7 New Destinations for Your Chol Hamoed Trip (CT/NY/NJ)

 Want to try something new this Chol Hamoed? From a seaport…to magnificent hikes…to fun indoor parks, there’s a new activity here that your family will love.

When chol hamoed Pesach comes, I look forward to finally spending some time enjoying the outdoors. However, the weather does not always lend itself to outdoor adventures, so when I compiled a few ideas from my website, I chose to include both indoor and outdoor options. I also try to balance the recommendations with trips that would appeal to a variety of interests. I hope you find something that speaks to you. For more ideas visit beentheredonethatttrips.com

Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic Aquarium is amazing. Every exhibit is special. It is beautifully laid out partially indoors and partially outdoors. The Beluga Whale is definitely the most exciting animal. It is the first time that I’ve seen whales at a regular aquarium. The penguins were also a hit. It is really interesting to watch them being fed.

 

The Main Gallery, located indoors, has a lot to show. There are different types of Jelly Fish, Coral Reef, stingrays, sharks, and a variety of interesting sea creatures. There are touch stations where visitors can touch stingrays and baby sharks.

The Sea Lion Show is a fun interactive show featuring California Sea Lions. It is definitely a big highlight worth planning your visit around. The Mystic Aquarium also has a 4D Theater and shows play there all day. The Encounters program enables visitors to get close up with sea lions, seals, penguins and whales for an additional fee.

The Mystic Aquarium is located in a rustic town just a few minutes from the Mystic Seaport. Combination tickets to the aquarium and seaport can be purchased for a discount.

Address:

55 Coogan Blvd.

Mystic, CT 06355

Phone Number:

860-572-5955

Hours:

January 1- 9:00-4:50

January 2-February 16-10-4:50

April 1-September 3-9:00-5:50

September 4-November 30-9:00-4:50

December 1-December 24-10:00-4:50

December 26-December 31-9:00-4:50

Price:

Buy Online and save 15%

At the door:

Adults: $36.99

Seniors (60+): $31.99

Youth (13-17): $30.99

Children (3-12): $26.99

Children 2 and under: Free

Approximate Distance from:   

Brooklyn Bridge: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Lakewood: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Monsey: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Website:  http://www.mysticaquarium.org

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Mystic Seaport : Mystic, Connecticut

The Mystic Seaport, located on the banks of the Mystic River in Connecticut, a few minutes away from the Mystic Aquarium, offers visitors a chance to glimpse into a recreated Seafaring Village typical of the 1800s. The Village has various workshops and demonstrations of the lifestyle in which the villagers would’ve lived. There is the print shop, the ship smiths, woodworking and many more “shops.” There is also a Planetarium and a Children’s activity center.

There are various ships which visitors can check out, including the last wooden whaleship in the world, the Charles W. Morgan. It is interesting to see how the whalers traveled and to get a real feel for their lifestyle. There is also an indoor museum with whaling exhibits including a movie of whalers actually catching one.

Although the Mystic Seaport was not an actual village, it is built with so many details that lend it a genuine feel.

Address:

105 Greenmanville Avenue (Rte. 27)
Mystic, CT 06355 

Phone Number:

860.572.0711

Hours:

Open daily, 9 a.m–5 p.m.

Price:

Adult – $28.95
Senior (ages 65+) – $26.95
Youth (ages 4-14) – $18.95
Children (3 and younger) – Free

Approximate Distance from:   

Brooklyn Bridge: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Lakewood: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Monsey: 2 hours, 15 minutes                                      

Website:  https://www.mysticseaport.org

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Ramapo Valley Reservations: Mahwah, NJ

Ramapo Valley Reservation is a popular nature walking and hiking area. I love the many lakes, the river, and even the waterfall that run alongside one of the paths.

If you have a fear of dogs, Ramapo Valley Reservation is not for you. It is a popular place for owners to walk their dogs. There are many, many dogs around although all dogs are on leashes.

I like to enter the trail from the far corner of the parking lot, the corner closest to the yellow service house. I follow the path over the bridge and continue alongside a beautiful lake.  At the end of the lake one can either turn right and continue around the lake, or continue straight on an uphill path to the scenic reservoir up on top. The hike to the top is not very long but since it is uphill it is not very easy.

I love going up to the lake. About halfway to the reservoir there is a waterfall on the side of the path. There are narrow paths allowing access to the waterfalls. When we visited in the summer, there were people swimming in the cool refreshing water in a pool in middle of the waterfall. It is possible to take a stroller on the path (not down to the waterfall) but I would not recommend it since it is all uphill and would be difficult to push.

Address:

608 Ramapo Valley Rd.

Mahwah, NJ 07430

Phone Number:

201-327-3500 

Price: Free

Approximate Distance from:   

Brooklyn Bridge: 1 hour

Lakewood: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Monsey: 20 minutes

Website: http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/843/Ramapo-Valley-County-Reservation

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IT: New Haven, CT

Interestingly enough, the world’s largest indoor ropes course is located within the Jordan’s Furniture Store. The two 60 foot high ropes courses are amazing to see but even more incredible to experience. With over 100 activities like zig zag swinging beams, crisscross angle rope ladders, cargo nets, bridges, plank-walking and of course the four 200 foot long zip lines, it is hard to end this adventure. At least once the fun does end it does so with an exciting 50 foot high free fall jump off the tallest level.

There are the most awesome liquid fireworks consistently choreographed to the music and lights with over 1,000 water nozzels. The water show is remarkable. The water works are placed below one of the 45 foot zip lines. Visitors try see if they can cross without getting wet. No guarantees, the water may dance higher just at that moment.

Little It is a smaller version of the full-size ropes course for children under 48” tall. A zip line was just added so that the little tikes can have more fun.  Parents must walk alongside their child to assist as needed.

