We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Flutes, and violins and drums, oh my! Not your normal, ahem, aromatic petting zoo, the Instrumental Petting Zoo at the Thurnauer School of Music at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades lets your little one get up close and personal with woodwind, string, and percussion instruments as they explore the world of music with a toot, a bow and a bang. The Instrumental Petting Zoo will run from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm on Sunday, September 8th. Sample early childhood music classes will be held from 1– 2 pm. This event is being held as part of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisade’s Afternoon Open House. So plan to stay for the afternoon and enjoy a moon bounce, balloonologist, roaming entertainers, and more! Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, 201.408.1466Book Now:
Why: Over 7,000 spooky and silly jack o’lanterns light up the night, plus plenty of fall fun.
When: Friday September 20-Sunday September 22, Thursday September 26-Sunday September 29, Thursday October 3-Thursday October 31, Weekends plus some Fridays in November, Tickets on sale now, kids/$22, adults/$29
Where: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson
Why: Take a magical ride this holiday season aboard the train based on the classic story.
When: Saturday November 16-Monday December 30, select times. Tickets on sale starting Tuesday September 3, kids/$41-$75, adults/$46-$80
Where: 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, Hanover
Events Not To Miss:
Why: Sunset yoga on the farm, plus make your own yoga mat spray.
When: Thursday September 5, 7 pm, $30
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Dine out at one of the delish food trucks and enjoy games and live entertainment.
When: Friday September 6, 5-9 pm
Where: St. Elizabeth School, Greenwood Ave., Wyckoff
Why: Rides, games and more fun.
When: Friday September 6-Saturday September 7, 12-8 pm, $25 wristbands
Where: 480 DeKorte Ave., Franklin Lakes
Why: Music and over 400 cars to check out.
When: Friday September 6, 5-9 pm, $25
Where: E Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Dumont Day
Why: A fun community day of live music, rides and eats.
When: Saturday September 7, 11 am-6 pm
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Pershing St., Dumont
What: Christina & Willie Geist
Why: The author of Sorry, Grown-ups, You Can’t Go to School, and the news anchor sign their book.
When: Saturday September 7, 11 am
Where: Books and Greetings, 271G Livingston St., Northvale
Why: Explore the facility and enjoy sample classes, kids activities and giveaways.
When: Sunday September 8, 1-4 pm
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Ridgewood Music Fest
Why: A day of pop, rock, county, jazz and more.
When: Sunday September 8, 1 pm
Where: Memorial Park, Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
What: Apple Cider Making
Why: Get ready for fall making crisp cider.
When: Sunday September 8, 2-3 pm, 3:30-4:30 pm, individual/$10, family/$30
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
Why: Local art to browse plus live music and food.
When: Sunday September 8, 11 am-6 pm
Where: Veterans Field, 1057-1165 River Rd., Edgewater
What: Seane Corn
Why: The yoga teacher signs her new book, Revolution of the Soul
When: Sunday September 8, 1 pm
Where: Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
Why: Enjoy a character visit and open play.
When: Sunday September 8, 1-3 pm, $28
Where: The Big Playhouse, 312 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
What: Butterfly Festival
Why: The butterflies are out at this fun day on the farm.
When: Sunday September 8, 1:30-3 pm
Where: Garretson Forge & Farm, 4-02 River Road, Fair Lawn
Why: The actor discusses his new book, Bob Honey Sings Jimmy Crack Corn.
When: Monday September 9, 7 pm, $35, advance registration required
Where: Womens’ Club of Ridgewood, 215 West Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Neil Patrick Harris
Why: The actor signs his new book in the series, The Magic Misfits.
When: Tuesday September 10, 6 pm
Where: Books and Greetings, 271G Livingston St., Northvale
What: me.n.u. Trunk Show
Why: Shop for all your kids’ fall wardrobe needs.
When: Tuesday September 10, all day
Where: Marcia’s Attic for Kids, 29 N Dean St., Englewood
What: Pick Your Own Apples
Why: Grab a bag for your pick of the seasons first ripe apples.
