With many schools closed for all of Sukkot, parents may wonder what to do with their children all week. Fortunately, there are plenty of great local activities from which to choose.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to Van Saun County Park, conveniently located in Paramus. The park has plenty of activities for the whole family, spread out over 146 scenic acres. Picnic tables are located near the entrance to the nationally accredited Bergen County Zoological Park. The zoo is home to a variety of animals including mountain lions, alligators, anteaters and spider monkeys. For a small fee, you can also enjoy a train ride around the zoo, pony rides or a ride on the park’s carousel. The park also features several playgrounds and the historic Washington Spring Garden.
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ • www.co.bergen.nj.us
If it’s not picnic weather and your kids are starting to climb the walls, why not let them do it at High Exposure? This 14,000-square-foot rock climbing and extreme sporting facility features climbing walls, parkour, an action adventure room, a 40-foot climbing cube and a toddler play area. For fans of the popular American Ninja Warrior competition television show, High Exposure also has Ninja Warrior obstacles.
266 Union Street, Northvale, NJ • www.highexposureclimbing.com
Please note: All clothing must be fitted and comfortable, no baggy pants or skirts.
Field Station: Dinosaurs, in Bergen County’s Overpeck Park features over 30 life-size animatronic dinosaurs (including the massive Argentinosaurus, measuring 90 feet from nose to tail), as well as interactive workshops and activities connecting the story of the dinosaurs to our world. Have fun on a guided tour entitled “Dinosaurs Just Got Scarier,” beginning at 7:40 p.m.
Overpeck County Park, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ • www.fieldstationdinosaurs.com
Enjoy an animal encounter, experience a rainforest adventure, learn about beekeeping, listen to Curious George stories, participate in Kid Construction and have fun with the touch tank and at the fish-feeding frenzy. These are just some of the activities that LSC visitors can expect during chol hamoed week. On Thursday, October 20, while the high schoolers are enjoying a day at 6 Flags, take your pre-K to 3rd graders to LSC’s Young Learner Day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and allow them to explore with other children their age. On Sunday the 23rd, try the Touchy Tricksters from 10 to 4, Wizard Workshop from 11 to 3 or Doom Zoo from 12 to 2. There is also a lightning show at 1:30 and 2:30 that day.
Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ • lsc.org
Looking for a little excitement? Pole Position offers electric-powered go-karting for adults and children on an indoor track, plus small arcade & gift shop.
99 Caven Point Rd, Jersey City, NJ • Make reservations at 201-333-7223 • www.polepositionraceway.com/jersey-city/
For some seasonal fun, visit the farm and enjoy pumpkin patches, corn mazes, farm animals, hay rides, pig races and more!
420 W Pestalozzi Street, Egg Harbor City, NJ • 609-965-9300 • http://fathersonfarm.com/
Although Fright Fest will be over, chol hamoed Sukkot is a great time to enjoy all of the rides and attractions that Six Flags Great Adventure has to offer. There will even be kosher food available and a sukkah in which to enjoy your meal. NCSY day is on Thursday, October 20, when the park will be open from noon until 7 p.m. Tickets are $40, purchased either online or at the gate. Season Pass holders can enter the park for $15.
1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ • www.sixflags.com/greatadventure
Hopefully these suggestion will keep your children—and you—from climbing the walls (of your sukkah) during chol hamoed.
