Not sure about you, but we have a love/hate relationship with winter. We love the whole sit by the fire, cuddle under blankets, hygge part but not so much the slushy, shivery, never-ending part. Turns out, kids need to be entertained no matter the weather. And frankly, even parents probably need some fresh air once in a while. So, grab your calendar and pencil in a few of these 10+ Ideas to get you out of the house this winter in Bergen County, NJ. Believe us, it will make the time until summer go way faster!
Let There Be Light: Don’t lament the early sunset. It just means you have more time to enjoy the awesome light shows and festivals that seem to be popping up all over the area. But remember, after the winter solstice, the days get longer. So make your plans to visit these lantern festivals, Lumocity, the Bronx Zoo and Skylands soon.
Get the Wiggles Out: If that was you driving by and looking longingly at your favorite outdoor playground the other day, it’s time to pack those kiddos up and take them to one of Bergen County’s newest indoor play spaces. Xtreme Energy or Tay + Te will make any cold, wet dreary winter day more fun.
Dream an American Dream: If they build it, will we come? Why not? There’s so much to do already. The Big Snow ski hill, Nickelodeon Universe theme park, the ice rink, a candy superstore, and the soon-to-open Dreamworks water park and SEA LIFE NJ. Go now and then plan to go back in March when the shops open!
Pop In to a Pop-Up: Not only are these great ways to spend an afternoon, but you get awesome pics for your daily Instagram posts that will make all your friends 1. Jealous and 2. Copy your great idea. Start with slime at Sloomoo Institute, or get eco-conscious at Arcadia Earth or Ocean Odyssey. Sprinkle a little fun this season at the new Museum of Ice Cream , enjoy the last few weeks of Dreamwork's Trolls Exhibit or step into a dream at Super Real at Cipriani (and maybe grab a nibble while you’re at it!)
Winter = Indoor Waterparks (and dog sledding!): It's no secret that some of us, seriously dislike the cold. If you're one of those moms- you don't have to be a total bore- grab the fam and head to one of these favorite indoor water parks near NJ. And if you're heading to our neighboring state of Pennsylvania- take a pitstop on the way for some dogsledding fun.
Hit the Sweet Spot: Something about winter makes you want to bust out the flour and bake a little something. Kara Kakes and The Art of Cake have got you with holiday and winter cupcake decorating classes. Or, venture a little further afield to Milk Bar and bake a real masterpiece.
Slip and Slide: Snow Day! You’ve got two choices. You can either shovel or you can bundle everyone up and hit a sledding hill, an ice skating rink or a tubing hill. Psst. We recommend option #2.
Have some Hot Chocolate: Remember City Bakery hot chocolate? Yeah, now you can enjoy it again at pop-ups around the city and introduce your kids to the yumminess.
Live and Learn: Why not drop a little knowledge disguised as a family outing? Liberty Science Center is bailing you out with the 12 Days of Science that start right after Christmas, MoMath offers reliable edutainment, and as usual, the Intrepid will host Kids Week over February Break. Or, slip into spy mode at Spyscape.
See A Show: You’ve been to see Frozen, Aladdin and Lion King? Well, luckily Mrs. Doubtfire and West Side Story are opening soon. Get your tickets now or take your chances with Broadway Roulette.
Defy Gravity: We’re not just clowning around when we tell you that the Big Apple Circus is still in town. Or, be amazed at the feats of strength and flexibility at Cirque Mechanic or a enjoy a slam dunk good time watchhing the Harlem Globetrotters at Prudential Center.
