We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: If you feel like the extra help your child has been receiving for schoolwork just isn’t cutting it, it’s time to call Brain Balance Achievement Center. Brain Balance is a non-medical, drug-free program that focuses on physical, academic, behavioral and nutritional improvement. In a few short months, you’ll see your child become better physically coordinated, better able to self-regulate, better behaved and do better in school. Assessments give a detailed report of your child’s results, which help Brain Balance create a fully individualized program addressing your child's specific challenges. Get a first-hand look at their upcoming Discovery Day on March 3rd from 2-3pm (For more information, visit: www.brainbalancecenters.com or call 201-825-1030. Brain Balance Center of Allendale, 49 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale)
Sponsored Post: Liberty Science Center has us seeing stars! The newly opened Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium is hosting shows like Wonders of the Night Sky and To Worlds Beyond that explore the galaxy and the planets with the help of the giant dome. Then find out where you would be stationed on the Star Trek Spaceship Enterprise in The Starfleet Academy Experience. Plus, for the little ones Big Bird and friends will take them to the Big Dipper and beyond in One World, One Sky. Then, your little ones become hands on astronauts with a stop at Space Station Liberty or Really Useful as they Explore the Rails with Thomas and Friends. Older kids and parents can feed their scientific curiosity with the Family Weekend Exploration Series, covering topics from coding and 3D printing to environmental disasters and bridge design. (Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, 201-200-1000)Book Now!:
Why: Put your diet on hold for a day, and indulge in some of the best dessert vendors NYC has to offer.
When: Saturday March 17-Sunday March 18, Saturday March 24-Sunday March 25, 12-6 pm, $17
Where: Sound River Studios, 4-40 44th Drive, Long Island City
Events Not To Miss:
What: The Peking Acrobats
Why: Be amazed as this daring group defies gravity and pushes the envelope of acrobatics.
When: Thursday February 15, 8 pm
Where: BergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Why: All the way from Arendelle, the snow queen pays a visit.
When: Friday February 16, 3:30 pm, 1 child/$28, 2 children/$49.50
Where: The Big Playhouse, 312-316 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood
Why: It’s slime time: Slime-obsessed kids can get messy with fluffy slime, glitter slime and even unicorn slime.
When: Friday February 16, 10:30-11:45 am, 12:30-1:45 pm or 10:30 am-1:45 pm and Tuesday February 20, 10:30-11:45 am, 12:30-1:45 pm or 10:30 am-1:45 pm, $25, $60 for 3 hour class
Where: Clay Paper Scissors Studio, 380 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
Why: Tap your own tree with maple sugaring 101.
When: Saturday February 17, 1-4 pm, $15/person, $25/family
Where: The Hermitage, 335 N. Franklin Turnpike, Hohokus
What: Kids Club Kindness Crafts
Why: Celebrate National Random Act of Kindness Day with a craft for them and shopping for you.
When: Saturday February 17, 10 am-12 pm, ages 3-8 and ages 6 and up, ages 3-8/$2, ages 6 and up/$5
Where: Michaels, 240 N State Route 17, Ste. 1, Paramus Towne Center, Paramus
Why: Celebrate National Random Act of Kindness Day with a craft for them and shopping for you.
When: Saturday February 17, 10 am-12 pm, ages 3-8 and ages 6 and up, ages 3-8/$2, ages 6 and up/$5
Where: Michaels, 240 N State Route 17, Ste. 1, Paramus Towne Center, Paramus
Why: Ring in the Year of the Dog with games, crafts, a photo booth and more.
When: Saturday February 17, 11 am-2 pm
Where: Fort Lee Library, 320 Main Street, Fort Lee
What: Lady and the Tramp
Why: Bring the fam to paint the dog duo, sip and snack.
When: Saturday February 17, 4-6 pm, $35
Where: Painting With a Twist, 200 Rock Road, Glen Rock
What: Cheers Bergen
Why: Speed dial your sitter and indulge in Bergen’s first Craft Beer & Wine Festival.
When: Saturday February 17, 1-4:30 pm and 6-9:30 pm, $70 general admission
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Maple Sugaring
Why: Learn about how sap become syrup, and sample your own.
When: Sunday February 18, 12:30-1:30 pm, $5/member, $15/member-family, $10/non-member, $30/non-member-family
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Why: A musical treat about the penguins who waddled into Mr. Popper’s life.
When: Sunday February 18, 1 pm and 4 pm
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Why: Score some points with the kids at this fun morning event.
When: Monday February 19, 9:30-11:30 am, $12
Where: Montvale Lanes, 14 W Grand Ave., Montvale
Why: Tour the grounds and win prizes!
When: Monday February 19, 10 am
Where: Deerkill Day Camp, 54 Wilder Road, Suffern
What: President’s Day Fun Day
Why: Gymnastics, games, arts & crafts and stories will entertain your kids on their day off.
When: Monday February 19, 1:30-4:30 pm, $55 non-members
Where: My Gym Glen Rock, 522 Broad Street, Glen Rock
What: Shimmer & Shine Bounce
Why: Bounce, then meet the genies.
When: Monday February 19, 5-6:45 pm, $24.95
Where: BounceU, 70 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus
What: President’s Day Camp
Why: Bake cookies, paint, create art and get zen at this 2-day camp.
When: Monday February 19-Tuesday February 20, 9:30 am-12:30 pm, $50 1 day, $95 2 days
Where: Colorful Warriors, 40 8th Ave., Westwood
Why: Ages 5-15 can train to be the next American Ninja Warrior.
