Please enjoy The Jewish Link’s updated guide to help you enjoy Chol Hamoed to its fullest.
Chol Hamoed dates: Tuesday through Friday, March 30 – April 2.
Three great events are happening that will need to be reserved ASAP:
- NCSY Presents once again Six Flags at Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey
Tickets will NOT be available at the gate. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. All choices must be prearranged by going to www.ncsygreatadventure.com or by calling 201-862- 0250.
- Congregation Bnai Yeshurun Youth invite you to join them on a Circle Line boat tour of New York Harbor on Thursday, April 1. Chana Stiefel will read selections from her new book, “Let Liberty Rise,” as the tour passes by the Statue of Liberty. All are welcome. Reservations must be made in advance at www.bnaiyeshurun.org/youth.
- The Young Israel of Jamaica Estates has reserved space on Tuesday, March 30, at the Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream, East Rutherford, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check it out online. Deadline for registration was March 15, but they might open up new spaces. https://www.americandream.com/venue/nickelodeon-universe.
New Jersey
Turtle Back Zoo
No admission without prepaid tickets that are timed.
Check their website to reserve.
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.
Admission: $17 adults, $14 children. Children under 2 free.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: 973-731-5800
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.turtlebackzoo.com
Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry From Liberty State Park
Located only 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty. Information available about the statue and Ellis Island. Take advantage of the playground, liberty walk, lookout point and nature trail. Tickets must be procured online at their website.
Address: Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City
Van Saun Park and Bergen County Zoo
Within its 146 acres, Van Saun County Park offers a wide range of activities sure to please the entire family. Some of its popular attractions include the nationally accredited Bergen County Zoological Park, the historic Washington Spring Garden, train, carousel, pony rides, several age-appropriate playgrounds and picnic and fishing areas. Please note that train rides, carousel, pony rides etc are all CLOSED.
Admission is free until April 30.
Hours: Open seven days a week 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
Liberty Science Center
Check out the LSC’s calendar on their website for daily events, shows and ticket info http://lsc.org/see-whats-happening/events-calendar/.
Closed Monday – Wednesday. Open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Address: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: 201-200-1000
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure
Safe, fun, affordable activities for the entire family. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 69 Wesley Street, Hackensack, NJ 07606
Phone: 201-212-6454. Be sure to call for further information.
High Exposure
Obstacles high off the ground as well as right at your feet. Rock climbing, wall climbing, etc.
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. Must complete an online waiver. For further information call 201-768-8600.
Address: 266 Union Street, Northvale, NJ 07647
Sunshine Pottery & Paint
Reservations must be made; there will be no walk-ins.
Pods available for groups of 10 or more for 75 minutes. Evening surprises and specials for kids and adults.
Check out their link: https://sunshinepotterynj.com
Address: 260 Grand Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631
Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: 201-541-5559
Escape Room New Jersey
Call for Reservations.
Solve the mystery and have loads of fun doing it!
157A Main Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 201-815-1784
Paint You Me
Call for Reservations.
Phone: 833-724-6896
New York
Spyscape – The Home of Secrets
928 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Thursday, Noon – 8 p.m.
Book on their website: https://spyscape.com. Specials on Thursday.
Graffiti Tours in Manhattan and Brooklyn
Contact: [email protected]
201-397-9138
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
National Historic Landmark depicts World War II history, the modern Navy, outer space, deep sea exploration and early aviation.
Open weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: Hudson River at W 46th Street and 12th Avenue, Pier 86.
Phone: 212-245-0072
Call or go online for prices.
Ellis Island and Liberty Island Boat Tour
Call first.
Visit the former immigration center of Ellis Island and learn about our nation’s history in the Ellis Island Immigration Museum; then venture to Liberty Island and climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, get a boat tour of New York Harbor.
Admission: $12-$21.50
Hours: First ferry: 8:30 a.m. Last ferry: 5 p.m.
Ferry addresses: Castle Clinton in Battery Park, Manhattan, or Liberty State Park, 200 Morris Street, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: 877-523-9849
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.statuecruises.com
Escape the Room NYC
Reservations necessary.
Gather family and friends for the ultimate team-building exercise—get locked in a puzzle room and solve the clues to escape together! Escape the Room, located in both downtown and midtown Manhattan, offers several different themed rooms. No skills are required, just curiosity and a desire to unlock the door before 60 minutes are up.
Admission: $28-$30 per person
Hours: Games start every 90 minutes or so; check website
Address: 24 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10010; 107 Suffolk Street, New York, NY 10002
Phone: 347-954-9160
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://static.escapetheroomnyc.com
Bronx Zoo
All guests MUST reserve in advance with a time-specific entry.
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. Ride the zoo shuttle, watch a movie in the 4D theater and ride the bug carousel (each $6, shuttle is weekends only).
Admission: Free on Wednesdays. $39.95 for adults; $29.95 for children 3-12; free for children 2 and under.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460
Phone: 718-220-5100
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bronxzoo.com
American Museum of Natural History
All admission to the Museum is by timed entry, and must be reserved online.
Explore the incredible and educational exhibitions at the Museum of Natural History. Take tours and learn about dinosaurs, mummies, ancient cultures, the planets and much more.
Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Address: Central Park West & 79th Street New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-769-5100
Website: http://www.amnh.org
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Be sure to check the website.
Have you ever wondered about the height of the tallest man ever, hoped to see an authentic albino giraffe or wanted to witness the portrait of Albert Einstein made from toast? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a museum in which children and adults can immerse themselves into the world of the unbelievable. It is home to various exhibits portraying unusual and out-of-the-ordinary people, animals and artifacts. The experience is exciting, interesting and entertaining for kids and adults alike.
