We rounded up our favorite picks for fun family friendly events in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
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What: Lightscapes in the Hudson Valley
Why: Journey into a springtime garden fantasy featuring state-of-the-art colorful creatures and fantastic flowers. Click HERE to win a FREE 4-pack of tickets!
When: Fridays thru Sundays, May 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, Online Tickets: Children 3+/$12, Adults/$18
Where: Van Cortland Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Events Not To Miss:
What: Academy of St. Paul Carnival
Why: Rides, yummy food, games, and lots and lots of fun.
When: Friday, May 1 (6-11pm), Saturday, May 2 (3-11pm) & Sunday, May 3 (2-7pm)
Where: 187 Wyckoff Ave., Ramsey
What: Spring Fling Carnival
Why: Another town, another carnival, another great time!
When: Friday May 1 (6-11pm), Saturday, May 2 (2-11pm) & Sunday, May 3 (1-7pm)
Where: Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Morlot Ave. & Philip St., Fair Lawn
What: Live Butterfly Feeding at Paramus Park Mall
Why: Flap over and visit, feed and interact with hundreds of live butterflies.
When: Saturday, May 2, 10am to 9:30pm
Where: Paramus Park Mall, Paramus
What: Sheep Shearing at the Bergen County Zoo
Why: Shearing demonstrations, crafts, storytime and more.
When: Saturday, May 2, 10am-4:30pm
Where: 26 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Backpacking for Beginners
Why: Wilderness 411 at this informative workshop.
When: Saturday, May 2, Adults & Children ages 5+, 11am-1pm
Where: State Line Lookout, Alpine
What: Brobee and Toodee from Yo Gabba Gabba
Why: Music, entertainment, kids crafts, and photos with 2 of the most beloved characters of the popular show.
When: Saturday, May 2, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm, $5 per family
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Lord & Taylor Court, Paramus
What: Halfway Hounds’ Doggy Derby
Why: Support homeless dogs in need by dining in style while enjoying music, games, a derby day hat contest, mimosas, kids activities, tricky tray and more!
When: Saturday, May 2, 11am-3pm, Adults/ $50, Children 5-12/$25
Where: The Clinton Inn Hotel, 145 Dean Drive, Tenafly
What: Mother & Daughter Bridal Event
Why: Join the personal shoppers at The Registry for a fashion presentation and light bites. Say “I Do” at 201-457-2242 to register.
When: Saturday, May 2, 1-3pm, FREE
Where: Bloomingdales, The Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
What: Tween Scene at the YJCC
Why: Think indoor pool, gym, games, movies, DJ, friends and snacks…
When: Saturday, May 2, 8:30-10:30pm, Ages 10-12, FREE
Where: 605 Pascack Rd., Township of Washington
What: Spring Boutique at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Why: A shopping extravaganza featuring jewelry, fashion, children’s clothing and much more!
When: Sunday, May 3 (10am-5pm) & Monday, May 4 (9am-4pm)
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: The Berenstain Bears Live! at Bergen PAC
Why: Everyone’s favorite bear family comes to the stage in this fun musical.
When: Sunday, May 3, Tickets start at $14, 1pm & 4pm
Where: 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
What: Rock The River Palisades Half Marathon, 5K & 6K Trail Run
Why: 3 different rewarding races, all along the scenic Palisades.
When: Sunday, May 3, Half Marathon/$85, 5K, 6K/$40, Pre-registration Required
Where: Ross Dock, Palisades Interstate Park, Fort Lee
What: Guided Nature Walk at Tenafly Nature Center
Why: A beautiful walk in the forest that all ages will enjoy.
When: Sunday, May 3, 3-4pm, $5
Where: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Rocks Rock! at Flat Rock Brook
Why: Learn all about amazing geology of this part of NJ.
When: Sunday, May 3, 11am-12pm, Ages 5+, $8, Pre-registration required
Where: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood
What: Family Promise of Bergen County Annual Family Hike or Bike
Why: Participate in a 3-mile hike or bike the 15-mile route and celebrate afterwards with an afternoon of music, food, games, prizes and more.
When: Sunday, May 3, 11:30 am Registration, $20 fundraising minimum
Where: Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
What: Hudson River Barn Dance
Why: Come and Yehaw with the best of them, all ages and all levels.
When: Sunday, May 3, 2-4pm, FREE
Where: Alpine Pavilion, Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine
What: Star Wars Crafts Party
Why: May the Craft be with you…
When: Monday, May 4, 4-5:30pm, 3-9 yrs, $30
Where: Couture Craft Studios, 10 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick
What: Brainstorm Tutoring & Arts
Why: Spanish immersion Pre-K Program Open House and Cinco de Mayo celebration.
When: Monday, May 4 (6-8pm) & Tuesday, May 5 (11am-1pm)
Where: 808 High Mountain Rd., Franklin Lakes
What: Children’s After School Mother’s Day Gift Making Workshop
Why: Because the best gifts from the kiddos are handmade ones.
When: Monday, May 4, Tuesday, May 5 & Wednesday, May 6, 4-5:30pm, Pre-registration required
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Cooking for Kids: Cinco de Mayo
Why: A Mexican meal is on the menu. ¡Olè!
When: Tuesday, May 5, Ages 6-10, 4pm, $25
Where: Chef Central, 240 Rt. 17 North, Paramus
What: Denim & Diamonds JCO Boutique Night
Why: An evening to benefit Autism Speaks. For information [email protected]
When: Wednesday, May 6, 7-10:30pm, Non-members/$85, Members/$75
Where:The Terrace, 293 Paramus Rd., Paramus
If you’re heading out of Bergen…
What: Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival 2015
Why: Over 300 artists, crafters, photographers, sculptors, food vendors, children’s activities and more.
When: Sunday, May 3, 11am-6pm
Where: Washington St. btwn Observer Highway & 7th St., Hoboken
What: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Hudson’s House of Play
Why: Get your party hats on for this event with Mommy & Me dance classes and Mexican crafts.
When: Tuesday, May 5, 11:30am-12:30pm, Ages 6m-3 yrs, $20 per child, Reservations required
Where: 40 Riverwalk Place, Hoboken
Upcoming:
What: Indulge: Fashion and Fun For Mom’s
Why: Join our Fashion Editor Melissa Garcia at this night of fashion, shopping, beauty and fun in honor of the MVP of the family: You! Want to be a model for the night and snag a special gift? Click here to enter!
When: Thursday, May 7, 6-8pm
Where: Level One next to Brooks Brothers, The Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
What: Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley at NJ PAC
Why: Join Flat Stanley on his unexpected quest to see the world. Bergen Mama readers click here to win a FREE 4-pack of tickets!
When: Saturday, May 9, 2pm, Recommended for grades K-4, Tickets start at $13
Where: 1 Center St., Newark
What: Happy Mother’s Day at The Big Playhouse
Why: Be a superhero Dad and give Mom what she really wants for Mother’s Day: Alone time!
When: Sunday, May 10, 10am-12pm, Ages 6 and under, $19.25 per child (discounts for multiple kids), Pre-registration required
Where: 316 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
