We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Dora the Explorer is usually pretty busy exploring the world but NJ residents are in luck as the beloved adventurer and her cousin Diego have temporarily moved into the neighborhood, landing at Liberty Science Center as part of the Dora & Diego: Let’s Explore! exhibit. The new interactive experience lets kids delve into tons of new adventures all in one action-packed day. They can don a spacesuit and navigate to the Purple Planet via rocket ship; try kid-sized bird and butterfly wings on for size; lend a hand at Diego’s Animal Rescue and First Aid Station; and flex their muscles in the Rainforest Maze while swinging on the Bobo Brothers’ monkey bars or climbing across Jaguar Mountain. And if your kid loves characters, Dora “meet-and-greets” are coming up on select weekends too. The next one is November 27-29 from 11am-1pm, free with admission.(Dora & Diego Let’s Explore runs through 1/24, great for kids ages 3-6, Click here for more info)
What: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Nursery School Open House
Why: From toddlers to Kindergarteners, come experience their innovative programming and amazing facilities.
When: Friday, November 20, 9:30am, FREE
Where: 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Photos with Santa & Santa Paws at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Why: Use your Santa Fast Pass and book your photo sesh in advance. And if your dog is on nice list this year, make sure to check out the dates where he is invited to sit on the famous lap as well.
When: Now thru December 24, 10am-9pm
Where: Paramus
What: Wee Ones at Westwood Library
Why: Stories and songs for babies up to 2 years old.
When: Friday, November 20, 10:30-11:30am
Where: 49 Park Ave., Westwood
What: Sukey Molloy & Friends! In Concert
Why: Sing-a-long fun for the littles.
When: Friday, November 20, 11am-12pm, FREE
Where: Lee Memorial Library, 500 West Crescent Ave., Allendale
What: Bars of Beauty Ladies Night
Why: $20 blowouts, discounted express facials, complimentary champs and more.
When: Friday, November 20, 5-8pm, Pre-Registration required
Where: 1 Kinderkamack Rd., Ste. 2, Oradell
What: WP Presents! Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat
Why: Your kids will laugh along as they watch their favorite mischievous cat turn a rainy afternoon into a great adventure.
When: Saturday, November 21, 2pm (pre-show creative activities begin at 1:15pm), Adult $15 and Child $12
Where: Shea Center for Performing Arts at William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ
What: Yogart Paint Party
Why: An afternoon of fro-yo, paint and creativity.
When: Saturday, November 21, 12-2:30pm, Ages 6-16, $45, Pre-Registration required
Where: 342 Old River Rd., Edgewater
What: Crafts in Ridgewood
Why: Shop locally for the holiday season.
When: Saturday, November 21, 10am-5pm, FREE
Where: The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood
What: Jake Says Miss Nelson is Missing – The Musical at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Why: Everyone’s favorite classic story comes to life in this musical presented by Theatreworks USA, perfect for kids ages 3 and up.
When: Sunday, November 22, 2pm-3pm, $12 in advance, $17 day of show
Where: 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Terrific Turkeys at Tenafly Nature Center
Why: Have fun and learn all about wild turkeys.
When: Sunday, November 22, 2-3:30pm, $5
Where: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Ramapo Valley Railroad Holiday Train Show
Why: Take your train obsessed child to see this exquisitely designed model railroad.
When: Sundays, starting November 22 thru December 20, 1-4pm, $5/Adult, $1/Kids (suggested donation)
Where: 620 Cliff St., Hohokus
What: Bergenfield Holiday Flea Market and Gift Show
Why: 75+ vendors selling their wares for the holidays.
When: Sunday, November 22, 9am-5pm
Where: 80 South Prospect Ave., Bergenfield
What: Tic Toc Children’s Theatre presents Sleeping Beauty
Why: Introduce your little theater newbie to this classic (told as a musical) and have them wear their fairy tale best.
When: Sunday, November 22, 2pm, $16
Where: Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Ridgewood
What: Neil Klatskin Day Camp Open House at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Why: Face painting, arts and crafts, tour the facility, ask questions and a chance to win 20% off camp tuition!
When: Sunday, November 22, 12:30pm-2:30pm, FREE
Where: 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Temple Sinai Holiday Boutique
Why: : A shopping extravaganza right in time for the holiday madness to begin.
When: Sunday, November 22, 9am-2pm
Where: 1 Engle St., Tenafly
What: Ridgewood Thanksgiving Day Run
Why: Register now for this inaugural 4 mile run that will have you home in time for dinner.
When: Thursday, November 26, 9-11am, $30
Where: Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Ridgewood
If you’re heading out of Bergen…
What: Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic
Why: Snag tickets to see Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse and his famous pals take to the ice.
When: Now thru Sunday, November 22, Check website for showtime options, Tickets starts at $18
Where: Prudential Center, Newark
What: Fishkill Farms Annual Pig Roast & Apple Tasting
Why: A pig roast, boozy cider cocktails, unique apples varieties and more.
When: Saturday, November 21, 12-5pm, FREE
Where: 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction, NY
What: New Jersey Botanical Gardens Wreath-Making Workshop
Why: Get in the spirit as you assemble and decorate a wreath to grace your home, using a variety of fresh and dried materials.
When: Saturday, November 21, 10am & 1PM, $35
Where: 2 Morris Rd., Ringwood
What: Palisades Center Star Wars Day
Why: Join different retailers in a Star Wars celebration.
When: Saturday, November 21, 12-6pm
Where: West Nyack, NY
What: The Chocolate Expo
Why: A chocolate “foodie” paradise. Come purchase (and taste-test!) specialty chocolates from countless local and regional companies.
When: Sunday, November 22, 11am-7pm, Ages 5-12/$10, Adults/$15
Where: Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus
What: Santa Cares at Palisades Center
Why: An RSVP-only event for children with special needs and their families to enjoy a photo session with Santa.
When: Sunday, November 22, 9am, Pre-Registration Required
Where: West Nyack, NY
What: NJ Jets Turkey Trot
Why: A 5K that delivers a one of a kind Jets experience and a Kids’ Fun Run for children under 12.
When: Sunday, November 22, 9:30am, $50 online, $60 same day (if available)
Where: Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, 1 Jets Dr., Florham Park
What: Felting Demonstration at Grounds For Sculpture
Why: A free family event with snack samplings and an artist demonstration.
When: Sunday, November 22, 1-4pm, FREE
Where: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
Upcoming:
What: Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Why: Enjoy winter and animal characters illuminated throughout the Zoo along with Santa, and other holiday fun.
When: Friday, November 27 & Saturday, November 28, 5-9pm
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Ridgewood Guild Winterfest
Why: Live entertainment, ice sculptures, a horse drawn hayride around town and more.
When: Saturday, November 28, 12-3pm
Where: Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
What: American Girl Holiday Party at The Big Playhouse
Why: Dress in holiday attire to meet American Girl Samantha, and enjoy a surprise goody bag, music, open play, dinner and more.
When: Saturday, December 12, 4:30-6:30pm, $35 per child, Pre-Registration online by December 5
Where: 316 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
