As the weather is approaching 80 degrees people are itching to get out of the house and finally enjoy some warm weather after a brutally long winter. here is a list of activities to kick off your summer early!
Take a Hike: A fun way to stay active especially in the spring and summer is to explore a local hiking trail. Many are open to the public throughout New Jersey. For example, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Norvin Green State Forest, Stairway to Heaven Trail and many more!
Have a Bonfire: Having an evening bonfire wherever available can be extremely relaxing and a bonding time for friends and family. Many people set these up at the beach, in their backyard and at campsites. The best place for this is on your private property, recreational areas, permitted beaches, and if you want to spend money, some restaurants offer outdoor seating around a firepit. This is a great way to kick off those cooler nights of spring and summer.
Go Swimming: Once the weather gets hot, even at 80 degrees the heat can be unbearable for most. No one wants to feel sweaty all the time outside which is why on the warmer days, especially in New Jersey a key to cooling off is taking a nice dip in the water. Whether it be the ocean, a pool or even a lake any body of water can be refreshing. Along the Jersey shore many beaches are open from sunrise until 5 p.m. You can get a day badge or a whole summer’s badge. If you’re having trouble finding calmer pool water, almost every town offers a public swimming pool with just a badge required to spend your day there. Don’t hesitate to spend those hot days in any of these bodies of water!
White Water Rafting/Tubing: Although recommended for ages around 8, this is a very fun and adventurous way to kick off summer. This activity at a nearby location is at the Delaware Water Gap starting in PA. Although a bit of a drive it is most definitely worth it! You can take a 3-6 hour trip down the river with friends or family remaining in your raft over rocky waters, then take a relaxing swim at the calmer areas. Many people who don’t mind a little work love this activity as it gets you moving yet relaxed in the process.
Have a Lake Day: Lake days are the kind of days where you want some sand and calm water, but don’t feel like hassling down the parkway to the shore. Many lakes are all throughout New Jersey like Lake Hopatcong, Lake Wawayanda, Round Valley Reservoir, and Swartswood Lake, which are all located around north New Jersey.
Waterpark/Wibit: An extremely fun activity (advertised for kids) but fun for any age is the Wibit obstacle course on water located in Mahwah NJ. Also known as The Splash Zone, it is an inflatable water park on Darlington Lake in Mahwah. It features a maze of pathways that include ramps and slides and a trampoline. This is a perfect adventure that gets you moving and enjoying the weather.
Barbeque: Although perceived as basic, who doesn’t love a good barbecue? Filled with tons of that summer feeling food like hot dogs, burgers, wings, pasta salad, kabobs and so much more! Barbecues are made to everyone’s liking and a perfect way to spend quality time with those you love, enjoying music, food and company.
Visit the Jersey Shore: With New Jersey having a whole east coast filled with beaches there are so many to choose from. Whether you spend time in Wildwood, Seaside Heights, Asbury Park or even Long Branch, the ocean is fun for all ages. Some beaches have boardwalks nearby filled with games and rides for everyone to enjoy. This is a perfect place for families and friends to enjoy. Whether it be for just a day or a whole summer, the Jersey Shore just never gets old!
Local Amusement Park/Fair: Amusement parks, similar to the boardwalk, are whole areas filled with rides and games and notorious foods loaded with everyone’s favorite things. An example being Six Flags and the St Anthony’s Feast. It’s a fun time for everyone where you can ride roller coasters, play some quick games and face your fear of heights! Never underestimate the fun of an amusement park/county fair!
Go to a Drive-In Theater: Something that has come back within the past few years is a classic drive in theater. Many people take this opportunity to stay in the comfort of their own car while seeing film classics or new movies on the big screen. Whether you relax in a truck bed or the front seat of your car you can’t beat the relaxation of a movie snuggled up in your car with snacks galore. Some nearby locations include Warwick Drive In Theatre, Fair Oaks Drive In, and The Overlook Drive in. A Majority of these locations are seasonal to summer/spring.
Watch Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise and sunset on a good day can be beautiful and you can witness it in any open area. A fan favorite is to see this on the beach or at a overlooking area where you can even see the skyline. Some people see this up in the hills of Hawthorne, Ridgewood and Franklin Lakes. If you have the commitment to see the sunrise at 5:45 A.M the beach is probably the best place for this.
Mini Golf: A fun thing to do anywhere is mini golf! Mini golf can get competitive among friends and family, but that’s all the fun to it! Many people enjoy it as it’s a fun game indoors or outdoors for all ages. Some places nearby to test out your mini-golf skills include, Monster Mini Golf in Paramus, Willowbrook Golf Center in Wayne, Angry Birds Mini Golf and many more fun places around New Jersey.
Pickleball: Pickleball has been around for decades, but it is just starting to pick up in popularity again. Many people getting their experience in gym class and clubs have found it most enjoyable. The newest location dedicated to pickleball is the Picklr in Fair Lawn. This can be a friendly competitive game played all day long that’s fun for everyone!
Although it is impossible to touch upon every fun thing to do as the weather warms up, these are some known fan favorites that can get your summer going!