For those of you who will be staying home this year during Yeshiva Week, The Jewish Link has put together a COVID-cautious guide to help you safely enjoy some local activities that are open during that time. Please note that almost every activity or destination requires a reservation in advance.
Yeshiva Week this year is January 20-29.
New Jersey
Van Saun Park and Bergen County Zoo
Train and carousel are closed.
Check ice skating schedule and rules.
Hours 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free admission.
Within its 146 acres, Van Saun County Park offers a wide range of activities that are 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.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
Reservations are a must for a tour weekdays or weekends, and can be made online only. Tour times are 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., only with reservation.
Address: 89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia
Phone: 908-496-9244
Website: https://www.lakotawolf.com/
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure
COVID capacity restrictions are strictly enforced. Advance reservations recommended. Please call for further information.
Enhanced cleaning done regularly. Masks required when not jumping.
Phone: 201-212-6454
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 to 8 p.m.
Safe, fun, affordable activities for the entire family.
Three locations in South Hackensack, Milltown and Avenel
American Dream
Due to COVID capacity limits, all tickets should be purchased in advance online to guarantee admission. Some events cancelled, such as Slime Time. Limited capacity at Paw Patrol Play group and Legends of the Hidden Temple.
Free parking / Valet parking $10
Hours 11 a.m. or noon to 5 p.m. or 7 p.m., depending upon day. Check online for more information.
Address: 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford
Website: www.americandream.com
Visit the mall to enjoy the Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park, 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!
Kosher food: Chickies, Court A Level 1; Haagen Dazs available in two different locations; Dunkin’ now kosher under the Kof K, unit G11
Liberty Science Center
Website: http://lsc.org/see-whats-happening/events-calendar/.
Admission: Child (age 2-12) $19.75; adult $23.75; senior (age 62+) $19.75
Address: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
Phone: 201-200-1000
Check out the LSC’s calendar on their website for daily events and shows.
High Exposure
All staff and guests are required to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 prevention.
Call 201-768-8600 for information and reservations. Bookings must be made at least 48 hours prior. Or email [email protected].
Enjoy High Exposure’s ultimate (easy) family survival challenge.
Located in Northvale.
Mountain Creek
Check website to make reservations and note COVID conditions, restrictions and rules.
Advance online ticket purchase required for snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding.
Located in Vernon Township.
Campgaw Mountain
Participants must fill out a health form, available online, prior to participating.
Open for tubing and skiing. Check website for hours and information.
Located at 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah.
Turtle Back Zoo is closed during the month of January.
New York
Bronx Zoo
Visitors must reserve a date and purchase tickets in advance.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: Admission to the zoo is free on Wednesdays. $36.95 for adults; $26.95 for children 3-12; free for children 2 and under
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Phone: 718-220-5100
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bronxzoo.com
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.
Central Park
All visitors to the zoo must have a date-specific ticket and time.
Address: 59th Street to 110th Street, Manhattan
Phone: 212-360-3456
Bryant Park
Address: Behind the New York Public Library between 40th and 42nd Streets & 5th and 6th Avenues
Phone: 212-768-4242
Winter Village and Ice Skating is free. To arrange a slot, go to the rink. wintervillage.org.
Connecticut
Beardsley Zoo
Check COVID restrictions.
Tickets are only available online in advance of your visit.
Hours: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed noon to 1 p.m. for cleaning.
Pricing: Adults (ages 12 and older): $15. Children (ages 3-11): $10. Seniors (62 and older): $10. Under 3 years: free.
Address: 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport
Phone: 203-394-6565
Website: www.beardsleyzoo.org.
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.
Pennsylvania
Independence National
Historical Park (INHP)
Check alerts and conditions for 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)
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.
Camelback
Advance online booking required for all activities.
(visitors have suggested that rather than gathering at the lift area it is better to relax in your car)
Located in Tannersville.
