Number 1: Read this list. Number 2: Have fun! Number 3: See numbers 1 and/or 2. It’s that simple! After all, there’s nothing quite like a new season (not to mention better weather) to usher in new feelings of energy, spontaneity, and unbridled joy. Ready to get in on the action? Here are our top picks for things to do this spring in Bergen County and beyond.
- EAT!!! And eat some more. Everyone’s favorite NYC based food market, Smorgasburg, will be coming to Kingston, NY on weekends starting in June with all your food faves plus kid-friendly activities, making “eating for the insta” a whole lot easier and fun for your brood.
- Cherish those Cherry Blossoms. Nothing harkens spring quite like a Cherry Blossom Tree- and their short bloom period (April to May) means it’s time to set aside a day for blossom peeping in your calendar stat. Take the Cherry Walk between 100th St and 125th St and stroll under a canape of pink. Or devote an entire day to the beloved trees by heading on over to the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival which starts on Saturday, April 9th.
- Enjoy dinner and a movie (at the same time). With plans for the new IPic theater at Hudson Lights in Fort Lee or the Cinemex at the new Closter Plaza both in the works, you no longer have to choose between dinner and a movie- now you can do both. Date night done.
- Go Picking. They don’t call NJ the Garden State for nothing. And Springtime means berry picking- everywhere. Grab a blanket, find your perfect picking spot and score some strawberries.
- Get to know Mo. Fans of Mo Willems’ and his series Knuffle Bunny and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus will love the New York Historical Society’s new interactive exhibit where kids can learn about the revered author and learn to sketch in his distinct style. (through September 25th)
- Stroll through Gardens. Whether you’re an orchid fan or you prefer a rose garden, spring yields gorgeous blooms all season long at the New York Botanical Gardens, New Jersey Botanical Gardens and Wave Hill.
- Hit an awesome playground: If you’ve got a kid under 8, guaranteed you’ll be hitting at least one playground this spring. Why not visit one of our top playground picks which guarantees hours of active fun.
- Watch a Sheep Shearing. Warmer temps mean we all shed a layer- including sheep. Kids will get a kick out of watching the action live at the Bergen County Zoo’s Sheep Shearing Day on May 7th or on the other side of the Hudson at Stone Barns Sheep Shearing Fest on April 30th.
- Go for a Ride. Hit up Six Flags Great Adventure which has just opened its doors for the season and take a whirl on their new 4-D, free-fly coaster called The Joker or Hurricane Harbor's new Caribbean Cove water playground which opens in June.
- Get Outta Town. A place to rest and recharge that’s just car ride away? We’ve got some stunning spots to lay your head.
- Catch a Show. There’s no shortage of good performances this Spring. Whether it’s Peppa Pig Live , School of Rock the Musical, Selena Gomez at the Prudential Center or The Hungry Caterpillar there’s a performance for every person in your fam.
- Watch Wolves. There’s a lot to learn about these gorgeous endangered species. Grab your camera and book a tour at Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia NJ or visit a wolf pack and play with wolf dogs at Howling Woods in Jackson, NJ.
- Dine Al Fresco. Take it outdoors at our top picks for outdoor dining in Bergen County.
- Mingle with Top Chefs. On April 1st-3rd, top New Jersey chefs and wine producers will come together for an entire weekend of eating, mingling and sipping at the NJ Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort and anyone with a good appetite is welcome.
- Get Scientific with Sid. If your little one is looking for a “super, duper, ooper, schmooper” fun time, head over to “Sid the Science Kid: The Super-Duper Exhibit” at Liberty Science Center. Featuring a meet & greet with Sid himself plus loads of interactive play areas they’re sure to recognize.
