Sponsored Post: It's not too late to book your child's wild summer. One Wild Summer kicks off on June 30th at Apple Montessori Schools! Explore options, and join the fun to explore animals past, present, and legendary by taking a tour of a nearby location.
Sun's out, fun's out! With a slower pace and month's worth of time to spend with the family, now is the idea opportunity to check out some spots that have been on your must-visit list — both local and a short drive away. So pack up the car, pack up the snacks, and hed to these can't-miss places hosting tons of summer fun (without the big price tag of a vacation).
Farm Visits
Families of all ages can take a time out to visit one of our nearby farms filled with animals, sweets and treats, and more. Head to Demarest Farms for its petting zoo, and be sure to visit in July when the peach-picking is in full swing. At Abma's Farm in Wyckoff, little ones can hang with the animals at the barnyard petting zoo, and don't forget to visit the farm market before leaving to stock your kitchen with fresh baked goods, produce, sandwiches, and more delicious eats. For those up for a drive, head to Alstede Farms for fruit picking and photo opps throughout the summer, including raspberries, blueberries, peaches, blackberries, and sunflowers.
Explore Nature
Visit nature centers in Bergen County and beyond over the summer to help kids appreciate the outdoors. At Flat Rock Brook nature preserve, visitors can see the animal ambassadors and spot birds while enjoying the new nature-themed playground. Tenafly Nature Center's weekend programs include Butterfly Feeding and making your own seed ball, in addition to walking the family-friendly trails. Get even more up-close time with nature at the Teaneck Creek Conservancy, which has summer events such as creekside storytime, summer family walks, animal days, and more. At Hudson Highlands Nature Center, kids can enjoy the nature play area, hiking trails, and wildlife exploration.
New Jersey State Parks
Hike, bike, explore, and more at scenic parks and trails in Bergen County and beyond. At High Point State Park in Sussex, you'll get access to the highest elevation in NJ with a view of three states at one point, plus enjoy camping, swimming, and picknicking. Palisades Interstate Park, located right here in Alpine, has hiking routes for all ability levels, including rugged trails and smoother paths.
Outdoor Museums
Warm weather is the perfect opportunity to visit nearby outdoor museums that thrive in the summer. Storm King Art Center has a variety of exhibits to explore under the sun from artists like Kevin Beasley and Sonia Gomes, while the 42-acre Grounds for Sculpture park is filled with blooming gardens, contemporary art, and special events throughout the summer. Botanical gardens are also blooming in the summer, including New York Botanical Gardens and its current exhibit, Van Gogh's Flowers, and New Jersey Botanical Garden's guided tours, butterfly walk, musical nights, and more.
Amusement Parks
NJ's famous construction-themed amusement park, Diggerland USA, is worth a visit thanks to its machine-inspired rides, full water park with slides and wet-downs, huge ropes course, and more fun for all ages. Keep things local at American Dream, where you can get access to Nickelodeon Universe's roller coasters and little kids-friendly rides, DreamWorks Water Park's slides and wave pool, and plenty of other attractions like mini golf, indoor skiing, Legoland, and so much more. Or, head to Field Station Dinosaurs for prehistoric fun and the summer Super Stars of Science series with demonstrations in July and August.
