4 Ways to Get Active With Dad

Skip the tie and tech—a fun activity with the whole family is the perfect Father’s Day gift.

For some dads, a new tie or polo shirt for Father’s Day is right up their alley. Others prefer sparkling gadgets and techie gear. But if you want to take the guesswork out of gift-giving this Sunday, give dad what he really wants: time spent with the family.

A fun activity with dad is a one-size-fits-all present that gets everyone out of the house and has plenty of fun, laughs and moments to relive during Father’s Day dinner later that evening. Here are a few ideas in Bergen County that are sure to please your Pop:

Hit the Greens. A round of 18 is great, but it can be stressful (those dang sand traps). Instead, take dad (and the kids and grandkids) for a mini golf session. Paramus Mini Golf is open for play from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sundays and features a New Jersey-themed course to add to the entertainment.

Rock On. Whether he’s totally buff or has a dad bod, your man is fit for indoor rock climbing. The Gravity Vault in Upper Saddle River and High Exposure Rock Climbing in Northvale have COVID-safe facilities and Father’s Day hours to get your guy moving.

Make A Splash. Get out onto the water at Overpeck County Park in Leonia, where visitors can rent standup paddleboards, kayaks and canoes from the Overpeck Park Paddling Center. Single- and two-person boats (and sanitized life vests) are available and can be used for an easy paddling tour of scenic Overpeck Lake.

Camp Out. You can travel an hour or so for the perfect campground, but did you know you can pitch a tent right here in Bergen? Mahwah is home to two public campgrounds where overnight camping in a wooded area is permitted. Reservations are required for Campgaw Mountain Reservation, and while Camp Glen Gray has yet to open this season, keep it on your radar for future nights out. Too late to book Campgaw? You can have a little fun in the backyard too.