As living rooms became movie theaters and drive-thru Starbucks doubled as a date night, more thrilling activities unfortunately took a backseat to the pandemic. But we’re long overdue for infusing some adventure back into our free time. New Jersey winters can be temperamental to say the least — gray drizzle seems to have replaced the epic nor’easters of yesteryear — but that doesn’t mean excitement is out of the question.
We’ve rounded up some unexpected indoor and outdoor options to keep idle families entertained this winter. Whether it’s exploring what’s under the ice or hitting the slopes with a roof over your head, the next new adventure is just a short drive away.
Operating year-round, Big SNOW offers slope-seekers 4 acres to ski or snowboard, with up to a 160-foot drop. Photo courtesy of Big SNOW
Go Skiing in a Giant Mall
Indoor skiing is a novelty found in jet set locations, like Singapore, Dubai and now the American Dream complex in East Rutherford. Big SNOW is North America’s first and only indoor ski and snowboard resort. Operating year-round, Big SNOW offers slope-seekers 4 acres to ski or snowboard, with up to a 160-foot drop. Experience is not required, and lessons are available for kids and adults. Ever wondered what it would be like to ride a bike down a ski slope? Us neither, but the curious age 12 and older can rent a one-of-a-kind Sno-Go bike, which features skis in place of wheels. Standard two-hour passes to access Big SNOW start at $34.99. With capacity for 500 on the slopes, distancing should not be a problem.
Note: Big SNOW is currently closed due to damage from a fire at the end of September 2021. They are currently on track for a reopening in early 2022.
You can lure out a cold-weather catch right here in New Jersey by ice fishing at various lakes, including Budd Lake in Mount Olive Township. Phot courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Take the Plunge by Ice Fishing
When you think of ice fishing, you might picture the wide-open frozen tundra of the Midwest, but you can lure out a cold-weather catch right here in New Jersey. Focus your attention on the lakes in the northern portion of the state, like Pompton Lake in Passaic County for northern pike, Swartswood Lake in Sussex County for walleye, or Lake Hopatcong in Morris County for pickerel and perch. If you’re not familiar with the sport, do some research on the gear required ahead of time to avoid beginner frustrations (many checklists now include electronics for monitoring). And, of course, be smart about weather conditions — only set up camp on ice that is safe to stand on, and consider bringing a buddy.
The Gravity Vault’s eight New Jersey locations offer 12,000 to 25,000 square feet of climbing and 40-foot climbing walls. Photo courtesy of The Gravity Vault
Reach New Heights at Indoor Rock Climbing
If the slippery ice and whipping winds of winter rock climbing don’t sound alluring to you, scale to the ceiling at one of New Jersey’s indoor rock-climbing gyms. The Gravity Vault started in Upper Saddle River, and now offers eight locations throughout New Jersey, from Hoboken to Flemington. Each gym is unique, but they all offer 12,000 to 25,000 square feet of climbing and 40-foot climbing walls — with the exception of Montclair, which is bouldering only. The Gravity Vault offers a suite of services, from classes and camps to certifications, and caters to kids age 5 and older. A one-hour private staff belay session for four people runs about $95, but pricing can vary. Be sure to call ahead to make reservations.
Effortlessly slide over drifts of powdery snow on a cross-country skiing adventure in the Skylands Region. Photo courtesy of High Point Cross Country Ski Center
Explore the Wintry Outdoors While Snowshoeing
Anyone who’s ever watched cross-country skiing at the Winter Olympics has wondered what it’s like to effortlessly slide over drifts of powdery snow. Novices who find themselves among a winter wonderland in the Garden State can ditch the skis for snowshoes — footwear that helps evenly distribute your weight so you can walk on (frozen) water. This slow-paced form of hiking is best enjoyed among nature and on designated trails. Check out the Skylands Region with parks such as the Delaware Water Gap or the relatively flat, 27-mile Paulinskill Valley Trail between Warren and Sussex counties. An initial investment of roughly $140 will buy you snowshoes. Or, try before you buy; outfitter Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) rents equipment, including snowshoes, and has locations in Princeton and Paramus.
Bubble Ball transforms ‘footy’ and other field games into a silly endeavor at Hot Darts in Sicklerville as you waddle along the turf, bouncing into your buddies. Photo courtesy of Wonderfly Games
Try a Surprising Spin on Paintball and Soccer
Just 30 minutes outside of Philly is Sicklerville, home to an outdoor activities arena called Hot Darts. While the name refers to its onsite Nerf battles, Hot Darts offers two unusual — but safe — pastimes for family and friends. Splat R Ball is like paintball but with a soft, gel ammo, which means the sting of getting splat is removed. With a group size of six to 16, games are limited to your private party. For up to 10 participants, Bubble Ball transforms “footy” and other field games into a silly endeavor as you waddle along the turf, bouncing into your buddies. A standard hour of Splat R Ball is $30 per person; Bubble Ball is $25 per person.
Brittany Chrusciel is a writer and editor specializing in travel, and a lifelong resident of Monmouth County. When she’s not trotting the globe, she calls Asbury Park home and enjoys seeking out new and quirky experiences around the Garden State.
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2021 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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