We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: There’s more than one way to educate a child. At Green Meadow Waldorf School, education begins with an investigation of the natural world, deep empathy for diverse individuals and cultures, and the integration of the mind and body connection through physical exercise and open-ended play. As taught at Green Meadow, the Waldorf curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem solving and independence, develops ethics and morality and promotes a joy of learning without the stress of adherence to Common Core standards or testing. Want to know more? Join them as they Celebrate the Seasons with a Waldorf Teacher. Families of children ages 2-7 are invited to visit classrooms and participate in a seasonal activity led by one their expert Early Childhood teachers. Or, learn more about Waldorf Education at the Introductory Session for Prospective Parents. (Celebrate the Season with a Waldorf Teacher, 11/29 & 12/9, click here to register or contact Barbara Mann 845-356-2514 x326, Intro Session for Parents, 12/1, to register click here or call Melissa McDonagh 845-356-2514, [email protected])
Events Not to Miss:
Why: Sign up now and justify that turkey dinner with a morning 5K.
When: Thursday, November 23
Where: Cavallini School, Upper Saddle River
Why: Back again this year but this time with additional food trucks, children’s games, a larger ice skating rink, and expanded weekend hours.
When: Opens Friday, November 24 (4 - 10 p.m.) and open Fridays through Sunday (10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on weekends) through Sunday, December 31, Ages 3+/$16
Where: Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Burn off those calories before the big meal.
When: Thursday, November 23, 5K (9 a.m.) $30, Kids Fun Run (9:45 a.m.) $15
Where: 390 Doremus Avenue, Glen Rock
Why: For your choo choo lovers, a model train all dressed up for the holidays. Be sure to be there when Santa Claus visits on Friday, December 22 at 7 p.m.!
When: Fridays (6 - 8:30 pm) and Saturdays/ Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. from November 24 through December 22,, $5, Kids are FREE
Where: Donald Cooper Model Railroad, 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah
Why: Stories and songs for babies up to 2 years old.
When: Fridays from 10:30 - 11 a.m., No registration required
Where: 49 Park Ave., Westwood
Why: Live entertainment, ice sculptures, a horse drawn hayride around town and more. Stop by the Bergen Mama table and say hello!
When: Saturday, November 25, 12- 3 p.m.
Where: Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
Why: Santa and his Bae stop by the greenhouse for pics.
When: Saturday, November 25 & December 2, December 9 & December 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Santa Claus is here for photos! Pet photos available every Monday from 6 - 9 p.m.
When: Now through December 23rd, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Rt. 4 E & Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Shop one-of-a-kind artisans and crafters.
When: Now through Sunday, December 3, Open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Thursdays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Thanksgiving Day), $8 (3 visits allowed per ticket), children 12 and under FREE
Where: The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
Why: Fun parent assisted play program for the littles.
When: Sunday, November 26, 12 months- 3 years old, 9: 30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m., RSVP to participate
Where: 382 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell
Why: Take a picture with Santa without all the mall craziness.
When: Sunday, November 26 (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.) & Sunday, December 3 (2 - 5 p.m.), 1 child/$25, 2 children/ $35, Family/$35, Reservations required!
Where: 1 Gym 4 All, 10 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick
Why: Celebrate the launch of this spiritual interactive journal at this fun party with swag bags, cocktails and more.
When: Tuesday, November 28, 7:15 - 10 p.m., RSVP required (50% of ticket sales and 10% of book sales will be donated to the Delivering Good Inc. charity)
Where: Bibi’z Restaurant & Lounge, 284 Center Ave., Westwood
What: Santa at Paramus Park
Why: Play it cool this holiday season and book your spot with Santa ahead of time.
When: Now through December 23
Where: South Court, Paramus
Why: Santa comes to GSP with a Fast Pass option to book in advance.
When: Daily now through December 23, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Macy’s Court, Paramus
What: Fall Mom & Tot Program
Why: 1 through 2.5 years old enjoy bonding time with Mommy.
When: Thursdays until December 21, 9:30 a.m., FREE
Where: 585 Russell Ave., Wyckoff
Why: Get in the holiday spirit while visiting homes dressed up for the holidays.
When: Thursday, November 30, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., $40
Where: The Woman’s Club of Ridgewood, 215 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: See the parade in person and check out the classic floats and celebs.
When: Thursday, November 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Starts at 77th Street and Central Park West, ends at Herald Square
Why: Take a winter stroll under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.
When: Now through January 2 on select dates, 5 - 9 p.m., FREE
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: A winter wonderland across 250 acres with an expansive model train show, kids activities, live music and more. Check out their Bar Car nights for even more live entertainment and of course, yummy hot beverages!
When: Opens Wednesday, November 22 through Monday, January 15, Ages 2-12/$18, Adults/$30
Where: Bronx, NY
What: We Explore: Camp Liberty
Why: Ages 2 - 5 celebrate the science of the great outdoors.
When: Daily at 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Why: Trekkies, step into the shoes of a newly minted cadet in the 26th century at this interactive exhibition.
When: Now through May 28, 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Why: 2 million lights ready to dazzle you and the kids.
When: Now through Saturday, December 30
Where: Augusta
What: Palisades Center Santa
Why: Check out this authentic looking Santa, and look out for Pet Nights, Breakfast mornings, and more.
When: Now until Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack, NY
Why: For the choo choo obsessed.
When: Opens Friday, November 24 through January 7, Black Friday and weekend hours/1 -5 p.m., Adults/$6, Kids are FREE
Where: 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
What: Christmas Ice Caverns
Why: Head over to this beloved Christmas stop, an indoor walk-through display with lights, moving characters, music and more.
When: Open daily, $3.99
Where: Jody's Silk Florist and Patio Center, 437 US Highway 46, Fairfield
Why: Ice skate at the iconic skating rink, do some holiday shopping, and eat tasty delights at this open air market.
When: Now through March 4
Where: Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 40th and 42nd Streets, NYC
Why: Take the family on a night-time adventure through thousands of illuminated pumpkins arranged in outrageous designs.
When: Various dates now through November 25
Where: Van Cortland Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Why: Live performances and the famous tree.
When: Wednesday, November 29, 7– 9 p.m.
Where: Rockefeller Plaza, NYC
Why: A magical wonderland featuring hundreds of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models.
When: Now through February 25, Ages 5-13/$6, Teens/$13, Adults/$21
Where: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, NYC
Why: The Island of Sodor comes to Jerz.
When: Now through May 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center
Upcoming:
Why: The kids can play in the killer playground while you shop the many unique vendors.
When: Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., FREE
Where: 211 Irving Ave., Closter
Why: Get amazing deals at this brand new medi-spa.
When: Tuesday, December 5, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., RSVP at 201-445-4410
Where: 257 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 302, Ridgewood
Why: Shop jewelry, accessories, women’s and kid’s apparel and more.
When: Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Engle St., Tenafly
