Articles
Midwinter in Monsey
January 23, 2025
Compiled and photographed by Sarah Einhorn of BeenThereDoneThatTrips.com
Midwinter is a very loaded word.
How can you spend an enjoyable midwinter break without robbing a bank or flying off to some exotic or questionable destination?
When trying to come up with a well-located destination with food and minyan, I couldn’t help but think of my hometown of Monsey, NY. In addition to the kosher amenities that Monsey offers, it’s located near two mountains with skiing and snow tubing options.
Campgaw Mountain is just 25 minutes away. Mount Peter is 40 minutes away. They’re both great options for winter sports. Advance purchase of tickets is required.
The Palisades Mall and American Dream Mall are both not far. Besides shopping, they have so many attractions for all ages.
Campgaw Mountain
200 Campgaw Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
201-327-7800
Snow tubing prices:
Weekend/holiday: $36
Weekday: $31
Special midwinter snow tubing sessions and pricing on Monday, February 3: $28 per person.
beentheredonethattrips.com/snow-tubing-event-signup
Ski-lift tickets:
Weekend/holiday: $65
Weekday: $41
Ski rentals: $52
Mount Peter
51 Old Mt Peter Road
Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-4940
Snow tubing prices:
Weekend/holiday: $45
Weekday: $40
Ski-lift tickets:
Adult: $84
Junior (ages 5–11): $80
Ski rentals: $60 plus tax
Both locations have the option of ski instruction for an additional charge.
Palisades Mall
The Palisades Mall is a 20-minute drive from most areas in Monsey.
Fourth-floor attractions:
Palisades Climb Adventure
In the center of the mall is an 85-foot indoor adventure climbing course.
The course begins on the fourth floor where visitors are harnessed. The course can accommodate approximately 75 climbers at once.
There are 75 different elements on the course, including a tremor bridge, tension traverse, vertical rope ladder, quarter cargo net, two-line rope bridge, an alternating spaghetti handline, and a three-line lumber rope bridge. In order to climb, you must be at least 42 inches (3 feet 6 inches) to participate with an adult or 48 inches (4 feet) to participate alone. Maximum height is 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches). Closed shoes required. Maximum weight limit is 300 pounds.
The Palisades Climb Adventure also has the Sky Tykes Ropes Course for children too young or too small to go on the regular ropes course. It’s designed for children 48 inches and under, with 10 elements for them to conquer. The open, low-level design allows for easy parental guidance. Parents can walk alongside the child or simply step back and watch them take part in the fun, as they’re securely harnessed in. Closed shoes are required.
Phone number: 845-727-3500
Website: palisadesclimb.com
Hours:
Monday and Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7 p.m.
Price:
$27.99 per person
Sky Tikes: $11.99 per child
Palisades Center Ice Rink
The Palisades Center Ice Rink is generally not too crowded. It has enough space for everyone to enjoy themselves. It’s a great place to learn to ice skate or just to sharpen your skills. The prices are very decent and there are often Groupons available that make it really inexpensive.
Phone number: 845-353-4855
Website: palisadescentericerink.com
Hours: Check online for the current schedule: palisadescentericerink.com/public-skating
Price:
Admission: $13
Skate rental: $5
5 Wits
I have yet to visit 5 Wits, although I’ve heard it’s fun.
5 Wits is a highly interactive and immersive adventure experience. Each interactive adventure spans several thousand square feet of real, physical environments and unique challenges to discover and overcome.
Phone number: 845-533-2666
Website: 5-wits.com/west-nyack
Hours:
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Price: Price starts at $29 per person.
Third floor attractions:
Climbzone
It’s quite amazing to see the two-sided themed climbing walls lined up in the Palisades Mall just behind the food court. A staggering 34 different climbing walls offer visitors a fun outlet in a creative way. A clear wall encloses the area, making it both open and airy but at the same time safe from children wandering off and from curious onlookers.
Climbzone is a branch of the Lakewood Climbzone facility—the same tried and true fun!
It’s not necessary to trek through the whole mall to reach Climbzone; the entrance near Cheesecake Factory is right below Climbzone. Just take the escalator up and it will bring you directly to the climbing wall wonderland.
