What's Open for Family Fun - Out of the House, but Social and Safe!

We found some fun things to do with the family!

We are well into the summer now and many of us are going stir-crazy. Most are feeling the urge and need to get out of the house to feel a sense of normalcy, to have fun, and enjoy life again, yet, the big COVID19 cloud still hangs above our heads reminding us that it’s no longer safe to enjoy popular, social activities in the same manner we once did before the pandemic. This doesn’t mean, however, that we need to stay in our house and yard always-and-forever.

What's opened?  What's social and safe to do? 

Here are a few safer, New Jersey, family-friendly events and activities you might want to venture out to enjoy, (depending on your comfort level), as long as you follow all safety guidelines to social distance and properly wear your mask over your nose and mouth.

SPLASH AROUND IN THE WATER PARKS 

Sahara Sam's Outdoor Water Park (Pictured above)
Confidently enjoy a fun-filled day with your favorite people. Sahara Sam’s Outdoor Water Park is NOW OPEN with enhanced health and safety measures. The water park and arcade are open while the attractions in the indoor water park are currently unavailable.  All daily admission tickets must be purchased online (link above). Reservations for ALL guests will be required prior to visiting. Children under 3 get in free. Read about all their safety protocols in their Ready For Fun page.  535 North Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091

MOVIE NIGHT AT A BASEBALL STADIUM!  

SOMERSET PATRIOTS Movie Nights 
Upcoming movies: Spies in Disguise (7/23), Princess Bride (7/30), Ice Age (8/6)
Watch a movie at the baseball stadium!  All seating will be general admission and located on the playing field as the film plays on the scoreboard’s high definition video screen. Families can bring blankets or lawn chairs in specially marked locations on the grass to maintain social distancing requirements. Tickets are $10.00 each exclusively on www.somersetpatriots.com. Kids four years old and over will require a ticket; maximum of eight tickets per transaction, and only 500 people at the ballpark. Should guidelines for outdoor community gatherings increase before the events, the team will possibly add more tickets to sell to reach the maximum capacity allowed. Concession stands will be open featuring a limited menu of movie favorites (no outside food). The Somerset Patriots Summer Movie Series is presented by RWJBarnabas Health, NJM Insurance Group, T-Mobile, PSE&G, and NJEA.  1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

OR ATTEND A PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME 

Somerset Patriots professional baseball series will be hosting several games.  See full schedule and book ahead as tickets will sell out with the limited capacity guidelines.   1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

6-team, All- American Baseball Challenge will feature 32-game schedule featuring the Sussex County Miners, the Skylands Cardinals, the New Jersey Jackals and the Jersey Wise Guys. All stadiums will follow their State Regulations and CDC Guidelines regarding safety protocols. All games will be held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – July 23 through September 6, with post season play expected September 10-12.

Skylands Stadium  Home of Sussex County Miners Pro Baseball.  94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822

Yogi Berra Stadium The New Jersey Jackals.  8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, NJ 07424.

Palisades Credit Union Park This all-star caliber, recreation league will feature top-level talent from both minor league and college baseball  as part of the outdoor family fun series. 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Dr, Pomona, NY 10970

OUTDOOR SUMMER SERIES at IMAGINE THAT!!!

Performances.  Magic, Dance Parties, Singalong, Adult Comedy Show, Music Concerts and More!
See full schedule of events for families.  Special Needs event 7/24.
Guests are encouraged to arrive half hour before start time. Includes 6 ft x 8 ft turf rectangle reservation for up to 6 people (in accordance with social distancing guidelines) except where noted on select events. Your space is able to accommodate 2 chairs and 1 blanket (must bring own chairs/blankets). You will receive an email to pre-order food from our menu for the night. Order must be sent in no later than 24 hours before start time. Snacks will be available for purchase (no outside food allowed).   4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park, N.J. 07932

VISIT A MUSEUM

National Constitution Center announced it will reopen to the public on August 5, 2020, with free admission for all visitors through September 5, 2020. “We are thrilled to welcome back visitors to the National Constitution Center where learners of all ages can learn about the text, history, and meaning of the Constitution..." Safety protocols include increased sanitation, required mask wearing by staff and visitors, contactless ticketing, limited gallery capacities, one-way visitor flow, as well as modifications to encourage social distancing and use of hand sanitizer throughout the building. Visitors will be required to reserve timed tickets in advance, available online at constitutioncenter.org/tickets. A full list of protocols and a guide for what visitors can expect can be found at constitutioncenter.org/safely-reopening. The National Constitution Center will begin operations on a modified schedule. During this phase, the Center will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our newest exhibit is Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality; the multimedia theatrical production of Freedom Rising, streamed live on the Grand Hall Overlook; and the iconic Signers’ Hall. The National Constitution Center’s exhibit commemorating the centennial anniversary of voting rights for women, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote, will open on August 26, 2020, the 100th anniversary of the amendment’s certification.

