We rounded up our favorite picks for fun family friendly events in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Children’s martial arts instruction used to baffle us. Teaching kids how to improve their punching and kicking skills seemed like a Very Bad Idea. Then we discovered the programs at PRO Martial Arts in Waldwick, and our opinion totally changed. PRO isn’t about creating mini Terminators—they’re about helping karate kids of all ages boost their confidence, control their bodies, and most of all, the importance of respect for others. To celebrate their anniversary, PRO is karate-chopping 25% off the cost of membership on Saturday, April 11, and offering FREE trial sessions of their popular Basic Karate, Little Rhinos, and Kickboxing classes. Visit www.promartialarts.com/waldwick for more information (PRO Martial Arts Waldwick, 140 Franklin Tpke, Waldwick, 201-857-5111)
Events Not To Miss:
What: Dan Gutman Book Signing at Bookends
Why: The kid-fave author of My Weird School Series and Genius Files is back in town to give a talk and sign his new books The Genius Files: License To Thrill and Willie & ME.
When: Friday, April 10, 4:30pm
Where: 211 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Habitat Bergen 5K and Carnival
Why: Run for Habitat for Humanity and celebrate at the Family Carnival afterwards.
When: Saturday, April 11, Registration at 8am
Where: Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
What: Junior Chef: Lunch Box Lessons
Why: Learn how to pack a lunch you’d never want to trade…
When: Saturday, April 11, 10am, Ages 5-13, FREE
Where: Williams- Sonoma locations
What: Summer Connections at Dwight-Englewood School
Why: Go and visit the beautiful campus and check out the amazing Enrichment Program at this top notch school.
When: Saturday, April 11, 1-3pm, Pre-registration required
Where: 315 East Palisade Ave., Englewood
What: Seasonal Scavenger Hunt
Why: Round up the troops and have fun along the Nature Center trails.
When: Saturday, April 11, 2-3pm, Ages 4+, $10
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Autism Awareness Day at Bergen County Zoo
Why: Ride the train for free and meet with facilities that provide services for families of Autism.
When: Sunday, April 12, 10am-4pm
Where: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Dinosaur Train Live at NJPac
Why: See the curious Dinos from the animated PBS show live!
When: Sunday, April 12, 1pm & 4pm, Tickets start at $25
Where: 1 Center St., Newark
What: WP Presents! The Lizard of Oz
Why: Go see this interactive land of balloon creations and sculptural costumes.
When: Sunday, April 12, 1pm, Adults/$12, Children/$10
Where: Shea Center for Performing Arts
What: Wild and Crafty Farm Tour at Bergen County Zoo
Why: All about that farm life…
When: Tuesday, April 14, 11am-Noon, Ages 3-5, $10, Pre-registration required
Where: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Lord & Taylor Ladies’ Night Out
Why: They’ve thought of everything: Cocktails, cake pops, massages, manicures, makeup consultations, (and even a match maker for #allthesingleladies).
When: Wednesday, April 15, 5:30-8:30pm, $10
Where: Lord & Taylor, Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
If you’re heading out of Bergen…
What: Preschool of Rock at Liberty Science Center
Why: Bring your tiny tots to experience this popular rock and roll show not to be missed.
When: Sunday, April 12, 11-11:45am, FREE with Admission
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
What: Opening Day at Museum Village
Why: Be the first to enjoy the season at this living history museum.
When: Saturday, April 11, 11am-4pm, Adults/$10, Children 4-12/$8
Where: Museum Village, Monroe, NY
What: Wolves Birthday Celebration at Turtle Back Zoo
Why: Help celebrate the Zoo’s three wolves with activities and educational programs throughout the day.
When: Saturday, April 11, 11am-4pm
Where: Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
What: Backpacking for Beginners
Why: Take a short guided hike and learn proper backwoods techniques and survival skills.
When: Sunday, April 12, 11am-1pm, Ages 5 thru Adults
Where: State Line Lookout, Alpine
What: Nyack Springfest Street Fair
Why: Games, live music, great food, and 300+ vendors, all ready to celebrate SPRING!
When: Sunday, April 12, 10am-5pm, Kids Happy Hour from 10am-11am with 1/2 price bounces and kids amusements.
Where: Main Street & Broadway, downtown Nyack
Upcoming:
What: Party for the Planet at Bergen County Zoo
Why: Grab your Zoo passport and get it stamped at all the fun exhibitors visiting for this Planet Earth Day party.
When: Sunday, April 19, 10am-4pm
Where: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: NJ Ballet’s Shakespeare Evening at BergenPAC
Why: An evening of powerful highs and lows as two great tragedies, Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth, are told through dance.
When: Saturday, April 18, 8pm, Tickets start at $29
Where: 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
What: NJ Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty at BergenPAC
Why: Told with “storyteller narration” so the littles can keep up, making this ballet grand entertainment for the entire family.
When: Sunday, April 19, 1pm & 4pm, Tickets start at $29
Where: 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