Phone number: 845-605-9555
Website: climbzone.us/palisades
Hours:
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Price:
30-minute climb: $19.99
60-minute climb: $24.99
Ferris Wheel
The large indoor Ferris wheel is located near the food court across Climbzone. It’s very enjoyable to see the mall from above.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s has the largest selection of arcades I’ve seen. There are so many games, it’s hard to choose which one to play. Once you rack up points, they can be redeemed in what looks like a real store. There are so many prizes to choose from. It’s a great place for some impromptu indoor fun.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dave & Buster’s also welcomes parties and events of all types, including birthday parties.
Phone number: 845-348-6006
Website: daveandbusters.com
Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–midnight
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–midnight
Friday: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Price:
Check online for prices and specials.
On Wednesdays, games are half-price.
Slime World
Slime World recently opened a slime studio in the Palisades Mall offering options of slime activities. We didn’t have a chance to visit yet, but we’d definitely love to check it out.
Phone number: 845-540-3242
Website: slimeworldusa.com/daily-visits
Hours: Check online or call for the current hours.
Price: Prices begin at $26 plus tax.
Spin Zone Bumper Cars
Spin Zone Bumper Cars is a store front offering bumper car rides that spin while riding.
There is no website or phone number listed. It can be enjoyed on a walk-in basis.
The Arcade House
The Arcade House has recently opened, offering fun for the whole family.
Kids Kastle
Let’s smile together at Kids Kastle, where kids can enjoy bouncy houses, light scooter rides, transformer rides, arcades, and many more games.
Phone number: 347-626-5999
Email: [email protected]
Second floor attractions:
K1 Speed
It’s wild to think that you can go shopping in the mall, and then, without even leaving, take a thrilling ride in the 43,000 square foot facility on a racing kart that can reach the speed of 45 mph!
You never have to reschedule due to inclement weather, the weather at K1, formerly Autobahn Indoor Speedway, is always perfect. There are no reservations necessary.
There are special karts designed for junior drivers, ages eight years and older and at least 48 inches tall, which can race up to 25 mph. Children can race against each other or the clock. The junior karts have additional safety features to ensure their safety.
Axe throwing is another activity available at this location.
Phone number: 845-535-1515
Website: k1speed.com/west-nyack-location
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Price:
Adult single race (12 Laps): $28.95
Plus $7.95 for yearly license if you didn’t purchase one yet.
Special prices for packages.
First floor attractions:
Billy Beez
Billy Beez offers a plethora of activities for both children and “children at heart.” The 20,000 square foot facility is packed with fun activities for everyone.
Billy Beez offers a section designed especially for the little ones under 42 inches. In this section, toddlers can play on their own mini slides and soft play toys.
Phone number: 845-535-9277
Website: billybeezus.com
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday: 11;00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Admissions desk closes 1 hour prior to park closing
Price:
Infant (0–12 months): free with paid child or toddler or $15.95 for infant + 1 adult
Toddler (ages 1–3): $17.95
Child (ages 4–17): $21.95
Adult (18+) first one: $8.95. Second adult or on weekends: $10.95
Senior (65+): Free with paid child or toddler
Check the website for deals on 10 pack specials for 10 visitors.
Space Adventure Mini Golf
This 7,000 square foot, 18 hole black-light glow-in-the-dark mini golf course is a lot of fun for all ages. The mini golf course is designed with an outer space theme. Each hole has a unique design. There are spaceships, galaxies, planets, and aliens both on the wall and as life-sized props and obstacles by the holes, and the dark room where everything glows makes the course all the more fun.
There is also a laser maze and arcades on-site.
Phone number: 845-828-6372
Website: spaceadventureminigolf.com
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Friday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–10 p.m.
Price:
Ages 3-64: $20
Senior citizens or military: $18
Bee’s Arts & Crafts
An arts and crafts studio with a wide range of activities, including pottery painting, puffy art, slime workshops, canvas art, plaster painting and more.
Phone number: 845- 689-7041
Website: bee-s-arts-and-crafts-studio.webnode.page/palisades-mall
Hours: Call for hours.
Price: Prices depend on the projects.
Bouncy House Magic
Bouncy House Magic offers inflatable bounce castles, inflatable slides, and inflatable obstacle courses.
