Parents Find August is for Daytripping

Taufeeq Mohammed of East Orange looked at the calendar recently and realized the new school year is right around the corner.

He knows he won’t have much free time to spend with his children once the school bell rings, so, like many Essex County parents, he’s cramming as much time in as possible.

“We’re visiting the local parks a lot, doing some hiking,” Mohammed said recently while visiting the Turtle Back Zoo with his 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter.

He said his family plans a few more trips to the zoo, as well as the Bronx Zoo and some aquariums if they have the time.

Johanna Maher of Cedar Grove said her children love being outdoors during the summer.

“Any place where they can run around in an open space,” Maher said, while her children and dog walked with her in Verona Park recently.

Maher said her children also love the Turtle Back Zoo.

“They love (the zoo’s) carousel and the train, along with the giraffes, lions and bears,” she said.

Mirealla Bain of East Orange, said her 6-year-old daughter has been busy this summer with a summer school program at Seton Hall, along with ballet, swimming lessons and trips to the park and the zoo.

“I think (Verona Park) is one of the nicest ones in Essex County,” said Bain. “We didn’t do any big trips this year, but we’re hoping to go to Disney World next summer.”

With less than a month before the start of homework and after-school activities, parents are also trying to squeeze in a last-minute Shore trip as well to visit family favorite beaches like Avon, Belmar, Long Branch or Point Pleasant.

Jennifer McAuliffe, a mother of two boys said her children love the boardwalk.

“We really like Point Pleasant because of the boardwalk,” she said, “and the rides are age appropriate.”