You might be gloomily watching your friends jetting off to Cancun or Miami next week, but there are still plenty of ways to have fun if you’re staying local this spring break. Luckily, living in New Jersey means you’re never more than 90 minutes away from where you want to go. These day trips are fun and won’t break the bank!
1. Sandy Hook Park
When people think of spring break they usually think of the beach, but not the Jersey Shore. Nevertheless, a drive down to Sandy Hook is a great way to relax and enjoy the beach during the off-season. Sandy Hook is best known for its historic lighthouse, but the area also offers hiking trails and would be a beautiful spot to sit and have a picnic.
2. Magic Gardens
Founded in 2008, Magic Gardens is an outdoor art exhibit located in Philadelphia. The installation is composed of tiles, glass bottles and other miscellaneous materials. Bring your camera and capture all the creativity Magic Gardens has to offer!
3. Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day by going to a parade! I celebrated in New York City last year and ran into more TCNJ students than I thought possible. Attending one of the world’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations was yet another reason to love New York.
4. Grounds for Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Grounds for Sculpture is one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets, not to mention it’s basically TCNJ’s neighbor. Grounds for Sculpture is another outdoor art installation and stretches out over 42 acres. I’ve been several times and notice something new each visit!
5. Sky Zone
With several locations in New Jersey, Sky Zone is the perfect rainy day activity for spring break. This giant indoor trampoline park brings out the inner child in everyone who visits.
6. Escape the Room
For this idea, you definitely want to invite a group of friends you wouldn’t mind being trapped in a room with. Most escape rooms involve a lot of teamwork and problem-solving. Unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t make it out in time, but we still had fun doing it.
7. Hoboken
Known for its countless restaurants, Washington Street in Hoboken is a food lovers’ paradise. The only problem you’ll have is deciding where to eat! This photo was taken at Mills Tavern.
8. Ramapo Valley Reservation
Get in touch with nature by taking a hike in Ramapo Valley Reservation. With 21 miles of trails, this is a great spring break idea if you want to get moving (weather permitting).