April 20, 2024
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Linking Northern and Central NJ, Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester and CT

Chol Hamoed Travel Guide Chol Hamoed dates: Monday, April 2 through Thursday, April 5 Please enjoy The Jewish Link’s updated guide to help you enjoy Chol Hamoed to its fullest.

New Jersey

Turtle Back Zoo

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, and 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: $12 adults, $10 children Children under 2 free.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Address: 560 Northfield Ave.,

West Orange, NJ 07052

Phone: 973-731-5800

Email: [email protected]

Website: turtlebackzoo.com

 

Six Flags Great Adventure

An amusement park for the whole family to enjoy! Experience the thrill of roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, the tallest coaster in the world. There is a variety of rides, from family friendly to kid friendly to thrill-seeking. Included with admission is the Safari Off-Road Adventure, which includes a tour of over 1,200 animals observed from an open-air truck.

NCSY Will be at Great Adventure on Monday, April 2, Tuesday, April 3, and Wednesday, April 4. NCSY rates are available. Tuesday evening admission includes the Benny Friedman concert.

On Monday and Tuesday there will be a full kosher l’Pesach menu available for purchase. Wednesday will have only a limited menu. For purchasing options, go to the [email protected] website. Buses for teens only with prearrangement will be available from Teaneck, West Orange and Highland Park.

Address: 1 Six Flags Blvd.,

Jackson, NJ 08527

Phone: 732-928-2000

Website: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure

 

Paterson Great Falls

A new addition to the National Park Service, Paterson Great Falls includes the Great Falls of the Passaic River, raceways built in the late 18th century, and the Paterson Museum. See the waterfall that powered an industrial city dating back to the 18th century, established by Alexander Hamilton. Guided tours are led daily by the National Park Service. You may also choose to visit the nearby Paterson Museum, which contains a variety of exhibits relating to the history of Paterson. Please note that all parking lots are under construction. Must make alternate arrangements.

Admission: Free ($2 suggested donation for the museum)

Hours: Tours available Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Welcome Center hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Museum hours: Sunday 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., weekdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Address: 72 McBride Ave,

Paterson, NJ 07501

Phone: 973-523-0370

Website: www.nps.gov/pagr

 

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 playground, liberty walk, lookout point and nature trail.

Address: Morris Pesin Drive,

Jersey City

Phone: 201-915-3403

 

RPM Raceway

90 Caven Pt Road,

Jersey City 201 333 7223

Mon – Thurs 12:00 PM – 10:00PM

4 people minimum.

Youngest age is 6

Use code JL1 for discount

 

Van Saun Park and Bergen County Zoo

Within its 146 acres, Van Saun County Park offers a wide range of activities that is 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.

Admission is Free until April 30.

Hours: Open seven days a week 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Address: 216 Forest Ave, Paramus

 

Glassworks Studio

Visit Glassworks Studio to create your own design out of glass. A bowl, a platter, a picture frame or a suncatcher—you can choose your own shape, colors and design. Glassworks Studio is great for adults and children, even offering specific projects for children under 7. Reservations are recommended during chol hamoed as Glassworks is usually quite busy during during that time and they don’t want visitors to be disappointed if they come without a reservation.

Admission: $23-135 (depending on which project you choose)

Hours: Open April 2 and 3 from 11AM – 7PM, April 4 from 12 – 8PM and April 5 from 11AM – 6PM

Address: 151 South St. Morristown,

NJ 07960

Phone: 973-656-0800

Email: [email protected]

Website: umakeglass.com

 

Liberty Science Center

Check out the LSC’s calendar on their website for daily events and shows. http://lsc.org/see-whats-happening/events-calendar/.

Holiday Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Admission: Child (age 2 -12) $17.75, adult $21.75, senior (age 62+) $18.75

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 3 – 8PM for jumping

Address: 69 Wesley Street,

Hackensack

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.

Address: 266 Union Street, Northvale

Phone: 201-768-8600

 

Sunshine Pottery

Address: 260 Grand Ave, Englewood

Wednesday – Friday 11AM – 5:00PM

Phone: 201-541-5559

 

Escape Room New Jersey

Solve the mystery and have loads of fun doing it!