Phone number: 914-846-0292
Website: bouncyhousemagic.com
Hours:
Monday–Thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Price: Price starts at $19.99 for 1 hour and $2.99 per parent.
American Dream
American Dream Mall is also not far from Monsey, a 35-minute drive from most areas. American Dream has every type of attraction you can imagine and more.
In one of the lobby areas at the American Dream Mall, there are huge signs proclaiming it the “Ultimate Dream Daycation” with one of the attractions featured. I beg to differ. American Dream Mall has enough activities to do for a few days and more. American Dream isn’t a mall but a destination, with something for everyone from entertainment, shopping, dining (There’s a kosher food court with a variety of food options), and even relaxation.
There are lots of beautifully designed areas and lobbies throughout the American Dream. The Secret Garden is amazing. It features a garden with fake flowers and a large fountain in the center. There are paths, benches, and greenery all around. It was created using mountains of preserved natural moss, along with crystals and mushrooms. There are also sculptures of gnomes and bunnies within the garden. It truly is a serene corner to relax and recharge.
There are many more areas with chairs, benches, and fountains throughout the mall. There are all types of shopping options from high-end to discount stores. The Address is a department store that caters to the modest shopper. Many of the popular Jewish brands are sold there.
When it comes to attractions, there are so many choices of what to do—there’s something for every age and preference. Below are the attractions currently at American Dream. During busy times, such as during holidays and vacations, it’s especially advisable to book your activities in advance online.
Address:
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Phone number: 833-263-7326
Website: americandream.com
Activate
Level 1, space A
With its fast pace, interactive games, high tech, and challenging tasks, Activate was an all-time favorite among our group. It’s not surprising that visitors keep returning to play the games again and again.
The rooms offer high tech games using numbers, colors, patterns, marksmanship, and brawn. The short time slots allotted for each game and the fast pace keeps the adrenaline pumping and excitement pulsing as players move from room to room and then on to higher levels of the challenges already completed.
It’s hard to explain what makes activate so much fun—trust me on this one. Try it and find out.
Phone number: 201-636-7588
Website: playactivate.com
Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
It’s advisable to reserve slots online. Last entrance is an hour before closing.
Price:
Monday–Thursday: $24.99 per person
Friday–Sunday (and holidays): $29.99
Angry Birds Mini Golf
Floor 1
You don’t need to be an Angry Birds aficionado to enjoy Angry Birds Mini Golf. The Angry Birds Mini Golf is adorably designed with lots of fun and cute elements, starting with a huge volcano in the center of the room and then crossing over a “stream” to the next element. There are so many different scenes displaying Angry Birds characters to play on (and of course, take pictures with).
The 18-hole-course ends with walking into a hollowed-out model of an airplane and doing the last hole inside the airplane.
Although Angry Birds is an indoor course, it isn’t stuffy; it’s bright and cheerful. The course is open all the way to a sunroof with sunlight pouring in. Visitors to the mall can view the course from the hallways on the second and third floors, as there’s nothing covering the course.
Phone number: 833-263-7326
Website: americandream.com/venue/angry-birds-mini-golf
Hours: Hours vary by the day. Check online for the current hours.
Price:
General admission: $20.00 per person. Purchase online to save $3 per ticket.
Children 2 years and younger access Blacklight Mini Golf for free (restrictions apply).
Valid ID and credit card used for purchase must be presented at check in.
Big SNOW
Level 2
“We’re going skiing, and it’s raining,” my daughter pointed out as we drove to Big SNOW. Everyone had a good laugh and appreciated the irony.
Big SNOW is North America’s first indoor real-snow ski and snowboard park. Big SNOW added Snow Play and Tubing and Sno-Go Bikes activities after our visit.
Snow gear such as snow pants and jackets are included when renting skis. This is extremely practical for anyone who wants to spend the rest of the day in the mall. You don’t need to lug around your snow gear.
They could have fooled me. If I wouldn’t have seen the roof and walls, I would’ve believed that we were outdoors. The 180,000 square foot area where the snowy slopes are located are kept at a steady controlled 28 degrees—a comfortable cold. The good thing is that it’s never windy, so it never feels really freezing. The wall facing the slopes are designed to look like a lodge. There were instructors available to help guide anyone that needed help. My kids practiced with the instructors and warmed up for a few minutes until they were comfortable trying the smaller hill.