FAMILY DRIVE-IN MOVIES

Stay in the comfort and safety of your car while enjoying a few hours out, watching a great movie or two with others (also in their cars). Here are some hot spots where you can drive in...reserve ahead!  We found some great ideas.

Boxcar Drive-In Movies
This is a downloadable app originally designed to help you find parking spots, now, it is an app to let you know where you can view drive-in movies. At these events, they also partner with local dining establishments to provide movie goers food and beverages. Locations are throughout New Jersey.

Carpool Theatre
Drive-In event for the weekend of Friday, July 24th to Sunday, July 26th. $30 per vehicle will offer you a showing of The Lego Movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, or the Fight. Feel free to bring your own food since no concessions will be offered there. Safety protocols will be emailed upon online ticket purchase. 9 Cherry Lane in West Orange, NJ

Delsea Drive-In Theatre
Movies and filmed concerts (like Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani & Trace Adkins on July 25th) are presented Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets and food must be purchased online and safety guidelines of social distancing and mask wearing are enforced when you leave your vehicle to use the restroom or pick up food at the concession stand. Tickets are approximately $12 with processing fee per person for double features and $20 plus fee for a food permit. 2203 S Delsea Dr, Vineland, NJ 08360

Demarest Farms
Pick-Your-Own Farm, Haunted Orchard, food stand and more offering Drive-In Movie Nights for your safe entertainment. Face coverings are required when outside your vehicle, social distancing is enforced, and purchases are to be made in advance, online, including food and beverages from the concession stand. Movies will be offered through August 29th and most are already sold out so get your tickets now. 244 Wiermus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

Snyder Farms Family Movie Nights at the Farm
BYO blanket or chair for family friendly movie night starts September. Limited seating, must prepay via PayPal to save your spot due to social distancing. Admissions start at 5pm, movie starts at 7:30 and ends approximately 9:30pm. Sept 12 is family friendly movie and Sept 26 is horror movie night.

Warwick Drive-In Theatres 
Open every night, rain, or shine, and offering double features at $12 for adults, $8 for kids 4-11 and FREE for those under 4. Safety precautions are well taken care of. All purchases are made through an app or their website, only one customer is allowed at a time at the concession stand, and social distancing as well as mask-wearing rules are enforced. 5 Warwick Turnpike, Warwick, NY 10990

VISIT A FARM

Be one with nature while visiting some of New Jersey’s working farms. Enjoy the outdoors while social distancing. It’s a great opportunity to absorb some good vitamin D, some fresh air, and picking some healthy fruits and vegetables!

Alstede Farms
Large farm with much to do and explore. You can spend your day here picking-your-own fruits and vegetables, shopping in their store, visiting the hen house, the cider mill and the farm stands, or finding your way through the maze, then enjoying some wine at their vineyard, or learning all about farm life and conservation programs. Many new COVID19 safety guidelines are always enforced such as mask wearing and social distancing, special hours for at-risk seniors, and handwashing & sanitizing stations throughout. 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930

Cherry Grove Farms
500-acre dairy farm with milking parlor, creamery, and store. Visit the cows, enjoy a variety of cheeses, have a picnic in the gardens, and shop to your heart’s content while adhering to the safety protocols of mask wearing, social distancing, limited number of customers-at-a-time in the store, and hand washing. 3200 Lawrenceville Rd. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Demarest Farms
Pick your own apples, peaches, and pumpkins at this farm. To keep you safe, reservations are now required, and everything must be purchased online. Proper social distancing is enforced, and masks must always be worn properly. You will be assigned a time and specific area for picking, after washing your hands at one of their convenient stations throughout the farm. The cost is $5 per person (2yrs and over) to enter and $12 per 10lb bag. Also offered here are Drive-In Movie Nights, Haunted Orchards around Halloween, and Orchards of Lights in December. 244 Wiermus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

DiMeo Farms and Blueberry Patch
104-year old, upscale, organic blueberry farm where you can purchase blueberry plants to take care of at home or stroll the grounds to pick-your-own. Enjoy choosing your best blueberries on their picturesque nature trails with music and occasional wildlife. Picking is by appointment only, 7days a week from 10am to 6pm. 3101 Nesco Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Farm in Harmony
Corn maze and farm shoppe selling mostly specialty, handmade goods. Every year, the maze honors veterans and this year’s design is of the Huey Helicopter. Purchase your tickets online for $7/person and enjoy maneuvering your way through the path. The maze opens September 7th through November 11th, Wednesdays through Sundays, 1am to sunset. 1231 Brainards Rd, NJ 08865.

