All Aboard: The Ultimate Kids’ Zone Former Gesher Summer Camp Director Finds New Way to Provide Kids with a Fun Time By Jessica Schiffenhaus, photos by Dan Epstein
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ivingston resident Scott Lantzman has a history of creating exceptional experiences for kids. For 14 years, Scott was the director of Gesher Summer Camp, a well-reputed Livingston day camp that closed in 2015. As he searched for his next big endeavor, Scott continued volunteering in the community as a member of the Livingston Soccer Club Board of Trustees, as co-director of Kinderkickers, President of Collins Elementary School PTO, a Cub Scout leader and the youth chair at Temple Beth Shalom. Finally, in April 2017, Scott became the President of FunTime Junction, an 18,000 square foot indoor children’s play-place in Fairfield—only a 10-minute drive from Livingston.
Scott Lantzman
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by friendly staff, vibrant decor and fun in every direction. The sounds of tokens clanking and children laughing fill the air. FunTime Junction has been a destination for children’s fun for over 20 years. Of course, it’s changed over the years— now with exciting, colorful decor and more trendy games and attractions. “I’ve been taking my own camp experience, and trying to find ways to incorporate that into what we do here,” said Scott. “Our ultimate goal is to create a positive experience for all of our guests.”
FunTime Junction features a huge game room, with brandnew arcade games like dual NBA Hoops. Kids can explore the towering, multi-level playscape, the bounce house, the jump pillow, or laser tag. There are also fun amenities like a photo booth, prize counter and Build a Buddy. Birthday parties are commonplace—there are private party rooms for these events. Parents can choose from a variety of affordable birthday packages—which can be booked online—with inclusions such as tokens for each kid, pizza and drinks, and access to the major attractions. Scott reduced the amount of concurrent birthday parties, to provide a better party atmosphere. There are also group packages available for other non-birthday related events, such as camp trips. “I wanted to have an impact on kids, where they’re smiling, happy and they walk away feeling good about something they did,” said Scott. “The first word in our name is fun, but the second word is time. We want that time to be a meaningful experience for people. For them to walk away saying, ‘Wow, I had a great experience while I was there and I can’t wait to go back again.’” FunTime Junction 400 Fairfield Road, Fairfield | 973-882-9777 www.funtimejunction.com Hours: Tue-Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am–6pm
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Inside Livingston
Spring 2016