Pump-It-Up

PUMP IT UP was really exciting news for me when it opened up.  There is one not far from us and it is a great rainy day activity.  Just make sure to call ahead and reserve a spot for the open bounce. 

It is fairly cheap (especially if you have a bogo coupon), and makes a great activity for a hot summer day.  It tires the kids enough for them to be relaxing for the rest of the day. 

While many times we have gone there and had a great time, the last time was not a success.  So here is a word of advice.  Do not go when there is a town with a spring break from school nearby.  The problem is that in NJ one town can be off school while other ones all have school.  While our town spring break was over, another one just began.  I didn't know.  The place was so crowded, the kids had to wait 10 to 15 minutes just to get on to a boucy.  They were tired of waiting.  Not actually getting a chance to bounce, we left early.  The manager was nice enough to give us two free passes for next time, and we would love to go, just have to make sure that there isn't any school breaks at the time.  What is interesting is that when we came in the middle of summer, not so many kids were there.  I guess they must have had their fill!

Lesson learned: if you can avoid it, don't go when school is out! Otherwise expect unmanagable amount of people there.

Bowcraft

Bowcraft is a fun little amusement park in Union County, NJ. It is right on Rt. 22 in Scotch Plains.  We have gone there many times.  They have several ways you can pay for rides. You can either purchase a full day pass, or you can buy individual tickets and use them for the rides. If you have one kid and are just making it a quick stop for a few rides, individual tickets is the way to go.  However, if you'd like to spend some time there, they have several deals that you can take advantage of.  For example, they have a night pass, where after 5 pm the pass is $12.95.  That's the one we like.  From 5 until closing gives you plenty of time to try out all the rides, and it won't be as hot as during the day (the park gets little shade and becomes hot quickly). 

I always thought the rides were more geared towards the younger crowd.  My youngest and his friends love it.  My older one, almost 12, and other 12-13 year old friends and family we've brought there seem to be less enthusiastic about the rides.  Maybe they feel they are too cool for it, but deep in their heart still have a blast. ;) There are a few rides the older guys do like, but only a few.  For the younger ones, however, it's a blast!
Here is their website with directions, hours and pricing.
http://bowcraft.com/

There is also an indoor arcade the older kids like more!

We spend a lot of time on bumper cars!