Submitted: The following is in response to the letter posted on TLS last night:
It’s a real struggle. And as many mothers are, I am being forced to take off some time as well as juggle some working remotely with the kids home.
But I am officially just taking off some days to spend with the kids.
I’ll share a list of some inexpensive or free things to do if you can take some time off. For example – I worked until 2 one day and then set off for a trip. The kids listened to stories on Naki radio and colored or read books or played games (and may or may not have fought) until I was available to go.
Things to Do in/near Lakewood that are Inexpensive (below $20)
Thank you to all that contributed!
- Popcorn Park zoo (abt 20 min drive)
- Chuck E Cheese
- Many parks around town – bring ices etc
- Slurpees / Ritas
- Allaire state park – has an old fashioned village where you experience what it was like to live in Olden Days. (Check when it’s open). It also has a park. And a train ride.
- Ice Skating pretty empty in summer – either Jersey shore arena or Howell Ice Rink or Winding River – Check when they have open Skating
- Cattus Island state park – has trails – some lead to water and can go into the water. Some areas have beach – later in day shouldn’t be full
- Jake’s Branch County Park – has a playground trail. Starts with huge playground then continue on trail and it leads to a small play area with shape of one insect (like a bee) and then continue to next playground with another shape insect (like an ant) etc
- Pine Lake Park
- Silverton Park – Park is so cute. Swings, slides, a whole playground and a grassy area to play ball or kites
- Safari (on more expensive side)
- Rosenfelds Ranch – Pony Goats Sheep Chickens Bunnies – Sundays 12-5 and for weekday hours Text 929-326-2188
- Jackson Sprinkler and Wood Park (free)
- Soldiers Memorial Park in Howell (free)
- Manasquan Reservoir Visitors center
- Spiel World
- Horse Races at Monmouth Park https://www.monmouthpark.com/horse-racing/scratches-and-changes/
- Silverton farms – cute place and also can pick flowers and produce for cheap and delicious organic produce for sale in shop
- Honkey Tonk Ranch – $15 per car
- Bowling (there’s a few)
- Trip to $5 Below and each kid gets to pick something
- Common Grounds Garden at John Patrick Park in Lakewood (closed Tues 8/23 4-6pm for private event)
- Vegetable picking (there are bunch of places within 30 min drive.)
- Insectropolis
- Batsto Village- interesting historic village with a mansion tour and picnic tables to eat.
Feel free to add your ideas!
rent a pool
In response to one Mother’s letter to TLS in which she asks fellow readers for advice on what to do with their children between camp and school weak, one Lakewood child told reporters: “She is worried about the period of time between camp and school weak, but WE, the children, are worried about the period of time that begins once school starts! Perish the thought!”
“If anyone has some good advice on what children like me should be doing during that dreadful, and long period of time,” the child said, “please leave me your suggestions!”
A note to myself: The word “week” is spelled w-e-e-k, with two e’s, not “w-e-a-k”.
And please understand, I’m not trying to make myself feel bad by correcting myself. I would never do such a thing. I’m just trying to be helpful. Okay?