15 Things To Do On Columbus Day With Your Family
Columbus Day is on Monday, and schools will be closed. Are you unsure what to do with the family on the day/weekend off? Don’t stress out because we have created the perfect guide for you. From fun fall activities like apple picking, hiking, and pumpkin patches to wineries and outdoor restaurants, we have many options for everyone.
See Fall Colors and Foliage
Who doesn’t love to see the gorgeous leaves change color? Red, orange, yellow, and lush greens are everywhere. Did you think why these leaves change colors from green to these flaming vibrant hues? This is because of the breakdown of chlorophyll, the green pigment. When daylight shortens and temperatures drop chlorophyll production drops as well, bringing to the fore the reds and purples of the leaves. The ideal conditions are sunny during the day followed by longer, cold crisp nights. It is one of the prettiest times of the year in New Jersey. There are many spots particularly famous for fall colors. This is because these areas have a variety of trees – oaks, birches, and maples. Each of these reacts differently to the weather changes thus creating different colors. For instance, maples display bright reds, birches show yellow and oaks turn brown. You can drive or hike near these beautiful areas and enjoy the change of the season. There are many places to check our fall colors and foliage near Jersey City.
Go, Apple Picking
Autumn brings yummy fresh apples! Apple picking is one popular activity with kids and adults. The apple orchards around Jersey City offer many varieties of apples. The best part of all these apple orchard farms is that you can enjoy more than apple picking. One can check out the farm market, corn maze, hayrides, petting zoos, and more! One can also enjoy baked goods, cider, and juices on the visit and also buy/pick other fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out this list for apple picking near Jersey City.
Go Hiking
As the weather changes and the leaves change color for the fall, step out with the family and enjoy a beautiful hike on Columbus Day or the long weekend. The joy of spending time outdoors with the family on a crisp sunny fall day is unparalleled. Without a doubt, this is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. To help you find the perfect trail, we’ve created a list of the 10 Best Hiking Trails for Families Near Jersey City.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Columbus Day is the perfect time to set out and select the best pumpkins as you await the favorite festival of all, Halloween. Visiting a pumpkin patch is an essential activity during the fall. Since the kids are off from school, why not go pumpkin picking? Here’s our list of the Top Pumpkin Patches Near Jersey City. Since many parents think alike and settle for pumpkin picking on this day, it is best to book the tickets for the farm as soon as possible since this can be a busy weekend.
Enjoy A Meal Outdoors
If you don’t want the hassle of a long drive and just want to take it easy, wake up late, and go out for a family lunch or brunch, that is also a perfect plan since Jersey City offers so many options. A lot of your favorite Jersey City restaurants offer outdoor dining. Make a reservation in advance, as the long holiday weekend for Columbus Day can get busy. There are so many cuisines you can choose from in Jersey City that it would not disappoint even the pickiest eater. Check the list here.
Go Camping
There are a lot of reasons to go camping. The most important one is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city but also to get a break from your wired devices to enjoy nature. You can immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of nature. It is also a time to bond and make lasting memories with loved ones. Camping also goes hand in hand with fishing, which can also be an opportunity to teach the younger ones some survival skills. A perfect activity to enjoy with your family or friends for the long weekend or on Columbus Day, there are many places to go camping near Jersey City. We have a complete guide here.
Go To A Zoo Or A Aquarium With The Kids
The kids would enjoy this animal-filled experience by visiting a zoo or an aquarium near Jersey City. The weather would be perfect to roam around in the zoo. In a large zoo, it could take you the whole day, especially if you include the rides and additional exhibitions. Some of these options are over two hours, so you can always make a fun trip if you want to go out of state or make it a weekend getaway! Make sure to check each zoo’s information before you visit. Check out the complete list of zoos or an aquarium.
Check Out A Local Winery
The weather is still perfect on the long weekend and on Columbus Day to enjoy some wine outdoors! Luckily, there are some fantastic wineries and vineyards near Jersey City that you can go to over the weekend. They have a ton of outdoor space, and many are family-friendly. It is best to check their opening hours and also which of them are kid-friendly. Most hold wine-tasting tours and this could be a great option if you are meeting up with friends.
Get Lost In A Corn Maze
One of the best memories as a child is navigating the corn maze, especially with siblings and cousins. Usually, this is part of the farm visit and it can be quite didactic as well. The scenery also makes a great photo op! So after your pumpkin and apple picking adventures, make sure to fit in one of the Best Corn Mazes to Visit This Fall Near Jersey City on your list!
Treat Yourself To Ice Cream
Jersey City is filled with yummy ice cream spots you can check out after an activity-filled day. There are many ice cream places to choose from in Jersey City, and each shop offers something different in taste, flavor, and atmosphere. Some also offer a healthier option in yogurts. You can try various toppings and flavors. Many have shakes, cakes and more. So if you want to load up on flavors and sugar, an ice-cream run would be the option. Check this list here.
Check Out A Family-friendly Farm
Fall offers many things to families in New Jersey, but you cannot forget to visit a family-friendly farm. From hayrides, wine tasting, corn mazes, petting zoos, live music, pumpkin bowling or blasting, paintball, fruit-picking, apple cannons, gem mining, and a ton more, you can spend this holiday enjoying all things fall. Some of them are ticketed while for some farms entry is free but they charge for the rides and the fruits picked. Check the details and the complete list here.
Maybe Take A Quick Getaway
Luckily, we live in Jersey City, where some fun places are a quick car ride away to travel to. From farmland and mountains to oceanside towns and busy urban centers, you can spread your visits over a few months and experience various short vacations without ever leaving the tri-state area. Whether it is beaches, hills, waterparks, farms, or historic locales, New Jersey has it all. To help you decide, here is our pick of the best tri-state area’s weekend getaway ideas. Check the list here.
Check Out A Sunflower Farm
Sunflowers are the happiest flowers on Earth and are gorgeous, especially in an entire field. Not only are they beautiful to look at and take home, but you can also get the most stunning photos and create memories. Many of these farms have special facilities for photo ops that you can avail of. These farms often have other flowers as well. And since this is season-specific, make use of the Columbus Day off by visiting a sunflower farm. The good news is there are a few sunflower farms near Jersey City that you can visit this week with your family. Check this complete guide out.
Get Some Baked Goodies From A Local Bakery
And if you do decide to just sleep in, there are some warm baked goods you can look forward to on a relaxing day off. Jersey City bakeries do not disappoint with fresh baked goods or the most delicious desserts! One great thing about a city as vibrant as Jersey City is a great bakery within each neighborhood filled with an array of bread and pastries. Therefore, we have created this list of the best 15 bakeries you must check out.
With these suggestions of 15 things to do on Columbus Day, we have just taken off the work from your hands – that of figuring out where to go, and what to do on this Columbus Day. While there are many activities for the kids to do with family, spending time outdoors with activities like camping, biking, hiking, visiting a lake dining out at restaurants, or meeting friends for drinks are also welcome interludes to a busy life.
Updated Aug 19, 2024