Address: 157 A Main Street,

Hackensack

Phone: 201 815 1784

 

Catch Air Indoor
Playground

Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,

Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Children under 2 $9.99 Adults $9.99

Children over 3 $19.00 Adults accompanying $4.99

Address: 224 Rte 4 E at Forest,

Paramus, lower level of ShopRite

Phone: 201-620-2125

 

New York

Staten Island Fun Park

215 Schmidts Lane 718 982 5578

www,sifunpark.com

Ask for Jewish Link promo combo $2.00

 

(Monsey) Turtle Boo

Hours: Open Mon – Tues – Wed 9AM – 10:00PM Thursday 9:00 – 7:00PM

Address: 175 East Central Avenue,

Spring Valley, NY 10977

Phone: 845-746-2100

Website: www.turtleboo.com

Call to see if reservations are necessary. Totally kosher facility, snack bar, something to eat for everyone.

 

Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

National Historic Landmark depicts WW II history, the modern Navy, outer space, deep sea exploration and early aviation.

Open weekdays 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Address: Hudson River at W 46th St.

and 12th Ave. Pier 86

Phone: 212-245-0072

Call or go online for prices.

 

Ellis Island and Liberty Island Boat Tour

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 5:00 p.m.

Ferry Addresses: Castle Clinton in Battery Park, Manhattan, or Liberty State Park, 200 Morris St., Jersey City, NJ 07305

Phone: 877-523-9849

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.statuecruises.com

 

Escape the Room NYC

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 NYC, 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 St., New York, NY 10010, 107 Suffolk, New York, NY 10002

Phone: 347-954-9160

Email: [email protected]

Website:

http://static.escapetheroomnyc.com

 

Bronx Zoo

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: Admission to the Zoo is free on Wednesdays. $36.95 for adults, $26.95 for children 3-12, free for children 2 and under

Hours: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard,

Bronx, New York 10460

Phone: 718-220-5100

Email: [email protected]

Website: bronxzoo.com

 

NY Tenement Museum

Learn about the lives of residents of New York City’s Lower East Side tenement apartments in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of the residents were immigrants, and many were Jewish. Tour the actual tenement buildings that have been restored to look just as they did a century ago. The museum recommends both a guided tour of the buildings and a walking tour of the neighborhood to gain the best grasp of the immigrant experience.

Admission: $20-$25

Hours: Visitor Center: Sun-Tues, 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Check website for tour times.

Address: 103 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002

Phone: 877-975-3786

Email: [email protected]

Wensite: teme,emt.org

 

American Museum of Natural History

Explore the incredible and educational exhibitions at the Museum of Natural History. Take tours and learn more about dinosaurs, mummies, ancient cultures, the planets, and much more. Before you go, make sure to watch the movie “Night at the Museum” because it’ll be fun to see what you can recognize from the movie!

Admission: Adult $23/ Child 2 – 12 $13/ Senior and Student $18

Hours: 10 a.m.- 5:45 p.m.

Address: Central Park West & 79th St,

New York, NY 10024

Phone: 212-769-5100

Website: http://www.amnh.org

 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

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 to kids and adults alike.

Admissions: Children (4-12) $19.20, adults (16+) $25. (online prices)

Hours: 9 a.m.-1 a.m.

Address: 234 West 42nd Street,

New York, NY 10036

Phone: 212-398-3133

Email: [email protected]

Website: ripleysnewyork.com

 

Gulliver’s Gate

Leave the Land of Large and enter an amazing new experience, located at the crossroads of the world, Times Square. A full city block wide, Gulliver’s Gate is a technologically advanced, interactive and immersive world of miniatures that will ignite your imagination and challenge your perspective.

Admission: Ages 6-12 and 65 and over: $27 at the box office or $22 online. Ages 13 to 64: $36 at the box office or $31 online.

Hours: October-May: Seven days a week: 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Contact [email protected] for groups of 15 or more.

Address: 216 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036 (between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)

 

The 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 6AM – 2 AM

Address: 591 Main St. Roosevelt Island, NY 10044; Manhattan Terminal at E 60th St. and 2nd Ave.

