Fun Places to Eat: Johnny Rockets in Hoboken

Once again, back in my college days I was introduced to the fun and nightlife of Hoboken, New Jersey.

Thank goodness for going to Montclair!  Thank goodness for making North Jersey friends who knew the places to go!  I got to spend a lot of time in Hoboken and New York City.

One of the places we went a few times was, 

Johnny Rockets in Hoboken!

The memorable part of this location is the fact that it's a "big city" near "THE BIG CITY".  There's buildings, people and cars everywhere.  The kids were AMAZED because we are from the New Jersey suburbs and yes, I have not been brave enough to take them INTO the city.  (Baby steps for me!)

There are reasonable parking garages near Johnny Rockets.  We walked about a block to go eat.  

Even though there were a few families on the sidewalk looking through menus, there were open few booths.  We found a booth in the back. Our waitress was sweet and friendly.  They gave the kids coloring papers and crayons which they always love when we go out!  The food is standard.  Nothing to write home about.  If I'm at a burger place, I get a burger.  It was good.  My kids like burgers, grilled cheese, chicken tenders and hot dogs so they were happy with the choices.  The kids devoured every piece of their food.  My youngest, who sometimes doesn't even sit and eat, sat the entire time and ate every piece of his hot dog and fries.  My middle child ate 1 WHOLE grilled cheese sandwich and insisted she wanted more and ate ANOTHER HALF of one.

Shall I mention we wore them out at Liberty State Park prior to this? 

After we ate, the kids got balloons too!  They were SO happy!

In the state my full, exhausted kids were in, they were in no shape to walk around, although it would have been nice.  Carlo's Bakery was a few blocks away.  There were also tons of stores.  Oh....and bars! Oh yeah, we had the kids!  Maybe we'll have to get a sitter and go bar hopping next time.  Although, I don't think I would be able to think straight after 2 drinks anymore!   (Did I before!?)  I'll have to do that for a "Parent's Night Out Post!"  ;)

Overall, it was a good time, fair food and a nice experience for the kids in a city!  

Places to Go: Liberty State Park

WHAT A GREAT VIEW!

On a seasonably warm December afternoon I was looking for something memorable to do.  When I was in college, I lived in Jersey City, about a 5 minutes drive from Liberty State Park.  I took many, many walks there with my dog Melody.  I google searched it and looked at the map - it was still there!

The drive was easy and you can take EXIT 14B which takes you right into the park.

There is a large parking area right by the playground.

The playground is the middle of the park with a fantastic view!

As a parent of 3 kids, I found this park large but easy to navigate when keeping an eye on your children.  There were plenty of benches on the perimeter if you'd like to sit and watch.

The playground is GREAT.  Tons to do and all my kids were able to enjoy the different part.

There are also restrooms right by the park.

My oldest ran off to try everything.  My middle made a friend the second she stepped in the park.  My youngest took off with my husband keeping an eye on him.  They all had fun!

"WHERE ARE THE HOUSES?"

My middle child said this as we pulled up!  Can you tell we don't live near a major city?

We took a walk up to the long path by the edge of the water.  The view is incredible and there are plenty of GREAT spots to take pictures.  My kids loved watching the boats, looking at the buildings and just enjoying the scenery.  We took a walk down the path that goes along the water.

As you walk down the path, you get an excellent view of the Statue of Liberty.

My oldest, who learned about it, was THRILLED to see it!

With tired kids from playing and walking, we headed back to the car.

It was an inexpensive, memorable trip for the kids!

Someday we will have to explore the Statue of Liberty up close!

Here are some links to help you plan your trip!

LIBERTY STATE PARK

ELLIS ISLAND

STATUE OF LIBERTY