ostriches, bald eagles and sea lions. Included in the price of admission is a dinosaur-themed playground; other attractions include pony rides and an endangered-species carousel, both $2. Next door to the zoo are the TreeTop Adventure Course, with a world-class aerial obstacle course and a zip line for older kids and adults, and Mini Golf Safari, with an African-themed mini-golf course.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pricing: $17 per adult, $14 per child and seniors, infants under 2 free.

Address: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange

Phone: 973-731-5800

Email: [email protected]

Website: turtlebackzoo.com

 

Six Flags Great Adventure

An amusement park for the whole family to enjoy! Experience the thrill of roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, the tallest coaster in the world. There are a variety of rides, from family friendly to kid friendly to thrill-seeking. Included with admission is the drive-thru safari. Be sure to check their website for all information.

Price: $29.99 for a one-day pass.

Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson

Phone: 732-928-2000

Website: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

Park Hours: Thurs and Fri 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Power Hours are 5 – 11 p.m.

 

Paterson Great Falls

A new addition to the National Park Service, Paterson Great Falls includes the Great Falls of the Passaic River. See the waterfall that powered an industrial city dating back to the 18th century, established by Alexander Hamilton. Guided tours are led daily by the National Park Service. Walking bridge over the Falls is closed.

Hours: Mon-Fri, sunrise-sunset

Welcome Center hours: Mon-Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free ($2 suggested donation for the museum)

Address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson

Phone: 973-523-0370

Website: www.nps.gov/pagr

 

Van Saun Park and Bergen County Zoo

Within its 146 acres, Van Saun County Park offers a wide range of activities that is sure to please the entire family. Some of its popular attractions include the nationally accredited Bergen County Zoological Park, the historic Washington Spring Garden, several age-appropriate playgrounds and picnic and fishing areas.

Hours: Open seven days a week 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (until 7 p.m. on Thursdays). Closes temporarily midday for park clean-up.

Pricing: Bergen County Residents: $4 per adult, $2 per child, $1 per senior. Non-residents: $8 per adult, $5 per child, $2 per senior. Carousel and train rides are available at $2 per person. (Children under 3 are free.)

Address: 216 Forest Ave, Paramus

There are no food services available.

 

Mountain Creek Gorge Golf Course

Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Book a tee time: Outings start at $42

Phone: 973-864-6700

Website: www.greatgorgemc.com 

Includes three nine-hole courses: Rail, Lake and Quarry

 

Lakota Wolf Preserve

All reservations must be made prior to arrival. They will allow no walk-ins.

Hours: Mon-Fri, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two options for tour time slots: 10:30 a.m. or 4 p.m. (75 minutes long). 50 people per tour.

Pricing: $15 per adult, $7 per child

Address: 89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia

Phone: 908-496-9244

Website: https://www.lakotawolf.com/

 

Alstede Farms

Hours 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Address: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester

Phone: 908-879-7189

Lots of items to pick. Check the website for further information (alstedefarms.com).

 

Bader Farms

Pick your own tomatoes, hot peppers, cucumbers, flowers and much more. No need for online reservation/ticket.

Address: 290 Change Brook Road, Pine Brook

Phone: 973-464-5694

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Picking 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pricing: No fee charged for vegetable/pumpkin picking other than the cost/pound for produce picked.

 

Demarest Farms

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pricing: $7 per person and $12 per bag

Address: 244 Wierimus Rd, Hillsdale

Phone: 201-666-0472

Picking will only be allowed for pre arranged times slots made online in 90 minute time slots.

 

Maskers Orchard

Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address: 45 Ball Road, Warwick, New York

Phone: 845-986-1058

Free bags, free entrance and eat as many apples as you wish while picking.

 

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure

Safe, fun, affordable activities for the entire family.

Three locations in South Hackensack, Milltown and Avenel

Phone: 201-212-6454

Email: [email protected]

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Check for their different hours each day. COVID capacity restrictions are strictly enforced. Advance reservations recommended. Please call for further information.

 

American Dream

Much more than a mall! Visit to enjoy the Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park, with an ice skating rink, Black Light Mini Golf, Angry Birds Mini Golf, indoor skiing and DreamWorks Water Park. And don’t forget about the shopping! Be sure to check online for pricing and times.

Address: 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford

Website: www.americandream.com 

Kosher food available (not sure if there will be a sukkah)

 

Liberty Science Center

Check out the LSC’s calendar on their website for daily events and shows. http://lsc.org/see-whats-happening/events-calendar/.

Purchase tickets online. On site purchase cannot guarantee admission if slots are already filled.

Admission for those 12 and over must show proof of vaccination. Everyone 2 and above must wear a mask.

Address: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City

Phone: 201-200-1000

 

High Exposure

Enjoy High Exposure’s ultimate (easy) family survival challenge.