Phone: 212 832 4543

 

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Comprehensive three-hour tour that loops completely around Manhattan accompanied by lively narration. There is also a two-hour Semi-Circle Cruise. For something completely different, which kids love, try the Beast, a 30-minute speedboat ride.

Address: Pier 83, W 42nd St.

at 12th Avenue

Phone: 212-563-3200

 

Statue of Liberty

Ferry available from Battery Park.

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Phone: 212-363-3200

 

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Many interesting exhibits check online to see the schedule.

Hours: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. daily except Shabbat and holidays

Address: 36 Battery Park Pl.

Phone: 646-437-4200

 

Central Park

Lots of fun for the entire family—try the zoo!

Address: 59th St. to 110th St.

Phone: 212-360-3456

 

Bryant Park

New bathrooms have made the news. Fresh flowers and attendants enhance the look.

Address: Behind the NY Public Library between 40th and 42nd Streets & 5th and 6th Ave.

Phone: 212-768-4242

 

Battery Park

Free activities for kids. Check online.

Address: Battery St. to South St.

Phone: 212-360-3456

 

Grand Central Terminal

Built as a magnificent example of art. Sixty integrated railroad tracks act as a transport hub for over 500,000 people daily. Tours of the terminal are available. Beautifully lit at holiday time.

Address: 87 E 42nd St. at Park Ave.

Phone: 212-935-3960

 

Empire State Building

One of the world’s most famous skyscrapers. Observation decks are on the 86th and 102nd floors. On a clear day visibility should be 80 miles.

Address: 350 5th Ave. at 34th St.

Phone: 212-736-3100. Call for prices.

Hours: 8 a.m.-2 a.m. daily

 

New York Water Taxi

Buy an all-day pass and spend the day on the water with stops wherever you choose.

Phone: 212-742-1969

 

Staten Island Ferry

Admission: Still Free!

Runs every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Address: Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan

Phone: 718-815-BOAT

 

Legoland Discovery Center Westchester

Take your family to the “indoor LEGO playground” with two rides, several themed LEGO building areas and a 4D theater. See giant LEGO models, get a “factory tour” and learn from the best builders around in the Master Building Academy.

Admissions: $16. 95. Check online. Prices vary.

Hours: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Address: 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710

Phone: 866-243-0770

Website: https://westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

 

Jewish Children’s Museum

Programs for all children in an educational and entertaining format.

Address: 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn

2 years and up $13.00 Seniors $10.00 Be sure to call for availability Open 10AM each day.

Phone: 718-467-0600

 

Connecticut

IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course

Visit the largest indoor ropes course in the world! Climb the 60’-high ropes course, jump off the 50’ free fall, and go down a 200’ zip line. A separate Climb It attraction provides four additional climbing walls, each with its own challenge. Includes Little It for children under 48’’—a replica of the full size course. Also featuring a Liquid Fireworks show! Adventure for the whole family.

Admission: $25-30, additional $10 for Climb It, $8 for Little It

Hours: Sun 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Mon-Tues 10 a.m.- 9 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

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.

Admission: $15.95-22.95.

Children under 3 free.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Address: 10 North Water Street,

Norwalk, CT 06854

Phone: 203-852-0700

Website: maritimeaquarium.org

 

Pennsylvania

Independence National Historical Park (INHP)

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 or 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

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 the nature. Highlights include the Rose Garden, Waterlily Display, and Chimes Tower and Waterfall.

Admissions: $12-23.

Children under 4 free.

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Call to check hours.

Address: 1001 Longwood Road,

Kennett Square, PA 19348

Phone: 610-388-1000

Email:

[email protected]

Website: longwoodgardens.org

 

Mütter Museum

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, $2 discount on Mon-Tues.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Address: 19 S 22nd Street,

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: 215-560-8564

Email: [email protected]

Website: 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.

Admissions: $14-20. Children under 12 free, first Sunday of the month pay-what-you-wish.

Hours: Tues-Sun 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

(closed Mon)

Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Phone: 215-763-8100

Website: philamuseum.org

 

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