We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Admit it—the first time you heard about Gaga Ball, you thought it was a concert tour. Then you realized that it's the hot, new, high-energy game in which players compete by hitting and rolling a ball inside an octagonal “pit.” Even better, you discovered that The Gagasphere, the only indoor facility in Northern New Jersey dedicated to year-round Gaga play, not only hosts birthday parties but has won two Reader’s Choice awards for Best Birthday Party in one year. A 90-minute party at The Gagasphere includes Gaga Ball play, pizza, a T-shirt for the guest of honor and the exclusive use of the facility for the length of the party. Upgrade to Gaga PLUS party for the addition a cake of your choice and Disco Gaga or the game 9 Square in the Air. Gaga is good for boys or girls of all skill and ability levels ages 6 and up. (The Gagasphere, 140 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, 201.445.2546, [email protected]; for more information, visit the website)
Sponsored Post: Wait, what? You just got your mums planted in the yard but it’s the middle of October and that holiday party isn’t going to plan itself. You want the party to be someplace serene and scenic. A place that can work with any budget, handle groups from 10 – 300 guests and provide plated as well as buffet options for food. Most importantly, you want a place that can accommodate overnight guests but not feel too hotel-y. HNA Palisades Premier Conference Center has you covered. Nestled on 106 acres, twenty minutes from New York City and convenient to both the GW and the Tappan Zee Bridges, visitors of HNA Palisades will discover an environment that nourishes the senses with fine dining, premier amenities and gracious, professional service. (HNA Palisades, 334 Route 9W, Palisades, NY, for more information contact Lauren at 845-732-6216 or [email protected])Events Not to Miss:
What: Happy Halloween Party
Why: Kids ages 4-6 enjoy a non-scary Halloween party with games, crafts, cider and donuts.
When: Saturday, October 21, 1:30 - 3 p.m., FREE, Call 201-664-7924 to sign up.
Where: Pascack Historical Society, Park Ridge
What: Ridgewood Halloween Maze
Why: Take a stroll through this intricate (and wildly popular) maze set up by a local family in their backyard. At night, this maze is haunted, so daytime is best if you have little ones!
When: Now through Halloween, 4 - 9 p.m. weekdays, 12 - 9 p.m. Sat & Sun
Where: 124 Sheridan Terrace, Ridgewood
For more Halloween fun, check out our über-comprehensive list of spooky events.
What: Joyce Kilmer PTO Fall Festival
Why: Bouncy house, games, crafts, and more.
When: Friday, October 20, 6 -8- p.m., $1
Where: 80 Ridge Rd., Mahwah
What: Hayrides at Abma’s Farm
Why: We love this local farm and market! Take a hayride and enjoy the seasonal fun.
When: Saturdays now through October 28, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ages 2+/$5
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Delicious ethnic foods, entertainment for the kiddos and more.
When: Saturday, October 21, 12 - 8 p.m.
Where: St. Thomas Armenian Church, Tenafly
What: Haworth Day
Why: Games, live music, rides and #eeeeats!
When: Saturday, October 21, 12 - 4 p.m.
Where: Terrace St., Haworth
What: Rivervale Ragamuffin Parade
Why: A parade, costume party and magic show for your little goblin.
When: Saturday, October 21, 12 - 4 p.m.
Where: Westwood Ave. & Rivervale Rd., Rivervale
Why: A 30-foot tree-house slide, haunted greenhouse, a feeding zoo, hayrides, a six-acre corn maze and more.
When: Saturdays & Sundays now through Halloween
Where: 75 Blanch Ave., Closter
What: Street Fair and International Food Fest
Why: Our stomachs are already growling…
When: Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22
Where: Piermont by Huyler Park, Tenafly
Why: An amazing immersive and gorgeous butterfly experience right here in Bergen County.
When: Open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. through the end of October, $5 for 1 adult/2 kids. Advanced registration recommended.
Where: 313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly
What: Field Station Dinosaurs
Why: The Dinos are back and better than ever!
When: Saturdays and Sundays now through November 12, also open Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10.
Where: Overpeck County Park, 40 Fort Lee Rd., Leonia
Why: Pumpkins, hay rides, fresh-pressed cider and all the good stuff.
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Tip: Get there when they open to avoid the parking issues.), Weekdays, 3 - 4:30 p.m., Ages 2+/$7
Where: 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: Enjoy this Bergen tradition where you get to press and make your own cider.
