Waterfalls, Zip Lines, and More: 6 Chol Hamoed Ideas

We’ve enjoyed these indoor and outdoor destinations, and your family will too.

Not always does it work to go on an overnight Chol Hamoed trip. The logistics are difficult, so rather, when there’s a longer Chol Hamoed, there’s time for venturing out on day trips that are more special than usual. 

Here are some trips that we’ve really enjoyed:

FLG X Adventure Course: Ledgewood, NJ

I could not believe that there was such an amazing five-level outdoor ropes course and remarkable zip line course close by in New Jersey, under an hour drive from New York City. 

The adventure course and zip line course are situated in a wooded area offering delicious fresh air and shade while challenging your endurance to your limits.

The five-level adventure course has about 10-17 different obstacles. The obstacles include rope swings, scrambling walls, hanging nets, wobbly bridges and many unique obstacles. The levels get progressively higher up and more difficult. The adventure course also has a few ziplines incorporated in the set up. 

The FLG X Zip Line Course is one of the largest in the East of the United States. It contains more than 30 zip lines suspended 15 to 50 feet tall with rope ladders to climb up. Flying from one base to the other is exhilarating! 

After being fitted with a harness and watching a safety video, you’re on your own to explore and challenge your endurance. There are guides stationed along the way to help anyone with difficulty. The adventure course and zip line course are not too far apart. They begin and end at the same point. Once you leave any of the courses, you can’t go back up-so make sure you are definitely done before heading down.

All visitors need good grip gloves and a water bottle that can be clipped onto the harness (FLG X sells gloves and water bottles that have a carabiner clip for a small fee). Since it is a really professional and high-level adventure course and zip line, there is a minimum height and age requirement for the courses.

When we visited, we decided to do the zip line course. I was skeptical when we were told to count on a few hours. I didn’t dream that it actually would take us a few hours. We were zipping from one tree to another, climbing the rope ladders. The best part was we were able to go on our own. The harness system is done in a way that you don’t need to rely on the staff to attach you. The trip was awesome! We loved every minute of it. For all the fun we had, it was worth being sore the next few days. I can’t wait to return and try the ropes course. 

We finally returned to do the ropes course recently. It was all we imagined and more.  There are two separate options to choose from for level 1, 2, and 3. Level 4 and 5 have one course since not all of the climbers actually make it to those levels. Some of the elements on the course were extremely original such as the barrels to crawl through, the skateboard zip and others. We had such an awesome day climbing, we can’t wait to return.

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Address: 59 Mt Arlington Road, Ledgewood, NJ 07852
Phone Number: (888) 241-4582
Hours: Advance reservations strongly suggested.
Price:
Adventure Course – $57.00 per guest + taxes and fees – Ages 16 and up
Adventure Zip Lines – $57.00 per guest+taxes and fees – Ages 16 and up
Accompanied Adventure Course* – $57.00 per guest + taxes and fees – ONLY Ages 12-15. *Must be accompanied by adult 18+ (1 adult per 3 minors)
Accompanied Adventure Zip Lines* – $57.00 per guest + taxes and fees – ONLY Ages 12-15. *Must be accompanied by adult 18+ (1 adult per 3 minors)
Accompanied Adventure Course* – $39.00 per guest + taxes and fees –Ages 9-11 – Access to the first THREE Courses. *Must be accompanied by adult 18+ (1 adult per 3 minors)
Accompanied Adventure Zip Lines* – $54.95 per guest + taxes and fees –Ages 9-11*Must be accompanied by adult 18+ (1 adult per 3 minors)

Height requirement: While keeping feet flat on the ground and arms raised above your head, palm of hand must be able to touch the height of 5’11″.

Count on a minimum of 4 hours.

Approximate Distance from Brooklyn Bridge: 1 hour
Approximate Distance from Lakewood: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Approximate Distance from Monsey: 50 minutes
Website: https://flgxnj.com/

Raymondskill Falls: Milford, PA

I never tire of visiting waterfalls. I love watching the water cascade down majestically.

Near the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania, right by the New Jersey border, are some magnificent waterfalls. The best part is they are free. Two very large waterfalls in the area are Dingmans Falls and Raymondskill Falls.

Raymondskill Falls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall cascading down, is only a few minute walk from the parking lot  through a wide path in the woods down to the waterfall. The hike to the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania is only 0.3 miles. There are two viewing areas. The Upper viewing area offers views of the top section of the waterfall and the pool as well as the top of the second section. The lower viewing area offers a beautiful view of the whole waterfall.

Address: 917 Raymondskill Road, Milford, PA 18337
Hours: Most of the park is open 24-hours a day. Most day-use areas within the park are open sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
Approximate Distance from Brooklyn Bridge: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Approximate Distance from Lakewood: 2 hour, 5 minutes
Approximate Distance from Monsey: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Website: nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/raymondskill-creek-trail

Dingmans Falls: Delaware Township, PA

We were lucky that the maps we used sent us to the parking area for Dingmans Creek Trail instead of to the Visitor’s Center. The walk from the Visitor’s Center to the bottom of the falls is neither especially short nor especially scenic, whereas the walk from the parking lot to the falls via the Dingmans Creek Trail was a relaxing walk through the woods with the creek running alongside us during most of our hike.

