Top 5 Things To Do in Bergen County

Just across the Hudson River from New York City, Bergen County, New Jersey, is an affluent community offering residents spacious properties, luxury living, high-end shopping, fine dining, and endless recreation and entertainment. Here, locals get some of the best views of Manhattan from this side of the Hudson, and the commute to the city is just over the George Washington Bridge. Bergen County’s park system includes 21 parks spread out over 9,000 acres. As one of the oldest counties in New Jersey, it’s rich in culture and history.

Bergen County consistently ranks among the highest in quality of life indicators. The area is tucked away enough for residents to enjoy a relaxed community atmosphere while still being close enough to the city to enjoy New York City’s attractions. With a mix of suburban and urban locales and an array of housing to fit numerous lifestyles, Bergen County attracts families, professionals, creatives, and students alike. While the draw of the Big Apple is close by, there are so many things to do in Bergen County that many local residents opt to stay within the town limits full-time. Here are the top five things to do in Bergen County.

Built to replace the Giants Stadium in 2010, MetLife Stadium is now home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets and is one of two venues hosting two NFL teams in the league.

With a capacity of 82,500, MetLife Stadium also puts on world-class concerts, international soccer matches, and college football. Notable artists include Beyonce, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Metallica, and U2, who holds the venue’s record for biggest attendance at 88,491 people. Hometown favorite Bruce Springsteen plays multi-night shows and draws big crowds. As an open-air stadium, many shows incorporate fireworks, including the Fourth of July Spectacular and Fan Fridays.

With breathtaking riverfront views, Palisades Interstate Park is popular with residents and visitors alike. It has 2,500 acres of open space and over 30 miles of hiking trails. In the winter, the trails can be used for cross-country skiing. There’s also a shared roadway perfect for biking along the Hudson River. Water activities include fishing, boating, paddling, and kayaking. Families living in Bergen County love the park’s picnic areas and well-kept playground.

The park is most notably known for The Palisades, a line of steep cliffs that disappear into the Hudson River. This National Natural Landmark is overseen by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, which was formed to prevent quarrying operations and preserve the natural state of the area. The sanctuary is perfect for nature lovers or those who wish to observe wildlife in their native habitats. The park also offers educational programs throughout the year.

Set on an 18-acre facility in Paramus, the Bergen County Zoo draws over 200,000 visitors annually. It features wildlife from North, Central, and South America. Popular wildlife includes spider monkeys, mountain lions, numerous species of owls, turtles, tortoises, and alligators. Visitors can watch park employees feed the alligators in an educational exhibit or head to the budgie parakeet enclosure, where they can purchase feeding sticks and feed the birds. The zoo also offers live animal shows at their onsite amphitheater, as well as pony rides for small children.

In addition to wildlife, the Bergen County Zoo offers numerous attractions and recreational options for guests. Scenic train rides will take you around the park, where you’ll find a duck pond, Bergen Dutch farmhouse, and a carousel. The zoo boasts several concession stands and a gift shop onsite. Annual events, such as Holiday Lights and Zoo Boo on Halloween, transform the place seasonally. The zoo also hosts educational and volunteer opportunities year-round.

Bergen County is home to several golf courses that can accommodate golfers of all skill levels. Located in Paramus, The Ridgewood Country Club is a private golf course and clubhouse that dates back 120 years. Its current location is set over 257 acres and was designed by A.W. Tillinghast, who was renowned for his creation of the Essex County, Quaker Ridge, and Somerset Hills golf courses. The layout features three unique nine-hole golf courses. Each course, named East, Center, and West, begins and ends at the clubhouse.

Ranked in the top 200 classic golf courses by Golfweek, Knickerbocker Country Club is a private and ultra-exclusive club. This members-owned location was designed by Herbert Strong, a foremost architect in the field. The club opened in 1914 and features world-class amenities, including an aquatic center, tennis courts, and onsite dining. In the summer, Knickerbocker Country Club hosts summer camps for children ages four and above. The beautiful grounds are also a perfect location for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.

One of the world’s most technologically-advanced experiences, Sandbox VR, allows groups of up to six to transport themselves into a virtual reality universe. Full-body immersion is combined with high-quality haptics to teleport participants to unprecedented worlds. There are numerous themed experiences inside the locale’s different rooms. This Bergen County attraction is a great option for birthday parties and private events.

Bergen County’s central location is a huge draw for many, but what about its attractions? From parks with natural wonders to top-rated golf courses and live entertainment, there’s something for residents of all ages and preferences in this New Jersey county.

If you are considering relocating to the area and want to learn more, contact The Taylor Lucyk Group, a team of experienced and respected real estate brokers specializing in Bergen County real estate. Their full-time, multi-service company will provide local insights into what it’s like living here and help you find the perfect home for you and your family.