Whether stepping on a court, reeling in a wild catch or picking up a club for the first time, there are plenty of ways for students to diversify their activities this summer and steer away from the boredom that summer days can bring. New activities can provide students with a sense of excitement and a break from the repetition this summer.
Pickle Ball
Pickle Ball is a perfect activity for students when the weather is nice and they want to break a sweat. Pickle Ball is a paddle sport that has significantly grown due to its extreme accessibility and its social aspect. It is a mix of tennis and badminton and played on a smaller court. The goal is to score on the opposing team by winning the rally on a serve from your own team. The first team to 11 points wins, however the team must win by two points. It can be played 1v1, 2v2 or even 3v3. Public courts near West Essex can be found at the Fairfield Recreation Complex, Liberty Park in North Caldwell, Harrison Complex in Roseland and Grover Cleveland Park in Caldwell.
Golf Range
Hitting balls and practicing swings at a golf range is a way for students to be social and active at the same time. Students can go golfing with their friends or solo to get some extra practice in. Golf ranges are perfect if students want to work on their swings, begin to learn the game or just hit for fun. Some local and popular ranges include the Essex Golf Driving Range in Roseland, the Willowbrook Golf Center in Wayne and a Top Golf in Parsippany, which is expected to open this summer. The Clubhouse in Fairfield also offers indoor golf simulators along with food catering, which can be great with family or friends.
Escape Rooms
Win or lose, escape rooms are a fun way to test one’s skills and allows students to work with others to figure out clues. Escape rooms will typically be in a themed setting with a storyline. A team is trapped in a themed room and must work together to accomplish tasks to escape in a certain amount of time. As the time goes down panic and chaos sets in. Some escape rooms will split the team apart, forcing them to work together without direct communication. A few nearby locations are the Escape Garden State in Fairfield, the Fairfield Escape Room and the Amazing Escape Room Bloomfield.
Carnivals
A night full of amusement rides, games, fried foods and treats is a fantastic way to spend summer nights. Fun is in the air at carnivals, whether students squeezing on a ride with friends, winning prizes, walking around, eating treats or even just enjoying the exciting atmosphere. There are plenty of carnivals traveling through towns in New Jersey from June to August. Websites such as Campys.com can be accessed to see the carnivals in the area.
Fishing
Although it takes patience, fishing can be thrilling or even theraputic for most. It can be done alone for some peace, or with family and friends for a more interactive experience. However, anyone 16 or older is required to have a New Jersey fishing license to fish in freshwater. The license can be acquired online on the New Jersey Integrated Electronic Licensing System website or in person at authorized agents, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods in Wayne. Some local fishing spots are the Verona Park Pond, Diamond Mill Pond in Millburn, Branch Brooke Park Lake in Newark and Grover Cleveland Park Pond bordering Caldwell and Essex Fells.
