Written by: Morgan & Natalie
Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, is here! And while it's great to get out of the city for the weekend, there's also something magical about the quiet of NYC when everyone leaves.
If you're staying in the city this weekend, here's some fun, family-friendly places you can visit:
A fun scientific adventure with an underground mine tour. Along the way you’ll visit two museums, go inside the mine itself and see mining equipment, a drilling and blasting demonstration, and the world famous fluorescent “Rainbow Tunnel".
Where: 30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439 (Entrance on Passaic Street under railroad trestle)
Distance from LIC: 1.5 hours
Operating Hours: Guided tours available at 1pm daily
Cost: $12/adult, $9/children (4-12), free for children under 4
Additional Information: Bring a sweater – the mine is about 56 degrees year round. And wear sneakers!
Take in a recreational experience in wildlife education and conservation. Enjoy fun exhibits such as the Sea Turtle Recovery, the African Adventure, and the Touch Tank. They also have a Treetop Adventure Course, face painting, and pony rides.
Where: 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NY 07052
Distance from LIC: 1 hour
Operating Hours: 10am - 4:30pm
Cost: $15/adult, $12/children (2-12), free for children under 2
Additional Information: Free parking!
This FINtastic destination features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, butterflies from all over the world, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including Butterflies, Bugs & Birds, Shark Dive, Penguin Encounter, Pirate Snorkel, Shark Keeper, and more! We highly recommend the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat add-on.
Where: 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Distance from LIC: 2 hours
Operating Hours: 10am - 5pm
Cost: $33/adult, $24/children (3-12), free for children under 2
Additional Information: They do not have storage facilities, so make sure to carry only those belongings that you can carry comfortably.
Nestled in the heart of central New Jersey, a magical place where art and nature are always at play. At its core are more than 270 sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists, each thoughtfully positioned on meticulously landscaped parkland full of thousands of exotic trees and flowers. It is a feast for the senses!
Where: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619
Distance from LIC: 2 hours
Operating Hours: 10am - 6pm for Memoral Day Weekend (free admission for active military and vets)
Cost: $20/adult, $10/children (6-17), free for children under 5
Additional Information: They’re hosting a good ol’ fashioned cookout for MDW!
Your mini mates will have the opportunity to dress-up like pirates, get face painted with pirate "tattoos", and learn some pirate lingo before setting sail on an hour and fifteen minute long action packed adventure. Once on board, the mates will participate in an interactive treasure hunt on the high seas. They will learn the rules of the Sea Gypsy II pirate ship, read a treasure map, discover a secret message in a bottle, and work as a team to defeat the enemy pirate who has stolen the keys to their treasure.
Where: Pier 281 Marina, 281 Princeton Avenue, Brick, NJ 08724
Distance from LIC: 2 hours
Operating Hours: 9:30am - 5pm (Book your sailing time here: http://jerseyshorepirates.com/bookingpricing)
Cost: $22/for adults and children over 3, $12/children 2 and under
Additional Information: While the waters aren’t rough, bring your Dramamine if you get sea sick!
Kelder’s Farm is a 200 year old family farm in the Hudson Valley. It’s a popular agricultural destination for families to take a step away from the hustle and bustle of life, unplug and reconnect with your family and your roots. It offers pick your own fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, and many vegetables. In addition, the farm has fun farm activities, such as the jumping pillow, petting farm, mini-golf, and milk a cow.
Where: 5755 US Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Distance from LIC: 2.5 hours
Operating Hours: 10am - 6pm
Cost: $6/per person
Additional Information: If you purchase your ticket online you receive a free bag of animal feed.