Listen up, witches! It’s almost Halloween. Have you gotten your kids’ costumes? And how about the back-up costumes for when they decide they don’t want to be the thing they wanted to be last month? And you have the hair spray, shoes, trick-or-treat bags and newly requisite glow-in-the-dark safety necklaces? Okay, so now you just need one more, very important thing—the trick-or-treat plan. Here’s the best neighborhoods for trick or treating for Halloween in Bergen County NJ. to make your night frighteningly easy.
Paramus
Sure trick or treating from house to house holds all sorts of nostalgic memories. But if you’d like your kiddos to trick or treat in weatherproof comfort, head to the Outlets at Bergen Town Center for Safe Trick or Treating. First, your child can grab treats at each of the retailers in the mall who display the Safe Trick or Treat sign in their storefront window. Then you can take a load off and grab dinner at one of the on-site restaurants before you call it a night. Best. Halloween. Ever. Trick or treating is from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. Treats are first come, first served. (Outlets at Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East, Paramus)
Alpine
If your brood is of the “bigger is better” philosophy, you’ll want to hit up the Rio Vista section of Alpine for mansions set on 2+ acres decorated for the holiday and handing out movie-sized treats (Rio Vista Drive, Alpine). If spooky is your jam, while you’re there, don’t miss Devil’s Tower, said to be haunted by the ghost of Harriet Rionda, wife of a wealthy Southern plantation owner who jumped to her death from the tower. Or, set your sights on Litchfield Drive, home of Yankee CC Sabathia’s family, who has, in the past, created theme decorations (one year it was Frozen!) for all to enjoy.
Edgewater
Veteran’s Field will be the scene of the 6th Annual Trick or Treat Trail. Edgewater and Leonia residents are invited to come in costume between 6 and 8 p.m. and trick or treat around the walking track where local businesses and organizations will be handing out candy. The event is free and refreshments will be served. It will be spooktacular! (Veteran’s Field, 1057 River Road, Edgewater)
Nyack
Nothing wrong with starting your Halloween a little early, right? So head to Nyack on Saturday, October 28 for the biggest Halloween bash outside of New York City. The fun starts at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Street Municipal Parking Lot with the first annual Trick or Treat Trail. Then stick around and either march in the parade or cheer on the costumed revelers from the sidelines. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. (Memorial Park, Nyack).
Tenafly
Traffic is rare in the “hidden” Cotswald section of Tenafly, making it the perfect spot for little ones who like to run door to door for hours. (Inness Rd., Engle Street, Tenafly)
River Vale
Families have a terrifyingly good time in River Vale, where the streets are closed to through traffic and kids can go hunting for the “Candyman’s” house. Lucky sleuths are rewarded with an entire bag of full-sized candy bars. (Barr Ct., Faletti Way and Faletti Circle, River Vale, NJ)
Hackensack
If you’re looking for over-the-top décor, from the super-scary to tot-friendly characters, Clinton Place is a must-stop. And when you tire of walking the streets, you can always hit one of the nearby malls for more tricks and treats—or dinner. (Clinton Place, Hackensack)
Allendale
Especially for the little ones, the Allendale Library will be hosting a story time and craft from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Then the tiniest trick or treaters can parade through Borough Hall and the Library for some early trick or treating. (500 W. Crescent Ave, Allendale)
Ridgewood
Get an extra wear out of your kids’ Halloween costumes at the Ridgewood Halloween Haunted Harvest on Saturday, October 28. The party starts at 1 p.m. in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square with a Haunted Graveyard, Hay Maze, Pumpkin Patch and Costume Parade with prizes for the best costumes. Get ready for face painting, balloon making and, of course, trick or treating with participating vendors. Everyone is welcome to celebrate, shop and dine! (Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood)
Then on Tuesday, October 31, break that costume out again for trick or treating at the Ridgewood YMCA. Sessions will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and again from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. for safe trick or treating through the staff offices. Kids will also be asked to vote on the best door decorations. (112 Oak Street, Ridgewood)
Finish your day with a visit to the Stewart Family’s Halloween Maze. The Stewart family continues this beloved tradition with one of their best mazes yet. Visit during the day for maze- cracking fun. Visit at night if you like your mazes with a side of scream. (124 Sheridan Terrace, Ridgewood)
Upper Saddle River
Eat, drink and be scary on sectioned-off Cider Hill, which has a long stretch of houses for trick or treating, including one that hands out hot dogs! (Cider Hill, Upper Saddle River). Fearless families who want to avoid the crowds can head to the winding streets in the Anona section of town (Anona Dr., Upper Saddle River). Or stop by the Burning Hollow Boo Fest complete with train rides, bouncy houses, psychic readings and of course, tricks and treats (Burning Hollow Road, Saddle River).