When: Now through Sunday September 29, 9 am-4:30 pm, $7 admission, bags are $12
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wiermus Rd., Hillsdale
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
What: Hoboken Italian Festival
Why: A huge festival on the water with fireworks, food, music and more.
When: Thursday September 5-Friday September 6, 6-11 pm, Saturday September 7-Sunday September 8, 11 am-11 pm
Where: Frank Sinatra Dr., Hoboken
Why: Authentic Greek cuisine, music and entertainment.
When: Thursday September 5, 6-10 pm, Friday September 6, 5 pm-12 am, Saturday September 7, 12 pm-12 am, Sunday September 8, 12-7 pm
Where: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 721 Rahway Ave., Union
Why: Shop then stop by for rides and games.
When: Thursday September 5, 5-10 pm, Friday September 6, 5-11 pm, Saturday September 7, 12-11 pm, Sunday September 8, 12-10 pm, $20 wristbands
Where: The Shops at Nanuet, 5101 Fashion Dr., Nanuet
Why: Because tacos and margaritas are worth the trip.
When: Saturday September 7, 10 am-8 pm, $10 general admission
Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd., Augusta
Why: Taste a mooncake, create crafts and enjoy stories.
When: Saturday September 7, 12-4 pm, $12
Where: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., NYC
What: Trains & Fire Trucks
Why: Touch a truck and meet firemen, and explore the corn maze.
When: Saturday September 7, 11 am-3:30 pm, kids/$16, adults/$22
Where: Delaware River Railroad Excursions, 100 Elizabeth St., Phillipsburg
What: Mario the Magician
Why: See which tricks this inventor, maker and magician has up his sleeve.
When: Saturday September 7, 6:30-7:30 pm, kids/$15, adults/$20
Where: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 South Greenbush Rd., West Nyack
What: Night Lights Event
Why: Thousands of sky lanterns light the night sky in this newly reimagined celebration.
When: Saturday September 7-Sunday September 8, gates open at 3 pm, launch time 8:20 pm, kids/$15, adults/$21-$50
Where: Pocono Raceway, 1234 Long Pond Rd., Long Pond, PA
What: Touch-A-Truck
Why: Kids take the driver’s seat in fire trucks, construction trucks and more, then ride the excursion train.
When: Sunday September 8, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm, kids/$11, adults/$16
Where: Whippany Railway Museum, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany
Why: Rides, live music, shopping and a fashion show for a good cause.
When: Sunday September 8, 10 am-5 pm, fashion show at 2 pm
Where: Downtown Nyack
What: West Side County Fair
Why: NYC brings more excitement with rides, games, magic and more.
When: Sunday September 8, 1-6 pm
Where: 68th to 70th St., Riverside Park South, NYC
Why: Run through the huge maze, go on a bug safari or try the kids scavenger hunt while the sunflowers are in bloom.
When: Now through Sunday September 15
Where: Liberty Farm, 101 Route 645, Sandyston
What: Circo Hermano Vazquez
Why: Aerial stunts, hilarious entertainment and magic for the whole family.
When: Now through Monday September 16, Weekdays/7:30 pm, Weekends/2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm, $40-$60
Where: Palisades Center Parking Lot J, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
What: The Corn Maze Train
Why: Take a ride to explore the corn maze, play games and more.
When: Weekends through Sunday September 22, 11 am-3:30 pm, kids/$11, adults/$18
Where: Delaware River Railroad Excursions, 100 Elizabeth St., Phillipsburg
Why: Go back in time for games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and dance.
When: Now through Sunday October 6, 10 am-7 pm, kids/$13, adults/$29.95
Where: 600 Rt. 17A, Tuxedo Park, NY
Upcoming:
Why: Plenty of rides for everyone, plus food trucks and entertainment.
When: Friday September 13, 6 pm, Saturday September 14, 4 pm, Sunday September 15, 12:30 pm
Where: Roman Catholic Church of Saint Anne, 15-05 St. Anne St., Fair Lawn
Why: Bring an appetite for tastings from over 70 amazing restaurants.
When: Saturday September 14, 12-5 pm-Sunday September 15, 1-6 pm, $55-$180
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