At the bottom of the hill, there are some chairs where you can sit in the snow and watch the goings on all around.
We had such an incredible time skiing that when we left, we were trying to think when would be a good time to return. One thing is for sure, the weather forecast will not play a factor in our plans.
Tickets often sell out in advance during busy seasons.
Phone number: 973-864-6600
Website: bigsnowamericandream.com
Hours: Check online for the current hours.
Price: Check online for ticket options and pricing.
Blast 7D
First floor, right next to Angry Birds Mini Golf
Blast 7D is a fully immersive interactive 7D motion ride with the added twist of a video game. There are five unique scenarios to choose from. Each scenario offers its own thrilling experience. Once you’ve chosen which scene you’ll play, you’re given special 7D glasses that transport you along with the help of the lights, sounds, wind effects, and full motion seats that move at 400 motions per second into the scene.
Each player has a laser blaster by their seat, and while experiencing the ride, players compete in blasting the evil villains in their respective scene. Each player tries to earn the most points during the ride.
Phone number: 551-248-4943
Website: blast7d.com
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Price: Price started at $10 per ride.
Bubble Planet
Court B, level 3
Bubble Planet is an immersive experience using all types of bubbles. The attraction uses VR technology, themed rooms, and fantastical landscapes. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses!
Website: americandream.com/venue/bubble-planet
Hours:
Hours vary. Check online for the current hours.
Price:
Adult (13+) starts at $23.90 per person
Child (4–12) starts at $15.90 per person
Senior (65+), student (13–26), disabled or military starts at $18.90 per person
Dream Wheel
Coca Cola Eats: court C, level 3
Access to the 300-foot Dream Wheel is actually inside the mall. Once tickets are purchased, visitors head out to the deck, which is right below the wheel. The Dream Wheel has 27 glass-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Each gondola has a low table in the center, where up to 16 visitors can enjoy a snack or meal while on the 20–30-minute ride. The Wheel makes its way around slowly enough to enjoy the panoramic views of New York without feeling the crush of the city. No one is left dangling midair when people board. The Wheel moves continuously, and it’s slow enough for people to get on comfortably while it’s moving.
Phone number: 301-455-8899
Website: americandream.com/venue/dreamwheel
Hours: Hours vary. Check online for the current hours.
Price:
Guests ages 12+: Starting at $24.48
Guests ages 5–11: Starting at $18.67
Children 4 years and under have free access to Dream Wheel (rider restrictions apply).
Dreamworks
First floor, Parks Court
I was skeptical. I couldn’t imagine what’s so amazing about Dreamworks that makes it such a sensation.
All it took was a visit of my own to put it into perspective. Firstly, Dreamworks is huge! It’s the largest indoor waterpark in North America. At first glance, when entering the park, it’s not so obvious that there are more than 20 different types of water activities in addition to the enormous wave pool with 1.6 million gallons of water in it alone. The park is designed with Shrek characters all around. We really enjoyed experiencing the 81-degree summer weather while it was snowing outdoors.
Phone number: 833-263-7326
Website: americandream.com/midwinter
Hours:
There are often private men’s and women’s events for the public.
This midwinter, there will be a women’s event on Sunday, February 2, 7:30–10:30.
For additional questions, email [email protected].
Price:
Midwinter event: $70 if purchased by January 19. After January 19: $85.
Family bundle special: 4 tickets for $250
iMuseum
First floor by the garden
The iMuseum is all about your emotions. It’s about capturing the emotions created by the all-encompassing decorated rooms and capturing the feelings and the rooms in photos. The rooms are all set up for great photo ops. Each room is unique, decorated in ways that bring out a variety of emotions.
There’s the room that symbolizes happiness, one that symbolizes love, there’s curiosity, loneliness, stress, sadness, joy, and more. The emotions are symbolized in a variety of photo rooms, such as a garden room, a room with fuzzy walls, one with sequins, graffiti, optical illusions, candy and ice cream, and many more. It’s up to the visitors to feel the emotion in connection to the room. The final room is completely immersive, with bean bags to relax on and experience each emotion on as the scenes all around change.
