Issue 6 | March 2021 |
With chilly temperatures and limited indoor activities, it’s easy to feel the effects of cabin fever this year. But here in Hudson County, we’re full of cabin-fever cures. Whether you’re seeking winter adventures, artistic inspiration, or an immersive historic experience, we have you covered.
With Covid-19 regulations frequently changing, please visit each establishment’s website or call prior to visiting.
8 Activities to Cure Cabin Fever in Hudson County
1. Spend a Day at Liberty Science Center
Enjoy exhibits, gaze into the solar system, or join family-friendly workshops at Liberty Science Center, which is open with limited capacity and Covid-19 regulations in place. Liberty Science Center’s hands-on activities, shows, and exhibits are the perfect cure for that pent-up winter energy. And, for a humbling look into our universe, head to the Liberty Science Center’s Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium—the biggest planetarium in the western hemisphere.
2. Visit Ellis Island
If you’ve been waiting to explore Ellis Island, now’s a good time to do so. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with 25% capacity. Grab your ticket with Statue Cruises, the only authorized concessioner for Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty transport, and embark on this journey from the scenic Liberty State Park. These tickets include access and audio guides to the Ellis Island museum. Note that several exhibits and interactive displays are still closed due to Covid-19.
3. Try Indoor Go-Karting
Need an adrenaline fix? Look no further than RPM Raceway, one of Jersey City’s most popular attractions. RPM offers European-style karts and tracks, with plenty of hairpin turns to keep those hearts pumping this winter and beyond. In addition to racing, visitors can try their hand at over 150 grownup arcade games. Don’t miss RPM’s safety guidelines before visiting.
4. See Art at MANA Contemporary
Renowned art hub MANA Contemporary in Jersey City runs exhibition viewings by appointment, with themed tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Enjoy watching artists find inspiration through everyday objects, and learn how they use those objects in their work, through one of MANA’s many tours. Due to Covid-19, advance reservations are required.
5. Learn Something New at Hoboken Historical Museum
The Hoboken Historical Museum, a hidden gem in uptown Hoboken, is currently open with limited capacity, making it a great time to visit and learn some local history. Current exhibitions include “Greetings from Hudson County: Then and Now,” which features over 700 historic postcards of our county’s 12 neighborhoods, and “Dignity, Beauty, and Everything Between,” a spirited gallery dedicated to Jersey City photographer Duquann Sweeney’s work.
6. Go Golfing
Warming weather is making golf lovers giddy, and one of the best places to enjoy this pastime is Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City. Skyway is opening for the 2021 season mid-March, which means this nine-hole course, a meandering blend of dunes and fairways, is one of the best places to celebrate the changing seasons. The Skyway Golf Course is following all CDC and state-mandated social-distancing guidelines; you can find their list of Covid-safe requirements here.
7. Try a Local Food Tour
Want to taste the best Jersey City bites? Try a Beyond the Plate Food Tour. This beloved New Jersey food-tour company now offers private tours with customizable times to help you safely eat your way through Jersey City and beyond—all while following pandemic guidelines. The trip involves four eateries, curated by a local foodie expert, with the chance to meet chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs. Tours last roughly three hours, and take place rain or shine.
8. Scope out the New American Dream
The long-awaited American Dream in East Rutherford is now open to the public, and we couldn’t be more excited to add this 3-million-square-foot entertainment and shopping center to our attraction roster. Come ride the rides at American Dream’s Nickelodeon Universe, a park with the tallest, steepest, and longest rides in the world. Or, try your hand at Angry Birds Mini Golf, a first-of-its-kind mini golf course for fans of all ages. And, it’s hard to beat this venue’s vast and diverse shopping. Like all activities, keep an eye on American Dream’s Covid-19 guidelines to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy visit!
Of course, this is just the beginning of the fun and family-friendly ways to curb cabin fever! Take a look at our HC Tiny Trips for more Hudson County inspiration.