Have your weekends become boring and routine? If a trip to the mall or dinner and a movie don’t sound very exciting, you may want to consider expanding your horizons with a few out-of-the-ordinary activities in the Bridgewater, NJ, area. Here are five activities sure to make your weekends more memorable.

YESTERcades

29 Division Street, Somerville

Long before home video gaming became popular, the local arcade was the place to be. Games like PacMan, Space Invaders and Street Fighter drew hordes of teenagers eager to display their gaming prowess.  If you miss those days, or never had the chance to visit an arcade, you’ll want to pay a visit to Somerville’s YESTERcades. The arcade offers the most popular arcade games, plus pinball machines and a variety of gaming consoles, including XBOX, Sega Genesis, Gameboy, Nintendo Wii and Atari 2600.

There’s no need to rummage through pockets and under sofa cushions for quarters before your visit. The arcade offers an hourly rate to ensure that you don’t have to interrupt your gaming session because you’ve run out of change. YESTERcades is open Monday through Thursday from noon until midnight, Friday from noon until 2 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until midnight.

Pinot Palette

196 West Main Street, Somerville

You don’t have to be an expert artist to create an attractive painting for your apartment. The Pinot Palette staff makes the painting process foolproof by offering step-by-step instructions. You’ll use acrylic paints to reproduce the featured painting, creating a colorful painting that’s based on the original, yet offers your own unique artistic touches.

You’re welcome to bring wine or another beverage to enjoy while you paint. Pinot Palette provides wine glasses and also offers complimentary water, coffee and tea.

Public classes are usually offered from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. When you click on the “event calendar” link on the Pinot Palette website, you’ll see the painting that you’ll work on during the class. Seats can be reserved online or by phone.

New Jersey Film Festival

Rutgers University – Voorhees Hall, New Brunswick

The most interesting films don’t always make it to the big screen. The New Jersey Film Festival, held between September 14 and October 14, offers a selection of unique films you won’t see anywhere else, including classic revivals, experimental and short subjects, American independent features, documentaries and international films. Filmmaking workshops and guest appearances by directors, writers, cast and crew will also be offered. Films are screened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 5 or 7 p.m.

Grounds for Sculpture

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton

When the weather’s warm and sunny, a visit to the Grounds for Sculpture offers a relaxing way to spend a weekend afternoon. The 42-acre park, arboretum and museum features contemporary sculptures on its outdoor paths and rotating exhibitions inside.

The Grounds for Sculpture is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer months. If you’ll be visiting during another time of the year, check the website for operating hours. Advance ticket purchase is required, as admission is by timed ticket.

Skydive New Jersey

70 Airport Road, Pittstown

It’s hard to feel bored when you’re free falling toward the ground at over 120 miles per hour. If you’re an adrenaline junky looking for an exhilarating experience, skydiving may be the perfect activity for you. Skydive New Jersey offers tandem skydiving trips with experienced instructors.

The experience starts with an hour-long training session, followed by a 20-minute airplane tour of the area. When you’re ready to jump, your harness will be attached to your instructor’s and in a few minutes, you’ll be floating toward the earth. If you wish, you can buy an HD video to ensure that you never forget your skydiving trip.

Bridgewater, NJ, is the ideal home base if you enjoy participating in the unique activities and events in Central New Jersey. If you live at Fairway 28, a Country Classics Rental Community in Bridgewater, you’ll be close to all the action. Contact us for information about one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments currently available.