Website: visitimuseum.com
Hours:
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Price:
Age 12+: $21
Age 5–11: $12
Legends Ropes Course
Level 1, Parks Court in Nickelodeon Universe
Although technically located within the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, the 96-foot indoor ropes course, the tallest indoor ropes course in the world, requires separate tickets and can be visited on its own.
Website: americandream.com/venue/ropes_challenge
Hours: Check online for the current hours.
Price: $20 per person
Legoland Discovery Center
Court A
Interactive is the one word that most describes Legoland Discovery Center in the American Dream Mall. Every Lego exhibit and station has something for visitors to do, not just to see.
Legoland is owned by the same company as SEA Life and is located right next door. Discounted combination tickets can be purchased for visiting both attractions.
Phone number: 551-234-6381
Website: legolanddiscoverycenter.com/new-jersey
Hours: Check online for the current hours:
legolanddiscoverycenter.com/new-jersey/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/opening-times
Price: Online prices start at $29.99.
Mirror Maze
Court A, near Backlight Mini Golf
The Mirror Maze is the perfect attraction to visit if you have a limited amount of time but still want to do something fun and not very costly. With mirrors in all directions, it’s challenging to try and figure out what are reflections and what is the way out.
Phone number: 833-263-7326
Website: americandream.com/venue/mirrormaze
Hours: Hours vary. Check online for the current hours.
Price:
General admission: $10 per person
Children 2 years and younger access Mirror Maze for free (restrictions apply).
New Jersey Hall of Fame
Level 3, above Toys R Us
The New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream is a sprawling 10,000-square-foot immersive entertainment and learning center celebrating the Garden State’s most illustrious figures and achievements, featuring eight interactive exhibits.
Website: americandream.com/venue/new-jersey-hall-of-fame
Hours:
Hours vary. Check online for the current hours.
Price:
New Jersey residents: $15.99
Non-New Jersey residents: $20.99
Nickelodeon Universe
Level 1, Parks Court
The roller coasters, all four of them, were definitely our favorite part of Nickelodeon Universe. When we arrived, we were amazed to see the site of a full-sized amusement park, just like the outdoor ones, under a roof; we were so excited that we were actually able to go to an amusement park in the winter.
There are more than 35 rides at Nickelodeon Universe, with rides catering to all ages and stages. Thrill rides, kiddie rides, kiddie play areas, family rides, and everything in between.
A third of the rides are thriller rides, but not just regular thrill rides. A third of the park is populated by family friendly rides—rides suitable for all ages. The last third of the park is geared to toddlers.
I would suggest counting on spending a whole day at Nickelodeon Universe, even though it’s located within the mall and you may be tempted to go elsewhere. There’s so much to do and so much fun to be had.
Phone number: 833-263-7326
Website: americandream.com/venue/nickelodeon-universe
Hours: Hours vary. Check online for hours.
Price:
All-access pass: Non-peak days—starting at $59 | Peak days—starting at $69
Twilight ticket: Valid on select days for the last 2 hours of park operations for $45–$55 (price varies by date)
Children 2 years and younger access the park for free.
Purchase online to save $10 per ticket.
New Jersey SEA Life Aquarium
Court A
I’ve been to many aquariums and have seen many styles. What sets the SEA Life apart from other aquariums is the design. The design of the aquarium is striking and brilliant.
There are areas designed as parts of New York and New Jersey, with street signs and bridges. Some displays even look like windows of a subway, and the large glass tunnel at the end has all sorts of New York icons as the backdrop for the fish. You can spot the fish swimming around the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State building, and the “Babbling Brook Bridge” (play on the Brooklyn Bridge).
SEA Life has all sorts of fish and sea animals for visitors to enjoy, including sharks, sea horses, jellyfish, stingrays, clown fish, and a variety of many other types of fish. The ocean tunnel is immense and fascinating to walk through. We spotted many types of fish, sharks, and sea creatures.
SEA Life is located right near Legoland, and combination tickets can be purchased at a discounted price.
Phone number: 551-234-6382
Website: visitsealife.com/new-jersey
Hours: Check online for the current hours: visitsealife.com/new-jersey/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/opening-hours
Price: Online prices start at $29.99
Out of This World Mini Golf
Court A, level 1
I love all the fun elements found on mini golf courses. The different 3D sculptures and scenes from outer space are truly out of this world. The entire 18-hole mini golf course is other-worldly. It’s completely dark, with everything glowing, including the print on the carpet. The scenes on the walls glow, and the structures and sculptures are all outer space-themed glowing bright in neon colors. The balls glow as do the golf clubs. Even the pencil and score card glow. This all adds to the excitement of the game.