After taking an easy hike for about 20 minutes alongside the Dingmans Creek we got to the top of Dingmans Falls where we got our first view of the majestic waterfall cascading down. 

We then headed down the many many steps and around to the bottom of the magnificent waterfall. After snapping lots of pictures we sat on the bench across from the waterfall and just enjoyed the view. We were mesmerized by the second highest waterfall in Pennsylvania.

After enjoying the site of the rushing water we headed back up the many steps and retraced our path in the woods back to our car.

I couldn’t believe that there is no entrance fee for visiting Dingmans Falls when many less impressive waterfalls charge an admission fee.

Dingmans Falls Visitors Center: 224 Dingmans Falls Road, Delaware Township, PA 18328
Dingmans Creek Trail: Parking is at the end of Doodle Hollow Road in Dingmans Ferry, PA
Phone Number-Visitor’s Center: (570) 828-2253
Price: Free
Approximate Distance from Brooklyn Bridge: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Approximate Distance from Lakewood:  2 hours
Approximate Distance from Monsey:  1 hour, 30 minutes
Website: nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/dingmans-creek-trail

Verona Park: Verona, NJ

I was so excited to see what an amazing park Verona Park is. I visited after one of my readers contacted me and let me know about this gem of a park. Verona Park is well-located in Essex County in Verona, NJ.

The park consists of 54.32 acres of land including a lake with a boathouse where paddle boat rentals, including swan shaped boats, are offered seasonally, a part of the 36 mile Lenape Trail, which connects 18 parks, beautiful gardens, tennis courts, picnic tables and benches in many areas of the park and the most awesome playground!

The playground looks new and has many exciting and unique elements. Firstly, it is situated in a gated area with soft rubber mats lining the ground which make it easy to walk on and less injuries while the children play. A big part of the playground has an awning which keeps the children  safe from the strong sun.

Within the playground are two large climbing structures with really large slides protruding from one structure. There are rock climbing blocks, rope challenges up a small hill on the side and slides to get down the hill. The mist spray in the playground was fun to run into during our visit on a hot summer afternoon. There are many swings and benches strategically placed around the park for adults to sit on while watching the children.

The park was not just for little children. It was definitely a favorite-I highly recommend it.

Address: Porcello Lane, Verona, NJ 07044
Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Approximate Distance from Brooklyn Bridge: 45 minutes
Approximate Distance from Lakewood: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Approximate Distance from Monsey: 45 minutes
Website: veronapark.org

Xtreme Play Extreme Adventure Park: Danbury, CT

Xtreme Play is a popular indoor amusement center in Danbury, Connecticut. There is a variety of fun activities catering to all from young children to adults.

The high ropes adventure course has two levels of obstacles and challenging components. The course, with its many interesting features is suspended over the spin zone bumping cars. The Spin Zone has bumping cars that don’t just hit others but spin as well.

There is also mini bowling,

a climbing wall, a fun Warrior Course with many challenging and fun elements to try. Test your stamina and see if you can get across without falling. 

We had a really great time playing laser tag. There was a mix of ages playing and it was fun to watch the old and young trying to tag each other. 

You would think that the Balllocity area is primarily for the little children but many adults were enjoying as much as – if not more than – the children they were with. There are ball blowers, hoppers and a multi-story climbing structure ball blasters that can be aimed at the unsuspecting people below. Xtreme Play offer both a Virtual Reality and a 3D Dark Ride. The many arcade games are spread all over the facility. 

We visited during school break and Xtreme Place seemed to be a popular choice for many children and adults enjoying their day off.

Address: 38 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811
Phone Number: (203) 456-6242
Hours and Price: heck online for the updated hours and prices.
Approximate Distance from Brooklyn Bridge: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Approximate Distance from Lakewood: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Approximate Distance from Monsey: 1 hour
Website: xtremeplayct.com

Croton Landing Park: Croton-On-Hudson, NY

We loaded the bikes and rollerblades (as well as supper) into the car. The kids wanted to visit a park where they can enjoy biking and rollerblading and I wanted beautiful views to go along with it. Croton Landing Park checked all the boxes.

The main feature of the park is the approximately 1.25 mile paved walkway/bikeway alongside the Hudson River. The views of the river are magnificent.  There are many benches along the way to sit and enjoy the views.

The pathway ends at a 911 Memorial where there is space to turn around and head back. The park seems quite popular for people wanting to enjoy both nature and fresh air.

While we were biking on the path, I noticed many beautiful trees and flowers alongside the path and on one side near the parking lot is a big field where there were some people playing soccer.

Address: 1 Van Wyck Street, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Price: Free
Approximate Distance from Brooklyn Bridge: 50 minutes
Approximate Distance from Lakewood: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Approximate Distance from Monsey: 40 minutes

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