7 Family-Friendly Activities in Bergen County

Bergen County is located in the northeastern corner of New Jersey and is home to over 930,000 residents. The area was originally inhabited by people of the Lenni Lenape tribe and became part of the Dutch colony in 1660. Some of the most popular towns in Bergen County include Ridgewood, Saddle River, and Franklin Lakes.

This region has an enviable blend of rural and urban landscapes where you can find everything from family-friendly activities to world-class shopping. There are also plenty of fun outdoor activities in Bergen County, including hiking, biking, and skiing. Some of the top-rated schools are located here and the job opportunities are endless.

This county has a rich history and a diverse population, which leads to an exciting atmosphere. Bergen County has a vibrant energy and has something to offer everyone. With its proximity to New York City, Bergen County is a popular destination for shoppers, tourists, and businesspeople. There are also plenty of parks and other outdoor spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Bergen County Zoo is a beautiful place for a day of family-friendly fun. As one of the largest zoos in the state, it is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. There are also plenty of activities for the kids, including a playground, a petting zoo, and train rides. The Bergen County Zoo is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Palisades Interstate Park offers something for everyone. There are hiking and biking trails, a swimming area, a playground, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend a day or weekend with the family.

Ramapo Valley County Park is a lovely place for a walk or bike ride. It's located in the town of Oakland and covers over 2,000 acres. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. It's also home to the Ramapo Mountain Reservation, which offers excellent New York City skyline views.

Van Saun County Park offers space for leisurely walks, picnics, and spending the afternoon fishing. Amenities in Van Saun County Park range from ball fields and tennis courts to picnic areas, to state-of-the-art playgrounds and splash pads, to pony rides, a millennium carousel, a miniature train ride, a nationally accredited zoo, and much more! Many events are also held at the park throughout the year, such as concerts and movie nights. The park is open daily from 6:30 am - 8:30 pm.

Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor amusement park in the United States, offering more than 27 rides and attractions. Some popular rides include The Log Jammer, The Brain Surfer, and The Pipeline Plunge. Nickelodeon Universe is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission starts at $37 per person.

Field Station is an interactive nature center. This is a fantastic location for a day of fun and learning. There are plenty of activities for kids of all ages, including hikes, animal encounters, and more. Field Station is also home to the largest playground in Bergen County. Admission is free for all visitors!

Dreamland Amusements is your ticket to family fun! There are plenty of games and rides to keep everyone entertained and something fun for all ages. It's an excellent place for birthday parties and/or other special occasions. The prices are very reasonable, and parking is easy. 

Welcome to the largest indoor waterpark in the United States featuring the world's largest wave pool! Experience year-round splashy fun with the largest selection of water rides worldwide. DreamWorks Water Park features record-breaking rides, luxury cabanas, and an 81-degree climate all year round.

Garden State Plaza (officially Westfield Garden State Plaza) is an upscale shopping mall located in Paramus, New Jersey. Located at the intersection of Route 4 and Route 17 near the Garden State Parkway, about 15 miles West of Manhattan. Opened in 1957 as the first suburban shopping mall in New Jersey, it has 2,118,718 sq. ft. of leasable space and houses over 300 stores. It is the second-largest mall in New Jersey, the third-largest mall in the New York metropolitan area, and one of the highest revenue producing malls in the United States. A trendy shopping destination, this shopping lover's dream features a variety of stores, including luxury department stores, clothing retailers, and great restaurants. The mall is open six days a week, Monday - Saturday, and has extended hours during the holiday season.

The unrivaled destination for indoor family fun, American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, Bergen County offers an experience for guests that is nothing short of incredible. Just minutes from New York City, the entertainment and shopping complex fuses a mix of world-class attractions with unique dining and shopping, providing a true “Daycation” escape to fill all your entertainment needs. The mega-sized mall currently houses over 3 million square feet of immersive opportunities, with more stores and unique attractions opening each week.

A beautiful and sophisticated retail destination for world-class luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment, The Shops at Riverside is conveniently located only minutes from Manhattan in the affluent suburban area of Hackensack, Bergen County. Spanning two levels, The Shops at Riverside is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Barnes & Noble, an AMC Dine-in Theatre, and a full-service day spa. Shoppers will experience an unrivaled collection of luxury shops including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo and other top brands as well as “New Jersey’s own Restaurant Row,” with nine full-service restaurants. The mall is closed on Sundays, however, the restaurants, spa, AMC Theaters, LifeTime, and Barnes & Noble are open for business.

Located in Montvale, Bergen County, with twenty-seven distinctive stores, Tice's Corner offers a unique blend of fashion, home furnishings, technology, and food. Shop with style and ease at our wide variety of specialty retailers, including Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, J. Crew, Williams-Sonoma, and Apple.

Bergen County offers a diverse selection of restaurants, so if you’re craving something specific, you’ll find it! Here are a few of our favorites:

The many Italian restaurants in Bergen County will tantalize your taste buds. Some of the best restaurants include Sofia in Englewood and Bellissimo located in Montvale. These restaurants have excellent food and are family-friendly!

Mexican food is a favorite for many people, and there are plenty of Mexican restaurants to choose from in Bergen County. Some of the best Mexican restaurants in the area include Lolita's Mexican Cantina in Westwood, Casa del Sol in Woodcliff Lake, and Blue Moon Mexican Cafe in Wyckoff. Each restaurant has its own unique style and menu, so you're sure to find something you'll love at all three. If you're looking for a great Mexican meal, check out one of these local restaurants while drinking a margarita on the rocks!

If you're looking for a delicious and affordable Indian meal, check out one of the many nearby Indian restaurants. Some local favorites include Tandoori Times in Fort Lee, Shalimar in Hackensack, and Curry Leaf in Paramus. Each restaurant offers a unique menu with traditional Indian dishes that satisfy your taste buds.

For those Chinese food lovers, Bergen County has a variety of choices to dine in or take out. The menu of Golden Dynasty is known for its amazing General Tso's chicken, while Hunan Village is well-known for its delicious shrimp dishes. No matter what you're in the mood for, you're sure to find something to love at one of these two restaurants. Hunan Manor, Golden Dynasty, Imperial Palace, China House, Great Wall, and Panda Garden also offer fantastic dishes.

Bergen County is home to several amazing Japanese restaurants, and their menus are sure to please any sushi lover. Sushi Yasuda in Englewood, for example, offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. Sakura Bana and Sushi X, both located in the lovely town of Ridgewood, are also great choices for a night out!

The North Bergen Street Fair is a six-block fair that celebrates the diversity and culture of North Bergen. There's something for everyone at this fair, from food to entertainment. The Ridgewood Street Fair is a two-day event that features live music, family-friendly activities, and delicious food. The Garfield Street Fair is a one-day event that celebrates the culture and heritage of Garfield. The Ramsey Street Fair is a one-day event that celebrates the culture and heritage of Ramsey. 

If you’re ready to purchase a home in Bergen County, contact Taylor Lucyk today! Taylor will help you find your next dream home in New Jersey or help you sell your current property at a competitive price. Contact Taylor and his team today to get started on your real estate journey.