Phone number: 833-263-7326
Website: americandream.com/venue/blacklight-mini-golf/tickets
Hours: Hours vary. Check online for current hours.
Price:
General admission: $20.00 per person. Purchase online to save $3 per ticket.
Children 2 years and younger access Blacklight Mini Golf for free (restrictions apply).
Mirror Maze combo: $28.00 per person
Paradox Museum
Court A, level 1
When I visited the Paradox Museum at American Dream Mall, I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t just a place for shooting cool pictures (although it is that too!), it’s a fun, interactive museum with many exhibits, playing with optical illusions and making visitors question what’s real and what is not.
We had so much fun trying and posing by the different exhibits. There were exhibits playing with shadows, others playing with mirrors, and still others playing with perspective. The photo pointers posted near each exhibit helps figure out the best ways to pose and take cool pictures. The floor by each exhibit is marked to show the best place to stand to shoot the picture.
Phone number: 551-733-6081
Website: newjersey.paradoxexperience.com
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Price: Starting from $19 for children and $23 for adults
The Escape Game New Jersey
Parks Court, level 3
All seven of us enjoyed the experience at the Escape Room. There are six different room options with varying degrees of difficulty at The Escape Game New Jersey. We chose The Playground Room. It isn’t too difficult, and the theme isn’t intense. The atmosphere was all around light and fun. The room can accommodate up to 12 people, while the other rooms can have up to eight. The theme is appropriate for all ages, not just for adults.
There’s no limit to the number of hints allowed in this room. The staff was following along on a screen outside and would post hints from time to time when we hit a dead end. The game was lots of fun. I highly recommend it.
Phone number: 201-514-5699
Website: theescapegame.com/newjersey
Hours: Check online for game availability.
Price: $44.99 per person
The GAMEROOM Powered by Hasbro
Court A—level 2
Seeing our favorite classic Hasbro games in life size brought smiles to all our faces. Seeing those huge games turned into arcade games made it all the more exciting. There was Monopoly, Connect Four, Simon Says, Twister, Candy Land, Sorry, Monopoly Deal, and many more. In addition to the giant games, there are many more traditional arcade games like air hockey, virtual reality, and many claw machines with options of various prizes. Playing arcades in such an environment make it so much fun. The games offer a nice number of tickets as rewards, which can later be redeemed for prizes and games.
The G.I. Joe Battle Station is a sophisticated laser tag game where Team Joe battles Team Cobre.
Just like no one is too old to play board games, so too, no one is too old to play and enjoy the GAMEROOM.
Phone number: 201-762-6278
Website: gameroomad.com
Hours: Hours vary. Check online for the current hours.
Price: Gamecards start at $10 for 40 coins (credits).
The Rink
Level 1, between the Parks Court and Court C
The NHL-size ice rink beckons visitors to come and skate on the ice. The Rink and the area of the skate rentals are meticulously well-kept and clean. No food and drink are allowed in the rink area (that includes the area just outside the rink, by the entrance).
Skates and helmets are available on a first-come basis. There are staff members out and about to help at all times including on the ice. Only skaters are allowed into the rink area, but there are many seating areas, some with tables and some just with chairs surrounding the rink where you can see the skaters even if you aren’t actually on the rink.
There are really cute seal-shaped skating aids for children to hold onto as they learn to get steadier on the ice. The minimum age requirement for skating is three years. Children 14 and under must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Children five and under must be accompanied by a supervising companion on the ice.
Phone number: 833-263-7326
Website: americandream.com/venue/the-rink
Hours: Hours vary. Check online for the current hours.
Price:
Non-peak days: $25 | Peak days: $35 (Price includes skate rentals.)
Purchase online to save $5 per ticket.
TILT Museum
Garden Court
The TILT Museum is like no other place I’ve been to before. On the one hand, I’d describe it as an art museum, since it features the most amazing mural paintings by Tracy Stum, world-renowned urban art master. But really, it’s so much more than an art museum!
