Health & Fitness
Fun, Family-Friendly Daytrips For The Long Weekend
If you're looking for ideas on local and cheap family-friendly daytrips this weekend, we've got you covered. Here's a list of places that won't break the bank or require packing your bags.
It's a three-day weekend coming up. You have Monday oof, and kids don't have school. If you're looking for ideas on local and cheap family-friendly getaways, we've got you covered. Here's a list of places that won't break the bank or require packing your bags.
Adventure and Wildlife In Jersey
No need to leave the county to do some skiing and tubing. Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah will be open for skiing and tubing during MLK weekend (holiday rates apply). Daily snow passes, rentals and lessons are available.
Depending on the weather, you can check out some of the area's local nature centers by going on a family hike. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center in Englewood offers a guided hike for families this weekend (See This Week's Picks) or explore Sapienza Gardens in Hillsdale, Tenafly Nature Center or The Wildlife Center in Wyckoff for your own leisurely walk through the trails.
Love animals? Visit the Van Saun Zoo in Paramus, open 10AM to 4:30PM daily or the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange open 10AM to 3:30PM daily. We loved the Turtle Back Zoo's Groundhog Tunnels!
Liberty State Park
Open from 6AM to 10PM every day, Liberty State Park in Jersey City is a great day trip for the family. Hop on a ferry to visit Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. (The boat ride alone is a thrill for the youngsters.)
You can also check out the Liberty Science Center, where you can play a Live Action Angry Birds Game on Saturday and Sunday, meet Dino Dan on Sunday, and experience a Touch Tank all three days (Saturday through Monday).
Bear Mountain State Park
Another great day trip is Bear Mountain State Park - about a 30 minute drive north off the Palisades Parkway. The park offers public ice skating sessions Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Call 845-786-2701 for special holiday hours. There is also a Merry-Go-Round open weekends and holidays from 10AM to 5PM and a free zoo (donations suggested), which is open 10AM to 4:30PM daily. Click here for fees and rates.
The Big Apple
Find out what's happening in Westwood-Hillsdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There is always lots to do with the kids in New York City! If you don't mind the cold, visit Thomas and Friends at NY Botanical Garden, or stop by the Central Park Zoo for daily penguin feedings.
Rather stay indoors? Check out Picasso Black and White during The Guggenheim's extended hours on the 20th and 21st. The Children's Museum of Manhattan will be open for the holiday on the 21st (they're also open Saturday and Sunday). See butterflies up close at The Butterfly Conservatory or enjoy a new Space Show at the American Museum of Natural History, take the kids to kid-friendly theater shows, and more! If you live in Closter, Haworth, or Old Tappan, be sure to ask your local library about free family passes to visit certain museums. Click here for details.
Want to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a day of service? Check out this article on how you can help the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.
Lastly, don't forget to check out other events in Macaroni Kid's calendar. If you have other plans for MLK weekend, let us know!