When: Sunday, October 22, 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3:30 p.m., $10 or family/$30
Where: 313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly
What: Harvest Homecoming
Why: Pumpkin picking, broom making and more at this historic spot.
When: Sunday, October 22, 1 - 5 p.m., Kids FREE, Ages 12-22/$7, Adults/$10
Where: Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
What: Fall at Secor Farms
Why: Pumpkins, a corn maze, apple-cider donuts, a petting zoo and more.
When: Weekday hayrides 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., $4
Where: 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
What: The Designer Showhouse
Why: Live out your HGTV dreams by seeing the newest trends in interior design.
When: Open now through November 12, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed Mondays
Where: 46 Westerly Rd., Saddle River
Why: A fun Mommy, Daddy and me music series.
When: Wednesdays: October 25 & November 8, 11 to 11:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., FREE, 18 months to 4 years old
Where: The Outlets at Bergen Town Center, Paramus
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
What: Munchkin Monday Spookfest
Why: Wear your costume for tricks, treats, and a musical performance.
When: Monday, October 23, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., FREE
Where: East Court, Level 1 near H&M, Palisades Center
What: The Food Film Festival
Why: Food films, off-the-charts food and drinks, and much, much more.
When: Now through Sunday, October 21, (Use the code BERGENMAMA15 for 15% off all tickets and VIP passes!)
Where: AMC Empire 25 in Times Square, NYC
Why: Get mentorship and hands-on access to technology that will make you WIN Halloween.
When: Saturdays: October 21, 28, 10 a.m., Ages 10+, Pre-registration required, $200
Where: Liberty State Park, Jersey City
What: Hoboken Harvest Festival
Why: Pony rides, pumpkin painting, hayrides, face painting and more along the Hudson.
When: Saturday, October 21, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Pier A Park, Hoboken
What: The Great Pumpkin Train
Why: A train ride, train tours, an awesome corn maze and more autumn fun.
When: Weekends now through the end of October. Check the website for ticket options.
Where: Along the Delaware River
Why: Snag tickets now and take the family on a night-time adventure through thousands of illuminated pumpkins arranged in outrageous designs.
When: Various dates now through October & November
Where: Van Cortland Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Why: The Island of Sodor comes to Jerz.
When: Now through May 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center
What: Heritage of West Nyack 5th Annual Fall Festival
Why: Horse drawn hayride, pumpkin picking, demonstrations, and more at this historical Halloween celebration.
When: Sunday, October 22,12 - 4 p.m.
Where: Germonds Rd., Clarkstown, NY
What: Bronx Zoo Boo at the Zoo
Why: Jack-o’-lantern creatures, a costume parade, a hay maze and more make this a really fun time to visit the zoo.
When: Weekends now through Sunday, October 29
Where: Bronx, NY
Why: Farm animals, delicious seasonal foods, a corn maze, a hay crawl and more at this fall celebration.
When: Now through Sunday, November 5. Check the website for dates and hours.
Where: 451 State Route 94, Vernon
Why: Live music, hay rides, apple picking and more.
When: Weekends now until October 29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction, NY
Why: Celebrate the African country of Malawi with a day of family fun, including arts and crafts, music, face painting and more. Proceeds will help provide 100 famlies honey hives, training and more.
When: Sunday, October 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Womens Club of Glen Ridge
Why: A hay maze, hayrides, pumpkin launches, a special stunt show, costume contests, plus all the usual awesome rides and attractions.
When: Weekends through Saturday, October 29, included with a full-day admission ticket
Where: 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin
Why: A museum featuring antique dolls, cars and more, animals and a costume contest at the zoo.
When: Saturdays: October 21 & 28. Every child in costume accompanied by a full-priced adult will be admitted FREE.
Where: 218 County Road, Sussex
Upcoming:
What: Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience
Why: Trekkies, step into the shoes of a newly minted cadet in the 26th centuryIn at this interactive exhibition.
When: Saturday, Oct. 28 through May 28, 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Why: Trick or treat on the farm and take a hayride afterwards.
When: Saturday, October 28, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., FREE
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Food trucks, live music, lawn games, face painting and more.
When: Sunday, October 29, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ages 12+/$12
Where: Ramapo College of NJ, Mahwah
