Winter break is right around the corner, and whether you're looking forward to a relaxed break from the daily grind with the family, or looking for some ways to give yourself a break, one thing is for sure: keeping the kids entertained is key. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun options for every situation, from winter break camps for kids to fun family activities in and around Bergen County. So start your planning now, as things are sure to fill up fast.
Winter Break Camps
HealthBarn USA Nutrition and nature join forces in this fun and educational camp that enriches kids' days -- and diet! Ages 5-12 will experience indoor and outdoor cooking, composting, exploring nature and playing games. Plus, homemade breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided as part of the healthy cooking experience. What's not to love about that? (December 27-December 30, 9 am-3 pm)
Tenafly Nature Center Kids in pre-K through 6th grade get their hands dirty having fun and exploring the great outdoors and learning about the environment. With age-appropriate activities, kids will make crafts, visit with animals, hike on the trails, explore the woods, hone their survival skills and much more. (December 27-December 31, 9 am-3 pm)
Closter Nature Center The Holiday Break Science Program provides kids in Kindergarten through 7th grade with hands-on nature activities where they will explore, discover and learn about the environment around them. Outdoorsy kids will learn about animals, science and more through fun and engaging activities. (December 27-December 30, daily time dependent on grade)
High Exposure Ninjas-in-training will build strength, balance, confidence and determination as they spend the day on the Ninja Warrior obstacles. Kids ages 5-17 learn skills as they tackle the rock climbing walls with different levels of difficulty, parkour, bouldering and while playing games. (December 27-December 30, 9 am-3 pm)
Fountain Fitness Center With more than 46,000 square feet at their disposal, it's safe to say your kids will have plenty to keep them busy at the Fountain Fitness Center's winter break camp. Ages 5-13 will enjoy special themed days, arts and crafts, swimming in the heated indoor pool and more as you enjoy your time. Or, get in a workout or spa treatment while you're there! (December 27-December 31, email brian@fountainfitnesscenter.com or call 201-282-5225)
My Gym Glen Rock When school's out, kids still need ways to burn some energy. My Gym's 3-hour mini camps keep your active child ages 3-10 busy with relays and games, dance, gymnastics, and arts & crafts. (December 24-December 31, check schedule for daily times)
The Village Edgewater The Winter Wonderland Camp for ages 3-5 provides a safe and engaging way for little kids to play and learn. Activities include yoga, music, dance, snow globe-making, painting, baking, storytime...and the list goes on. (December 27-December 31, 9 am-12 pm, 5, 3 or 2 day options available)
Northern Valley Sports Academy For the athletes of your family, or the active kids who need an energy release, sign the up for NVSA's action-packed winter camp. Kids ages 4-12 play sports and games on the turf fields and basketball courts, create art projects, enjoy special events and much more. (December 27-December 30, 9 am-12:30 pm or 9 am-3 pm)
Superdome Sports Kids get their kicks at the Soccer camps and All Sports camps happening at this massive space. The soccer-specific camps help players of all abilities develop their foot skills, while the all sports camps give kids a taste of soccer, flag football, wiffle ball, kickball, lacrosse, field hockey, dodgeball and arts & crafts mixed in between. (December 27-December 31, 9 am-12 pm or 9 am-3 pm)
One River School (Englewood and Allendale) Budding artists can fine-tune their craft at an art camp. Younger kids in Kindergarten through grade 2 can choose from classes such as Planetary Paintings or Ice Age Sculptures, grades 3-5 can choose from Digital Comics and Dragon Sculpting, and grades 6-12 can illustrate Digital Manga Characters. (December 27-December 30, check schedule for daily times per age group)
Code Ninjas Coding camps let kids embrace their STEM side and give their gaming know-how a boost. Holiday break camps at their Saddle River and Midland Park location include Stop Motion Animation, Designing Modifications with Minecraft, Roblox Developer camps and more for ages 7 to 14. (December 27-December 30, check schedule for options and times)
Skiing and Tubing
Campgaw (219 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, 201-529-2302) Bergen County’s very own mini-mountain is high on fun and low on stress. Trails are open so grab the littles and head up for a weekday afternoon. It's not as crowded during the week so you and your kids will get in tons of runs and still have time to get home for supper. Not in the mood to ski? Their snow tubing is lots of fun for a few hours too.
Mountain Creek (200 Route 94 Vernon, NJ) Just about an hour from Bergen County, this ski resort is about as full service as you can get for just a day trip. With 44 trails on 4 peaks, the Creek offers skiing, boarding (with great board “camps”), a terrain park, and comprehensive lessons that include lift ticket and rentals (if necessary) for any level of skier.
Mt. Peter (40 Ski Lane, Warwick, NY) This family-friendly ski mountain boasts 4 lifts, 18 trails and a terrain park. You can also go tubing down their 600 foot tubing hill, or for children under 42” in height, give them a thrill on the Little Tikes Tubing Play Area. Little Tikes Tubing Play Area is a winter wonderland with a small tubing hill and snow play area so no one is left out.
Windham Mountain (19 Resort Drive, Windham) Just a two-hour journey up the New York State Thruway, Windham is home to 52 trails for skiing and boarding, snow tubing, ice skating (with a warming hut) and five terrain parks and has gone upscale, with uniformed valets who unload and store your skis and a well-appointed private locker room.
Camelback Mountain (301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA) Head west on I-80 and in 2 hours you’ll arrive at Camelback Mountain, home to 35 trails on over 166 acres with the largest tubing park in the USA, a mountain coaster and a lodge with tons of indoor fun for your “downtime”.
Hunter Mountain (64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY) Four separate mountain faces, 67 trails, and terrain for all levels of skiers makes Hunter a great getaway for a night or a weekend. Take advantage of their on-mountain dining options for a full day of fun.
Whiteface Mountain (Wilmington, NY) With 90 trails, many of which are for beginners, Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid is a great place for a family ski-weekend. Plus, for those who want to challenge themselves, Gore Mountain is a nearby neighbor.
Around Town
Bergen County's Winter Wonderland Take a skate around the rink, visit Santa's Workshop, take a ride on the festive holiday train and enjoy the holiday spirit at Bergen's infamous park. While you're there, grab tix to Bergen County Zoo's first Let It Glow experience, with animal lanterns lining the path.
NJ's Light Shows Take a drive around NJ to one of the many light displays displays that are sure to make your holidays a little brighter. Click here for watts of fun!
Igloo Dining Turn a night of eating out into an experience by dining in an outdoor heated igloo with your crew. The three heated outdoor igloos at Concourse Club's rooftop bring you good views, plus good food and drinks. Be sure to reserve on of the three igloos, which seat 6 or 8 people, in advance. Or, venture a bit outside Bergen to mediterranean resto Fig and Lily Garden, which houses a number of heated igloos in their outdoor patio area, which is also festively decorated for the holidays. Igloos seat up to 8 people.
Bear Mountain Ice Rink Get outside and lace up your skates for a roll around the rink at this park just outside of NJ. With beautiful scenery and plenty of space, it's a great way to get outside and spend the day with the fam. Come this Saturday December 18 from 2-3:30 for a special visit with Santa!
Liberty Science Center Science and fun in one? Learn and play at the Liberty Science Center's Snowscape holiday pop-up exhibit, where you can take a spin around the Sock Skating Rink, visit the science demo Make It Snow, craft your own snowflake and more wintry fun. Visit the Planetarium, Paw Patrol: Adventure Play, Dino Dig or other exhibits for all-day fun.
