Depending on the town you live in, spring break 2024 in Bergen County is happening any time between next week and the end of April. Which means planning a week's worth of entertainment for your kids can be harder to organize than the back of their closet. If you're planning to stay local this year, that doesn't mean you'll be left with nothing to do.
Whether you're spending time together as a family or need an exciting place where they can learn and have fun while you work, our area has it all — and has all of your needs covered. Stay active, catch a spring show, and don't travel far with our Ultimate Spring Break Guide below.
Under One Roof
Let's be honest, any time school's out, it can be exhausting, and dragging the kids around from place to place can turn a fun day into a glum day. Instead of constantly packing up the car, head to American Dream for a one-size-fits-all spring break plan. The shopping and entertainment hub of East Rutherford has the widest assortment of entertainment in one spot, with so much fun you may want to camp out overnight. Aside from its stores, visit its popular attractions like Nickelodeon Universe theme park, its huge DreamWorks indoor water park, or hold onto winter for a little longer with indoor skiing at Big Snow.
You can also visit smaller attractions like the Tilt and Paradox Museums, Sea Life Aquarium, and Angry Birds Mini Golf — all of which offer fun for all ages. Once you're finished, head to popular YouTuber Mr. Beast's burger joint, and really treat yourself at the multi-level Oreo Café or It'sugar candy (and more) shop.
Bergen Mama's SAVE 10% off their purchase of tickets to American Dream attractions!
- Nickelodeon Universe
- DreamWorks Water Park
- Big Snow
- Angry Birds Mini Golf
- The Rink
- Lego Discovery Center
- Sea Life Aquarium
- Tilt Museum
- Paradox Museum
Outdoor Activities
There's no shame in the 'let-them-watch-their-iPads-while-you-work game,' but if you're able to get outdoors and get moving, Bergen County is home to some beautiful views and adventurous hiking and biking trails for all activity levels. Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine has a variety of trails for walking or cycling, including the popular Shore Trail for beginner to experienced hikers. Head to Westvale Park for a paved walking path or to connect to Pascack Brook County Park through a nature preserve filled with turtles and plants. If you're looking for an easy bike ride with kids, check out the Ramsey bike path which is paved and manageable for more inexperienced riders.
- The Shore Trail, Palisades, Alpine
- Ramapo Reservation, Mahwah
- Hook Mountain, Nyack
- Saddle River County Park, Saddle Brook
- Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine
- Overpeck County Park, Leonia
- Westvale Park, Westwood
- Ramsey Trolley Bike Path, Ramsey
Indoor and Outdoor Playgrounds
Sometimes the weather (and you're littlest child) doesn't cooperate and it's easier to keep the fun indoors. If that applies to you, check out one of the imaginary play places that Bergen has to offer. At spots like Paper Street Play and Tay + Te, kids can explore their creative side during pretend play experiences, while The Village in Edgewater and Fort Lee offers more structured opportunities for little ones.
Or, let them roam free — within limits, of course — at an outdoor playground. The popular Van Saun park has enough to keep 'em busy all day, including the Bergen County Zoo, the iconic train and carousel which open April 1, and the huge playground with a variety of ages for big and little kids. For smaller and more contained fun, check out Crestwood Park, which is fenced in giving you peace of mind, and filled with a variety of climbing structures, swings, and slides.
- Paper Street Play, Park Ridge
- Tay + Te Imaginative Play, Northvale
- The Village Edgewater, Edgewater
- Crestwood Park, Allendale
- Haworth Memorial Park, Haworth
- Van Saun County Park, Paramus
- Kennedy Field, Norwood
- Milton A. Votee Park, Teaneck
Family-Friendly Shows
Mix up your more active spring break plans with a little theater — and there are a variety of kid-friendly shows around NJ through the next month. Snag tickets to Matilda in Concert at the State Theatre, which will be narrated by Danny DeVito (aka Harry Wormwood) himself. Or, grab seats for shows featuring beloved characters from TV and books like Bluey's Big Play at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and Pete the Cat at Paper Mill Playhouse. Every show has a fairly short runtime to help kids keep their focus.
- Matlida in Concert, State Theatre New Jersey, Friday March 22
- The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, State Theatre New Jersey, Sunday April 7
- Bluey's Big Play, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Friday April 12-Sunday April 14
- Flor Bromley, State Theatre New Jersey, Saturday April 13
- Pete the Cat, Paper Mill Playhouse, Saturday April 27
School's Out Camps
If your child is into art, cooking, nature, climbing, sports, or many of the above, book a spot at one of the must-visit businesses hosting spring break camps. And with vacation dates varying from town to town, places like One River School in Englewood and Allendale, HealthBarn USA in Ridgewood, and NVSA in Closter have several days and weeks to choose from to accommodate your family's schedule. Whether they're interested in creating works of art like digital character design, making edible "art" like funfetti donuts, or honing their skills for their favorite sport, you can find daily and weekly options throughout the month. Or, sign them up for the sure-to-sell-out Taylor Swift: Listen, Create Par-Tay at Yellow Door Art Studio in Westwood.
- One River School, Allendale and Englewood
- HealthBarn USA, Ridgewood
- Northern Valley Sports Academy, Closter
- High Exposure, Northvale
- Flavor Labs, Paramus
- Yellow Door Art Studio, Westwood