When: Monday February 19-Friday February 23, 9 am-3 pm
Where: High Exposure LLC, 266 Union Street, Northvale
What: President’s Week Camp
Why: Weeklong outdoor adventures for the kids.
When: Monday February 19-Friday February 23, 9 am-3:30 pm, call for details
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
Why: Meet the celeb fitness expert who shares her secrets to a healthy lifestyle.
When: Tuesday February 20, 7-8 pm
Where: Books and Greetings, 271G Livingston Street, Northvale
What: Chag Purim Party!
Why: Come in costume for some fun Purim festivities.
When: Wednesday February 21, 4-4:45 pm
Where: Paramus Public Library, 116 East Century Road, Paramus
Why: Take a tour and see how this center can work for your child. RSVP by February 28.
When: Saturday March 3, 2-3 pm
Where: Brain Balance, 49 W Allendale Ave., Allendale
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Watch 600,000 firecrackers light up the sky, and enjoy dances, giveaways and traditional food.
When: Friday February 16, 11 am-3:30 pm
Where: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie St. to Forsyth St., NYC
What: Valentine’s Day Dance
Why: Dancing, treats and good times at this post-Valentine’s Day party.
When: Friday February 16, 5-8 pm, $25/child, $20/siblings
Where: Play City, 4918 Park Ave., Weehawken
What: LEGO LIVE NYC
Why: It’s a LEGO takeover: Grab some bricks and learn from master LEGO builders.
When: Friday February 16-Sunday February 18, check tickets for times
Where: Pier 36, 299 South Street, NYC
What: Go, Dog, Go!
Why: Go by blimp, by boat or by car to this dog party on stage, based on the classic book.
When: Saturday February 17, 1:30 pm, $30
Where: Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers St., NYC
Why: Take in the Lunar New Year traditions from a Lion Dance to a Korean Marching Band.
When: Saturday February 17, 1-5 pm, kids/$5, adults/$12
Where: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., NYC
What: Lunar New Year
Why: A musical performance the whole family will love.
When: Saturday February 17, 2-3:15 pm
Where: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey Street, NYC
Why: TONS to do including zodiac face paint, making lion masks and dance performances.
When: Saturday February 17, 11 am-4 pm, $12
Where: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre Street, NYC
Why: 3D print and build your own glowing light saber in this three-class workshop.
When: Saturday February 17, February 24 and March 3, 10 am-12:30 pm, $200 for three classes
Where: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
What: Japanese Snow Festival
Why: It’s an indoor winter celebration with dancers, chefs, artists and ice play.
When: Saturday February 17-Sunday February 25, 10 am-5 pm
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, NYC
Why: Celebrate the New Year with performances, face painting and more fun.
When: Sunday February 18, 12:30 pm
Where: Palisades Center, Level 1, East Court, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack
Why: Meet the giraffe keeper and get an up-close look at these awesome animals.
When: Sunday February 18, Saturday February 24 and Sunday February 25, 2 pm, $50/person includes zoo admission.
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Kids Week
Why: Science meets art, sports and nature in these week-long, jam-packed activities.
When: Sunday February 18-Saturday February 24, 10 am-5 pm
Where: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, Pier 86, West 46th St. and 12th Ave., NYC
Why: Join the all-day fun with performances, characters, face paint, games, bites and more.
When: Monday February 19, 10 am, prices vary per activity
Where: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
Why: This special kids day at the zoo has animal projects, science activities and more.
When: Monday, February 19, 9 am-4 pm
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: Spend some special time at the farm.
When: Monday February 19, 11:30-12:30 pm and 1:30-2:30 pm, $9.99
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
Why: Hundreds of toy trains, figurines and mini models in this expansive display.
When: Open through Sunday February 25, Ages 5-13/$6, Teens/$13, Adults/$21
Where: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street) NYC
Why: Crazy cool fun for everyone from a giant ice slide to an ice carving contest.
When: Select days through Sunday February 25, Kids/$15, Adults/$20
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta
What: Super Saturdays
Why: Escape the chill and get moving with fitness stations, music and an inflatable slide.
When: Saturdays through February, 10 am-12:30 pm
Where: Eastern Christian High School, 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon
Why: Live long and prosper as you go on an otherworldly adventure.
When: Open through May 28
Where: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
What: Sea of Light
Why: Best seen in the dark, this installation will light up your children’s eyes and minds with its changing colors and choreographed movement.
When: Through March 2018, open daily 24 hours a day, lights show on the hour from 5-8 pm
Where: Seaport District NYC, 19 Fulton Street, NYC
Why: Travel through space with Big Bird, Elmo and friends.
When: Ongoing, check schedule for times
Where: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
Why: Visit Thomas on the Island of Sodor without leaving Jersey.
When: Open through May 13, 2018
Where: Libery Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
Upcoming:
Why: Tour the grounds and see what all the fun is about.
When: Saturday February 24, 10 am-1 pm, appointment only
Where: Spring Lake Day Camp, 234 Conklintown Road, Ringwood
Why: Tap a tree and taste your own sweet syrup.
When: Saturday February 24, 12-1 pm and 3-4 pm
Where: The Nature Place Day Camp @ Green Meadow Waldorf School, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge
What: JCC Purim Carnival
Why: Dress up and enjoy bouncing, games, characters and of course, delish hamantaschen.
When: Sunday February 25, 1-4 pm, $1 suggested donation, $25 for 30 ride and game tickets
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
