Rosh Hashanah kicked-off last night at sundown, and in honor of the holiday, many New Jersey schools have off today and tomorrow. But if you're not celebrating, how do you entertain the kids all day? Here are our picks for the best ways to keep them busy all weekend long.
Go apple picking
It’s apple season and, lucky for us, New Jersey’s got tons of places to pick your own. Take the kids to one of these pick-your-own farms for tons of apples (plus farm animals, hayrides, mazes and rides!), and keep the fun going all weekend long by whipping up some pies.
Head to the Liberty Science Center
Could you survive as an animal living in the wild? Crawl, climb and claw your way through the Liberty Science Center’s Wildlife Challenge obstacle course to find out! And, if it starts to pour, head inside to explore some amazing science exhibits, like Beyond Rubik’s Cube—a 7,000-square-foot interactive display dedicated to the popular puzzle.
Play a game of (indoor) mini golf
Forget everything you thought you knew about mini golf and head to Monster Mini Golf for a monster-themed, glow-in-the-dark, indoor, 18-hold course. The best part? In honor of the long weekend, they’ve got extended hours! Visit on Thursday from 12–9 pm and Friday from 12–10 pm.
Take advantage of your local library
Your kids may have the day off from school, but that doesn’t mean you have to put learning on hold! Head on over to your town or county’s library for free (and educational!) fun all day long. From books to movies to special events, everything you need to entertain the kids is right at your fingertips.
Catch a flick at the dine-in theater
On a cold, rainy day, there’s nothing better than spending a couple of hours watching the latest blockbuster in your local movie theater. Up your game by treating your family to a flick at one of Jersey’s dine-in theaters. Trust us—Watching Guardians of the Galaxy or Dolphin Tale 2 is so much better with an entrée and dessert!
Visit the Turtle Back Zoo
Let your kids meet some of their favorite animals (Leopards, red pandas, wolves and more!) by spending the day at the Turtle Back Zoo. Don’t want to get stuck in the rain somewhere between the bear habitat and the llama pen? They’ve got some awesome indoor exhibits, too, like the aquarium, sea otter exhibit, tortoisry, touch tank and aviary!
Drop into an indoor play place
Keep your kids off the couch and active today and tomorrow by taking them to one of New Jersey’s many indoor play places, where they can act, bounce and climb all day long, no matter the weather. From Pole Position Raceway (who’s up for some indoor go kart racing?) to iPlay America (laser tag, an arcade and more!), there’s something for kids of all ages.
