This year may look a little different than last, and you might start to feel the “stir crazy” setting in as the temperatures drop, trips get postponed, and gatherings are cancelled. Though this winter is certainly unlike those of the past, there are still plenty of alternative options for safe seasonal fun! Kick your “cabin fever” by checking out the list below for a variety of happenings close to home! 

The “Rink” at Winter Wonderland in Van Saun Park

Ice skating is one of my all-time favorite winter activities that just gets me in the spirit of the season! At Van Saun Park’s Winter Wonderland skating rink, guests of all ages can enjoy a full regulation sized ice rink for only $5. Not to mention you can make it a whole day of family fun by visiting the zoo animals – only a short walk away!

Where:  Van Saun County Park: 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
When:  Open 7 days a week; hours may differ (time-slots and tickets available here!)

Details: $5 for 50 minute skating session (including rentals). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Covid-19 Considerations: Currently the rink is operating on limited capacity and facial coverings and social distancing is required.

Ramsey Farmers’ Market

Help support your local vendors this year by visiting this award-winning farmer’s market in Ramsey, NJ! It offers a large variety of specialty food products, including: organic fruits and vegetables, honey, jams, cheeses, olive oils and vinegars, pizza, ice cream, coffee, nut butters, granola, hummus, baked goods, empanadas, dumplings, and much more! Fresh cut flowers, handcrafted skin care, and clothing are also for sale! A great place to find unique gifts and recipe inspiration – or just to treat yourself!

Where: Ramsey Main Street Train Station at Erie Plaza off Main Street, Ramsey, NJ
When: Every Sunday (rain or shine) 10am – 1pm

Details: Voted best farmer’s market in Northern NJ 8 years in a row by both (201) Magazine and Bergen Health Life!
Covid-19 Considerations: Masks required. Outdoor gathering capacity guidelines are adhered to.

Lorrimer Sanctuary

I’ve found the new social-distancing culture becomes a lot easier when I can “unplug” and embrace the beauty of nature. This historic wildlife sanctuary in Franklin Lakes is the perfect spot for nature walks, hiking, birdwatching, outdoor photography, and meditation. You can feel free to explore the grounds on your own, or sign up for one of the center’s many upcoming events, including a Full Moon Poetry Walk, a Maple Sugaring class, and a Bird Walk for beginners. It may be just the perfect place for you to unwind and reconnect with nature!

Where:  790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ
When:  Thus-Sat 10am-4pm

Details: For all organized classes and events, tickets should be purchased ahead of time – click to check out the calendar of upcoming events.
Covid-19 Considerations: To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, all centers will have limited capacity and visitors will be required to wear masks, sanitize their hands, and maintain a social distance of 6ft distance. All indoor exhibits are closed for the time being.

Grounds for Sculpture 

Missing the culture and experience of museums, but don’t want to spend time indoors? Lucky for you Grounds for Sculpture has just announced new winter hours and programs! This beautiful sculpture park offers over 400 works of contemporary art, with installations by both American and international artists. The park is beautiful in every season, offering gardens, paths, ponds, and reflecting pools across its vast 42 acres. They also provide an interactive park map to help you plan your trip before you go! And don’t forget to check their calendar for monthly events and workshops, like the Winter Rose Pruning, which provides hands-on training for gardeners of all experience levels!

Where:  80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ
When:  Thurs-Mon 10am to 6pm

Details: Discounted tickets at $10/each are offered through March! Reservations required – to purchase your timed admission ticket click here.
Covid-19 Considerations: Masks and social distancing required. All indoor exhibitions will remain closed to maximize the safety of staff and visitors.

Mountain Creek Resort

Stay active and healthy this snow season by visiting Mountain Creek Resort for skiing, snowboarding, and other fun winter sports! As the largest ski area in New Jersey, it boasts four mountain peaks with eight lifts and trails of varying difficulty levels to suit beginners, experts, and everyone in between. They have even extended their hours to allow for night skiing, so you can hit the slopes for a few hours after work, or spend the whole day and night cruising!

Where:  200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ
When:  Vernon Peak open daily 9am to 9pm; South Peak open Mon-Fri 12pm to 9pm and Sat-Sun 9am to 9pm

Details: Click here to purchase lift tickets, equipment rentals, lessons, and more!
Covid-19
Considerations: Masks are required for all visitors and social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Lodges and indoor spaces will be controlled to adhere to capacity restrictions. Advanced online purchases for all visits required.

Or … Stay Cozy! Virtual Experiences You Can Attend from Your Couch:

Virtual Paint Nite hosted by Yaymaker Events: Thurs. January 21st from 7pm-9pm

Aromatherapy for Winter Wellness Online Event hosted by the Englewood Public Library: Wed. January 20th from 7pm-8pm

Game Night Trivia hosted by Yaymaker Events: Fri. January 22nd at 9:30pm

“Starting Your Family Tree” Webinar hosted by the Mahwah Museum: Sat. January 23rd at 11am

Virtual Guitar Workshop hosted by the Mahwah Museum: Sat. February 6th from 11am-1pm

Mystic Aquarium Virtual Program Series hosted by Bergen Community College: Thurs. February 18th from 11am-12pm

Around the World in 6 Cocktails – A Travel-Themed Mixology Class hosted by Yaymaker Events: Sat. February 6th at 8pm

Virtual Chair Yoga hosted by the River Vale Public Library: Tues. January 19th and Tues. January 26th from 11am-12pm

New Year New You Online Event hosted by Graf Center for Integrative Medicine: Thurs. January 21st from 7pm-8pm

Improv Comedy Workshop on Facebook Live, hosted by Puffin Cultural Forum: Wed. January 20th at 7pm

Ana Moniz, ABR Broker Associate Lifetime Member of the NJAR™ Distinguished Sales Club Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 50 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ  07642 cell- 201-247-6341 | office – (201) 930-8820 Ext. 441 e-fax- 201-781-6712 | www.AnaMonizRealEstate.com https://www.anamonizrealestate.net/ |  AnaMonizRealEstate@gmail.com