Our Favorite Sukkot Chol Hamoed Trip Ideas

Having nearly a full week of Chol Hamoed Sukkot means there is lots of time to explore somewhere new and exciting. It can be a thrill and wonderful memory for the whole family.

But where to go???

Our staff came together to bring you the best-of-the-best day trip ideas! They are tried and true, so there’s no wondering if these places are worth the trip or not. Whether you’re located in NJ, Philly, or even Israel, we’ve got something for you. We hope you enjoy these fun activities as much as we do!

If you have a favorite place to go on Chol Hamoed that isn’t listed, then comment below! We’d love to hear your family’s favorite places to visit, too!

For more Chol Hamoed ideas, check out our extensive list HERE!

Goldy Guttman (Kosherdotcom Director):

We love ropes course places! There are lots of great options in the Poconos, like Camelback, and Ring Homestead is great, too.

Esty Wolbe  (Easy Does It):

Demarest Kill County Park in Monsey. There’s a kid-friendly hiking path that circles around a small lake. The kids love taking turns leading the way and navigating through familiar stones and branches. There’s a small stream that’s fun to cross, as you leap from rock to rock to avoid getting wet. There’s even a little waterfall. We brought along a portable grill and pop-up sukkah and prepared lunch while the kids tossed around a football… until it fell into the lake!

Rorie Weisberg (Living Full ’n Free):

We love going to Seven Lakes if the weather is nice. Hiking, boating, or the Bear Mountain Zoo alone with a nice picnic makes for a wonderful family day outdoors.

Chani Nayman (Kosherdotcom Editor-in-Chief):

My father always takes my kids to the Bronx Zoo. Not just on Chol Hamoed, but on lots of Fridays or ‘erev’ days where the theme is, Get The Kids Out Of The House So The Ladies Can Cook!

Leah Gottheim (Kosherdotcom VP):

– The Great Falls in Paterson, NJ. It’s a gorgeous waterfall, the highest in New Jersey. This is more of a short trip on your way to somewhere else and a great photo op. It also has a library box where you can leave or take home random books – always fun to see what’s in there.

– Alstede Farms for fruit picking – pick your fall fruits like apples, pumpkins, eggplants, and more.

– Garrett Mountain Reservation is an easy, stroller-friendly hike, and it has a small castle to visit.

Rachel Kor  (Kosherdotcom Editorial Assistant):

I’ve been going to Van Saun Park since I was a little girl, and each time I go it’s just as amazing as I remember. There is a zoo, family-friendly train ride, carousel, acres of grass for picnics or throwing a ball around with kids. They even have a large park with sprinklers for those hot, humid days.

Another favorite is Turtle Back Zoo. Great for kids who love animals (don’t they all?) and not too far from home.

Raquel Malul (Kosherdotcom Marketing Assistant):

These are some activities to do in South Jersey/Philly area (some places are chains and have nationwide locations):

– Johnson’s Farm – There’s a hay ride, fruit picking, playground, animals to feed, etc.

– Funplex – For older kids/adults. There are arcade games, rides, bowling, etc.

– Pump It Up – Great place for kids to go jumping.

– Sky Zone – Jumping for adults and kids.

– Howell Farm

– Grounds for Sculpture – A beautiful sculpture garden and arboretum.

– Adventure Aquarium

– Battleship NJ

In Pennsylvania:

– Franklin Institute

– Please Touch Museum

Renee Schwartz (Kosherdotcom Recipe Editor):

In Israel, the weather on Sukkot is often still warm enough for a water excursion like a natural spring or even the beach or a splash pad! Every year we go to the Oz V’gaon reserve in Gush Etzion for a pleasant day in nature, with quiet activities for kids, a walking trail, a natural spring, and a sukkah onsite.

It’s always worthwhile to check your local malls or heritage sites, since many put up special activities for kids/families this time of year. There are also concerts galore during chol hamoed, of all different styles — some low cost or free.

For indoor activities, White Pool play locations are genuine fun for all ages. The latest greatest family attraction in Beit Shemesh is Mega Zone– action for everyone. Older kids may enjoy the Tower of David museum in the Old City, the Bloomfield Science Museum, Planetanya, or the Blind Museum and other activities at the Children’s Museum.

Nechami Goldman (Kosherdotcom Video Producer):

Bobbys Traveling Bike Rentals

www.BTBRentals.com

You can rent a bike for just $25 for a full day – they drop it off at your requested spot (yes, with helmets) and pick it up. Their service is amazing.

Great places to bike in the Greater Lakewood area include Manasquan Reservoir (a scenic 5-mile gravel loop), Henry Hudson Trail (24 miles out and back on a flat trail), Allaire State Park (lots of trails), Pine Park (an easy 1-mile loop), Monmouth Battlefield State Park, and, of course, around Lake Carasaljo.

In the event of rain…

There are lots of great bounce places like Urban Air and Sky Zone. Say Cheese LA and Go Playland in Ocean County Mall are great for younger kids.

American Dream has enough attractions for every stage to last you 4 days.

Nechama Fink (Kosherdotcom Back End Management Assistant):

In Israel, the place to go is the Kotel for birkat kohanim. Walking around the area of the Old City is always interesting, and you don’t need to worry about finding a sukkah for eating, since there are plenty open to the public along the way.

Another fun place to stop along the way, while traveling north in Israel, is Gan Guru, a zoo with Australian animals. You can pet and feed kangaroos, goats, and birds, and you can go inside many of the exhibits. Fun for all ages, and easy accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs.

Originally published October 2025. Updated and improved September 2026.

About the author

Renee Schwartz

69 articles • 1 recipe

Renee likes good food, discovering recipes that bring something new to the table, and figuring out how to make it all work on a budget and without spending all day in the kitchen. She's always interested in learning something new, even if the particular phase doesn't last. Because, as we go about the business of feeding ourselves and others, we might as well eat well while we're at it! She believes a good recipe doesn't need to be complicated or expensive to be worth making, and is always glad to find one that proves the point. Renee lives in Israel with her family.

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