All staff and guests are required to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 prevention.

Located in Northvale. Mon – Thurs noon – 10 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Call 201-768-8600 for information and reservations. Bookings must be made at least 48 hours prior. Or email [email protected].

 

New York

Bronx Zoo

Visit the largest urban zoo in the country to see wondrous animal exhibits including Madagascar, Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain and African Plains. Witness penguin and sea lion feedings.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday until 5:30) No entry to any indoor enclosures without proof of vaccination for anyone 12 and over. Masks required for all.

Pricing: Admission to the zoo is free on Wednesdays. Other days $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for children 3-12, free for children 2 and under. Important to pre-reserve and purchase online.

Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx

Phone: 718-220-5100

Email: [email protected]

Website: bronxzoo.com

 

Staten Island Fun Park

Mini golf, batting cages, Staten Island Raceway and go karts

Address: 215 Schmidts Lane

Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Phone: 718-982-5578

Website: www.sifunpark.com

 

Central Park

Try rowing on the lake (no reservations for row boats, each boat holds four), or rent a gondola which requires a reservation. Bring a picnic; there are lots of grassy spots. Watch the turtles. Free entertainment.

Address: 59th St. to 110th St.

Phone: 212-360-3456

 

Bryant Park

Tons of activities daily for kids and big kids (parents).

Address: Behind the NY Public Library between 40th and 42nd Streets & 5th and 6th Ave.

Phone: 212-768-4242

 

Battery Park

Free activities for kids.

Address: Battery St. to South St.

Phone: 212-360-3456

Connecticut

 

Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens

This outdoor classroom offers a delightfully scenic and educational experience. Guests can sign up in advance for a variety of presentations and tours, including a forest walk, scavenger hunts and more. Guests are expected to follow mask and social-distancing guidelines. Check the calendar for their daily events. Masks required.

Hours: The grounds are open from dawn until dusk. Hours differ for specific events.

Pricing: Admission is free, but certain events require a ticket purchase.

Address: 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford

Phone: 203-322-6971

Website: bartlettarboretum.org.

 

Lyman Orchards

Lyman Orchards in Middlefield has been growing fruit on the same land overlooking the Connecticut River for more than a century. Visitors can pick their fruit straight from the orchard on South Street or from the Apple Barrel Farm Market and Bakery on Reeds Gap Road. Come October, apples and pumpkins will be in season. The orchard will adhere to mask and social-distancing guidelines. Call before going (there is a 24 hour hotline for up to the minute crop and field conditions, varieties and current market prices).

Hours: The Apple Barrel is open Mon-Thu 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, Fri-Sun 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pricing: Payment for the orchard is done via a “pay then pick” process. Visitors can choose between three different size containers to purchase: one quart, four quart, or tray. The more you pick, the more you save.

Address: 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield

Phone: 860-349-6000

 

Nature’s Art Village

Children of all ages (and their families) can walk among the dinosaurs in the village’s 60-acre nature trail that features more than 50 life-sized dinosaurs. There is a whole campus full of interactive adventures that include the A”MAZE”asaurus, and the dino-sized Monty’s Playground. The park will adhere to social-distancing guidelines. Outside food is welcome.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but vary based on each activity

Pricing: Children, adults and seniors $14.99. Children 2 years and younger are free.

Address: 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale

Phone: 860-443-4367

Website: naturesartvillage.com.

 

Beardsley Zoo

Amur leopards, boa constrictors, vampire bats, bobcats, anteaters and more are all available for viewing. Guests are allowed to bring their own food to eat in the picnic grove. Tickets are only available online in advance of your visit.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pricing: Adults (ages 12 & older): $17. Children (ages 3 -11): $14. Seniors (62 & older): $14. Under 3 years: free. Tickets must be purchased online prior to visit.

Address: 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport

Phone: 203-394-6565

Website: beardsleyzoo.org.

 

Pennsylvania

Independence National Historical Park (INHP)

Known as “America’s Most Historic Square Mile,” INHP is home to several attractions that are key in the history of America. View the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed), the President’s House outdoor museum, the National Constitution Center and much more. All attractions must be pre reserved. Strict COVID restrictions.

Hours: Varies by attraction

Pricing: Varies by attraction; several (including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall) are free.

Address: 6th and Market Streets, Philadelphia

Website: Check each site individually (visitphilly.com is a good place to start)

 

Longwood Gardens

Visit nearly 1,000 acres of beautiful gardens. Located mostly outdoors. Tour the gardens with a guide, or just walk through at your own pace, appreciating nature. Highlights include the Rose Garden, Waterlily Display and Chimes Tower and Waterfall.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call to check hours. All visitors must prearrange online tickets.

Pricing: varies Children under 4 free.

Address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

Phone: 610-388-1000

Email: [email protected]

Website: longwoodgardens.org