TheKeysToNewJersey.com » fun things to do in New Jersey

Pedal Boats in Echo Lake Park.

Jesse Kaye — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:23:25 +0000

Sunday is usually a workday for me, but in the event that I have it off — I pretty much have my agenda dictated to me by my wife and three year old son. It’s a twisted affair (hardly a day off), where I basically act as chauffeur – and if I’m a cooperative, receive some sort of treat like a burrito or a shitty two minute back rub.

Usually, our day involves doing a lot of chores. Recycling Center. Whole Foods Market. Target. Home Depot. A couple of weeks ago I even had the honor of driving them up to Woodbury Commons, an outlet mall in Upstate New York. It was a grueling drive, during which my wife made me remember all the horrible things I’d done over the last 20 years. I tried hard to tune her out, but my son kept smacking me in the head with a plastic golf club saying “Not nice daddy.”

Well, last Sunday was shaping up to be another chore filled day. We were headed down Springfield Avenue towards Route 22 when I took a hard left into Echo Lake Park.

“Where are you going? This isn’t the way to Loehmann’s.”

“Yeah. I know. Let’s go to the park.”

She didn’t say anything, just went back to reading Perez Hilton on my Blackberry.

As I got about half way through the park, I noticed a bunch of small boats in the lake. I pulled the car over and the rest is history.

We went down to a small boat house where we rented a pedal boat for $10.

My son was thrilled. My wife was…….happy. Happy that my son said……..

“Thanks Mommy.”

What a nice break from the norm. Nothing like an hour of serenity.

I highly recommend a visit to the pedal boats in Echo Lake Park. They’re in service from April 1st to October 31. Hours are — Weekdays from 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Weekends 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. The cost is $10 an hour.

Here’s some more info.

Not doing anything this weekend. Here’s where you can find me.

Whippany Railway Museum — Great Experience for Kids.

Jesse Kaye — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:08:25 +0000

Yesterday, my wife and I took our son to the Whippany Railway Museum. We’ve been there before. It’s one of my two year old’s absolute favorite places. He loves trains. We rushed to try to make the 1:00 train ride but it was sold out and we had to wait an entire hour for the next ride at 2:00. I can tell that my wife was stressed at the prospect of keeping our very active son busy for an entire hour. Luckily, there was plenty to do. He rode on a kid steam engine ride. We watched the model trains on a very large outdoor track (and waived to Thomas the Train as he rode by). We went to the museum and bought some books. We drank some old fashioned root beer. And when we finally got on the train, we had a Zen-like ride. No frenetic energy. Just a very mellow family outing watching the scenery.

There’s a serious level of commitment by the folks who run the museum. They are all true train lovers, and totally devoted to making your visit a excellent one.

All questions will be answered.

If you’re considering a trip to the Whippany Railway Museum — try to do it on a Sunday when they’re having the Caboose Rides. Trust me you’ll love it.

For More info and directions please visit:
Whippany Railway Museum

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Caboose Rides at the Whippany Railway Museum.

Jesse Kaye — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:07:13 +0000

The Whippany Railway Museum is an awesome place to visit. Not only do they have a bunch of interesting old trains to look at, on select dates they have what are called caboose Rides. Five or six caboose cars are connected and the general public can purchase tickets for a short 45 minute ride. It’s really fun.

My son. a huge Thomas the Train fan was blown away. He was in choo choo ecstasy. I could barely get him off the train. I had to chase him down the tracks kicking and screaming.

If you are looking for something really interesting to do on a Sunday, why not consider a trip to the Whippany Railway Museum. You’ll love it.

Next Caboose Ride is July 13th.

For more info please visit:

The Whippany Railway Museum

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