Fun Things to Do During the Teacher’s Convention Break

Looking for something to do over the long weekend? Check out one of these out-of-the-box events going on in and around NJ.

AMERICAN DREAM

The kids are off from school Thursday and Friday so take this opportunity to have some family fun together. From immersive exhibits to the great outdoors, adventure awaits on your mini staycay!

Hit Up An Indoor Water Park!
DreamWorks Water Park in East Rutherford at American Dream is North America’s largest indoor water park! In addition to the water park, American Dream also has a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, indoor skiing and snowboarding at Big Snow, Angry Birds Mini Golf, indoor ice skating, the TiLT Museum and much more! You can also check out water parks at Camelback’s Aquatopia and Kalahari, both in the Poconos.

Best of New York City Cruise
Book a ride on the Circle Line to check out all of NYC’s iconic landmarks from indoor seats or seats on the huge outdoor deck. This is the only cruise that completely circles Manhattan!

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
Experience the lore of ancient Egypt at this new exhibit created in partnership with the National Geographic Society in NYC where you’ll walk through nine galleries and time travel back 3,300 years. Tickets are selling fast for Thursday and Friday so don’t delay.

Day Camps
Still have to work but have to find something fun for the kids to do? Take your pick from these day camp options that are being offered.

Diggerland USA
Head to Diggerland USA in South Jersey to go play in the dirt and have some fun.  Kids can watch the stunt shows, play games, ride the rides and drive your own truck.

Fall for Underwater Fun
A crew of colorful scarecrows will be cropping up across at Adventure Aquarium. Look out for friendly faces, decorated by aquarium employees, dressed as pirates, penguins, mermaids and more, posing alongside 15,000 amazing animals. This exhibit ends Sunday, November 13 so don’t miss out!

Family Folktale Day
Family Folktale Day at the Morris Museum in Morristown begins with a feature presentation of “Stone Soup” performed by the Pushcart Players. Continue the day exploring the galleries that include Native American art, photos of rock ‘n’ roll legends and dinosaurs.

Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion
This digital art center at the at Hall des Lumières in NYC showcases entirely new, custom-curated experiences based on the work of different world-renowned artists, starting with the debut exhibition, Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience 
In FDR State Park, just 40 miles north of NYC, fans can walk along a lit trail as they take in sights and sounds inspired by the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. There are a very limited number of tickets left for Thursday and Friday so book now.

Indoor Water Parks
Why say goodbye to summer and pack up your swimsuits when you can check out Aquatopia at Camelback Resort and some of these other great indoor water parks? In addition to DreamWorks Water Park in East Rutherford, American Dream also has a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, Angry Bird Mini Golf and much more!

Jaw Dropping World of Sharks
This exhibit at New Jersey State Museum aims to dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings about sharks and their relatives by exploring their biology, fossil record, conservation and cultural significance.

Laser Tag
iPlay America in Freehold offers Lasertron, a 6,500 sq ft, two-level laser tag arena. Features include an interactive LED illuminated arena that has the ability to change colors, pulse, flash, strobe and react to gameplay events going on in the arena. Each Laser tag experience includes one 8-minute battle. The arcade will also have special hours open on November 10 & 11.

Magic Camp
In this three-hour drop-off camp, every student will learn how to perform over a dozen incredible pocket magic tricks. All ages are welcome, as long as there is an interest in learning magic. The suggested age is 6+ since some of the tricks use spelling and math.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Grab your chicken leg and may the best knight win! Your kids will love eating with their hands and watching the story unfold in front of their eyes as the knights battle it out on horseback.

Peep Some Fall Leaves
If you haven’t gotten a chance to take in NJ’s gorgeous fall foliage, it’s not too late! We’ve rounded up the best spots to see the beautiful colors and you can drive, walk or hike to take in the scenery.

Philly Day
From LEGOLAND Discovery Center to the Franklin Institute, there’s so much for kids to do in the City of Brotherly Love. Be sure to stop by Reading Terminal Market for lunch and try a cheesesteak, Thai or Jewish deli.

Pick a New Playground
If your local playground has gotten a little boring, hop in the car and check out one of these awesome playgrounds worth traveling to.  Then watch them slide, swing and climb the day away.

Rock Wall Climbing
Rock wall climbing teaches kids to use their strategy, strength and stamina. Some locations such as Rockville Climbing Center have extra hours added for the days off of school.

Take a Hike
Get the kids outside and do something active. There are so many great trails to hike for families that are beginners or advanced. And fall is a great time to take in the changing leaf colors.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael are at the Liberty Science Center. After your visit with them check out Pompeii: The Immortal City exhibit.

Trampoline Parks
Hitting up a trampoline park is a great way for kids to get some exercise indoors. Let them bounce all that extra energy out and even try some fun obstacle courses.

Turtle Back Zoo
It’s always the perfect time of year to visit the red panda, leopards and sea lions. Cap off the afternoon by taking a ride on the zoo train or the Endangered Species Carousel.

Veterans Weekend at Six Flags
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
All veterans and active military personnel will receive free park admission and free parking, a free meal, free drinks and a drink bottle and an array of commemorative gifts. Family and friends (up to four people) will receive discounted park admission. A valid military is required at the front gate.

Want more great ideas? Check out these Free Things to Do in November!
And here are some more Ways to Honor our Veterans this Friday on Veterans Day.

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