The museum features huge murals that create optical illusions. The scenes are so creative and so realistic. When you walk in, you see many paintings that extend from the floor up onto the wall. Often, you need to take a picture to get the full brilliance of the scene.
Not only are visitors allowed to touch and go onto the painted scenes, they’re encouraged to do so. There are spots marked on the floor near each painting pointing out where to stand in order to get the very best shot. There are also sample ideas in small near each scene showing some cool ideas of poses. But really, there’s no right or wrong way; use your imagination and take really awesome and creative pictures.
Hours: Check online for the current hours.
Price:
General admission: $15. Purchase online to save $2 per ticket.
Children 2 years and younger access Tilt Museum for free.
Toys R Us
Parks Court, levels 1 and 2
I was excited to see Toys R Us in the American Dream Mall. The huge two-story toy store even has a tube slide from the second to the first floor. If you choose to go through the stairs, you can’t help but notice how the steps are designed in a fun way. There are separate sections within the store for particular types of toys such as a Playmobil section, Lego section, and more. When we visited, there was a woman demonstrating the wonders of Squirmies.
What’s a toy store without a good dessert? Toys R Us now offers the Geoffrey Café with kosher chalav Yisrael options. We enjoyed ice creams and milkshakes during our visit. That really rounded off our visit and gave it a sweet ending.
Phone number: 551-600-8697
Website: americandream.com/venue/toysrus
Hours: Hours vary. Check online for the current hours.
Eateries
There are many eateries in Monsey, and most groceries have takeout options. Here are some of the places where ready food can be purchased:
Milchig:
Sheli’s Pizza & Restaurant (Town Square, near Evergreen)
59 NY-59
Monsey, NY 10952
845-425-3311
Slice ’n Spice
306 Saddle River Road
Airmont, NY 10952
845-400-8229
Sweet Expressions (in Shoppers Haven, second floor)
Ice cream store with salad bar and hot food options
27 Orchard Street
Monsey, NY 10952
845-356-6255
Pita Land
408 NY-59
Airmont, NY 10952
845-368-1116
Primavera Cafe & Restaurant
106 NY-59
Monsey, NY 10952
845-201-9000
Hava Java Café (Town Square, near Evergreen)
59 NY-59
Monsey, NY 10952
845-371-5282
Hava Java Wesley
455 NY-306
Monsey, NY 10952
845-362-1019
Fleishig:
Kosher Castle
43 NY-59
Monsey, NY 10952
845-425-3500
Chick ’N Chuck (Town Square, near Evergreen)
59 NY-59
Monsey, NY 10952
845-517-0800
KC Grill (Wesley Hills)
481 NY-306
Monsey, NY 10952
845-354-7600
Monsey Barbeque
110 NY-59
Monsey, NY 10952
845-425-1113
The above food establishments all have seating.
Evergreen, Rockland Kosher, Monsey Glatt, and just about every other supermarket has a deli takeout counter.
Hotels
There are many hotels in the outskirts of Monsey, such as in Nanuet, Suffern, Montvale, and Mahwah. There are also houses or studio apartments that can be rented on websites for kosher short-term rentals.
Below are some names of hotels. (I don’t have personal experience with any of them.)
Crowne Plaza Suffern-Mahwah
Three Executive Blvd
Suffern, NY 10901
845-357-4800
Hilton Garden Inn Nanuet
270 NY-59
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-623-0600
hilton.com/en/hotels/hpnnagi-hilton-garden-inn-nanuet
Hampton Inn Nanuet
260 NY-59
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-327-1048
hilton.com/en/hotels/hpnnuhx-hampton-nanuet
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Nanuet
425 NY-59
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-623-6000
hilton.com/en/hotels/nycnadt-doubletree-nanuet
Courtyard Montvale
100 Chestnut Ridge Rd
Montvale, NJ 07645
201-391-7700
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ewrmv-courtyard-montvale/
Holiday Inn Express Ramsey-Mahwah
946 NJ-17
Ramsey, NJ 07446
201-934-9250
ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/ramsey/ramnj/hoteldetail
If you want to plan a trip and would like a customized itinerary or help booking accommodations, reach out to Sarah Einhorn from beentheredonethattrips.com at [email protected] for pricing.