Oh Covid-19. You really did a number on our spring plans. But we are NOT going to let you ruin our summer fun too. Even as we start to cautiously open up the state, we still need to stay vigilant so numbers don’t spike again and send us scurrying inside during the most glorious part of the year. So what to do with all our camp-less hours this summer? Tons, it turns out. Here are 12 Safe (or safe-ish) Things Your Family Can Do This Summer.
Hit the Road. Yeah, you’re probably not going to want to get on a plane anytime soon. But you might want to hop in the car and head somewhere for the weekend. Resorts in and around New Jersey are open for business with appropriate guidelines in place. So check out The Sagamore, Woodloch, Mohonk Mountain House, or Gurney’s for availability. Or, book an RV and stay at one of the Harvest Host wineries, breweries, farms or attractions. Pay your annual membership fee and you can stay at one (or more) of the 1100+ member locations.
Go Wild. You don’t really want to be out with the throngs walking through the zoo, but your animal crazy kid would love to get up close and personal with some wildlife. Take them on a drive-through “safari” at one of these New Jersey farms. Or, drive through the Six Flags Wild Safari boasting over 1,200 animals from six continents. Reservations are required. Check the website for other guidelines.
Doughnut Wars. We would suggest making this a weekly, not a daily activity. But listen, do whatever you have to do in these “unprecedented” times. Which of these doughnut places in Bergen County is your fave? Or does the new Duck Donuts take the prize? We’ll totally get it if you need to go back more than once to make sure your judging is fair and accurate.
Get Some Al Fresco Art. Who knows when we’ll want to be inside museums again? But a mistrust of public indoor spaces doesn’t mean that we have to give up art and culture. Pack a picnic (don’t forget the hand sanitizer) and the family and head out for one of these outdoor sculpture parks and gardens. It’ll be a change of scenery and you can check the subversively educational box too! As with everything these days, check the website before you go to make sure you know their guidelines and restrictions.
Float Away. The best antidote to the cooped up feeling we’ve all been having since mid-March is to be out in the fresh air, wind in our face, preferably in a place that also involves water. But not all of us want to own a boat. Which is why boat clubs like Carefree Boat Club, Freedom Boat Club and SailTime might be the way to go. Once you join the club (consider it a boat time share), you have access to their fleet of boats and the training you need to captain them. Or, rent a pontoon boat and just float for a day. Ahoy, matey!
Catch a flick. Luckily, you don’t have to sit in a movie theater to do it. Drive in theaters are popping up all over Bergen County. Which is super fun and exactly what we need. Put the kids in their jammies, bring some fun snacks and head out for a night snuggled in your car, throwing it back to simpler times.
Lick the Spoon. Summer time is ice cream time. So indulge. Visit one of these favorites. Or, head to the newly opened Stack Creamery. Or, you know. The summer is young. Visit them all.
Shoot the Rapids. This is a great year to check some things off the family bucket list. Like rafting on the Delaware Water Gap. Social distancing can be achieved by reserving a raft just for your family (though there’s usually at least one bus ride involved – something to consider). But you’ll have a day adventure and making memories, even in this time when so much seems to still be on hold.
Ride the Waves. This one really isn’t for the littlest kids. But if you have a restless tween or teen, rent wave runners for an hour or so and let them blow off some steam. Reserve for as little as a half an hour or, book a longer trip (there’s even one to the Statue of Liberty and back). Kids 16 and older with at least a learner’s permit are able to drive in the state of NJ. Kids younger than that need to ride tandem with a licensed driver.
Pick your own. Berries, we mean. Because you know you’re supposed to keep your hands away from your face. Just because we have a pandemic problem doesn’t means farms stop producing food. So lots of places are open for business with guidelines in place. Seems like this year, with our choices slightly limited, these berries are going to taste twice as sweet.
Make a splash. A pool in your backyard? Yeah, we know. This one is sort of a big dream. But have you seen the new pools made from shipping containers? They are super cool and much more affordable than traditional pool installation. So maybe this summer, you dream and plan and next summer you build and install.
Raise a glass. We’ve made it this far, people. That calls for at least a little celebration. So, pick up a cocktail kit from one of our local mixologists, order up a drink pouch from Lucco market, or sign up for a cocktail subscription box. Then toast your strength and fortitude. No seriously. This has been really hard. And you’re doing a great job.