There are four climbing walls that are also appropriate for children under 48” tall. The Amazing Wall is a maze themed climbing wall, the Big Cheese Wall, has colorful holes for climbers to climb up, the Hexed wall is honeycomb-shaped wall great for beginners. Astroball, the most difficult, is balls stacked on top of one another and climbers try to get to the top.

One thing is for sure: See IT. Climb IT. Ride IT. Experience IT. Never forget IT!

Address:

40 Sargent Drive, Long Wharf
New Haven, CT 06511

Phone Number:

203-812-9981

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday-Saturday:  10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Price:

IT and Zip IT: $25

It, Zip It, and Jump It: $30

Little It: $8

Climb It: $10 (4 climbs)

The last tickets will be sold one hour prior to closing. Gift cards are available at the tickITs’ counter.

Groups of 10 or more paying on the same transaction receive a 10% discount.

Approximate Distance from:   

Brooklyn Bridge: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Lakewood: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Monsey: 1 hour, 15 minutes                                                   

Website: http://www.jordans.com/attractions/it

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Creatively Yours: Ridgewood, NJ

Homey and professional, a rare combination. That is the way I’d describe the Creatively Yours Studio. Upon entering, every visitor is received with a warm greeting and explained the various options available. Sorin Lungu, owner of Creatively Yours, and his assistant guide visitors from the selection process through the completion of their choice masterpiece.

There is a plethora of options available, some need advance reservations while others don’t. Some options are only done in classes; such as canvas painting and the latest idea, wine glass painting. Then there is also the glass fusion which requires advance reservation. This cool form of art is made from actual pieces of colored glass, which are designed differently by each person, and then fused together into one solid decorative or useful glass piece, such as a glass tray, frame or coasters.

For walk-ins, or even for those that just prefer it, there is ceramic painting. There are so many shapes and items at a variety of prices. There is a rainbow of paint colors and stamps in countless designs and shapes available to aid in painting the ceramics. Just as we arrived, a couple left after doing a ceramic with their baby’s footprint.

There is a studio fee of only $5. During a second visit the paint is free.  All painted pieces, except the canvas painting, must be left in the studio and are picked up at a later date once it is glossed with the added finishing layer by the professionals.

Creatively Yours is open 365 days a year. We did not make reservations for our visit as it was a last-minute trip. We ended up painting ceramics but got a full view of the options. We watched others who had prior reservations make glass fusion projects. The canvases and wine glass painting looked like something I would want to try with a group.  One thing is for sure, visit Creatively Yours and let your creativity lead you.

Address:

254 E Ridgewood Ave

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Phone Number:

(201) 857-0900

Hours:

Monday: 10AM – 7PM

Tuesday-Friday: 10AM – 9PM

Saturday: NOON – 9PM

Sunday: NOON – 8PM

Price:

Price varies. $5 Studio fee +project cost of whatever you choose to create.

Approximate Distance from:   

Brooklyn Bridge: 40 minutes

Lakewood: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Monsey: 25 minutes                                                   

Website: http://www.createartstudios.com/

State Line Lookout:  Closter, NJ

The state line Lookout is a beautiful hiking spot off the Palisades Parkway. It is set between the highway and the Hudson River.

When we arrive at the Information Center, we walk down a paved street alongside the water and the building, until we see markings on the right. They lead between the trees to the teal blue hiking trail (check at the information center that is still the correct color) which takes you down to a splendid waterfall at the foot of the Hudson River.

The path snakes through wooded areas with bubbling streams running alongside. At intervals there are beautiful open areas with views of the Hudson River. The reward is at the bottom of the hike when you reach a large waterfall on one side and the base of the Hudson River on the other.

The hike is not very simple and takes us an hour and a half each way. I recommended the hike to my friend who wanted an adventure with her teenage sons. While on the trail she kept calling me to make sure she was on the right path. She could not believe my four-year-old managed that hike. It is all a matter of determination and practice.

Address:

Exit is off the Palisades Pkwy:  Alpine Dr, Closter, NJ 07624. The exit sign says Scenic View. Follow the road until you reach an Information Center.

Price: Free

Approximate Distance from:   

Brooklyn Bridge: 35 minutes

Lakewood: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Monsey: 30 minutes                     

Website: http://www.njpalisades.org/stateline.html

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Launch Trampoline: West Nyack, NY (location also in Linden, NJ)

Trampoline parks are an activity that is excellent for all ages, from young ones to adults. Launch Trampoline Park  in West Nyack is a 25,000 square foot trampoline park and family entertainment facility, with over 16,000 square feet of trampoline activities alone. There is also a Launch Park in Linden, NJ and one in Queens, NY scheduled to open in October.

Our visit to Launch was a lot of fun. There are large trampoline courts, trampoline basketball, and trampoline dodgeball. The Launch Pad allows for a soft landing where visitors enjoy launching themselves off the floor on a plastic covered soft area. The Challenger Ninja Course is just that – challenging and fun, with a variety of obstacles to overcome. The Battle Pit is a great place to battle a friend on a beam right over a pit filled with soft foam cubes.

In addition to the trampoline activities, there is an area with arcades as well as a party area. Launch is an excellent choice of a Trampoline Park. Safety and cleanliness is a priority at Launch. When we left Launch after our visit, my children commented on how friendly the staff is. 

Address:

260 West Nyack Road

West Nyack, NY 10944

Phone Number:

845-977-0415

Hours:

Check the website for current open jump hours: https://launchrockland.com/calendar/

Price:
30 minutes: $13

60 minutes: $20

90 minutes: $25

2 hours: $30

Plus $3 for socks.

Approximate Distance from:   

Brooklyn Bridge: 50 minutes

Lakewood: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Monsey: 15 minutes                  

Website: https://launchrockland.com