This winter, I got a little taste of summer, Jersey-style. That is: a crowded room of shouting and running young’uns, calmly strolling middles, and smiling, photo-snapping oldies; the beeping-bloop sounds of electronic toys; and the sweet smell of sugar whipped into a pink, puffy cloud.

Sadly (and thankfully), the Homemade Arcade, created by the talented young-uns and staff of KidsArts! Multicultural Afterschool and Summer Program, did not offer cotton candy. What it lacked in kill-you-quick sugar, though, it more than made up for in creative, homegrown fun.

What to do on a snowy winter’s afternoon? Walk on over to KidsArts for . . .

. . . some Whacky Watermelon Minigolf.

Navigating a field of strawberries . . .

and avocado pits . . .

and a tricky pineapple-windmill.

Play some . . .

Toss a tiny basketball.

Dance, dance, the revolution.

Play Pac-Man . . .

. . . pinball . . .

And foosball!

This arcade really hit all the boardwalk standards, and with none of the wood splinters, dank carpet-smell, or dropped hotdogs. I’d say that’s a win.