Sure the political scene is heating up- but so is the weather. Take a break from the campaigns and join our summer party- guaranteed to bring smiles and fond family memories.
Get out on the Farm: Summer season is harvesting season and it kicks off with sweet Strawberry Festivals, raspberry picking, and peach picking in July. Roll up your sleeves, grab a basket and go! We smell some home made jam in your future.
Dine Al Fresco: If it’s a family affair hit up Demarest Farms BBQ Thursdays with live music (starting Thursdays June 30th get there early to snag parking) or checkout Laurita Winery's Food Truck and Firepit weekend which includes best area food trucks and a fireworks show. For more intimate meals, Outstanding in the Field’s Farm to Table dinners are worth the trip (book well in advance) or dine under the flickering lights closer to home at one of Fresh and Fancy Farms cozy farm dinners.
Hit the Beach: Whether you’re looking to hit the stretches of sandy beach at the tip of Long Island or heading down the shore, summer wouldn’t be summer without at least a day of waves at your knees and sand between your toes- and a little boardwalk action never hurt either.
Consume Icey Treats: Because, summer. If you have a half a day head north to Smorgasburg’s newest outpost for a smattering of some of the most photogenic tasty treats around. Or check out our picks for insta-worthy sweet treats in Bergen County and beyond. Either way your kids will snag that cone-holding money shot for sure.
Book a Pirate Experience: Grab your little scally wag, pop on an eye patch and head down to Jersey Shore Pirates Experience in Brick Township, NJ. The just under two hour experience kicks off with face painting and getting in costume before boarding the The Sea Gypsy, a pirate ship where kids will read treasure maps, get lessons in “pirating”, fire water cannons and hunt down a sunken treasure.
Eat Lobster: If your summer isn’t complete without chowing down on Maine lobster there’s no need to gas up the car. With its Boothbay vibes and just caught lobster rolls the casual Jack’s Lobster Shack in Edgewater serves up New England style eats that would impress the most discriminating lobstah lover. Or reserve a family table at the Hudson River’s own North River Lobster Company, a floating shack at Pier 81 on the city side that keeps the frothy cocktails, raw bar and of course lobster, a flowing.
Visit the City: Contrary to most thinking, summer in the NYC is the best time to visit. With so many dwellers fleeing on weekends, you’ll enjoy easy parking, no crowds and dinner resos aplenty. Head downtown and gaze out at spectacular views from the top of the new One World Trade, take the fam for a spin on the Sea Glass Carousel, visit the New York Historical Society’s Hamilton Exhibit (he’s all the rage right now, thanks Lin Manuel!), and take the kids for some foodie fun at Cool Mess or Voila Chocolate on the Upper West Side.
Center: If the school year has left your chakras out of wack, it’s probably time for a good outdoor yoga sesh. Get your ohm on at Kaplen JCC’s FREE Yoga on the Green or the Wyckoff YMCA’s Yoga by the Lake.
Talk to the Animals: We know you were super stoked when news broke about Giraffe in North Jersey, but what about our other furry friends? Stroll through the Bergen County Zoo and then let them splash around the sprinkler park. Or head down to Six Flags Great Adventure Safari for an open air jeep to learn about animals in their habitats.
Watch Fireworks: Nothing brings joy to a mama like the look on their child’s face of wonder at a kick-butt fireworks show. Besides the obvious July 4th options, Bear Mountain State Park hosts a gorgeous show and family-friendly party (including djs and bounce houses) for the kiddos on June 24th.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: There aren’t many other opportunities to see a hot air balloon spectacle like the Quick Chek Balloon Fest in Readington, NJ. Think hundreds of airborne characters, shapes and styles all launched at once, plus a rockin’ outdoor concert with headlining acts like KC and the Sunshine Band and Disney star Dove Cameron.
Get *Really* Soaked: There are two kinds of water park people: those who love it so much that 20 rounds on the Lazy River doesn’t seem crazy at all and those who go, reluctantly, for the sake of the kids. If you’re the former, you’ll be heading to Sahara Sams, and it’s new extension or Camelback’s Aquatopia, but for those of you who want a quick fix can head over to Splashdown Beach in Fishkill, NY which is close enough and small enough to get a cool fix for the kids without ruining a good blowout.
Keep Learning: School's out for summer but kids of all ages can continue their adventure of learning at Liberty Science Center. Discover, design and learn about the world's tallest skyscapers, climb to crazy heights on the world’s first suspended climbing play space, the Infinity Climber or become a scientist at the Wonder Why exhibit. Little ones can explore and play in the super-huge, re-designed I Explore exhibit filled with tons of fun, interactive activities.
Take in Nature: The west coast has nothing on us Jerseyan’s when it comes to hiking trails. Get out early and hit the weaving paths along the Palisades Parkway with sweeping Hudson vistas and varying levels of difficulty. Those looking for something more kid-friendly or dog-friendly will enjoy the Ramapo Reservation with its serene reservoir backdrops and high peaks perfect for snapping summer memories.
Walk on Water: Train on the lake with Stand Up Paddle. Greenwood Lake Paddleboards has just opened for their 4th season, renting boards and giving lessons on the gorgeously calm waters just above northwestern Bergen. Those headed down south to the ocean beaches can hook up with Paddle Surf New Jersey who offers ocean SUP for beginners through advanced levels.
