New Jersey features a number of summer destinations--Ocean City, Wildwood, Atlantic City, Cape May and Seaside Heights, for example. But, after the leaves change color and drop from the trees each year, people still want to enjoy the outdoors. In New Jersey, find numerous wintertime activities to keep residents and visitors active and entertained.
The winter activity called snow tubing involves riding inner tubes down snowy hills. New Jersey is home to both Mountain Creek in Vernon and Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah, which both feature snow tubing. Mountain Creek offers snow tubing from December to March each year, with hours determined in the fall. On Campgaw Mountain, go snow tubing on hills of varying inclines; sessions are often sold out.
Campgaw Mountain
200 Campgaw Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
201-327-7800
skicampgaw.com
Mountain Creek
200 Route 94
Vernon, NJ 07462
973-864-8128
mountaincreek.com
Both Campgaw and Mountain Creek also offer skiing, the classic winter activity, as does Hidden Valley in Vernon. Campgaw Mountain features 18 acres of skiing slopes, perfect for beginning skiers. Hidden Valley offers 36 acres, with skiing for beginning, intermediate and expert skiers. Finally, Mountain Creek encompasses a massive 165 acres, best for advanced and expert skiers. Each location also accommodates snowboarding.
The Hidden Valley Club
44 Breakneck Road
Vernon, NJ 07462
973 764-4200
hiddenvalleynj.com
Ice skating is the quintessential winter activity for your kids or a first date. Find ice skating rinks throughout New Jersey, most of which are public rinks that offer skate rentals and concessions. Check out Sea Skate Pavilion, right off the Atlantic City boardwalk. The rink is NHL-sized at 17,000 square feet. Although enclosed in a tent, the rink features a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sea Skate Pavillion
2301 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-347-2414
Viewing holiday lights is a major attraction in December in New Jersey, including holiday light tours, which feature tours of the local homes' most extravagant light displays. In addition, enjoy Christmas tree lighting events throughout the state. The "2009 New Jersey Leisure Guide" lists both holiday light tours and tree lighting events in West Orange, Flemington, Denville, Riley Park, Freehold, Tom's River, Princeton, Red Bank and other cities. The events also feature entertainment such as film screenings, food, live music, carriage rides and Santa appearances.
