Rosh Hashanah has flown by, and Sukkot is right around the corner. Shaatra moms across the globe have started thinking about the fact that the kids will be home from school for quite some time during Sukkot break. And this year, hol hamoed falls out on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, which means that there is plenty of time for trips.
It’s possible that in years past, you’ve been overwhelmed by the thought of hol hamoed travel. Memories of cranky kids and long car rides to Hershey Park or Amish Town may stand out in your mind, and you may feel apprehensive to do it all over again. But the truth of the matter is, New York and New Jersey have lots to offer when it comes to family-friendly entertainment. So this time, stay local! Be grateful that you live just a short car-ride away from several happening locations, and know with some in-advance planning and some fun and fresh ideas, hol hamoed 2024 can be memorable for the whole family.
FOR FELLOW BROOKLYNITES…
If you live in Brooklyn, you have your own fair share of local choices when it comes to trips and activities. The Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of nature. The Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights is a bright and colorful space for children to play, explore, and learn, while Kids ‘N Action is a world of excitement for the littlest ones in your bunch.
The New York Aquarium is right on Coney Island and has an amazing assortment of marine life. And if the weather is nice, there is no need to stay cooped up indoors. Head to Prospect or Marine Parks, since both are perfect grassy locations for sports, flying kites, or riding bikes.
IF YOU WANT TO HEAD TO MANHATTAN…
If you’re okay with a short car ride from Brooklyn, you can head out to the city that never sleeps. There are hundreds of attractions for tourists, some of which include The Intrepid, The Museum of Natural History, and the observation deck at the Empire State Building. Chelsea Piers, which is right outside the city, is a jam-packed center of things to do. Once inside, your children can choose to ice-skate, play golf, go bowling, or play arcades.
IF YOU LIVE IN THE GARDEN STATE…
You may have heard the sentiment that there’s not much to do in Jersey. Well, whoever said that forgot about the numerous exciting options that are available, and that you can take advantage of this hol hamoed!
Younger kids might enjoy watching sea life at Jenkinson’s Aquarium or the rides and arcades at FunTime America. For those families with both older and younger kids, Great Adventures is a great compromise. And if your brood gets hungry, there is usually a sukkah and kosher food on premises come Sukkot time, so you can settle them down and serve lunch before they jump onto every ride in sight.
IF YOU GET THE MUNCHIES…
At some point during your travels, your family will get hungry and want to eat, and the men in your family will need a sukkah to do so. Certain kosher restaurants will put up a sukkah outside, but before you go, call ahead of time to be certain. Until you get to have a sit-down meal, serve some “shehakol” snacks to tide everyone over. Or, if your travels haven’t brought you too far from home, you can get to your own sukkah in time for lunch!Wherever you decide to go this hol hamoed, know that it’s all in your mindset. When Mom is happy, everyone is happy! Enjoy every moment of wherever your travels take you, because pretty soon you’ll be back in the kitchen cooking delicious holiday dishes for the second half of Sukkot!