There are winter days and then there are winter days. Some winter days are bright and brisk and you motivate your team to bundle up and head out for a hike or an impromptu ski day. But then there are those days (so many days) that are too cold and dreary to be outside. And besides, you need to return that top you thought was a good idea but wasn’t. That’s when you’ve gotta sell your kiddos on a trip to the mall. Sure you can bribe them with an Auntie Anne’s pretzel or a cookie but why not take them to one of these malls with indoor activities in and around Bergen County? But beware, once your kids get a look at what these places have to offer, they might be begging you for a trip to the mall!
Settle in people because there is so much to do here, you’ll want to spend not just a day but a full weekend. And there’s something for all aged kids which means the whole family will be entertained. There’s story time each Saturday and occasional special events at Barnes & Noble. Then take your littlest one for a ride on the carousel or the ferris wheel. And if you happen to be there on a Tuesday, the mall offers Tykes Tuesday events each week that include concerts, painting and story time.
For older kids, choose between the Autobahn Indoor Speedway, 5 Wits Live Action Entertainment Center, Billy Beez Play Arena, Lucky Strike Bowling, the ropes course, bumper cars, ice skating, virtual reality, Dave & Buster’s and more. Exhausted yet? We weren’t totally kidding about making it a weekend. Nyack has several great places to stay and yummy restaurants. Just sayin.
Run over first thing on a Saturday, get your errands done and then stick around for one of Garden State Plaza’s Saturdays Are For Kids events. Produced in conjunction with bergenPAC, upcoming events include the Bubble Trouble bubble show, The Mesmerizing Magician illusion show and an Ice Princess Meet & Greet. Saturdays Are For Kids appearances are offered at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 1:00. Kids can also get their wiggles out in the play space located in the food court. Pop into the brand new Toys R Us and then surprise them with a stop in Lolli & Pops Candy Shoppe or the Milk N' Cookies kiosk for a sweet treat before you head out.
The bustle at this local mainstay has increased since Stew Leonard’s came to town. And speaking of Stew Leonard’s, they’re always good for an outing with the kids. Take time to smell (and maybe taste) a few baked goods on your way to visit the animatronics that are located throughout the store (don’t forget to take a few selfies while you’re at it). Then treat your littles to the famous Stew Leonard’s ice cream and take a load off in their mall seating area. Still have a few minutes (hours) to kill? Treat your kids to a bungee jump, ride on the rolling animals, and then maybe a visit to Build-A-Bear. Because who doesn’t need another stuffed toy in their houses? But on second thought, we might suggest the bungee before the ice cream.
Okay,we will admit that at the moment, this place is mostly just for your kids. But once the retail opens later this year, you will be able to consider it your playground too. For now though, you can enjoy the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, the ice rink, Big Snow and It’s Sugar. Soon to come, you’ll also have the Dreamworks water park and Out of this World blacklight mini golf to choose from. It might be best to take a family vote on what you want to do most. Because we’re sure you won’t be able to do it all!
