We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not To Miss:
What: Summer Fun Events at The Outlets at Bergen Town Center
Why: Face painting, balloons, crafts, food, and more.
When: Thursday, August 6, 3-6pm, FREE
Where: Route 4 East & Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Westwood Summer Movies In the Park
Why: Grab a blanket, enjoy the free popcorn, and watch Frozen for the millionth time.
When: Thursday, August 6, 8pm, FREE, Rain Date: Friday, August 7
Where: Veterans Park on the Train Station lawn, Westwood
What: Ridgewood Summer Sidewalk Sale Days
Why: Because shopping a sale is always a good idea.
When: Thursday, August 6 thru Saturday, August 8, 10am-6pm
Where: Downtown Ridgewood
What: Earth Science at Bergen County Zoo
Why: Beat the brain drain with this free class at the zoo.
When: Thursday, August 6, 6pm, FREE
Where: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: BBQ Thursdays at Demarest Farms
Why: Live music & a finger lickin’ menu at the Farm.
When: Now thru the end of summer, 5:30-8:30pm
Where: 244 Werimus Rd., Hillsdale
What: New York Giants Training Camp Open Practice
Why: Snag an autograph, enjoy the Kids’ Zone, and watch these champs in action.
When: Various days until Tuesday, August 25, check website for schedule, FREE
Where: Quest Diagnostics Training Center, East Rutherford
What: Disney Store Grand Opening Celebration at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Why: Attend the Grand Opening Ceremony at 10am, followed by a meet and greet with special guests of honor Mickey & Minnie Mouse from 12-4 in Macy’s Court by the carousel.
When: Saturday, August 8, 10am-4pm, FREE
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center 5K Run in the Park
Why: This ain’t no walk in the park- run to benefit the FRB Nature Center.
When: Sunday, August 9, 8:30am, Adults/$25, Students/$20
Where: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood
What: Mother Daughter Barre Class at Ivivva Westfield Garden State Plaza
Why: Make fitness a family affair and take an awesome Pure Barre class with your mini-me.
When: Every Saturday in August, starting on Saturday, August 8, 9am, FREE
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Yoga in the Park
Why: Get your Om on…
When: Saturdays now thru Saturday, August 29, 9-10am, FREE
Where: Oscar E. Olsen Park, 162 W. Main Street, Bogota
What: Abma’s Farm Jersey Tomato Day
Why: Delicious local tomatoes and fun at the farm.
When: Saturday, August 8, 10am-2pm
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Peach Festival at the Ramsey Farmers’ Market
Why: A peach pie contest and peaches galore.
When: Sunday, August 9, 9am-2pm
Where: Train Station, Ramsey
What: S’mores Galore at Tenafly Nature Center
Why: Because International S’mores Day might be the best holiday ever.
When: Sunday, August 9, 12:30-1:30pm & 2-3pm, $10, Ages 5+
Where: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Rachel’s Rangers: Cliffhanger Point Children’s Hike
Why: A summertime hiking adventure for the littles.
When: Tuesday, August 11, 10am-12pm, Ages 7+, FREE
Where: Allison Park, Englewood Cliffs
What: Minnie Mouse, Peppa Pig, and Goofy at The Big Playhouse
Why: Arts and crafts, open play, and meet & greets with your kiddos favorite characters.
When: Tuesday, August 11, Wednesday, August 12 & Thursday, August 13, 9:30am-12:30pm, $35 each, Pre-registration required
Where: 316 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
What: Bow Tie Cinemas Summer Kids Series
Why: Watch “The Croods” for FREE with the kiddos! Get there early to snag a spot.
When: Tuesday, August 11 & Wednesday, August 12, 10am, FREE
Where: Bow Tie theaters (Closter, Washington Twp. & Hoboken)
What: Demarest Summer Concert in the Park
Why: Get there early to enjoy the munchies on hand, and then enjoy the summer concert by The Kootz.
When: Wednesday, August 12, 7:30-9pm
Where: Wakelee Field, Demarest
If you’re heading out of Bergen…
What: New Jersey State Fair
Why: Every day has something different at this action-packed family fair.
When: Now thru Sunday, August 9, 10am-10pm
Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd., Augusta
What: New York Jets Training Camp Open Practice
Why: Bleed Green and White? Check out your guys in action.
When: Various days until Sunday, August 16, check website for schedule, FREE but advanced tickets are required
Where: Jets Training Center, Florham Park, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford & Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
What: Just Jersey Food Truck & Music Festival
Why: Over 25 gourmet food trucks and live music at this fun outdoor event.
When: Saturday, August 8, 10am-7pm
Where: Waterlood Village Concert Field, Stanhope
What: Peach Festival at Oasis Farm
Why: How do farm fresh peaches, peach ice cream, peach cider, etc sound to you? Yup, see you there.
When: Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9, 10:30am-4pm
Where: 3 Circle Dr., Robbinsville
What: Summer Craft Fair & Butterfly Festival at the New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Why: Two different outdoor family friendly events to pick from.
When: Saturday, August 8, 11am-4pm & Sunday, August 9, 12-3pm, FREE, Parking $5 for NJ residents, $7 for non-residents.
Where: 2 Morris Road, Ringwood
What: Calvary Baptist Church Multicultural Festival
Why: Face painting, balloon animals, obstacle courses, bounce houses, ethnic foods, and more.
When: Saturday, August 8, 11am-6pm, FREE
Where: 217 Passaic St., Garfield
What: New York Renaissance Faire
Why: Bring the fam for some good ole’ turkey leg eatin’ and medieval times fun.
When: Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day, Now thru Sunday, September 27, Children 5+/ $10, Adults/$19
Where: 600 Route 17A, Tuxedo Park, NY
What: $1 Summer Movie Express at Regal Nanuet Stadium
Why: Check out either “The Lego Movie ” or “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water ” for $1 with your little movie-goer.
When: Tuesday, August 11 & Wednesday, August 12, 10am, $1
Where: 6201 Fashion Dr., Nanuet, NY
Upcoming:
What: Demarest Farms Wine Festival
Why: Entertainment, tastings, and yummy local wines, all at the farm.
When: Saturday, August 15 & Sunday, August 16, 12-6pm
Where: 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale
What: The Lantern Fest- The Poconos
Why: Snag your tickets now to this dreamy event with music, dancing, s’mores, and countless lanterns in the sky.
When: Saturday, September 26, Starts at 3pm, Lantern launch at dusk, 3 and under free, Kids 4-15/$5, Adults/$30
Where: Poconos Raceway, Long Pond, PA
