Despite the cold and potential for snow, we all want to get out of the house and have some fun, even in the winter.  Here are some ideas for things to do in our area to escape– or embrace– the cold.

iPlay America: known for their mesmerizing decorations during the holidays, this rides/attractions location is tons of fun for a whole family or even just a group of friends. They have an arcade, rides, VR arena, Laser Tag, 4D Movie Theater, and plenty of food places. For more information, visit: https://iplayamerica.com/

Lambertville: known for their incredible Winter Festival, this is the perfect place to take your family on a tiny vacation. Located in NJ, this little, cozy town gives many people an amazing experience with their fantastic food and wonderful galleries. For more information, visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g46551-Activities-Lambertville_New_Jersey.html

Frelinghuysen Arboretum: a fun place in which families can play a photo-based game for a chance to win some fun prizes! They also run a “Gingerbread Wonderland” that displays some awesome edible creations. For more information, visit: https://www.arboretumfriends.org/

Sahara Sam’s: If you aren’t the biggest fan of the cold but enjoy swimming and places like Hurricane Harbor, this is the perfect place to go with their water slides and lazy river. For more information, visit: https://www.saharasams.com/

Monster Mini Golf: mainly for children, this place is known for their “scary” designed golf course. For more information, visit: http://www.monsterminigolf.com/

Watchung Reservation: A beautiful place for men and women alike. This reservation is absolutely beautiful with their indoor and outdoor activities. For more information, visit: http://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/paths-trails-greenways/watchung-reservation/

Polar Bear Plunge: This is more… risky. Visitors rush into the freezing ocean for charitable causes. For more information, visit: https://www.njpolarplunge.org/

Escape rooms: one of the more locational places, escape rooms are full of unique puzzles that truly get your brain running. Customers have a certain amount of time to get out of the rooms using certain clues thrown at them, occasional math and brain-based problems come up here and there. Escape rooms are plenty of fun and are usually rated very highly. For more information, visit: https://amazingescaperoom.com/

Hamburg, NJ: full of many opportunities, known mainly for their snow-covered mountains, something so rare for the area. Hamburg has many bed-and-breakfasts, along with many other attractions. For more information, visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g46486-Hamburg_New_Jersey-Vacations.html

West Orange, NJ: for those who are very invested in their love for historical buildings and sites, this is your place to go! Known for their Thomas Edison National Historical Park -a place even more beautiful covered in snow-, they are very popular for having some incredible spots. For more information, visit: http://www.westorange.org/

Cape May, NJ: this is an absolutely beautiful place to go during the winter. Quant, cute little town during the summer to a winter wonder when the cold hits. They happen to have a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony, some amazing trolley rides that drive through beautifully scenic places, and house tours decorated with Christmas. For more information, visit: http://www.capemay.com/

Holiday Light Show: located in historical Smithville, this beautifully divine location is extremely popular for their adorable winter light show. This is a must-see show that occurs only during the winter time, so run down as soon as you can with your family! For more information, visit: http://www.historicsmithvillenj.com/27-holiday-light-show

Christmas Fantasy: located in Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township, this incredible place includes rides and a remarkable one-million light show. For more information, visit: https://storybookland.com/fallchristmas.html

Allamuchy Mountain State Park: a great place for sledding, these beautiful hills are one of the most visited places in New Jersey! For more information, visit: http://www.visitnj.org/nj-biking/allamuchy-mountain-state-park

Mountain Creek: located in Vernon, NJ, this miraculous place is mainly known for their snow-tubing (an activity I’ve never personally done but would probably love to one day). For more information, visit: http://www.visitnj.org/article/sledding-ice-skating-and-carriage-rides-new-jersey