Norz Hill Farm & Market
Visit this farm and learn about farm-life. Enjoy produce from their store and multiple festivals throughout the summer and fall weekends. Scare-Farm and a Halloween Maze will be ready for your enjoyment September 12th – November 7th, and the Egg Shed and Meat Sales from November through the winter months. In response to COVID19, masks must be worn, and designated, social distancing waiting areas have been placed in the Market where you will be assigned a personal shopper. 116 S. Branch Rd. Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Orchard View Lavender Farm
Visit this beautiful lavender farm and shop with incredibly soothing fragrances. Enjoy yoga classes or sunsets overlooking the farm, or shop in their store with homemade soaps, essential oils, teas and more. For your safety, hand washing is required before entering, masks must be worn, and only 5 customers will be allowed in the shop at one time. 101 Karrsville Rd. Port Murray, NJ 07865

Stormwind Alpacas 
Make an appointment to spend time with this farm’s alpacas. Enjoy walking through their gardens or their store where you can purchase alpaca yarn or handmade products made of alpaca wool like mittens, scarves, blankets and more. 1862 Jacksonville-Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ 08022

VonThun’s Farm & Market
With fields in Brunswick and Washington, enjoy picking berries, walking through sunflower fields, and making your way through fun Fall mazes. With fields open for your berry-picking enjoyment from 10am to 5pm, you will need a reservation, a mask, and clean hands to make use of your pre-paid $3 picking pass. Containers are offered in pints, quarts, and buckets, and range from $6 to $35 each. 505 Ridge Rd, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852

STOP IN AT THESE EXCITING OUTDOOR EVENTS

Looking for something different and exciting, you might want to consider the following.

Brookhollow Barnyard
301 Rockaway Valley Rd, Boonton, NJ 07005
Exciting drive-though and/or walk-through farm where you can admire the animals from the safety of your car for $15/car or walk-though while adhering to all protocols and rules at $5/person. Special events like a corn maze and zombie hayride will also be offered around Halloween.

Field Station Dinosaurs
Starting August 15th through October 31st, enjoy this one-of-a-kind family attraction where dinosaurs come to life, thanks to robotics, on the banks of a scenic creek and forested park. Participate in games and activities, walk the relaxing trails, and have fun watching the exhibits and shows, which are all included in your pre-paid day pass or dinosaurs-after-dark pass. Check out their special events as well where you can meet professional paleontologists, geologists, and more. Overpeck County Park, Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605

WATCH A PERFORMANCE

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Although this theatre’s 2020 planned performances have been rescheduled for 2021, they will be offering a few plays on their backyard stage starting July 30th. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance for the 4:30pm or 7pm shows. Seating pods will be arranged, and masks are always required. 36 Madison Avenue, Madison NJ 07940

Surflight Theatre Show & Ice Cream Parlor
Performances and great ice cream, coffee and pastries are offered here in their outdoor, tented parlor. With exciting cabaret shows like Annie Get Your Gun, Phantom of the Opera, and Sound of Music, to name a few, it’s an experience you will not forget. To enjoy some great food and a show, you must reserve your table in advance at $5 per person. For your safety, the waitstaff and performers are tested regularly, wear masks, and social distance, while the establishment is cleaned often and thoroughly. 201 Engleside Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008

START PEDALING...EXPLORE JERSEY'S BIKE TRAILS

Biking can be an adventure, especially when there are many destinations and trails to explore, each different. Here are some family friendly biking trails that make a fantastic family day trip or excursion. These kid friendly bike trails are wide enough and long enough to provide a good biking experience for all. For some trails you may have to drive some distance to get to, but they are all worth it. 

Looking for a great park for a stroll, walk, or hike?  This is a great time to explore the outdoors.  New Jersey has more trails than you can imagine and more ways to get close to nature.  Link to our guide to the great outdoors which spotlights some of Jersey's top trails.

We hope you get to experience and enjoy one, a few, or more of the options above, when you are ready, however, please remember that the only way we can stop this pandemic is by following all safety guidelines at all times. If you need additional, outdoor activity ideas, don’t forget about our zoos, beaches, hiking & biking trails, lakes, picnic areas and playgrounds.

Stay safe, wear a mask, and always adhere to social distancing rules, or stay home!

Want to stay home, link to our DIY Family Fun things to do. 

*** As always, since information is often changing, please make sure to confirm all activities on the business’ website before attending.***