Admissions: Children (4-12) $19.20; adults (16+) $25.60 (online prices)
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 234 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-398-3133
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ripleysnewyork.com
Roosevelt Island Tramway
The tramway was opened in 1976 as a means to shuttle residents to and from Manhattan. The tram holds 125 persons and is the only commuter cable car in North America. It travels a distance of 3,100 feet at an average speed of 16 mph in 4 ½ minutes, at a maximum height of 250 feet. Only MTA cards are accepted Open 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Address: 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044; Manhattan Terminal at E 60th Street. and 2nd Avenue
Phone: 212-832-4543
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Reopening April 1
Comprehensive three-hour tour that loops completely around Manhattan accompanied by lively narration. There is also a two-hour Semi-Circle Cruise. The Beast is presently closed. Address: Pier 83, W 42nd Street at 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-563-3200
Statue of Liberty
Ferry available from Battery Park.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 212-363-3200
Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
Tickets to be purchased online.
Many interesting exhibits; check online to see the schedule.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Wednesday and Thursday only.
Address: 36 Battery Park Place, New York, NY 10280
Phone: 646-437-4200
Central Park
Check online for COVID protocol.
Lots of fun for the entire family—try the zoo!
Address: 59th Street to 110th Street
Phone: 212-360-3456
Bryant Park
Ice Skating Rink closes March 28! Check online for changing daily activities.
Address: Behind the New York Public Library between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues
Phone: 212-768-4242
Battery Park
Free activities for kids. Check online.
Website: https://www.thebattery.org
Address: Battery Street to South Street
Phone: 212-360-3456
Empire State Building
One of the world’s most famous skyscrapers. Observation decks are found on the 86th and 102nd floors. On a clear day, visibility should be 80 miles.
Address: 350 5th Ave. at 34th Street
Phone: 212-736-3100. Call for prices.
Hours: Opens daily at 1 p.m.
Tickets and reservations must be made in advance.
New York Water Taxi
Buy an all-day pass and spend the day on the water with stops wherever you choose. Travelling at 50% capacity due to COVID concerns.
Phone: 212-742-1969
Staten Island Ferry
Admission: Still free!
Runs 24 hours a day every day. 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Address: Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan
Phone: 718-815-BOAT
The Jewish Children’s Museum
Must book tickets in advance.
Programs for all children in an educational and entertaining format.
Address: 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213
2 years and up $13; seniors $10. Be sure to call for availability. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Sunday, when opened until 5:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.jcm.museum
Phone: 718-467-0600
Connecticut
IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course
Admission by reservation only.
Visit the largest indoor ropes course in the world! Climb the 60-foot-high ropes course, jump off the 50-foot free fall and go down a 200-foot zip line. A separate ‘Climb It’ attraction provides four additional climbing walls, each with its own challenge. Includes ‘Little It’ for children under four feet tall—a replica of the full-size course. Also featuring a Liquid Fireworks show! Adventure for the whole family.
Admission: Check prices on website
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 40 Sargent Dr. Long Wharf, New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: 203-812-9981
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.jordans.com/attractions/it
Maritime Aquarium
Advanced reservations only.
Visit the Maritime Aquarium to observe hundreds of sea creatures and learn about the ocean. Wander through the homes of octopuses, jellyfish, sharks and more, along with some land dwellers, such as meerkats and poison dart frogs. Watch an IMAX movie in the largest theater in Connecticut! Admission includes the full aquarium and an IMAX movie. Activity sheets and a scavenger hunt can be found on the website for kids to enjoy.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: 203-852-0700
Website: www.maritimeaquarium.org
Ready Set Go-Kart
Stamford, Connecticut; Jersey City, New Jersey; Farmingdale, Long Island
Electric Karting/VR Arcade/Bowling plus more.
Call for prices and times. Possible Groupons available
600 West Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902; 203-523-7273
99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City, NJ 07305; 201-333-7223
40 Daniel Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735; 631-752-7223
Pennsylvania
Independence National Historical Park (INHP)
Check if the site is open on your arrival date.
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. If you are interested in history and are a proud American, INHP can’t be missed.
Admission: Varies by attraction, several (including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall) are free.
Hours: Varies by attraction.
Address: 6th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: Varies by attraction (visitphilly.com is a good place to start)
Longwood Gardens
Timed tickets required
Visit nearly 1,000 acres of beautiful gardens. Located mostly outdoors, there are also several indoor components, including a four-acre conservatory and the Pierre du Pont House. 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.
Admissions: $13-25. Children under 4 free.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call to check hours.
Address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: 610-388-1000, Email: [email protected]
Website: www.longwoodgardens.org
Mütter Museum
All tickets must be pre purchased online.
Known for being equally disturbing and informative, the Mütter Museum focuses on medical history and the human body. View Albert Einstein’s brain; the Hyrtl Skull Collection of 139 human skulls; Lisa Nilsson’s Connective Tissue paper art; and an exhibit tracing the history of spinal medicine. The museum aims to give visitors an appreciation for the human body and medical treatments, while also seeing the beauty beneath.
Admission: $13-18. Children under 5 free
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Address: 19 S 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-560-8564, Email: [email protected]
Website: www.muttermuseum.org
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Observe art from across the world in one of the country’s largest art museums. Over 240,000 pieces are included in the museum’s collection, with works that were hundreds of years and miles apart all brought together in one location. Highlights include the Sculpture Garden, Marcel Duchamp’s controversial “Fountain,” and works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Monet.
Check website for times and prices.
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-763-8100
Website: www.philamuseum.org
